Editors’ Note

September 6, 2024 marked the beginning of this year’s Camino de Peñafrancia. The Camino was a seven-day spiritual journey that allowed the pilgrims to reflect and possibly experience personal transformation as they discovered their paths to Jesus Christ through INA, Our Lady of Peñafrancia. There were 18 participants in the 2022 pilgrimage, led by Dennis T. Marpuri, his family, and friends from Ocampo. In 2023, 27 peregrinos completed the Camino. This year, it garnered 64 registrants, which included intrepid senior citizens in their seventies. Some pilgrims came all the way from the United States, Metro Manila, and the Visayas, many of whom were Bicolanos coming home to experience the Camino.

With Mt. Isarog as the geographical center of the pilgrimage, the Camino afforded devotees the opportunity to commune with nature and be reminded of their responsibility to protect God’s gifts to humankind. The beauty of nature has a profound way of making the faithful understand His power, wisdom, glory, and unparalleled love.

Pilgrims originating from points south assembled in Buhi and walked through Iriga City and Baao, before joining those who were starting in Ocampo. A Pilgrims’ Mass was held at St. Bernard the Abbott Parish in Ocampo, Camarines Sur at 4:00pm on September 8, 2024. A fellowship followed in the evening before the first day of the 5-day walking pilgrimage that covered a little more than 100 kilometers, through 11 towns and one city, and at least 24 churches.

To give the readers a sense of the Camino, we feature the daily journal written by Aires Marpuri Limpiado about her experiences during the pilgrimage, which originated in Ocampo. We list below the parish church stops and show photos of the pilgrims’ journeys from selected days: Baao to Ocampo, September 8, Goa to Tinambac, September 11, Tinambac to Bombon, September 12, and Bombon to Naga City (Traslacion Day), September 13.

Itinerary and map references: Nagayon (Naga City Tourism Office) and Camino de Peñafrancia. Photography is courtesy of Emm Suarez, a pilgrim himself, a blogger and digital creator who goes under the name Rabas ni Emm.

Camino Route and Schedule

Baao to Ocampo, September 8 – in photos

Ocampo via Tigaon to San Jose (Day 1)

There were 12 of us from the Marpuri family who joined this spiritual journey. We left our hometown of Ocampo at 4:30 am with spirits high and faith unshaken. We began our journey along the hallowed Camino de Peñafrancia, poised to kindle profound spiritual evolution. We stopped at several churches, where we were warmly welcomed and treated to delectable delights such as boiled bananas, peanut butter sandwiches, goto with beef, toasted siopao, chakoy, coffee, and soda drinks.

We arrived in Tigaon at 8:30 am with two parish stops in between (Catherine of Sienna Parish, Gingaroy and St. Claire of Assisi Parish, Poblacion), then on to Our Lady of Sorrow Parish in Abo and St. Vincent Ferrer Chapel in Salogon. We finally made it to the Archdiocese Shrine of St. Joseph in San Jose at 2 pm. We spent 2 hours in Salogon resting while waiting for the other peregrinos to catch up and for the delivery of our sponsored lunch. The pilgrims included seniors who were in their seventies. Thus, we walked with different pacings but made adjustments accordingly.

After the day’s walk, we were thankful for the hospitality of St. Joseph Parish. We enjoyed the savory yellow fin tuna and pork. After dinner, some rested on church pews, while others pitched tents outdoors for the night.

Unfortunately, we experienced a few setbacks – one developed a severe leg cramp, another had low BP due to dehydration, one twisted an ankle. They could not finish the last leg of today’s walk. My brother Dennis himself was injured but continued to provide support by riding in a tricycle, delivering water to the pilgrims and taking pictures. Although injured, he did not leave us.

San Jose to Goa (Day 2)

We were up early at 3am. The Mayor of San Jose provided us with pandesal and coffee before we left for the day’s walk. When we arrived in Lagonoy, we were provided again with breakfast, this time with their famous binamban and goto! Feeling so blessed!!

In Goa, we got a warm welcome from the elementary school children who greeted us with music, playing “Resuene Vibrante” on their xylophones and drums.

Goa to Tinambac, September 11 – in photos

Goa to Tinambac (Day 3)

Day 3 started very early at 2 am. After 4 hours, we made it to Santo Niño Parish Church in Tierra Nevada, Tinambac.

We resumed our trek towards St. Paschal Baylon Church, Tinambac, after a few hours of rest to let the weather cool down. Glad that my brother Dennis made the Camino walk today! Along the way we were offered fruits for free. What a blessing!

The early batch of pilgrims made it to Tinambac poblacion after 2 hours of walk under the scorching sun!

Along the way, we stopped at a bukohan courtesy of our cousins from the Consulta family. We also had some fun taking photos at our quick stops.

Twofold blessings! We reveled in the opulent dinner reception sponsored by Dr. Florendo at the St Paschal Baylon Church, in Tinambac together with Archbishop Rex Alarcon who joined us in casual clothes. He provided the weary pilgrims with inspiration and encouragement, fostering unity and jubilation. Buen Camino!!

Tinambac to Bombon, September 12 – in photos

Tinambac to Bombon (Day 4)

After the midnight rainfall, the morning sky cleared up at the break of dawn. We were up early at 3 am. Our 4th day ushered in a new sense of positivity and optimism!

We visited two churches along the way, first at St Peter Apostle in Bagacay, Tinambac and then on to the next town at Holy Cross in Manguiring, Calabanga, where we had breakfast courtesy of the parish. By 10:30 am, the early batch of pilgrims arrived at La Porteria Church in Calabanga where the parish hosted a sumptuous lunch buffet. Afterwards, due to leg cramps and blisters, I had to persevere through the remaining 3 kms. to Bombon and thankfully arrived with the group at 12:30 noon. We took some time to rest, showered, and ate merienda.

Worth mentioning when we were walking in Bagacay early in the day, the barangay tanods escorted us from boundary to boundary to secure our safety. Grateful for them and MDRMMO of Tinambac!

Non-stop eating for peregrinos while burning all the calories after almost 33 kilometers of walking.

Some peregrinos were delayed in Calabanga due to the rain, but they eventually caught up. I was overjoyed to be reunited with my beloved friends in the evening in Bombon.

I looked forward to continuing our wondrous spiritual adventure with the peregrinos, come rain or shrine walking from Bombon to the Peñafrancia shrine and ultimately experience the transcendental power of traslacion. I am grateful for their support and confident that they will join me for the entire 5-day spiritual journey next year.

During that evening, we had the opportunity to share our experiences with our fellow peregrinos. Grateful for the hospitality of the Bombon parish!

Bombon to Naga City, September 13

Bombon to Naga City (Day 5)

Today marked the glorious 5th day of our journey! We celebrated and honored our revered Lady of Peñafrancia in the beautiful city of Naga, surrounded by vibrant energy and unwavering devotion. Buen Camino! Viva la Virgen!

We embarked on our journey at 6:15am filled with promise. We paused at St. Anne in Magarao, our first stop, before being greeted with a nourishing breakfast spread by Our Lady of Prompt Succor Parish in Canaman. Truly a wonderful beginning to the day. Grateful and blessed!

Filled with tears of joy, we finally arrived at the Peñafrancia Shrine. The over 100 km pilgrimage to our beloved Ina was a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, and we emerged stronger and more united than ever before. The traslacion was indeed triumph over pain and exhaustion, and it would forever be etched in our hearts!

After the transcendent traslacion experience, we were embraced by the warm hospitality of Drs. Florendo in their modest dwelling. We enjoyed a hearty meal to celebrate our spiritual growth.

To further acknowledge our transformative journey, we received stamped passports and certificates from each parish church that now hold a sacred place in our hearts.

We gave credit to the unsung heroes of the Camino de Peñafrancia who empowered us in our journey of spiritual growth and transformation! My brother Dennis’ unwavering commitment, dedication, and leadership paved the way for this third year of pilgrimage. Edgar, Richard, and the support team ensured our comfort and hydration while the media captured daily our journey, highlighting our strengths, emotions, challenges, and perseverance even as early as 3 am.

We were also grateful for the nourishment provided by the food and the people who prepared it. To Sir Ronald “Bong” Rodriguez and former Mayor Sabas “Abang” Mabulo, for the unending support and preferential treatments wherever we go, it was such an honor to meet you both! Together, you made a huge difference! Dios mabalos!

My Camino, my walk, my story – a reflection

The first day of the Camino walking over 32 kms brought me face-to-face with the realization that my faith had been on autopilot since my marriage in California to a non-Catholic, but super supportive and very loving person.

My children’s Catholic baptism notwithstanding, I felt disconnected from my religious roots. The memories of my childhood – attending church, praying the novena, celebrating Holy Week, Peñafrancia Fiesta, and religious activities during my Ateneo days filled me with a deep longing.

As I walked further, I realized not only I was here to fulfill my promise to my brother Dennis, I understood that this spiritual journey was necessary to rediscover and strengthen my faith. To be closer once again to our Ina, our Lady of Peñafrancia and to our loving and forgiving God.

Also with the steady guidance of two peregrinos, Cardo Cuerdz, Jeremias Genovia, my anxiety about traversing isolated areas of Mt Isarog dissipated, allowing me to embrace the journey with courage, determination, and eventually admired the scenery. My deepest gratitude!

To Mel Pasibe Teodoro, thank you for indulging my cravings for pinakro twice and nilantang pili. It was really delicious and satisfying! I am so spoiled when you are around!

My Camino, my walk, my story – a reality check

Reflecting on my experiences, a testament to the power of resilience and determination, I would like to share more about my challenges, lessons learned, and the fun I had.

Challenges – Adjusting to basic amenities like using public restrooms, and showering with limited facilities or opting out of showering. Living abroad with some luxury of amenities, with this Camino, I had to endure using bushes along the way. Sleeping on church pews, hard floors and hammocks, with no air conditioning, just the outdoor breeze or electric fan inside the parishes, to name a few!

Food – I also had to be mindful of my food intake for health reasons. Being prone to migraine, I avoid eating at carinderias due to MSG (vetsin or Magic Sarap) which triggers migraine attacks for me. Fortunately, I had Melvin Pasibe Teodoro (my hero, thank you!) as my food taster for those five days, warning me if the food being served had MSG or not. I was prepared with protein bars to get through the day or pandesal and other food safe for my consumption per Melvin’s guidance. During those five days, I was blessed with no migraine attacks despite the heat, exhaustion, and dehydration!

Lack of sleep – Waking up in the early hours, walking as early as 3 am, with an empty stomach and sometimes no coffee available. Being awaken by the loud sounds of rain, or seeing a frog next to your face, or suffering from mosquito bites. The unforgettable left and right snorers, waking up early to be the first to go to the restroom, and worrying what the weather would be the next day.

Walking in the dark – There was always a fear of what lies ahead. Starts at dawn did allow us to avoid the heat of the day.

Pacing was also an issue as I tend to walk fast, but I had to apologize to the group for always arriving too early and messing up the schedule. Also, due to extreme heat, my tendency was to walk faster to get to the next parish, without listening to my body and not learning to know when to rest.

Packing and unpacking were a constant and organization was key.

Despite body aches, blisters, dehydration, and fatigue, the excitement of reaching the next parish kept me going.

Fun stuff – Food, food, and more food! I met amazing people from all walks of life and learned about their life stories. Family and friends cheered me on to keep going!

Early mornings and occasional discomforts were worth it for the stunning scenery and warm camaraderie with fellow pilgrims.

Lessons learned – Listening to my body, bringing extra medical supplies, and being considerate to seniors. We let them be first in line whether in the restroom, buffet, finding their space for the night, etc. A go-to person for lost and found items would also be helpful.

Last but not the least, you have to be mentally and physically ready and be equipped with all the essentials needed of a peregrino. As you cultivate physical and mental well-being, spiritual growth arises naturally, kindling a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Just a note: if you are “ma-arte”, you will not survive – but who knows?

Buen Camino! Till next time!

Content was assembled by Jojo De Jesus for Dateline Ibalon based on the FB posts of Seria Aml (Aires Marpuri Limpiado), Rabas ni Emm (Emm Suarez), Dennis T. Marpuri, Camino de Peñafrancia and Nagayon (Naga City Tourism Office). Visit the FB page of Camino de Peñafrancia.