PAPAL VISIT TO THE PHILIPPINES 2015

Prior to his visit to the Philippines, we were already googling about his itineraries, routes, what to bring, what to do and etc. in the web. We really wanted to see him in person through his motorcades and attend mass in Quirino Grandstand.

First and foremost we did some photo session in Pope's standfie inside our Parish as part of our preparation for his visit...

January 16 - Meeting With Families in MOA Arena
Our first activity during his papal visit includes his motorcade in MOA Arena. We were one of the aspiring well-wishers in MOA for his Meeting with the Families.

While waiting for the motorcade...

They're giving away these flaglets...

Here's my officemate, K. Thank you very much for accompanying us in MOA :)...

My little girl had a good spot in viewing our beloved Pope...

We were very blessed to see him close even for just a brief moment. It is definitely all worth the wait!

Going home...

January 18 - Concluding Mass in Quirino Grandstand
We waited four hours before the opening of entrance gates. We were positioned near the two Taft entrance gates, the guards were saying that these are the only gates to be opened at 6 AM although based on news there's also two entrances in Kalaw Street and another two entrances in Finance Road.

Apologies for the blurry image taken at morning dawn while waiting for the gates to open...

Sorry to say but we were very disappointed with the organizers, volunteers and security in Quirino Grandstand Mass. We passed through the entrance without frisking, metal detectors or scanners by the security personnels. The guards were asking the people to just raise the bags for them to see. There is even a high risk of stampede in this clogged in entrance.

There are also no entrances in the quadrants. You have to climb or go over the barricades surrounding the quadrants. We were actually aiming at the closest quadrant spot near the Grandstand but to no avail. We're stucked at the middle of the second closest quadrant to the stage. When we freed up from the crowd, our group managed to position on the park side.

Then, we actually ended up in Finance Road where Pope will pass thru on his way going to Grandstand. It is favorable to us because this is near the LCD screen and portalets. We will be able to see him again in his motorcade and watch the program and mass on screen.

Selfeet while raining...

My poor little one was dozed off...

We were so proud of our kids because they've withstand thirteen hours of waiting, seven hours of continuous rain and four hours of standing position. They're all very eager to see our Dear Pope with so much determination and perseverance.

We were so blessed by seeing him again for the second time in Quirino Grandstand. I wasn't able to capture him using my camera phone but Hubby do have a video :)

You give us hope and inspiration through your mercy and compassion.
Thank you for touching our lives Pope Francis!
 We love you so much!

Our family would like to acknowledge and say thank you to K and her family, Nanay B at Ate L for helping us surviving the challenge yesterday. We love you all!