My Visit to One of Cebu’s Most Beautiful Churches

Have you ever gone to a church where it felt like you were in a magical place?

I felt it the moment I stepped in the tranquil hills of Sibonga, Cebu, where Monastry of the Holy Eucharist, or popularly known as Simala Shrine stands.

The grand architecture, solemn atmosphere, and the inspiring stories of devotees captivate me, showing the power of their strong faith and devotion.

Growing up, I have always heard of Simala Shrine as one of the oldest, holiest, and most beautiful churches in the Philippines.

History of Cebu’s Living Testament

Back in 1996, it was a quiet, remote place for prayer in Lindogon Sibonga.

Marian Monks of the Euchasristic Adoration built the monastery transforming it into a sacred destination.

In 1998, amidst dengue outbreak, many believed the Virgin Mary shed tears, a sign considered miraculous.

It was called “Miraculous Mama Mary Church” and attracted a lot of attention globally.

I can clearly see why this momentous event drew national attention, turning Simala into a pilgrimage site that, even today, continues to attract thousands of visitors from across the country.

Simala Church began as a modest-sized structure similar to a regular church, and in 2006, the expansion started, funded by donations from devotees and souvenir sales.

The area is wide, with staircases that provide access to the church and a ramp for those who have difficulty using stairs.

Garden

As I lined up to the church or worhsip hall, the heart of the compound lies a large garden area with pathways and greenery.

The ongoing construction outside the shrine closes off some parts; from a stance, I can still admire the landscaping and the peaceful ambiance of the grounds.

Giant Crown

The Giant Crown, a massive handcrafted piece measuring 25 by 14 feet stands as one of the best spots inside the shrine.

One of the pioneering monks built this as an offering of thanksgiving to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The crown serves as a reminder of faith, resilience, and devotion even in difficult times.

Bring water, an umbrella, and a hat to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.

Cebu’s place of miracles

The moment you take your step inside the beautiful church of Simala, it feels like being transported to the charm of a fairytale with its gothic style towers and ornate decorations.

Devotion and beauty were screamed by every corner, and I could feel a good spirit around me, as if I was being guided and protected within the shrine’s walls.

Main Worship Hall

Stepping inside the main worship hall, I was welcomed by solemn music, murals painted on the ceiling, and an atmosphere of prayer and reverence.

On the picture shown, it is the Pandong Cape where Mama Mary holds a long veil and devotees cloak themselves and offer a heartlfelt prayer to her.

This hall is often filled with devotees attending mass, praying, or simply reflecting in silence.

Mama Mary Shrine

As I approach the most sacred area of Simala Church, I removed my shoes in reverence as the rule of the church.

It was quiet and solemn, and I could see the miraculous image of Our Lady of Lindogon enshrined before me.

I can’t help but feel the faith of people who believe that their prayers have been asnwered, this visit truly feels like the spiritual heart of the whole shrine.

The prayer is very simple yet meaningful. Offer your respect and prayer to entrust your wishes to Mama Mary.

Prayer Hall

After offering my prayers, I made my way down to the Prayer Hall, where deep wishes for healing, achievements, testimonies of gratitude and more are stored in glassed cases.

From graduation photos, report cards, to crutches and wheelchairs, these tokens are proof of answered prayers.

Picture Taking

As a sacred place of worship, all the Catholic Churches in Philippines observes the same respect and discipline when it comes to church etiquettes.

Visitors are allowed to take pictures inside and outside the shrine yet the church strictly prohibits photography during mass.

So while visiting, we must be cautious, observant, and keep the voices low.

Souvenir Shop and Candle Racks

As I exited the worship hall, I found a souvenir shop offering religious items, rosaries, and tokens.

You can also check some Cebu Souvenirs before your trip back.

Souvenir shops sell candles start at ₱40 each! Affordable, right?

Lighting a candle is an act that symbolizes one’s faith, prayer, and hope, and that part of visiting in Simala is what I used to love, for there was a purpose for each candle.

However, during my last visit, I discovered that the shrine had already gotten rid of that meaning list. Hence, the candles no longer carried specific symbolic intentions.

It was a bittersweet feeling for me. I would always choose the candle that expressed my prayer intention, making my candle lighting more personal.

I lit candles with different symbols for my personal prayers to the Virgin Mary.

Proper Attire inside the Shrine

I have always kept in mind the Christian principle that clothing should reflect respect and humility in a sacred space. As seen in the picture, there are proper attires that should be worn inside the shrine.

Proper Attire	Improper Attire
Tops with sleeves (short or long)	Sleeveless tops, tank tops, crop tops
Below the knee-length or longer skirts/dresses	Short skirts, mini skirts, or shorts above the knee
Long pants or trousers	Revealing or tight pants
Modest dresses or blouses	Low-cut or see-through tops
Light shawl, scarf, or jacket for extra coverage	Exposed shoulders or knees without covering
Comfortable closed or flat shoes	Flip-flops or shoes unsuitable for walking/climbing stairs

Bring a light shawl, scarf, or jacket offers a simple way to modify your outfit without the need for a complete change.

If you happen to forget to bring any covering, there are stalls around the church where you can purchase shawls, scarves, and long skirts at affordable prices. Around ₱100-₱150.

When to Visit

Operating hours 🕒 : Daily 06:00 AM – 06:00 PM (ENTRANCE is FREE!)

Scheduled masses 🕒 : Daily 08:00 AM, and also 03:00 PM on the weekends

Peak Times 🔥 : Try visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid large crowds.

For convenient accomodations, you can check Family Hotels in Cebu

How to Get There

From Cebu City:

Head to the South Bus Terminal: Look for buses or v-hires bound for Oslob or Bato via Sibonga. Fare runs approximately ₱200 one-way for buses and ₱280 for v-hires. Buses frequently travel the route and are easily accessible and the journey takes about 2-3 hours from the city.
Board a Ride to Sibonga: Inform the conductor that you’ll be visiting the Simala Shrine. They’ll know where to drop you off, usually near the shrine’s entrance.
Final Step: Finally, once dropped-off, you can take a short walk, ride a local tricycle or motorcycle for ₱50 directly to the shrine.

For easier navigation, you can use the map below to guide your trip:

Make your Cebu Tour easier with CSP Travel and Tours

Your visit to Simala Shrine doesn’t have to end here. Southern Cebu is filled with wonders to be discovered.

What’s More:

CSP Travel and Tours package offers roundtrip transportation, guides, and even side trips to nearby attractions such as Oslob, where you can snorkel with whale sharks, and Moalboal, where you can swim with sea turtles.