Trip to Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag

My mom has been a devotee of Our Lady of Manaoag since I was a child. I remember her going almost at least once a month with my aunt before especially when I got sick. My father, on other hand, is a devotee of the Black Nazarene of Quiapo. Basically, I have acquired strong faith on both although not like my parents. When I've done everything I could, I feel most comfortable and confident when I visit both the Black Nazarene of Quiapo, Manila and Our Lady of Manaoag in Pangasinan.

The trip took about 4 hours from Olongapo through SCTEx and TPLEx. We paid toll fees from Olongapo as follows (one way):

(SCTEx) Tipo Entrance: P22
From (SCTEx) Tipo to TPLEx Entrance: P294
To TPLEx Exit: P235

When we got there, the security isn't allowing any vehicle to enter except for those who will have their cars blessed after the mass. Unlike before, the queue starts outside the vicinity of the church and they have to wait there until the blessing starts. We parked our car at the side on a pulic lot where we were charged P50 parking fee by the staff of the barangay hall. They did issue a numbered temporary receipt.

Anyway, there weren't as many people unlike the last time we visited. Probably because it's an ordinary Wednesday and it was raining. We also get to stay long at the prayer hall where we can kneel and touch the image. We attended the mass and lighted candles before leaving, too.

​Yes, I prayed to pass the exam. Who wouldn't want that? At the same time, I also pray that whatever the result may be is what's best for me and my career.

Somehow, I'm at that point where I want to pass to be able to keep my job but at the same time, I feel like if I do, I may just get stuck like everyone else. Then again, I worked hard and sacrificed a lot in the past four years just to get here, I'm not just going to let this go unfinished.

My weakness is on essay writing and that makes me nervous but I've done what I could and still pushing some more. All that's left now is to know whether it is for me or not yet.


-Aisiah Ezekyel