Pilgrims Center of the North

Next destination is Manaoag, Pangasinan,Philippines. A 20 minutes ride  from Mangaldan .

“Pilgrims Center of the North”

Manaoag began as a small settlement of Cawili, now the town of San Jacinto, by the banks of Baloquing Creek in the early 1600’s.  Some years later, the Augustinian Fathers established a Christian Mission which was originated and regarded as the
Mission of Sta. Monica.  Being devout of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Dominican
Fathers who succeeded the Augustinians placed the settlements under the mantle of protection of the “Queen of the Most Holy Rosary”.  

It was often believed that a farmer saw a lady with a child, clothed in white in a blinding light showed atop a tree saying in a sweet voice:  “Son, I want a church in my honor.  My children shall receive many favors in this place”.  Immediately upon
arriving home, the farmer related the story to his family, friends and neighbors.  The story spread and droves of people began going to the place to verify the story of the “Virgin Mary who calls”.  Upon their return home, they were asked where they came from and answered “Dimad Apo Ya Mantatawag”.  The expression in English
literally mean:  “From the Lady Who Call”.  Then the term evolved into “Mantawag”.
In both Pangasinan and Ilocano dialects, “Manaoag” means “to call”.  Eventually the word “Manaoag”, was derived and remained the name of the town.

Manaoag is often referred to as the Catholic Mecca in this part of Luzon.

LAND AREA                          :    5,716 hectares
POPULATION                       :    62,684
NO. OF BARANGAYS          :    26
CLASSIFICATION                :    1st class
TOWN FIESTA                     :    Every 3rd Wednesday after Easter Sunday
PAROCHIAL FIESTA          :    Every 1st Sunday of October
GALICAYO FESTIVA          :    Every 2nd Sunday of December
PRODUCTS                         :    rice, mango, buri-rattan basketwares, candles
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS   :    Church of Our Lady of the Most holy Rosary (1600)
Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag
Virgin’s Well

Manaoag (Pangasinan: Baley na Manaoag) is a first class municipality in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 64,578 people.

Manaoag is bordered by Pozorrubio in the north, Urdaneta City and Mapandan in the south, Laoac in the east, and San Jacinto in the west.

The most famous  Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of manaoag in Pangasinan is now a "Minor Basilica"  Pope Francis granted the title to Manaoag Church, months before his much anticipated visit to the country this January 2015 (accrdg to Leslie Ann Aquino ,Manila Bulletin    http://www.mb.com.ph/pope-elevates-manaoag-church-to-minor-basilica/

According to the website of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the title of Minor Basilica is granted to churches that been dedicated to God by a liturgical rite and must stand out as a center of active and pastoral liturgy, especially through celebrations of the Most Holy Eucharist; should be of an appropriate size and with a sufficiently large sanctuary; and has historical value or importance; and enjoys a certain renown throughout the diocese.

Among the Minor Basilicas in the country are the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila; Basilica de San Martin de Tours in Taal, Batangas; San Sebastian Church in Quiapo, Manila; Basilica del Santo Niño in Cebu City; and the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila.

It is truly a blessing to be near to a Minor Basilica in Manaoag.

 The venue of this year R1AA (Region 1 Athletic Association) 2015,Pangasinan II under the leadership of SDS Viraluz S.Raguindin . It will start on January 15-21,2015 ,a very loaded of activities  .

Definitely you will enjoy your visit  so make your booking now @ Hotel Trish #ayuyangtiaggagayem #Booking.com