MANILA, Philippines - Different cultures have different ways of commemorating the season of Lent. There are those who reenact the passion and death of the Christ. Others pay their homage by engaging in the traditional pabasa (reading/chanting of verses about the suffering of Christ) and processions of the dead Christ. Some fast or abstain from eating meat or other food and there may be people that would rather spend their Holy Week on holiday getaways. But for most Filipinos, Lenten season is incomplete without Visita Iglesia, the tradition of visiting seven churches to recite the Way of the Cross.
Luzon is the preferred destination for reaching shrines of faith in the Philippines. Not only is the island easily accessible by ground transportation but Luzon also boasts some of the most interesting mix of Roman Catholic churches — from the Manila Cathedral Church in Intramuros to the masterpiece in bricks church of Tumaiuni in Cagayan and the centuries-old flamboyant Betis Church in Pampanga. In every Luzon province, there is at least one note-worthy church one must visit in his lifetime.
This Holy Week, Victory Liner invites Filipinos to experience the depth of the Christian faith through “Byaheng Victory ‘s Visita Iglesia Road Trip.” The journey is the maiden offering of “Byaheng Victory,” a series of group tours introduced by Victory Liner.
In partnership with Travel Factor, one of the biggest adventure tour providers in the country, Byaheng Victory promotes a taste of the distinctive and extraordinary attractions of destinations and provinces reached by Victory Liner.
“Byaheng Victory’s Visita Iglesia” is a one-day trip that will allow sightseers an opportunity to discover the roots of Christian faith in the province of Pampanga. Riding on a chartered Victory Liner bus will transport participant to seven magnificent churches in historic Pampanga.
The tour begins with a visit at the Metropolitan Cathedral in San Fernando. The cathedral serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of San Fernando. A quick breakfast at Everybody’s Café dishing up sumptuous Kapampangan cuisines follows.
Then the tour will head to the Immaculate Conception Parish and the flamboyant Betis Church in Guagua. The former is built in 1772 and boasts of a magnificent altar created by the renowned wood sculptor Willy Layug. Betis Church is called the “Sistine Chapel of the Philippines” for its flawless wall and ceiling murals. It is also one of the oldest churches in the province.
Next stop is the San Guillermo Parish Church in Bacolor. The church, which survived the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, is a celebration of the Baroque and Rococo artistry with its decoration and style. Lunch follows at Cucina ni Atching Lilian Borromeo, home of the famous San Nicolas Cookies.
The tour will proceed to the 157- year old St. Ana Church with a four-story bell tower. Next stop is the Sta. Catalina Church in Arayat. With its classical architecture, the church is already a must-visit place of worship but devotees from all other the world flock the shrine to see the miraculous image of Jesus Christ in the sepulcher.
Last stop is the Holy Rosary Church in Angeles, which served as a military hospital during the Filipino-American War. And before returning to Manila, the tour will grab merienda at Historic Camalig Restaurant, the home of the famous Armado’s Pizza.
Participants of the “Byaheng Victory’s Visita Iglesia Tour” will receive brochures featuring the seven churches, souvenir items, Byaheng Victory ID and travel insurance. A Travel Factor coordinator ensures that the trip run will smoothly.
There are 45 slots available for the tour. For as low as P2,600, get to tour seven churches in Pampanga, partake of authentic Kapampangan meals in famous Pampanga restaurants, and experience the first class service of a Travel Factor tour guide. “Byaheng Victory’s Visita Iglesia Tour” is on April 5. It starts at 4:30 a.m. and expect to be back in Manila at 8 p.m.
For more information, call Jessie or Aica of Travel Factor at 746-5119, 0917-8475341 or email at tours@travelfactor.org. You may also visit the Travel Factor website at www.travelfactor.org, like Travel Factor on facebook.com/byahengvictory and follow Travel factor on twitter.com/byahengvictory.