Our Lady of the Gate, Daraga, Albay, Legaspi

konti pang lakad at mararating na

lovely stairway on the way up

finally...

moss blends with stone creating pockets of green

breathtaking even with the clouds covering Mayon

the view opposite Mt Mayon

 

The view on the way up or down from the town street 

A rooster takes his girl-hen for a walk..

...nainis yata because he ended up solo

A little challenge never hurt anyone, that's what I told myself, as we made our way to Our Lady of the Gate  (The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Porteria) on foot.  We got off at the market place at the bottom of the church and slowly began our ascent up the hill where it stands guard over the busy little town. It was all worth it, pawis, hingal and all, the beauty of the baroque church literally takes your breath away as does the majestic view of the Mount Mayon at a distance. 

Built in 1773 by the Franciscans, Our Lady of the Gate became a refuge to those who were affected by one of Mount Mayon's eruption. It also sheltered the Americans  and was later bombed by the enemies during World War II.
  
A place of refuge it remains as we watched a couple who parked their motorcycle in front of the courtyard continue on to share a few moments of togetherness inside the church. A playground it has become, too, for two kids enjoying themselves outside.  And, for once, instead of a funeral we chanced upon a tribute to a new life via the arrival of a young couple  and several witnesses  for their baby's  christening.  


That is the life of a church - to shelter, to comfort, to welcome. A role that Our Lady of the Gate is seemingly performing well. 

Our Lady of Salvation, Joroan, Tiwi, Bicol

The view from Our Lady of Salvation

 

I know this is supposed to be about the church but I couldn't resist adding photos of the beautiful surroundings near it..

fields of green merging with cool water blues

Steep but spectacular view

Just another day job -- washing clothes on the side of the mountain

And trust the men to enjoy themselves while the women are hard at work :)

Sari-sari store along the wayside. Note the pampabigats para hindi lumipad ang bubong. 

One of our most memorable road trips had Ned's friends, Sheila and Nelson, driving us around places near Legazpi, Albay.

 Disappointed to learn that the famed Tiwi Hot Springs were closed, we  but duly hit the road to the farthest we could go before heading back to our home base.

The winding road led  us to the Pilgrimage Church of Joroan,   overlooking the sea and where thousands flock to every third week of August to visit the Patroness of Albay 

. 

We missed the occasion by a few days but the banners to welcome the pilgrims were still in place and the number of devotees in the quiet little place showed no sign of abating.