Antipolo in May
been asked many times why a lot of visitors come to Antipolo, particularly during the month of May.
In fact, the pilgrimage to Antipolo during this month has become a tradition of sorts to many families from all over the country. At this time of the year, the number of daytime tourists to Antipolo hits its peak. Busloads of pilgrims visit the city, joining the families who come in their own vehicles and those who endure the commute just to be with the loyal throng.
There are three things that draw people to Antipolo -- faith, food, and fun.
The main attraction remains the Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. For centuries, the Image has inspired the faith of many, especially those with troubled hearts and those who simply hope for a safe trip to their geographical or spiritual destinations.
This is why the busiest spot in the city will continue to be the National Shrine dedicated to her.
The shrine has also opened the museum which tells of the beautiful story of the Lady’s own pilgrimage from her Acapulco, Mexico, origins to the home of her choice atop the hills of Antipolo. True to her name, the Image of the Lady of Peace and Good Voyage is reportedly the “most traveled” of all Marian images in the Philippines.
She is, perhaps, the only such image which has crisscrossed the Pacific Ocean six times onboard the galleons which plied the Acapulco-Manila route in the 1600s. If she had a Frequent Flyer membership, she would have been at the top of the elite list of that program.
On a regular basis, the Lady of Antipolo takes an annual mini-pilgrimage to Quiapo in Manila. This highlights her affinity with the image of the Black Nazarene, the miraculous wooden representation of her Son which also attracts the biggest number of devotees in the history of the country’s Catholic faith.
The tradition of the annual summertime pilgrimage to Antipolo has been passed on from generation to generation.
It appears it has not been difficult for the older devotees to convince the younger members of their families to join them in the yearly expression of their undying faith in the city’s patroness.
After all, Antipolo is not just a place of faith – it is also a place where one can find good food and great fun.
The combination of faith, food, and fun has been immortalized in a painting by the famed Filipino artist Fernando Amorsolo. The work of art was done in oil in 1947. It shows a colorful “fiesta” scene with people watching a dance, surrounded by the delicacies for which the city is known, with the church at the background.
The Amorsolo painting has the same mood and beat as the song “Tayo na sa Antipolo” made popular by the Mabuhay Singers.
That song remains the best expression of the timeless invitation which Antipolo once again extends to everyone.
Several activities have been lined up so that visitors can experience the “Faith, Food, and Fun” facets of Antipolo.
Some of these activities have already been done -- the motorcade of the Image of the Lady from Quiapo, the Alay-Lakad, and the May 1 festivities which included the grand parade and the street-dancing competition. The cathedral has also recently held a concert featuring Marian songs at the cathedral yesterday.
There are more activities to look forward to.
We invite everyone to witness the cultural presentation this coming Saturday, May 12, at Antipolo’s Vista Mall. This will be followed by the “Concierto de Mayo” next Sunday at the same venue.
On May 20, our visitors will witness a grand “Santacruzan,” a rich Filipino tradition which the city has kept alive. This will start at the city’s Sports Center beside the Provincial Capitol.
On May 26, a “Musiclaban” will be held to cater to the young people who will make the trek up to Antipolo.
The food and fun attractions continue to await both tourists and pilgrims. The suman, mangga, and kasoy are at the tastiest and sweetest. Those who are looking for macopa, siniguelas, and aratilis will surely find these delicacies in the city’s fruit stalls.
“Carinderia”-style food still abound in the streets surrounding the cathedral.
Antipolo is usually one to three degrees Celsius cooler than Metro Manila. This makes the place ideal for swimming. The city has several resorts that offer families an experience of unforgettable weekends without the hassle of a very long trip from the metropolis.
See you in Antipolo.
* For feedback, please email it to antipolocitygov@gmail.com or send it to #4 Horse Shoe Drive, Beverly Hills Subdivision, Bgy. Beverly Hills, Antipolo City, Rizal.