I’m Blogging to Win a Trip for 2 to Naga’s Penafrancia Festival!

 

When in Manila, I read a lot, and I look for unique travel opportunities. In the book I had just read, The Tattooed Map by Barbara Hodgson, travel inspired the imagination of the heroine to the extent that it opened a sort of inner eye allowing her to capture in lovely photographs sights from another world and eventually to travel beyond the ‘here and now’ and into other times. I want a similar experience. I want my travel to be beyond touristy stuff and more about the soul of a certain destination, discovered through an exciting journey. 

Despite the scandals rocking our political world, our country continues to be wonderful for travel and exploration. Our history is rich in miracles and stories of faith. One such story is about to happen in September, Bicolandia’s Peñafrancia Festival where tens of thousands of prilgrims go to Naga City for a nine-day celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. She is called INA or mother by locals and for her they will light thousands of candles and escort her in boats as she is brought back to her shrine through the Bicol River. 

The devotion started 300 years ago, when a local priest ordered an image carved and a chapel constructed on the banks of Bikol River. There were numerous accounts by devotees of healing and other miracles since then.  

From all accounts, the festival is characterized by a fervor never before matched elsewhere in the country. It has inspired the critically acclaimed movie, Debosyon, recently shown in Cinemalaya. 

To be in Naga during the Peñafrancia Festival would be like being in a maelstrom of prayers, celebration, and emotions. Imagine the energy, imagine the power of it. To be part of it, immersed in the joys and pains of the people, I wonder how my imagination could be inspired. I wonder what I can create.

And this is why I want to go to Naga this September. If I win this contest, awesome. If not, I will find other means. When in Manila, I am always resourceful.

Xplore Naga 2013 is organized by The Photography Academy Manila (TPA-M) in partnership with the City of Naga. TPA-M organizes social and entrepreneurial projects with local organizations aiming to transform lives through photography and travel. The blogging contest runs until August 31. Winners will be announced on September 4 on the Academy’s Facebook Page. 

 

Check out these other interesting stories:

https://www.wheninmanila.com/promdi-tips-from-a-promdi-college-graduate/

https://www.wheninmanila.com/caramoan-island-bicol-surviving-the-peninsula-literally/

 

 

I’m Blogging to Win a Trip for 2 to Naga’s Penafrancia Festival!