It was a cloudy morning of the 13th of September 2018 when my travel buddy and I, scheduled to set off to our Cebu adventure – Simala Shrine.

Leaving Elegant Circle Inn Cebu City an hour past lunch, we took a Grab Taxi headed to the Southern Cebu Bus Terminal and boarded an air conditioned Ceres bus that will pass by Brgy. Simala, Sibonga, Cebu.

It's a grueling 3-hour ride on an air conditioned Ceres Bus plus the traffic. Then a 10-
15 minutes tricycle ride going to Simala Church which costs 25PHP/person. And another
5-10 minutes walk/climb going to the entrance of the shrine.

We passed various small stores selling souvenir items like bracelets, TShirts, religious icons, and more.

We have always heard of miracle stories about this church in Brgy. Simala.  Aside from it’s striking castle-like structure, locals and the monks of Simala Church claimed that they witnessed several miracles like the crying statue of the Virgin Mary.

Simala Shrine was built in 1998 by the Marian Monks from Pampanga, after the occurrence of several miraculous events, like that of Mama Mary's shedding of tears.

Because of this miracle, Simala Shrine became so popular that believers and devotees flock the shrine, hoping and believing that their prayers would be granted.

The shrine's castle-like and picturesque structure makes it even more popular, drawing locals and foreign tourists, alike.

We are very lucky to visit this church and manage to hear mass. However, we did not manage to finish the mass and we stroll around the shrine to take pictures and videos.

By the way, if you're going to the altar, you need to leave your shoes/slippers at the entrance; footwear is not allowed inside.

Another thing, make sure to wear proper attire when going there, shorts/sleeveless shirt/blouse are not allowed.

After praying, we roam around the convent admiring Mama Mary's statues in different colors and features.

We saw cabinets of letters and memorabilia from devotees whose prayers and requests were granted; from passing the board exams to getting a job abroad and healing for the sick.

It was an amazing journey visiting this miraculous Simala Shrine.

How to go to Simala Church?

Getting there,  you have to be in Cebu City then go to South Bus Terminal and ride a
Ceres Bus going to Sibonga.

It’s easy to find the Church because the Bus driver will inform the passengers once
you get there. It’s a 3-hour ride from the terminal plus the traffic, by the time you reach the stop
point for the Church you will take a motorcycle (Habal-Habal) ride or a tricycle to
bring you to the Sanctuary.