Guapa Festival: The Del Carmen of Quiapo

I am not sure if staging the Guapa Festival is another revival (following the Patanaw during the Black Nazarenes transalacion from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church) but its something I was eager to witness ever since I saw the ads in Facebook.

July 6- Enthronement of the Ivory Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

Being excited and all we arrived at San Sebastian quite early. I thought going to  Manila is always troublesome because of the traffic but its a Sunday and from Antipolo to Quiapo, driving was a breeze. Thus we arrived earlier than planned and ended up attending 3 masses. My friend jokingly said we are covered for the whole month of July.

The Iron Church



San Sebastian is known as the only church in Asia made from Iron. It's a beautiful church, with its Gothic architecture and tall towers. Looking at the old photos of Sto. Domingo in Intramuros, I realized that being inside San Sebastian is like experiencing the old Sto. Domingo which added to my excitement as I explore the church once again.

The first time I visited this church was last year, sadly the church was in total darkness so I was not able to appreciate it much since it's pitch black inside...today is different...



The Church Interior













Church Altar

















Santos and Santas







































Church Grounds