An Invitation to Join a Pilgrimage Iloilo IL 4 Days 15 August 2018 Departure Date GRI Iloilo with Fr. Jerry Orbos, S.V.D. AGE August 15-18, 2018
August 15-18, 2018 I T I N E R A R Y Iloilo August 15-18, 2018 MANILA - ILOILO - JARO - LA PAZ - ILOILO CITY. Wednesday, August 15 DAY 1 - Depart Manila for your flight to Iloilo in the morning. Upon arrival at Iloilo Airport, you will be met by your local tour guide for a full day tour of Iloilo s churches and landmarks. You will see old colonial houses of sugar barons and Hispano-Filipino houses of the elite still stand. Proceed to Jaro District passing by Lizares Mansion, one of Iloilo City s most beautiful heritage mansions, built in 1937 by Don Emiliano Lizares, which reflects a mix of American and Spanish architectural styles. On to Casa Mariquit, a 200-yearold house in Sta. Isabel built by banker Ramon Javellana. The house was named after his granddaughter Maria Mariquit Javellana-Lopez who was born and raised in this house until she eloped with then to be Vice President Fernando Lopez Sr. at the age of 16. This two-storey structure is a typical 17th to 18th century wood-and-stone house. Proceed for lunch at a private residence in Jaro. In the afternoon, visit and celebrate Mass at the Jaro Cathedral (Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria), one of the oldest churches in Iloilo. Its construction started in 1864 by the first bishop of Jaro, Fray Mariano Cuartero. The image of Our Lady of Candles is the second oldest Marian image in the Philippines. The statue was crowned by Pope Saint John Paul II on February 21, 1981 when he visited Iloilo and proclaimed as patroness of Western Visayas the following year. Enthroned in a glass case in front of the church facing the magnificent Jaro belfry, this image comes with interesting legend to tell. Top Photo: Lizares Mansion Middle Photo: Casa Mariquit Bottom Photo: Jaro Cathedral Iloilo 2
I T I N E R A R Y August 15-18, 2018 A long time ago after the Spaniards set foot on the shores of Iloilo, some fishermen stumbled upon a hard object in the Iloilo River, which turned out to be a statue of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. Ten fishermen tried to lift the statue, but were not able to do so. However, when they decided to bring the image to Jaro, the image instantly allowed itself to be carried by one fisherman and since then has been enthroned at the Jaro Cathedral. Even more amazing is the fact that the image which originally was only a foot tall appears to have grown into a life-size statue over the years. To this day, no one can explain how such thing happened. Walk across the Jaro Plaza to the Palace of the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Jaro, residence of HIs Excellency Angel Lagdameo, Archbishop of Jaro. Rejoin your coach and drive to La Paz District to visit the La Paz Church, one of the many reasons why tourists visit Iloilo in the Philippines. This historical church, also known as the Nuestra Señora De La Paz Y Buen Viaje, was built in 1870 with the help of the Spanish friars. This church is now known as the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Church, the direct translation of its Spanish name. Next, visit St. Clements Church which houses the image of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. This church, managed by Redemptorists, started the novena after the war and then, extended to Baclaran and Cebu, and other churches throughout the country. This church was selected as the patron of the Redemptorists because of its influence over students. Transfer to Seda Atria Hotel after dinner at a local restaurant. (L,D) Top Photo: La Paz Church Middle Photo: Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Church Bottom Photo: St. Clements Church 3 Iloilo
August 15-18, 2018 I T I N E R A R Y ILOILO - POTOTAN - MOLO - ILOILO. Thursday, August 16 DAY 2 - This morning, proceed to Batuan, Pototan to attend the blessing of the Shrine of St. Padre Pio Pietrelcina culminating with the celebration of the Holy Mass. After lunch, depart for the Molo District to visit the Parish of St. Anne, also known as the Molo Church. This house of worship prides itself with the most collection of female saints among all churches in the island. This is said to be the most beautiful church in the whole of Western Visayas. Sixteen almost life-size images of female saints adorn the sides of its walls. The church also contains the remains of many prominent Ilonggo personalities. It was the painting of biblical characters during the last part of the 19th century that urged our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, to drop by the Molo Church on his way to Dapitan in August 1896. The relics of St. Anne are exposed for veneration every 26th of June, her feast day. Continue to Arevalo District. Visit the Sto. Niño de Arevalo Parish. Enshrined in this parish is the third oldest Sto. Niño image in the country, after the Sto. Niños of Cebu (1565) and Tondo (1572). Another distinct feature of the church is its altar, which is supported by Solomonic or helical columns inspired by the St. Peter s Basilica in Rome. The altar centerpiece is a large wooden cross with the image of the crucified Christ and to the right is a replica of the Sto. Niño icon encased in glass and flanked on both sides by angels made from wood. Dinner to be arranged at Tatoy s Restaurant before returning to your hotel. (B,L,D) Top Photo: Molo Church Bottom Photo: Sto. Niño de Arevalo Parish Iloilo 4
I T I N E R A R Y August 15-18, 2018 ILOILO - GUIMARAS - ILOILO. Friday, August 17 DAY 3 - Enjoy a full day excursion to Guimaras Island. Enroute, visit the old, historic Church of San Jose Placer, home of the pilgrim image of Señor Santo Ñiño de Cebu in Iloilo during Dinagyang Festival. It is here were the High Mass and the Religious Sadsad (or the religious street party) is also being held. One of the most treasured possessions of this church is the statue of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary found in the 29th of September 1614 during the defense of La Punta de Iloilo by Diego Quiñones against the invading Dutch. It was the night when they defeated the enemy, when Quiñones took a walk in the moonlight inspecting the casualties. He staggered across a big box containing the image of Our Lady with a child in her arms. Two Augustinian priests then organized a solemn procession and brought the statue to the church. Transfer to Ortiz Wharf and take the motorboat to Guimaras. On arrival at the Jordan Whart, board your four vans and depart for the Trappist Monastery, run by monks of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance. These monks follow the rule of St. Benedict and are best known for the extreme austerity or strictness that characterizes their discipline. Celebrate the Holy Mass at the Chapel followed by a simple lunch. Spend time exploring the monastery grounds and see their prayer areas. Leave the Monastery for the Guimaras Trade and Information Center (Pasalubong Center) for some souvenir shopping. Transfer back to the Jordan Wharf to take the boat back to IloIlo City. Return to your hotel in time for dinner followed by a night of fellowship. (B,L,D) Top Photo: Church of San Jose Placer Middle Photo: Trappist Monastery Bottom Photo: Guimaras Trade and Information Center 5 Iloilo
August 15-18, 2018 I T I N E R A R Y ILOILO CITY - PAVIA - MIAGAO - GUIMBAL - ILOILO AIRORT - MANILA. Saturday, August 18 DAY 4 - Check out of your hotel after breakfast. Leave for Jaro where Mass will be arranged at the Chapel of Gustilo residence. Depart for municipality of Pavia to visit the Sta. Monica Parish Church (Pavia Church), a centuryold church built by the Spanish Augustinian Fathers sometime in 1862. Its interior and exterior walls are made entirely of red-bricks, making it the only existing brick-constructed church in the island of Panay. Continue to Miagao to visit the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church (Miagao Church), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iloilo. As most travelers would agree, the Miagao Church is one of the country s architectural gems because of its unique and imposing designs, ornaments, and motifs. The Church has been considered as one of the most beautiful churches in Iloilo and tagged as the most Filipino among the Philippine Catholic churches. Head for Guimbal and visit its St. Nicolas of Tolentino Parish Church (Guimbal Church), one of the oldest churches in the country. This yellow sandstone church is made from adobe stones called igang and coral stones quarried from Guimaras. It was built in 1774 by Father Campos. Marvel at the Guimbal Watchtowers called bantayan, built to warn the people of pirates. Transfer to Iloilo Airport for your evening flight back to Manila. (B,L) Top Photo: Pavia Church Middle Photo: Miagao Church Bottom Photo: Guimbal Church Iloilo 6
I T I N E R A R Y August 15-18, 2018 Tour Inclusions: Roundtrip economy airfare via Pal Express Roundtrip airport-hotel transfers by private coach Airline Taxes Three (3) nights first class hotel accommodation Transportation by private air-conditioned coach Sightseeing and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary Roundtrip private boat transfers to Guimaras Services of an English-speaking guide during the tour Services of a Tour Leader and Pilgrimage Chaplain Tips to guide, drivers and waiters Travel Insurance valid for 4 days only Meals as stated in the itinerary (B - Breakfast ; L - Lunch ; D - Dinner) Tour Cost: Per Person on twin sharing basis Based on min. 30 pax PHP 29,800.00 Based on min. 20 pax PHP 30,950.00 Additional for Single Room PHP 5,950.00 Booking Conditions: 1) 50% deposit is required upon reservation. 2) Deadline for full payment should be at least one (1) month before departure date. 3) Cancellation Charges: > 50 % of the tour cost will be charged if cancellation is made one (1) month before departure. > Full tour cost shall be forfeited if cancellation is done fifteen (15) days prior to departure date. Top Photo: Trappist Monastery Bottom Photo: Pavia Church 7 Iloilo
August 19-22, 2018 I T I N E R A R Y Conditions and Responsibilities: BASIC TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Hospitalization and other medical expenses, tours and transportation during free periods, porterage of extra pieces of luggage in excess of the maximum allocation (10 kgs.), drinks and beverages taken during meals, items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone, fax, room service, tips for drivers, guides, tour escorts, and other expenses not mentioned in the itinerary terms and conditions. THE PILGRIMS CENTER by EXECUTIVE RESOURCES, INC. has arranged for the various tour services to be performed under the responsibility of various contractors. The company, its employees or its subagents therefore only act as agents for the contractors providing the various services described in the tour and accept no responsibility or liability in connection with losses or accidental expenses due to delays of schedule, overbooking, defaults or force majeure. All tours and arrangements are subject to the general conditions specified by each contractor. Tour itineraries and prices are subject to change without prior notice. When making a tour booking, the passenger acknowledges and accepts the foregoing conditions. Top Photo: Molo Church *** RATES AND SCHEDULE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE! *** For more Information, please call: 758 P. Ocampo Street, Malate Metro Manila, Philippines Tel Nos.: +632 5238581-84/86-89; +632 5214156 Fax: +632 5260126 E-mail: pilgrimscenter@pilgrimage.ph Website: www.pilgrimage.ph