| The summer season in the Philippines is particularly | | | | self-flagellation using whips and sticks - not to |
| sweltering these days, with temperatures reaching | | | | mention those who go the distance and have |
| feverish intensities. Not surprisingly, vacation-bound | | | | themselves nailed to a cross like Jesus. |
| people are looking to visit places where they can cool | | | | The city features as well the Nuestra Señora |
| down and get away from the heat wave. Of course, | | | | de la Paz y Buenviaje statue and the Shrine of Our |
| when talking about those places, Baguio City usually | | | | Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, which are popular |
| comes out at the top of everyone's list. Therein lies | | | | among devotees who follow the Visita Iglesia |
| the problem, as Baguio can get too crowded for | | | | tradition - a Catholic custom that pays respect to |
| one's comfort. Not to mention that it is a long drive | | | | Jesus Christ's Passion by paying a visit to seven of |
| from Manila hotels and houses. | | | | the country's famous shrines and churches. The |
| This is where Antipolo comes in, as an ideal summer | | | | statue was brought to the country from Mexico by |
| destination that offers a respite from the heat | | | | the galleon trader Don Juan Niño de Tabora in |
| through its mountain breeze, refreshing springs, and a | | | | 1929, during a disaster-filled journey whose safety |
| bird's eye view of the metropolis (which is especially | | | | was attributed to the miraculous powers of the icon. |
| scenic during nighttime). Located in the province of | | | | As such, the statue's arrival became the toast of |
| Rizal, just 25 kilometers east of Metro Manila, it is | | | | Manila, and a procession from the Church of San |
| great for daytrips and short-term vacations. | | | | Ignacio up to the Manila Cathedral (the statue's first |
| Recommended by various Manila travel guides, the | | | | abode) was held in its honor. In 1632, it was moved |
| city also boasts of natural wonders such as the | | | | to the Church of Antipolo after the death of Don |
| Hinulugang Taktak Falls and picnic grounds. It is also a | | | | Tabora. Not long after, residents saw a Tipolo tree |
| good place to buy locally-grown mangoes and | | | | near the church, whose trunk was said to bear an |
| cashews, as well as the sticky rice delicacy known as | | | | image of the Blessed Virgin. Thus, a pedestal was |
| "suman". | | | | made from the tree in order to house the statue, |
| Apart from being an idyllic place for vacation, Antipolo | | | | which was later named as the Virgin of Antipolo. At |
| is also popular as a pilgrimage site. It actually refers to | | | | the height of the Japanese occupation of the |
| itself as the "Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines". One | | | | country, more than 500 residents were forced to |
| of its top attractions, the Antipolo Cathedral (as well | | | | move the statue to a safer location in the Angono |
| as other churches in the city), gets swamped by | | | | Mountains, where they entrusted their safety to the |
| thousands of faithfuls who have walk up the | | | | icon's powers. It then found its way to the Quiapo |
| mountain during the religious tradition called "Alay | | | | Church in 1945, after which it was finally returned to |
| Lakad". The event occurs every Maundy Thursday of | | | | its home in Antipolo. |
| the Catholic Holy Week. | | | | The "Alay Lakad" itself is done in commemoration of |
| Antipolo City is particularly animated during Holy | | | | the statue's return to the city, and is not only a |
| Week, wherein one can see droves of devotees | | | | religious event, but a party as well. It is an ideal |
| going into confession in the various churches located | | | | occasion for complete strangers to share stories and |
| there. Perhaps the most unique and disturbing sight | | | | food, while taking in the sights and views of Antipolo. |
| to see during the time are the ones who perform | | | | |