I’ve been to Cebu City many times in the past but it was only this year that I finally dedicated enough time to visit one of its most visited religious site --- Simala. I heard a lot of good stories about the place and saw some pictures from my friends which also encouraged me to prioritize this visit by all means prior my speaking engagement at the Juan Big Idea Visayas Edition by the Philippine Junior Marketing Association. I feel that more than anything, I owe it to Mama Mary and to God, to give thanks and pray for all the wonderful blessings and daily miracles I've received and about to receive. To be perfectly honest, I don’t know anything about Simala aside from the fact that a lot people visit it to pray and ask for Mama Mary's help. Devotees would pay their respect and to some extent, it also became a tourist attraction too. I was originally planning to take the public transport (provincial bus) but my good friends, Ken and Edward, offered to accompany me that day. We left Lapu-Lapu City past 4 am, drove for almost 2 hours and arrived at the gate of the monastery around 6 in the morning. We were told by the guard that it will open by 8 am so we queued and parked outside while waiting for the opening. Just few minutes after we arrived, vans full of tourists blocked the main gate. By 7 am, hundreds of devotees and tourists were eagerly waiting outside. Vendors kept the people busy and entertained with their spiels why visitors should buy the oil in mini plastic containers with the image of Mama Mary while others were selling plants called "money maker". There were also stores along the way selling food and beverages so you can have your breakfast first especially if you arrived way too early. Upon entering the gate of the monastery, the beautiful castle welcomed me. I felt like being transported to some European town with majestic fortress. I was greeted with feeling of solitude and it didn't bother me. Walking around the monastery, a sense of peace embraced me. True to what I experienced, waking up early in the morning, driving for hours and waiting outside the gate was worth the trip! For those who would like to seek refuge should definitely visit Birhen ng Simala where you can find bliss in silence and express your faith. MAY HIMALA SA SIMALA I've been soul searching for over a year now. It started when I was about to turn 25 and just like any young adult going through the quarter life phase, I faced a crisis. I was in a crossroad and I really don't know what to do. Feeling lost, a good friend told me to pray for clarity and God answered it. Slowly realizing what I want and desire, I turned to prayer as I renew my connection to my God. This soul searching brought me to different places... places like Simala where I prayed, gave thanks and asked for Mama Mary's blessing. According to witnesses and official records, the sacred statue of our Blessed Mother had shed tears on the following dates: August 17, 1998 August 22, 1998 September 8, 1988 (Mama Mary's Birthday) October 13, 1998 (Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima's apparition) December 29, 1998 September 8, 1999 (Mama Mary's Birthday) Many granted prayers were in display as well as healing testimonials together with wheelchairs and clutches. Compared to other shrines I've visited where stories of miracles were usually told verbally, this is the first time I saw notes in display. It is heartwarming to read some of the letters from the devotees expressing their joy, gratitude and most of all faith. It reinforces my belief that yes, miracles do happen especially to those who believe. SAY A LITTLE PRAYER. WHEREVER. WHENEVER. I'd like to share this prayer from the card the nun at the monastery gave to me after I made an offering. May this prayer help you become closer to Mama Mary and help you in your needs.
HOW TO GET THERE: From Cebu City, you may opt to take the public transport (ordinary or AC bus). Hop to one of the provincial bus at the New Cebu South Bus Terminal for only Php 50-80 and tell the conductor to advice you once you reached the crossing/bus stop for Simala. You wouldn't miss the huge "This way to Birhen ng Simala" signage on your right. From there, take the habal-habal (motorcycle) to the top of the hill and pay Php 20/pax. For privacy and convenience, you may hire a taxi or private van for a round trip. Rate ranges from Php 1,000-3,000 depending on your negotiation skills. :-) I highly advice you ask assistance from your hotel concierge to book you a reliable cab especially if you have limited time in Cebu. TRAVEL TIME: Approximately 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes (one way). Dedicate atleast a half day to be able to visit Simala and pray without worrying about other things. BEST TIME TO VISIT: Be early than sorry! I highly suggest you visit during weekdays, be at the gate as early as 7am especially if you don't have ample time to spare in lines or you just want to experience the serenity and solemnity of the place. Simala is usually crowded on Friday, Saturday and Sunday when thousands of devotees come to pray. Remember that Simala is famous not only to devotees but also to tourists that's why it is highly advisable you arrive early if you don’t want to queue for a long time before you can come close and touch the image of Our Lady of the Rosary and Evangelization,the Mama Mary of Lindogon. Please observe silence at all times and follow the rules set by the monks.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing. I promise to visit Birhen ng Simala again to give thanks and glory. Mama Mary of Lindogon, Birhen ng Simala, please hear my prayer. Please guide me as I take my exam this coming January and apply for scholarship on February. Through your powerful intercession, may our Father in Heaven answer my prayer and heart's deepest desire. Help me prepare and be ready as I take this new journey in 2015. To God be the Glory. Amen. Matthew 7:7
33 Comments
REYNAGIL A. UBAUB
2/4/2016 11:47:32 am
Dear MAMA MARY OF SIMALA, please hear my prayer, we ask you to guide us as we take our exam this coming april 17, 2016 a CIVIL SERVICE EXAM that's sunday at 6am, me and my husband AVELINO A. UBAUB, through your power and prayer to GOD we may givin a chance to pass the exam for our future. AMEN......and another pitition for helping me to ease the pain i've been caring and help me to win the battle i encounter coz somebody hurt me treat me wrong....help me give me more strenght and wisdom give me peace of mind,heart n soul thank you...
Reply
Kemberly Marie Quidato
5/21/2022 02:11:13 pm
Dear mama Mary on simala in this year for my taking of LET BOARD EXAM I WILL PASS THE BOARD EXAM date SEPTEMBER 25 2022 pohon pohon Lord I need your prayer for my good health also ug kaloi an nimo lord mama Mary of simala I need your guidance for my taking board exam pohon pohon pohon and also pray my na garasan ba ni or na paakan WLa jud ko kabalo Lord basta kay ikaw Rajud maka hail ani Lord of simala ug dong ga ako ang pag ampo in jesus name I pray amen taga eh ko ug kusog for my taking board exam pohon pohon Lord of mama Mary of simala in jesus name I pray amen 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Reply
4/5/2016 11:03:07 pm
Please help me pray for God's mercy and forgiveness to prevail over my financial debts to persons, lending and banks. And for God's blessings for the spiritual and material needs, good health and protection of my family.
Reply
Jane B.
4/26/2016 05:49:32 pm
Dear Mama Mary of Simala,
Reply
5/4/2016 07:36:03 am
Dear, Mama Mary, please pray for me give us a good health and my family. Please for give me all my sins. Hear my prayer that me and Martin, will stay happy together and touch his heart and mind to change to give me more love as I do. Keep us away all temptation. Please touch his heart to stay with me always. Help him not to break my heart mama Mary, I really love him. Please touch his heart at this moment that he will remember and miss me same as what I fell. Grant all my prayer mama Mary. Please help me direction of my life mama Mary and stable life. Please keep us me and Martin to get more closer each other and stay together. Hipu-a intawon si Martin nga maluoy nko Mama Mary. Amen. I love you Lord jesus!
Reply
5/4/2016 07:20:12 am
Mamay, pls pray for my live life to be happy. Especially the man I love now please teach him to learn to love me too. Touch his heart and mind to stay with me. Amen
Reply
arlene
6/10/2016 11:24:24 am
Dear Mama Mary of Simala,
Reply
edjun
1/30/2017 06:52:16 pm
Mama Mary will Grant your wish
Reply
Razhel may salimo
7/10/2016 11:04:31 pm
Dear mama mary of simala,
Reply
janet
7/12/2016 04:38:08 pm
Dear Mama Mary of Simala,
Reply
Raymar Guiron
8/11/2016 10:34:10 am
Dear Mama Mary of Simala,
Reply
Charmaine
10/15/2016 03:00:07 pm
Mama Mary of Lindogon, good afternoon..once again i know that before I've asked I knew deeply you know my deepest intention that I am praying now..I pray to passed the LET examination that I have taken just last September 25,2016 at St. mary 's academy I know everything has its purpose God's will the result that I am praying and led me to happiness Mama Mary ..I pray also for another set of exam that I will be taking this October 23,2016@XU CDO I entrusts to you Mama MAry and St. Thomas to please guide me again as I'll take this journey again..for I believe that everything is impossible without your Guidance. I pray for the gift of wisdom and knowledge and comprehension, in Jesus name amen.
Reply
charmaine
10/18/2016 11:11:02 am
I love you Mama Mary..please pray for us..amen
Reply
Dear Mama Mary of Simala,
Reply
edjun
1/30/2017 06:50:41 pm
Dear MAMA MARY first of all i just want to say thank you for an answered prayers for letting me pass the board exam and specially for giving us good health. MAMA MARY i will ask you a good health always of my family specially my babies and my wife and my mama and papa and brothers. MAMA MARY guide me always and help me to succed in life.
Reply
Hazel
3/15/2017 11:36:27 am
Dear Mama Mary,
Reply
vangie
5/8/2017 12:25:30 am
Dear Mama Mary of Simala,
Reply
Jhen
7/7/2017 04:55:32 am
Dear Mama Mary,
Reply
Donna
8/15/2017 02:15:24 pm
Dear Mama Mary of Simala,
Reply
CMBD
3/6/2019 10:47:24 am
Dear Mama Mary of Lindogon, please hear my prayers. Please guide me as I take the Civi Service Examination this March 17, 2019 and my Sister to take LET Examination and my partner to take Napolcom Examination. I humbly ask you Mama Mary to please answer my deepest prayers. I love you MAMA MARY. Thank You so much Mama Mary. In Jesus Name. Amen
Reply
Rommel
9/15/2020 01:35:21 am
Mama Bless us always and may you always help us with all the adversities that may come. May always guide us always to the right path. Help us live long and continue to be a blessing to others. May you help me and my sister as we take our Board exams in the future and will got a fruitful results. Help us always with our studies and for our daily bread. Give us always good health and protection. And may you forgive us also with all the sins that we committed and save us from the fires of hell. Help those who are helplessness and hopeless mother mary. May you also grant us to build our new home. Thank you for everything mother Mary. I love you
Reply
Jeff C
9/17/2020 01:10:04 am
Mama Mary of Lindongon, please hear my prayers. I'm praying for my mother's fast recovery and for my loved ones that you may grant them a long and healthy lives, away from all the temptations and that you may protect them from harm always.I humbly ask all of these from you Mama Mary. Please protect them guide them in their decision-making and use thwm to help other people. Please hear all my prayers Mama Mary and lastly, please all the fears and doubts in my heart. I love you Mama Mary and thank you for always there when we need you.
Reply
11/15/2020 08:42:00 pm
Dear Mama Mary of Lindongon
Reply
Roselynn Cruz
4/20/2021 09:34:03 pm
Dear Mama Mary of Lindogon,
Reply
James Armand Maghanoy aghanoy
6/18/2022 12:07:55 pm
Mama Mary of Lindogon, Birhen ng Simala, please hear my prayer.
Reply
James Armand maghanoy
6/30/2022 04:41:57 pm
Mama Mary of Lindogon, Birhen ng Simala, please hear my prayer. Please guide me as I interview this coming july 1 2022
Francis Orellano
6/27/2021 11:09:56 am
dear mama mary of lindogon pray for us always do not be embarassed to see us injured please heal us dear mother
Reply
Kemberly Marie Quidato
5/21/2022 02:16:40 pm
Mama mary of simala I wish that I will past the board taking exam the date of exam is September 25 2022 pohon pohon I granted my wish in this year and good health and I need your prayer for my energy strength and guidance for my board and especially this my pain I don't know the dog will tago tago dn na kambrasan Ba ni or na paakan I can't see the dog lord ikaw na ang bahala ug mama Mary of simala pa ayo hon nimo kani ako ang ge na butang always na oil of mama Mary in jesus I pray amen 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Reply
James Armand maghanoy
6/30/2022 04:37:28 pm
Mama Mary of Lindogon, Birhen ng Simala, thanks for guide me for my exam and thanks for passing my exam hear my prayer.
Reply
Rosilla Lopez
8/10/2022 11:17:04 am
Mama Mary of Lindogon Birhen ng Simala buligi ninyo ako, naga palapit kag naga ampo ako sa inyo, buligi ninyo ako nga nd madula ang akon nga syudad bilang bhw. Pangapini ninyo ako sa mga tawo nga nagahingabot sa akon, buligi ninyo ako oh Briheng Maria nga mabatun ako sa obra nga akon gina aplayan sa city kag sa call center para sa pag eskwela sng akon 2 ka bata kag sa ila panginanlanon. Gina ampo ko ini tanan sa imu Mama Mary of Lindogon Birhen sang Simala. Maluoy kamu sa akon, nd ninyo ako pag pabay.e… gina pangayuan ko sang kapatawaran ang tanan nga sala nga nahimu ko kag gina tugyan kna sa imu ang tanan nga tawo nga may labot sng natabo sa akon ikaw na bahala sa ila oh Birheng Maria sang Simala. Maluoy kamu ig ampo ninyo ako kay ginoong jesus kristo kag kay sr sto nino. Maluoy kamu sa akon buligi ninyo ako kay ang tanan wala sang imposimble kay ang tanan sa inyo posible. Amen
Reply
cris divine sobretodo urot
3/15/2023 02:27:41 am
Dear Mama Mary of Lindogon, Birhen ng Simala. Please help me to pass the board licensure examination for teachers this coming march 19,2023. Help me to get a teaching profession as soon as I have a license. Please help me to have a chance in helping my famiy financially.
Reply
6/9/2023 07:52:31 am
Mama mary of Simala, Dia ko ron mangayo nimo ug tabang bahin sa ako wife nga ana karon sa hospital tungod sa iyang sakit nga gibati karon nga hinaut maayo siya. Mama, please pamati-e ako sa ako pag-ampo para kini sa among mga anak nga unta walay mahitabo nga dautan sa ako asawa. Sa karon, ana siya sa hospital tungod sa iya pagkalibang ug suka, manakit ang iya hawak ug ulo.., Mama, please,, Ayoha intawon ako wife. Tabangi kami nga malueas kami sa mga problema, sa panglawas, pinansyal ug espirituwal.
Reply
marie
9/2/2023 02:16:22 am
please birhen sa simala... as i take my exam this coming September/October for the oral exam and my Nclex exam in November. Please help me fulfill this dream not just for me but for my family. Mama Mary ako nangamuyo kanimo nga dunggon mo unta kining pagampo para mahimong usa ka Registered Nurse dire sa Germany ug USRN karong tuiga 2023. 🙏 Ug maga uban ka sa kanunay sa akong banay... n
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
_______________________ MABUHAY!
|
Sole Searching Soul by Apple Allison
For invitation, promotions and advertising, please contact me through apple@solesearchingsoul.com, DM me on twitter or send me a message. |
|