Hello Hive Family/Worldmappin Community! I’m here again to share my experience visiting an 18th-century Baroque Roman Catholic church, the National Shrine and Parish of Saint Anne located in Brgy. Santo Niño, Hagonoy, Bulacan, Philippines.
Two hours on a motorcycle under the sun, wind brushing against my skin, and the hum of the road beneath us, this wasn’t just a trip. It was a pilgrimage of healing. After losing my father, I found myself searching for places that could cradle my grief and gently nudge me toward peace. The Shrine of Saint Anne in Hagonoy, Bulacan became one of those sacred stops, a destination on my Bulacan bucket list, and a waypoint on my emotional map.
I wasn’t alone. My boyfriend, my ever-patient driver and travel buddy, rode with me through the long stretch of road, offering not just companionship but emotional support. My fur baby(left at home), too, has been a quiet comfort in this season of loss. Together, we made this journey not just to explore, but to feel, to remember, and to breathe.
As we arrived, the shrine’s façade greeted us with quiet majesty. Its architecture stood proud yet serene, a blend of old-world charm and spiritual grace. I took a moment to capture its front view, arched windows, weathered stone, and the gentle symmetry that seemed to whisper stories of devotion. The sunlight danced on its surface, and for a moment, I felt my heart lighten.
Climbing to a vantage point, I took photos from above. From this angle, I saw more than just structure. I saw a sanctuary. It reminded me that healing often requires stepping back to see the bigger picture.
Inside, the air was cooler. The scent of candles and the soft echo of prayers filled the space. I took photos of the altar, the pews, the stained glass that filtered light like a gentle balm. I sat for a while, letting the silence speak. It was here that I whispered my grief, my gratitude, and my hope. The shrine didn’t answer, but I’m sure it listened.
Before leaving, despite the heat pressing down on us, we managed to take photos outside the shrine. My boyfriend and I stood together, sun-kissed and slightly sweaty, but smiling. Those photos aren’t just souvenirs. They are proof, proof that even in the heat of sorrow, love persists; that even when the journey is long, we arrive; that even when the heart aches, it still beats.
This trip to the Shrine of Saint Anne wasn’t just about checking off a location. It was about mapping my healing, one sacred stop at a time. To anyone grieving, exploring, or simply seeking, may you find your own shrine, your own road, and your own peace.
Thank you for taking time reading my third travel blog! Stay safe and healthy, Hive Fam!😇