The last time I recall that I did a real Visita Iglesia was years and years ago with my family. We weren’t able to complete the traditional fourteen churches to be visited then and were only able to go to less than half that number since we were constricted in the areas of Malabon.

After our near-fatal incident less than a month ago at El Nido’s Calitang Beach, my brother suggested to revive this Christian tradition in our family, partly as a way of giving thanks for the second chance we got during that mishap. This time, we decided to complete the fourteen churches and include the Stations of the Cross from each one.

Water splashed on both sides of our jeepney as it crashed through the water-logged streets of Obando. The day was overcast but it wasn’t raining. The streets we passed are permanently below water due to its proximity to the flooded plains near Manila Bay. The passengers off to visit the annual Obando Fertility Festival were undaunted by the water however as our jeep continued its slow pilgrimage to Obando’s San Pacual de Baylon Church.
A mass was being celebrated as I entered the crowded front court of the church. The mood was festive and the plaza was loaded with people readying for the festival’s second day. A traditional band was waiting in line with ladies dressed in traditional colorful Filipiniana garbs.