The Garden in Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino: The Place of Mudane Stories

@juecoree · 2023-02-22 16:33 · hive-178708
![IMG_20230221_091825.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/juecoree/EpT2pDhfPDcBkLGQ5rYmJ9xA9sy8Z9gATqvRTbW5UwGgKr7hgdZo3STUc97nNDXxY62.jpg) GARDEN IN BASILICA MINORE DEL STO. NINO—As I sit here on the corner bench of the Basilica Minore Sto. Nino garden, I can't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. The wishing fountain in the garden's center, the rushing water in the pond, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the soft glow amidst the playing shadow create a peaceful atmosphere that seems to soothe my soul. Watching the people around me, I realize this garden is a place of stories. Every person here has a unique story to tell, one filled with pain, happiness, or something in between. And as I sit here, I can't help but feel drawn into their stories, each touching my heart differently. It's not just the stories themselves that are so compelling, but the way they intersect with the garden's beauty. The trees provide shade for those seeking refuge from the sun's heat, the pond offers a place to reflect and find peace, and the stone walls surrounding us create a sense of safety and comfort. As I take in the sights and sounds around me, I realize that this garden is a special place. It's a place where people can find solace and hope, connect with others, and find meaning in their lives. And as I sit here on this bench, I feel grateful to be a part of it all.
![IMG_20230214_101313.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/juecoree/23tm9dRbuHmmFsz49vU585Pe411e5gZhvAVw5yhRqYT6tReHjChgW7P1vfwmWcEudSand.jpg)
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A beautiful space filled with benches, trees, and a serene pond in the center. It was a place where people came to find peace, reflect on their lives, and seek answers to their most profound questions. Walking through the garden, I noticed a girl sitting in the adoration chapel. She was sobbing uncontrollably, her clothes strewn across the floor. I felt a pang of concern and confusion, unsure what to do. But before I could even think of approaching her, a police officer appeared at the door, his face etched with concern. He came to the girl and spoke to her in a gentle voice. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but I could see the emotion on his face. It was clear that he was deeply affected by her pain.
![IMG_20230221_092158_1.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/juecoree/EoiVi7EnVULMr5j5KfatG13pebQKrXwdbsU33PbbaoCnDQyCxowGVq5Fe2VkgzqsbMv.jpg)
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After a few moments, the officer left, his eyes filled with tears. It was then that I learned the girl's story. Her father was gravely ill, and she had stripped her undergarments, desperately attempting to raise money for his treatment. I sympathized with her plight and silently wished her father a speedy recovery. As I continued to walk, I saw a little boy wandering around, lost and confused. He was looking for his parents, who had separated from him in the crowded streets. I approached him and asked if he needed help. He nodded, his eyes brimming with tears. Together, we searched the garden, calling out his parents' names. It felt like an eternity had passed before we found them sitting on a bench by the pond. The boy ran into his mother's arms, tears streaming down his face. I watched as the family embraced, relieved and grateful to be reunited. Further along the path, I saw a man standing on one knee, a ring box in his hand. He was asking his girlfriend to marry him. The girl was overcome with emotion, tears streaming down her face as she said yes. I smiled at the sight, feeling touched by the simple beauty of the moment.
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The garden in Basilica Minore Sto. Nino was full of stories like these, each one unique and touching. It was a place where people could come to find solace and seek refuge from the world's chaos outside. I felt grateful to be here and witness the simple moments of joy and pain filling this space. As I sat on a bench and watched the world go by, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. The garden was a reminder that life was beautiful, even in its most challenging moments. It was a place to find hope, connect with the people around us, and find a purpose in our lives. I closed my eyes and breathed in the fresh scent of flowers, grateful for this moment of stillness and reflection.
![IMG_20230221_092108.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/juecoree/23wgWTm4Ww1Pe4MzJYfZDqFBG2Nmft3UsYnSTKQ781eMwDMyWwbqsEYgGJRB6n7ZQAznf.jpg)
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As I prepare to leave the Basilica Minore Sto. Nino garden, I feel a sense of gratitude and peace. The stories that unfolded before my eyes have left a lasting impression on me, reminding me of the beauty and complexity of life. Into the bustling streets outside, I carry the memories of the girl who strips out her clothes to escape her depression. The police officer sought help for his ailing father and wept for her pain. The little boy who found his family, and the man who asked his girlfriend to be his wife. These stories will stay with me, a testament to the power of hope and the resilience of humanity. I look back at the garden one last time, grateful for the moments of stillness and reflection it provided. It's a reminder that even amid chaos and uncertainty, there are places where we can find peace and connection. And as I walk away, I carry a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude, ready to face whatever the world may bring. [//]:# (!pinmapple 10.29432 lat 123.90188 long d3scr) --- |
AUTHOR'S NOTE: The Place We Find Ourselves is a series blog about how we find ourselves in the places we been, the heritage and culture tha forms us, and everything in between. Missed the previous post? Check out [Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu: The Place That Witness Faith](https://peakd.com/hive-178708/@juecoree/archdiocesan-museum-of-cebu-the-place-that-witness-faith)
| |---| *All photos are from the author. The stories are real, but I did put some fictious details to make it more appealing.*
#architecture #travel #garden #haveyoubeenthere #philippines #cebu #hiveph #pinmapple #art #culture
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