Last weekend, I joined the Bicolanos and devotees of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in the annual Peñafrancia Festival in Naga City. This is the 2nd time I came to the city to join the festivities. Together with my travel blogger friends, we were able to secure a good spot along the riverbanks to witness the fluvial procession of "Ina" and patroness of Bicol - the Our Lady of Peñafrancia.
The fluvial procession is done after 9 days novena at the cathedral with the Our Lady of Penafrancia and the Divino Rostro carried on a pagoda that will take them back to Her shrine, the Penafrancia Basilica.
There were already a lot of devotees waiting along the riverbank when we arrived. Good thing we got a good spot to witness the fluvial procession.
It was already 6:00 PM when the fluvial procession arrived. As soon as the image was in sight, people shouted to the high heavens "Viva La Virgen! Viva!" while waving their handkerchiefs. I felt the same ecstatic feeling when I joined the fluvial procession last year. I could really feel the unwavering and profound devotion of the devotees to the Our Lady of Peñafrancia.
I lighted a candle and said my prayers as Ina passes by.
Come to Naga City and experience the grandest Marian celebration in the Philippines, the Peñafrancia Festival! Viva La Virgen de Peñafrancia!
How to get to Naga City, Camarines Sur
By Land: From Manila, take a bus (Isarog Lines, RSL, Raymond, Peñafrancia Tours, Amihan Bus and Philtranco) bound for Naga City. Terminals can be found at Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City and EDSA in Pasay City. Travel time is about 8-9 hours and fare is around 800 pesos.
By Air: From Manila, take and 40-minute plane ride to Naga. The airport is located in Pili, you have to take a bus or jeepney that will take you to Naga City.
This is part of our Albay and Camarines Sur trip that happened last September 20-23, 2013. Read more from the links below:
NAGA CITY, CAMARINES SUR
- Peñafrancia Festival 2013 Fluvial Procession Experience
LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY
- WHERE TO EAT IN LEGAZPI CITY: Jasmine Restaurant at The Oriental Hotel
- WHERE TO EAT IN LEGAZPI CITY: Small Talk Cafe
- WHERE TO STAY IN LEGAZPI CITY: The Oriental Hotel - Legazpi
- WHERE TO STAY IN LEGAZPI CITY: Tyche Boutique Hotel - Legazpi City
- WHERE TO GET A MASSAGE IN LEGAZPI: The Oriental Spa at The Oriental Hotel - Legazpi
- Traveling in Comfort with Isarog Bus Lines' Sleeper Bus
More photos on Pinoy AdvenTurista's Facebook Page, click here.
ohhh... so this is how the festivities look.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to witness the fluvial procession too..