Magellan's Cross and Sto. Nino Basilica

Magellan’s Cross and Sto. Nino Basilica

by webby on May.29, 2009, under Blog, Travel

I must confess… I can no longer remember my Philippine history… the specific details on Magellan’s expeditions, Spanish invasion, and other events that happened during that era… But visiting the very historical Magellan’s cross, made me reminisce on its significance to the lives of many Filipinos.

Magellan's Cross

When I saw the location of the cross, I didn’t expect it to look like that… Again, I’m not familiar with the history… Haha. It was situated in the middle of a plaza (a community like place) with a City Hall infront of it and the Sto. Nino Basilica on the other side and there was also a school beside it. Thought I would see the cross on a hill and we will do some trekking to reach the place. Hehe.

In Magellan’s Cross, there were a lot of old women selling long candles which according to them would signify your wishes and prayers when lighted. And yes, I bought one because the woman was a bit annoying encouraging me to buy. But I think I was fooled because you can’t light that candle near the cross or anywhere inside the place. So in case, you see them, you don’t really have to buy them unless you want to do some charity for these women. We prayed for awhile and then transferred to the other side to see the Sto. Nino Basilica.

Sto. Nino Basililca

Sto. Nino Basilica

It was a big and old church with so many people going in and out. It is known as a miraculous church that devotees and Catholics from all walks of life visit. The interior of the church was very well preserved and still beautiful. We didn’t manage to attend mass on our first visit and so we just returned early Sunday morning to attend the English mass. Our visit in Sto. Nino Basilica was successful because we were able to hear and complete the mass and even seated in the first row just infront of the altar.

Just want to add, beside the church, there were vendor stalls selling images/statues of Sto. Ninos, wooden necklaces, mini guitars, wooden beads, bags, and other nice stuffs that you can buy at very affordable prices and can bring home as pasalubongs.

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