Taking A Visita Iglesia Via The Pasig River!

Holy week is upon us and one of our devotional traditions is doing Visita Iglesia by visiting churches. Depending on your preference, you could visit 7, 8 or even 14 churches, usually done with the way of the cross. I've been practicing this tradition with friends and family, and I would always ask myself how can I make this a unique experience every year.

With many churches located within Metro Manila, there is practically a lot of place to go to to complete your itinerary. And recently, there is a new way of doing Visita Iglesia and this is through the Pasig River. It was in recent years that ferry service was available for the public. The Zoomanity Group had a great idea of infusing Visita Iglesia with the river cruise which makes it an unique experience.


We went to 7 different churches which are located near and along the Pasig River which we definitely use the ferry to traverse the waterway. Along with the spiritual journey, one can also find himself on a historical and ecological journey as we pass by famous landmarks  and bridges, through existing and closed industries, even Malacanang Palace (which photos and videos are prohibited, but it was great to see it up close on the river side), and most especially the people who live and work in its side.

We started with St. Andrew the Apostle church along Kalayaan Avenue, it was designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin. The church now celebrates it 50th year and is the serves the faithful of Barangay Bel-Air. Next was the Nuestra Senora De Gracia located in Guadalupe Viejo. Also known as the old Guadalupe church,the church is one of the oldest in Makati.

Then we took the ferry from Guadalupe to Hulo station in Mandaluyong to the Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned or POLA. Inaugurated by Cardinal Tagle last year, it also faces the river with its magnificent facade. Then its off to a long ride now to the city of Manila where the we get off at Lawton station.

Then we went to Sta Cruz Church where the Nuestra Senora del Pilar is enshrined and had its cannonical coronation last year. Also a centuries old church, and renovated facade bring together the old and young generation into prayer. Not far is the Binondo church or the Minor Basilica de San Lorenzo Ruiz, the same church the saint served before his mission to Japan and an integral part of Chinoy Catholics.

The last two churches are Manila Cathedral and San Agustin. The cathedral was reopened just a few years ago after its intensive renovation which improved the church structure, side chapels and facilities. It also celebrated its 60th year post-war structure with a new logo. The San Agustin church is the oldest stone church in the country and home to many historical artifacts and statues which even endured the Intramuros warfare.

It was amazing how the trip went, knowing history, connecting with the river, and most of all the spiritual journey that made a new perspective on faith brought to us on this cruise.

You can also experience the Zooper Cruise Visita Iglesia this March 31, 2018- Black Saturday at 8 AM.  Meeting Place will be at  3/F Alfresco Area, Unlicity @Century Mall,Makati

• St. Andrew,Makati
• Nuestra Senora de Gracia ,Guadalupe Viejo
• Lady of Abandoned, Mandaluyong City
• Sta.Cruz Church
• Binondo Church
• Manila Cathedral
• San Agustin Church

Rate is only P 1,399/pax

(Inclusions: Snacks on board (AM/PM), shuttle, cruise)

For inquiries, you may contact/call Zooper Cruise at 8470413 / 8999824 / 8983695.