Here are some tips to make your Visita Iglesia with your family as comfortable and safe as possible.
Visita Iglesia (church
visitation) is an age-old tradition that most Filipino Catholics look forward
to during the Holy Week.
How To Prepare For A Visita Iglesia With Your Family In Metro Manila
Aside from the chance to
strengthen faith, Visita Iglesia is a good bonding activity for families and
even groups of friends. What’s more, Visita Iglesia is a great opportunity for
some art and heritage appreciation. Churches, most especially those that are
very old, are treasure troves of history, art, and architecture. These are heritage
structures that befit admiration throughout generations.
How and when is Visita Iglesia done?
Visita Iglesia is traditionally
done either on Holy Thursday or Good Friday to visit seven
churches to complete the 14 Stations of the Cross. That is also how our family
practices Visita Iglesia. However, some individuals have made it their
vow to visit 14 churches in a single day.
For some people, opting to go out
of town to visit churches in nearby provinces such as Bulacan, Laguna,
Pampanga, Cavite, or Batangas is the
norm. Of course, that is not to say that Metro Manila does not have its fair
share of stunning churches to boast of.
If you have not yet fully
explored Manila, you would be surprised to find out that it is home to many
beautiful and historic churches. However, with the heavy traffic in Metro Manila, going around the city can be full of challenges so people just choose
to go somewhere else to escape the chaotic roads.
If you are considering completing your
Visita Iglesia in Metro Manila, you might want to consider going out of your
house extra prepared so your drive or commute remains blissful and comfortable all throughout.
What to keep in mind before heading out on your Visita Iglesia family trip
Before leaving for your Visita
Iglesia family trip, here are a few practical suggestions that you might want
to consider to avoid hassles along the way:
1. Have your car checked or tuned up
If you are bringing your family
car, be sure to have it checked before you go out for your Visita Iglesia trip.
Making certain that your vehicle is in tip-top condition is a must especially
because of the challenging drive around the metro. The last thing that you
would want is your car breaking down in the middle of traffic and amid all the heat.
Some of the important components
that you may want to have your trusted mechanic check would be the car breaks,
air-conditioning (it’s summer in the Philippines!), oil, and tires.
Needless to say, make sure that
you have enough fuel before you go out. And don’t forget to bring an extra jug
of water in your compartment just in case your engine overheats.
In the end, if you begin to see the signs of wear and tear in your car that is getting harder to repair, you might want to consider converting your car into fast cash by selling it and getting a new one for your family travels.
In the end, if you begin to see the signs of wear and tear in your car that is getting harder to repair, you might want to consider converting your car into fast cash by selling it and getting a new one for your family travels.
2. Wear comfortable clothes
Whether you are commuting or
bringing your own vehicle, remember to wear light and comfortable clothes.
Forget about being too fashionable; wear something that will allow you to
freely move around in the summer heat. Also, put on something modest and
subdued because you are going to visit religious places after all.
3. Bring extra food
Not surprisingly, you do not want
to pass out because of hunger when you are outside. However, there may not
always be a restaurant or convenience store around, especially in places that
are unfamiliar to you. As such, bring food with you like sandwiches, biscuits,
fresh fruits, and a bottle of water.
4. Bring extra clothes
If the churches that you are visiting
are adjacent to each other, take advantage of the opportunity to take a
leisurely walk. However, with the summer heat, you would inevitably get all sweaty and grimy. Hence, having an extra shirt with you will come
in handy. Bring a T-shirt made of light fabric so that you can change into this
when you have the chance.
5. Pack lightly
When you are packing for a trip,
it is most likely that a good number of the items that you are stuffing your
bag with are not really essential. Packing lightly is always a good idea
because you bring only the things that you need without being burdened by extra
weight as you move around.
6. Bring medicine
Take with you a small medicine
kit containing medications for mild illnesses such as headache, toothache,
allergies, stomachache, and diarrhea, as well as treatment for insect bites. If
you are taking maintenance medication, then it follows that you should not
forget your medicine case.
7. Bring extra cash
Aside from your budget for, say,
a family dinner after your Visita Iglesia trip, you might want to consider
bringing an extra amount of cash for unforeseen expenses that may come up
during your trip.
8. Secure your belongings
Always make sure that your bag,
purse, or wallet is secure when you are outside. During holidays such as the
Lenten season, a lot of people are outside. Unfortunately, unscrupulous
individuals take advantage of this occasion to pickpockets or snatch bags.
9. Bring a battery pack/power bank
Smartphones are quite handy
because, with them, you do not have to always bring a camera to document your
family trips. You can also easily share your photos and updates through popular
social media apps. The trade-off, however, is shorter battery life. Good thing
there are battery packs and power banks that can solve this dilemma. Invest in
a good quality brand of power bank but don’t forget to fully charge it before
going out.
10. Have a dedicated bag for your baby
It’s a whole different story if
you are bringing an infant with you, say a small baby or toddler. You have to
bring a dedicated bag containing your baby’s diaper, baby wipes, diaper cream,
distilled water, milk, and feeding bottles (if you are not breastfeeding
anymore). Bring medication like Probiotics (for diarrhea or upset stomach), and
anti-allergy medications (provided these are cleared by your baby’s
pediatrician). If you can, bring a stroller or a carrier so that you and your
baby can both comfortably move around.
Churches around Metro Manila for your Visita Iglesia
Here are suggested churches around
Metro Manila that you can include in your Visita Iglesia itinerary with your
family. These are near each other and can be reached either by private vehicle
or public transportation.
Churches in Quezon City
 |
| Sacred Heart Parish Church in Kamuning |
1. Sacred Heart Parish Church
Address: 28 Scout Ybardolaza St., Quezon City
The Sacred Heart Parish Church is a baroque church located in the old district of Kamuning in Quezon City and is part of the Diocese of Cubao. Construction of the church was completed in 1941.
Mass Schedules:
Monday to Thursday, and Saturday: 5:15 AM, 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 6:00 PM
Friday: 12:15 PM, 6:30 PM
Sunday: 5:30 AM, 6:30 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:30AM, 11:30 AM, 4:30 PM (Children's Mass), 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM (Youth Mass), 7:30 PM, and 8:30 PM
 |
| Parish of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary |
2. Parish of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary
Address: Daily Mirror, Quezon City
Compared to many churches around the Philippines, or even just in Quezon City, the Parish if the Hearts of Jesus is relatively new. It was, in truth, completed in 1988. However, that does not discount the fact that this is a beautiful church that is worthy of admiration
Mass Schedules:
Monday to Thursday: 6:30 AM and 6:00 PM
Friday: 6:30 AM, 12:15 PM, and 6:00 PM
Saturday: 6:30 AM, 6:00 PM, and 7:15 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:15 AM, 11:30 AM, 6:00PM, and 7:15 PM
Churches in Makati City
 |
| Guadalupe Church |
1. Guadalupe Church (Nuestra Señora de Gracia)
Address: 7440 Bernardino, Makati City
The baroque-style Guadalupe Church or Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Metro Manila. As a matter of fact, it is a sought-after wedding ceremony venue by many couples who are about to get married.
Mass Schedules:
Monday to Sunday: 06:00 AM - 07:00 AM
Monday to Saturday: 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Sunday: 07:15 AM, 08:30 AM, 09:45 AM, (Tagalog, Children's Mass), 05:00 PM, 06:15 PM (Tagalog), and 07:30 PM
 |
| Sts. Peter and Paul Church |
2. Sts. Peter and Paul Church
Address: 5539 D.M. Rivera St., Poblacion, Makati City
The Baroque-style Saints Peter and Paul Church is the oldest building in Makati and is designated by the government as an important cultural structure. San Pedro Church was built by the Jesuits in the 1600s to be the religious center of San Pedro de Macati.
Mass Schedules:
Monday to Sunday: 06:00 AM and 07:00 AM
Monday to Saturday: 06:30 PM - 07:30 PM
Sunday: 09:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 05:00 PM, 06:00 PM, 07:00 PM, 08:00 PM, and 09:00 PM
 |
| St. Andrew the Apostle Church |
3. St. Andrew the Apostle Church
Address: 62 Constellation, Bel-Air II, Makati City
St. Andrew the Apostle Church is a beautiful little church in Bel-Air, Makati City. It features a contemporary design courtesy of National Artist for Architecture Leandro V. Locsin. St. Andrew the Apostle Church was officially opened to the public on November 30, 1968.
Mass Schedules:
Monday to Sunday: 06:30 AM and 08:00 AM
4. National Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Address: 4 Sacred Heart St, San Antonio Village, Makati City
It may not be as popular as the other churches in Makati but the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is worth visiting. Sure, the exteriors are not as grandiose as other antique churches around the country but its interiors are definitely breathtaking. The National Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus holds its own charm amid the urban jungle. The church was founded on February 14, 1976.
Mass Schedules:
Monday to Sunday: 06:00 AM - 07:00 AM
Monday to Thursday: 06:45 AM, 07:30 AM, 12:15 PM, and 06:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 AM (First Friday only), 06:00 AM, 06:45 AM, 07:30 AM, 12:15 PM, 06:00 PM, and 07:00 PM (First Friday only)
Saturday: 06:00 AM, 06:45 AM, 07:30 AM, 05:00 PM (Anticipated Mass), and 06:30 PM (Anticipated Mass)
Sunday: 07:30 AM, 09:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 02:30 PM, 04:00 PM, 05:30 PM, 07:00 PM, and 08:30 PM
Churches in the City of Manila
 |
| San Sebastian Church |
1. San Sebastian Church
Address: Pasaje del Carmen St, Quiapo, Manila
San Sebastian Church, also known as Minor Basilica of San Sebastian and home of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Shrine, is an all-steel structure, the only such church in the Philippines and one of the few structures in the world that are made almost entirely out of metal. The pre-fabricated steel segments were made in Belgium, shipped to the Philippines, and assembled by Belgian engineers.
San Sebastian Church was included as one of the National Shrines, Monuments, and/or Landmarks in President Ferdinand Marcos’ Presidential Decree No. 260 in 1973 and a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines on August 15, 2011.
Mass Schedules:
Monday to Sunday: 06:00 AM - 06:30 AM
Monday to Friday: 07:00 AM and 06:00 PM
Saturday: 06:00 PM (English, Anticipated Mass)
Sunday: 07:00 AM, 08:00 AM, 09:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 04:00 PM, 05:00 PM, 06:00 PM (Tagalog), 07:00 PM, and 08:00 PM
 |
| Quiapo Church |
2. Quiapo Church
Address: 363 Quezon Blvd, Quiapo, Manila
Quiapo Church, also known as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, is one of the most prominent churches in the country. Devotees of the miraculous image of the Black Nazarene flock to Quiapo Church every Friday (also known as Quiapo Day) in observance of the novena in honor of the image of the Black Nazarene. Quiapo Church, which features a Mexican Baroque design, was founded in 1581.
Mass Schedules:
Monday to Thursday: 05:00 AM, 06:00 AM, 07:00 AM, 08:00 AM, 09:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:15 PM, 05:00 PM, and 06:00 PM
Friday: 04:00 AM, 05:00 AM, 06:00 AM, 07:00 AM, 08:00 AM, 09:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 04:00 PM, 05:00 PM, 06:00 PM, 07:00 PM, and 08:00 PM
Saturday: 05:00 AM, 06:00 AM, 07:00 AM, 08:00 AM, 09:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:15 PM, 05:00 PM, 06:00 PM, and 07:00 PM
Sunday: 05:00 AM, 06:00 AM, 07:00 AM, 08:00 AM, 09:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:15 PM, 04:00 PM, 05:00 PM, 06:00 PM, and 07:00 PM
 |
| Binondo Church |
3. Binondo Church
Address: Plaza L.Ruiz,Binondo 1006, Manila, Binondo, Manila
Binondo Church is also known as the Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz and Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish. The Church was founded in 1596 by Dominican priests. What is unique about Binondo Church is that here, some masses are held in Mandarin and Hokkien. The first Filipino saint, San Lorenzo Ruiz, trained at Binondo Church before embarking on a mission to Japan.
Mass Schedules:
Monday to Friday: 06:00 AM, 06:45 AM, 07:30 AM, 08:15 AM, 12:15 PM, and 05:30 PM
Saturday: 06:00 AM, 06:45 AM, 07:30 AM, 08:15 AM, 12:15 PM, and 05:30 PM
Sunday: 05:30 AM, 07:00 AM, 08:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 04:00 PM, 05:30 PM, and 07:00 PM
 |
| Manila Cathedral |
4. Manila Cathedral
Address: corner Cabildo St. and Beaterio St., Intramuros, Manila
Manila Cathedral is also known as the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Manila Cathedral has also a papal endorsement from Pope Gregory XIII, and was visited by Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II, and Pope Francis.
It was founded in 1571 and features Romanesque Revival architecture. Today, the extravagant Manila Cathedral is a favorite wedding venue among soon-to-be-married couples.
Mass Schedules:
Monday to Saturday: 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM
Monday to Friday: 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM, 12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
Sunday: 07:00 AM, 08:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, and 06:00 PM
Also read: Away for the Weekend: Intramuros Photo Trip
 |
| Interiors of San Agustin Church |
 |
| San Agustin Church door |
5. San Agustin Church
Address: General Luna St, Manila
San Agustin Church, officially known as the Church of the Immaculate Conception of San Agustin (Manila), is one of four churches in the Philippines to be designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Completed in 1607, San Agustin Church features a baroque architectural style and is the oldest church in the country.
Mass Schedules:
Monday to Friday: 06:30 AM, 07:00 AM, 05:30 PM
Saturday: 07:00 AM and 05:30 PM
Sunday: 08:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 06:00 PM
 |
| St. Jude Church |
6. St. Jude Church
Address: Dr. Jose P. Laurel Sr. St., San Miguel, Manila
Officially known as the National Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus, St. Jude Church is best known for its novena every Thursday to St. Jude. I was told by a friend that the church is popular among students taking board examinations or individuals who are afflicted with illnesses as St. Jude is recognized as the patron saint of hopeless cases. My friends and I actually went to St. Jude Church after our board exams in 2002.
Mass Schedules:
Monday, Tuesday, and Friday: 06:30 AM and 06:00 PM
Wednesday: 06:30 AM, 12:00 PM (Mass/Novena), and 06:00 PM
Thursday: 05:00 AM (Tagalog Mass/Novena), 06:00 AM (Mass/Novena/Confession), 07:00 AM (Mass/Novena/Confession), 08:00 AM (Mass/Novena/Confession), 09:00 AM (Novena Only), 10:00 AM (Novena Only), 11:00 AM (Novena Only), 12:00 PM (Mass/Novena), 03:00 PM (Novena Only), 04:00 PM (Novena Only), 05:00 PM (Mass/Novena), 06:15 PM (Mass/Novena), and 07:15 PM (Mass/Novena)
Saturday: 06:30 AM and 06:00 PM
Sunday: 06:30 AM, 08:00 AM, 09:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 05:00 PM, and 06:00 PM
Other Visita Iglesia destination ideas
- Heritage Series: Visita Iglesia in Sta. Ana Church, Pampanga
- Heritage Series: Visita Iglesia in Arayat, Pampanga
- Heritage Series: Churches in Nueva Ecija
Enjoy your Visita Iglesia family trip!
*Stock images are courtesy of www.pexels.com
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This post provides good information for families that are making these trips. You also have listed a lot of interesting churches to include on the visit. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSo many beautiful churches and I like the Quiapo Church, that would be wonderful if we get to travel around with the beautiful yellow beetle car that you have shown in the post :P - Knycx Journeying
ReplyDeleteMy family used to do this tradition- church visitation. There are so many beautiful churches all across the country. Thanks for sharing this
ReplyDeleteI never knew Visita Iglesia was a routine in the Philippines. This gave me insight into the church culture in that country, really insightful.
ReplyDeleteI have learned a lot from your post. Those churches are absolutely beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis post has reminded me of a church trip we went to when I was in 7th grade, it was my first time so it was memorable. We carried some home cooked meal and the crusade was held in a stadium, there were a lot of people. It was a great way of bonding with different people.
ReplyDeleteThis is post is amazing! I would love to experience traveling to 14 churches in one day. This is something I want to add to my bucket list.
ReplyDelete