Our Sacred Stop Before Every Homecoming: Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag, Pangasinan

Hello there, Worldmappin fam! 💖 Wishing you all well and good health ✨ It's been two years since we visited in our beloved province in Pangasinan—my mom's and cousins' hometown. Every single time we go back, there’s one place that’s always, without fail, part of our itinerary. It’s more than just a stop; it’s a tradition, a sacred pause before everything else.  Our first essential stop is always the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag. For many, this isn't just a church; it's a sacred destination, a powerful draw for devotion. You'll often see it bustling with people, especially those heading further North to places like Baguio or La Union, making it a crucial stop-over for spiritual refueling. We’ve been visiting since I was young, and not once has it lost its magic.   One of the most unique traditions here, and something we always observe, is the car blessing. Many people who buy new cars drive them straight to Manaoag to be blessed, hoping for safe journeys ahead. This is particularly popular after Sunday masses, so if you're planning a visit, be prepared for some serious traffic. It's a common sight to see lines of cars patiently waiting their turn. We always find it a bit chaotic, but beautiful chaos; the kind that reminds you of faith deeply woven into everyday life.  While stuck in traffic outside the church, you'll notice the local community hard at work. Locals often step in to help with parking, guiding cars into available spots for a minimal fee, or they might approach you to sell candles or religious goods. For them, this isn’t just a religious landmark; it’s part of their daily life and livelihood, created around the constant flow of pilgrims. Even these small interactions, often overlooked, carry weight. They reflect how a place of devotion supports the people around it, not just spiritually but also economically.  The church itself is built to accommodate its vast number of visitors, with multiple entry and exit points on all four sides. Inside, the atmosphere is palpable with devotion. On one side of the church, you can get a closer look at the revered image of Our Lady of Manaoag, a moment many devotees cherish to offer prayers or simply take a photo as a remembrance of their visit.  While the church is central, our visits home are always a blend of faith and family. we always take time to soak in the simple pleasures of province life. We visited the farm near my parents' old house, enjoying the green expanse. There, things slow down. We fetch water from a handpump, wander along the grass, and just breathe in the unpolluted air. It’s the kind of simplicity you can’t find in the city, and honestly, it’s the best way to reset.   Then, before heading back home to the city, we always make our way to our grandfather’s, grandmother’s, and great grandmother’s graves. It’s another cherished part of our homecoming, a quiet moment to remember and connect with our roots.   Returning to our province means more than just a break from work or a change of scenery; from the spiritual solace of Manaoag Church to the simple joys of rural life and remembering our loved ones. For us, it’s about remembering who we are and where we come from. We eagerly look forward to our next visit back home! 💖