(Source)

Our Lady of Guadalupe, also known as the Virgin of Guadalupe, is believed to be the bearer of many miracles. In the Philippines, several towns and provinces celebrate the feast of the Virgin with different religious and traditional activities. In some places, childless women devotees dance before the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe to ask for a miracle. Those who get answers go back to the image every year as a pledge and lifetime pilgrimage.

The Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Tablon is said to possess the same miraculous powers. She can heal and she can help childless women become pregnant. To be able to get to the shrine, however, you will have to cross nine rivers. River waters can vary according to the season or weather, but since it is summertime, they won’t be that deep. The 4km (more or less) trail connects three barangays: Tablon, Agusan, and Balubal. For some, it can be a tiresome trek, especially since you’ll have to wade through ankle or knee-deep waters. For the many who have made it their yearly pilgrimage, though, the trek to the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is worth every sweat and every effort. They do not mind the scorching heat of the sun and the (sometimes) strong water current. It is their Panaad; their pledge. Their promise.

This Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, if you want to experience what a real pilgrimage can be like, why don’t you try trekking through the nine rivers that take you to the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe? Who know what miracles await you there? (Source)