We’re pretty sure that a lot of us are eager and excited to see Pope Francis this week as he visits Manila and Tacloban. So in preparation for the Papal Visit 2015, here’s a list of things we suggest you bring if you plan to follow the places which Pope Francis will be visiting…..
1. Bring loads of PATIENCE
– First of all, be mentally prepared and bring loads of patience as you join hundreds of thousands (and perhaps millions) of people flocking to see Pope Francis. Be extra kind, understanding and gentle to the people you’ll get to cross paths with. Iwasan ang init ng ulo for it won’t really do any good. If you’re the type who easily gets irritated/impatient or in short “maarte,” then better stay home.
2. Be familiar with the itinerary..
– here’s a copy of Pope Francis’ Manila itinerary from January 15-19. It pays to know this of course, so you can plan ahead and decide which events to attend. =)
3. Download the official PapalVisit 2015 App
– To keep you updated with the #PapalVisit2015 happenings, download the official Papal Visit 2015 app by Digital Media PH on Google Play
download the official Papal Visit 2015 app by Digital Media PH on Google Play
4. Things to Bring….
– When Pope John Paull II visited Manila in 1995 for the World Youth Day, I remember walking almost half a day only to find a toilet. I was pretty young then and didn’t expect the crowd to be THAT big so I really had difficulty in getting food, water etc.
For the Papal Visit 2015, I promised myself to prepare well, so my not-so-good experience in 1995 won’t happen again. Here are the things we suggest you bring to avoid hassles:
- Drinking Water (must be placed in transparent containers): be sure to stay hydrated as you join huge crowds.
- Cap/Hat /Fan//Raincoat: to aid you from the heat
- Shades
- Camera/Binoculars
- Power bank/s: The more the merrier so you can take unli shots and selfies. Oh, be sure to buy lots of load (if you’re a pre-paid subscriber).
- Snacks: Bring with you some snacks to keep you energized because for sure, it will be difficult to buy food especially when you want to stay in an area close to where the pope is. I suggest you bring some sweets, nuts and bananas (high in potassium and anti-stress).
- First Aid Kit and Basic Medicine: It pays to be prepared of course. Also bring meds like anti-LBM, anti-“Hilo” and be sure to take your vitamins for energy.
- Adult Diapers: Ok ok… I know it sounds weird but honestly, it may really be helpful. When our friends from EWTN told us about this, my first reaction was… WTF!!??? According to our sources, there will only be around 400 Portalets around Luneta so just imagine a MILLION people vs 400 Portalets… #scary
- Basic toiletries: these include tissue, cologne, powder, comb, hand sanitizer, sun block etc
- Eco bags: Let’s make an effort to maintain cleanliness by not contributing trash in public places. Let’s be responsible citizens… 2015 na!!
- Rosaries: As Catholics of course, be sure to bring your rosaries and prayer pamphlets so you can join the prayer vigils
5. What to wear:
– wear your most comfy clothes and shoes of course and don’t forget to bring an extra shirt just in case. Prepare for a lot of walking…
6. Road Closure & Alternate Routes
According to Philstar.com, The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced the closure of several roads to give way to crowds expected to flock during Pope Francis’ visit. To see the complete list, visit https://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/01/12/1412134/list-metro-manila-roads-closed-pope-visit#jan-14. For more traffic updates, follow @MMDA on Twitter
7. Know where Pope Francis will pass by..
Sharing with you the letter by CBCP President and Archbishop of Lingayen Dagupan, +SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS
STAND BY AND WATCH THE POPE PASS BY!!!
I am calling on the people of God to welcome Pope Francis with all our hearts, with all our minds and with wide open arms.
You have been informed about the papal programme, the places where he will go and the people he will meet.
It is now my happy duty to inform you of the roads and streets that Pope Francis will take to go to the various papal events. I encourage you my dear people of God to line up the streets he will take, watch the papal vehicle pass by and be blessed by the sight of the Pope passing our way going around the city.
Bring out your family images of the saints and the Blessed Virgin. Bring out your Santo Ninos and crucifixes. Bring out your heart in welcome!
On January 15 early in the evening, please welcome the Pope as he leaves Villamor Airbase taking Newport Garden to Andrews Avenue towards Airport Road-Domestic Road to Roxas Boulevard-Quirino Avenue-Leveriza Intersection until Taft Avenue.
On January 16 in the morning, please line up Taft Avenue towards Osmena-Quirino towards Nagtahan Magsaysay Boulevard until J.P. Laurel Malacanang Palace.
From Malacanang on the same day January 16, the Pope will go to Manila Cathedral at around 10:00 am passing General Solano to Casal-Ayala Bridge to Finance Road to Burgos Bonifacio Drive towards Anda Circle reaching Aduana Street and Manila Cathedral.
In the afternoon of January 16, please watch the Pope pass Taft Avenue to Leveriza Intersection-Quirino Avenue to Roxas Boulevard until the Mall of Asia where he will meet the families.
The Pope will be in Leyte on January 17.
On January 18 in the morning, the Pope will go to the University of Santo Tomas passing Quirino-Osmena Highway intersection towards Nagtahan until Espana Boulevard reaching UST. He will take the reverse route from the UST back to the Apostolic Nunciature. Watch him pass by twice that day if you live in the area.
In the afternoon on his way to Luneta, the Pope will pass Quirino Avenue, Roxas Boulevard until he reaches Kalaw Street.
Very early in the morning of January 19, the Pope will transfer to the airport passing Leveriza-Quirino towards Roxas Boulevard to Domestic Road towards Andrews Avenue and the Villamor Airport.
Every step he makes, every car ride he takes, every moment he stays with us is precious for us. Seeing him pass by is a grace. Waving our hands at him in loving welcome is an experience of a lifetime.
Watch the Pope passing by. Christ is passing by. Be blessed as he passes by…!
From the CBCP, Manila, January 14, 2015
+SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS
Archbishop of Lingayen Dagupan
CBCP President
Additional Tips…
-According to news sources, it’s NOT allowed to bring backpacks, bags and snacks/drinks should be placed in transparent containers for security purposes. They also recommend bringing fans, hats and raincoats instead of umbrellas to provide others an unobstructed view. I heard the use of selfie sticks are also NOT allowed. I’ll keep you all updated in case I get any new updates.
-Also according to CBCPNews.com, to welcome the Holy Father, raise up banners with the faces of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin and the saints instead of tarpaulins and banners of Pope Francis.
-For your social media postings, don’t forget to include these hashtags: #PapalVisitPH #PopeFrancisPH #PapalVisit2015
– If you wish to share your photos with us and have it featured on WhenInManila.com, kindly tag me at @mayoilagan & @WhenInManilaon both Twitter & Instagram
Do you have any other ideas and/or helpful suggestions? Feel free to comment below!
For more info, you may also visit https://papalvisit.ph and https://www.facebook.com/papalvisitph
Follow @WhenInManila on Twitter for our live #PapalVisitPH coverage
Don’t forget to follow Pope Francis as well : @Pontifex
For traffic updates, follow @MMDA on Twitter
Special thanks to our official partners
https://www.ewtn.com/index.asp
No 10 Newport Boulevard,Newport City Complex,
Pasay City · Manila, 1309 Philippines
63-2-9889999
Pope Francis #PapalVisitPH Survival Guide
