Welcome to the Pearl of the Orient!

Arrive in Manila, where faith and history intertwine. Our first stop is Ermita Church, home of the Nuestra Señora de Guia, the oldest Marian image in the Philippines, dating back to 1571. It survived countless disasters, including the WWII bombings.

Culinary Highlight:

Start your day with a Filipino-Chinese meal, inspired by the recipes of Manila’s Binondo district, the oldest Chinatown in the world. Try the Pugon-Roasted Asado, a staple since 1936.

Evening:

Enjoy a welcome dinner and orientation, setting the tone for this journey of discovery.

Important Note: Please plan to arrive in Manila on February 3, 2026, with a morning arrival if possible to align with the start of our group activities.

Overnight : Manila

After breakfast, begin the day at Quiapo Church, formally the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, completed in 1933, though devotion to the Nazarene began in 1606 when the image arrived from Mexico. Its annual Traslación draws millions of barefoot devotees, the largest religious procession in Asia.

Next, step into Intramuros, founded in 1571:

• Manila Cathedral, originally built in 1581 (current structure from 1958)

• Fort Santiago, built in 1593, where Dr. José Rizal was imprisoned before his execution in 1896

• San Agustin Church, completed in 1607, the oldest stone church in the Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Fun Trivia:

Intramuros was once the seat of Spanish colonial power for over 300 years. Everything outside was simply called "the provinces."

In the afternoon, visit Baclaran Church, the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, established in 1958, known for its perpetual Wednesday novenas that attract thousands.

Dinner is along Roxas Boulevard, enjoying views of Manila’s iconic sunset.

Overnight : Manila

After breakfast, travel to Antipolo Cathedral, home of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, enshrined since 1626. This image accompanied galleon ships during the Manila-Acapulco trade, believed to safeguard sailors from storms and pirates.

At Regina RICA, marvel at the 71-foot-tall Queen of the Holy Rosary statue, nestled in the lush hills of Tanay, Rizal.

Culinary Highlight:

Savor Filipino favorites like kare-kare and crispy pata, dishes that have brought families together for generations.

Overnight : Manila

After breakfast, say goodbye to Manila and travel to Manaoag, home to the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag, established in 1605.

The Virgin is believed to have appeared to a farmer, asking that a church be built—sparking centuries of devotion and pilgrimage.

Culinary Highlight:

Try Pangasinan’s famous Bangus (milkfish), a regional delicacy celebrated every May in the Bangus Festival.

Overnight in Pangasinan

After breakfast, we continue our journey north to explore Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded in the 16th century. Wander through Calle Crisologo, where cobblestones and colonial houses tell stories of Spanish rule.

Attend Mass at the Vigan Cathedral (St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral), completed in 1800, and experience a slice of Ilocano faith and tradition.

Culinary Highlight:

Sample the famous Vigan Empanada, dating back to the Spanish era but with a unique local twist.

Overnight in Vigan.

After breakfast and check-out, begin your journey through Ilocos Norte, a region steeped in faith, history, and tradition.

In the morning, visit the iconic Bantay Bell Tower, explore Parburnayan Jar-Making, and enjoy the scenic stop at Baluarte.

For lunch (on your own account), try Ilocano favorites like bagnet, poqui-poqui, or dinengdeng, dishes known for bold, rustic flavors.

In the afternoon:

• Marvel at Paoay Church (1710), a UNESCO-listed Baroque masterpiece.

• Visit Malacañang of the North, once a presidential residence overlooking Paoay Lake.

• Pause at the peaceful Chinese Garden.

Diner and overnight: Viven Hotel, Laoag

After breakfast, we fly south to Cebu, where Christianity was first introduced in the Philippines in 1521.

Upon arrival, enjoy a seaside dinner and reflection time to soak in the journey so far.

Overnight in Cebu.

Today we will visit the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, founded in 1565, the oldest Catholic church in the Philippines. The image of the Santo Niño is believed to be the very same one given by Magellan to Queen Juana in 1521.

See Magellan’s Cross, planted in 1521, and explore Fort San Pedro, built in 1738, the smallest and oldest triangular bastion fort in the country.

Later we will visit the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, built in the 17th century, discover the story of Cebu’s early Chinese-Filipino settlers.

Visit also the Taoist Temple, a reflection of Cebu’s diverse spiritual culture.

This day we will do a pilgrimage to Simala Shrine, a sprawling, castle-like sanctuary built in 1998. Known for healing testimonies and Marian devotion, pilgrims believe miracles happen here.

Stop by Carcar, home to the best Lechon Cebu, with crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat.

Return to Cebu in the afternoon, rest of the day is free.

Overnight in Cebu.

After breakfast, we leave Cebu and take the ferry to Bohol for a day of heritage and nature:

• Blood Compact Site (1565) – Commemorates the first treaty of friendship between Filipinos and Spaniards

• Baclayon Church (1595) – One of the oldest coral stone churches in Asia

• Tarsier Sanctuary – See the world’s smallest primate, whose origins trace back over 45 million years

• Chocolate Hills – A geological wonder formed over 2 million years ago

• Loboc River Cruise – Enjoy a floating buffet lunch while serenaded by locals

Fun Trivia:

The Chocolate Hills are a natural mystery—no other landscape like it exists anywhere else in the world.

Overnight in Panglao, Bohol.

Spend a leisurely day in Panglao, known for its pristine beaches and diving spots. In the afternoon, attend Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral (Tagbilaran), established in 1767, a cornerstone of Bohol’s faith community.

Dinner is at a local bee farm, where you’ll enjoy fresh, organic flavors and try exotic ice cream like malunggay (moringa) and kamote (sweet potato).

Overnight in Panglao, Bohol.

Return to Cebu for souvenir shopping, from handwoven crafts to world-famous dried mangoes.

In the evening, gather for a Final Mass, Penitential Rite, and Farewell Dinner by the Beach, celebrating the friendships and spiritual growth made on this journey.

After breakfast, transfer to Mactan-Cebu International Airport, carrying home not just souvenirs, but stories, blessings, and a deeper sense of belonging.