We went to Quiapo Church to attend mass, a family outing that I truly looked forward to. Along with my two children, we made our way there, excited for the experience. When we arrived, however, we realized just how crowded the church was. The line to enter stretched far beyond the entrance, and it seemed impossible to get inside. Despite the overwhelming crowd, we didn’t let it dampen our spirits. We found a quiet corner outside and stood together to pray, offering our sincerest prayers for guidance and wisdom for our family. Even though we couldn’t physically be inside the church, our hearts were in the right place, and we believed our prayers were heard.
After the mass, we stepped outside to buy Filipino desserts from the many street vendors lining the church. Quiapo is well-known for these delicious local treats, and the variety of choices was tempting. From "halo-halo" to "kakanin," there were so many to choose from, and we couldn’t resist getting a few. My children eagerly picked out their favorites, laughing and enjoying the simple pleasure of street food. The lively atmosphere outside the church, filled with voices and sweet smells, added to the excitement of the day.
Our next stop was Jollibee, the ultimate Filipino fast-food chain beloved by children. As expected, my kids were thrilled to enjoy their favorite foods—spaghetti, fried chicken, and, of course, the signature "Jolly Hotdog." As a mother, seeing their faces light up with happiness filled my heart with so much joy. It was a simple yet perfect day, surrounded by love, faith, and the joy of being together as a family.
Source of photo taken by my own phone.
Note: first picture edited by collage
