Marawi City

During our ocular inspection to  Malaybalay and Cagayan de Oro where we visited the venues for the retreat and plenary assembly of the bishops this coming July 2024, we took the opportunity to visit Marawi and see for ourselves the situation there after the siege in May 2017 which destroyed a great part of the city  and the bombing of the gymnasium where mass was being held last December 3, 2023. Msgr. Ramonito Torres, the Chancellor and Vicar General of the prelature was the one who toured us around.  

From the Archbishop's house in Cagayan de Oro where we were billeted, we left early to travel first to the Cathedral of Iligan where we handed over the new bishops’ Directory to Bp. Rapadas. We then proceeded right away to Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.  It is here that the bishop of Marawi, the Most Rev. Edwin de la Peña is temporarily residing. His residence which was the property of the Diocese of Iligan was donated to the prelature of  Marawi. Besides the residence  is the Parish Church of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva, Maria Cristina, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte which serves as the temporary Cathedral.

Msgr. Torres who is a priest of the Diocece of Dumaguete is also residing at the temporary bishop’s residence. After a short breakfast, Msgr. Torres brought us to Marawi. We first proceeded to the Mindanao State University and passed by the Mohammad Ali B. Dimaporo Gymnasium where the bombing during the mass last December 3, 2023 occurred. In that bombing four of the mass goers perished.  We then visited the Catholic chaplaincy cottage within the MSU campus which was being renovated and enlarged to serve also as a chapel  for the Catholics in MSU since masses are no longer held at the gymnasium after the bombing. We then toured around the city where many of the buildings still lay dilapidated. However, the roads around the city have already been reconstructed complete with concrete water gutters on the sides. There were some new buildings, parks and plazas that have been constructed. Afterwards we went to the Cathedral which still lay in ruins. We ended our visit by going to a hilltop overlooking the city of Marawi. It was the building of the Tourism Office which was formerly called the Old City Hall but has become dilapidated and now being used as a camp by the Army. This was just near the former monastery of the Carmelite contemplative nuns which was abandoned when they were abducted by  Muslim rebels in 1986. 

One of the minarets with bullet holes has been transported to this  Rizal Park in Marawi City. 

The temporary residence of Bp. de la Peña in Maria Cristina, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte. 

The bishop's house as seen from the small parish church just beside it. 

Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church

Maria, Cristina, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte

The church altar

MARAWI CITY 

A newly renovated mosque besides a still ruined building. 

The former St. Mary Cathedral in Marawi. 

Sitting on the destroyed Cathedra. 

The site of the Cathedral has already been fenced but reconstruction has not started. 

Rizal Park

A new sports stadium and the Marawi Park as seen from the Rizal Park. 

The entrance to the Mindanao State University (MSU)

The Mohammad Ali B. Dimaporo Gymnasium which served as the venue for the Sunday masses in Marawi was bombed while mass was going on last December 3, 2023. Four died in the incident. 

The Catholic chaplaincy cottage in MSU being enlarged to serve also as a chapel. 

They just built a higher roof to incorporate the cottage. They plan to put a flat concrete roof over the cottage to serve as a second floor for the chapel. 

One of the dilapidated buildings in Marawi after the May 2017 siege. 

Many of the buildings are still in ruins. 

The Old City Hall which was formerly used as a Tourism office now serving as an Army barracks overlooking the city of Marawi. Just nearby was the former site of the Carmelite Monastery (below) 

THE ST. MICHAEL CATHEDRAL OF ILIGAN CITY

I first visited the Cathedral of Iligan during the funeral of the diocese's beloved bishop, the Most Rev. Elenito Galido, who passed away last December 5, 2017. The second time I passed by the Cathedral was just a few days ago when we went to visit Marawi. Since Iligan was just along the way, I made sure we stopped by the Cathedral. 

CATHEDRAL OF ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
Iligan City

The funeral mass of Bp. Galido on December 14, 2017. 

The casket of Bp. Galido during his funeral on December 14, 2017. 

The Iligan Cathedral during our last visit on April 16, 2024. 

The altar of the Cathedral of Iligan City had already additional features like the small side retablos. 

SAN LORENZO RUIZ PARISH
Tambo, Iligan City

CAPE BOLINAO LIGHTHOUSE, PATAR BEACH AND PUERTO DEL SOL

        Nestled along the picturesque western coast of Pangasinan province lies Bolinao, home to some of the region's most pristine beaches. Among these coastal gems, Puerto del Sol Beach Resort stands out, boasting exceptional amenities that cater to every traveler's desires. From elegantly appointed rooms to expansive infinity pools overlooking the ocean, every detail is meticulously crafted to ensure a luxurious stay. The sumptuous buffet breakfast serves as a delightful start to each day.

        However, at this time of the year when the tides keep the sea shallow, even at its highest, Puerto del Sol was not the ideal  place to be if one prefers the sea than the pools and the jacuzzis. The waters were so shallow that even kayaking was not possible.  Craving the soothing embrace of the sea, we embarked on a short journey of about five kilometers to reach the lively shores of Patar public beach. Here, vacationers from far and wide congregated to revel in the joy of swimming and other sports activities.

        Along the way we passed by the second highest lighthouse in the country, the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse. 

With Frs. Maki and RL at the Puerto del Sol. 

It was not possible in the sea at the Puerto del Sol during this time of the year as the tides were so shallow. 

With Frs. Marco, Maki and RL at the beach of Puerto del Sol

Cape Bolinao Lighthouse

Patar Beach

With Rafael and Fr. RL at the Patar beach.