About Simala Shrine

Cebu Simala Ruines - Cebu Simala Tour - Simala Tour site - SimalaThe Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, popularly known as the Simala Shrine or Simala Church is located in Marian Hills, Lindogon, Simala, Sibonga, Cebu. It was built in 1998 by the Marian Monks from Pampanga. It used to be just an ordinary church until after the incidents of miraculous events. One of which is the shedding of tears of the Mother Mary’s image. It paved the way for the shrine’s popularity with devotees constantly flocking the area.

There are various reasons why people come to visit the Simala Shrine. For Catholic devotees, the main reason why they visit the place is for them to offer their devotion, prayers, and petitions to the Virgin Mary with a hope that each petition and devotion will be answered. Another reason is for healing of physical and spiritual illness. For some, especially for non-catholics, visiting the shrine is for adventure and curiosity purposes only. The amazing structure and architecture of the shrine will really leave someone in awe.

Here are the things that are not supposed to be done inside the Shrine:

    • Taking pictures with flash

 

  • Wearing revealing clothes (for ladies: mini skirts, short shorts, see through blouses and pants, tube and crop tops)

*Note: There are shawls or cloaks for rent at Php20.00 each for those who was not able to bring a skirt.

    • Smoking and drinking alcoholic drinks

 

    • Shouting and making loud noises

 

  • Wearing of footwear inside the prayer room

 

For Catholic Devotees, here is the mass schedule in Simala Shrine:

    • Sunday 12:00 noon and 3:30pm

 

    • Monday to Friday 12:00 noon

 

    • Saturday 10:30amCebu Simala

 

  • 13th of the month 10:30am and 3:30pm

When visiting the shrine to offer a petition or prayer, there are candles for sale (more or less Php35.00). Each color has a corresponding purpose. Here is a guide:

    • White – Purity : enlightenment, guidance, right path, etc.

 

    • Yellow – Peace : courage, strength, hope

 

    • Violet – Achievements : plans in life, journey, struggles, endeavors, voyage

 

    • Red – Love : unity, family,  friendship, engagement

 

    • Pink – Thanksgiving, Happiness, Joy : physical, spiritual

 

    • Orange- Reconciliation : sweetheart, husband, wife, family, enemy

 

    • Gray – Deliverance : bad ways, things, spirits

 

    • Green – Prosperity and Success : financial, business, study, exam

 

    • Gold – Healing : good health, spiritual, recovery, family tree

 

    • Cream – Conversion and Faith : household, children, couples

 

    • Brown – Vocation : marriage bond, single life, God’s servant

 

    • Blue – Perseverance : employment, career, promotions, assignment

 

  • Black – Souls : pardon, forgiveness

How to Get There:

    • From any point in the Philippines/world, book a flight going to Cebu.

 

    • From the airport, ride a cab going to the south bus terminal.

 

    • Board a bus going to Sibonga. The bus ride will take more or less 2 hours and 30 minutes. Another option is to ride a van which more expensive than the bus. Renting a cab can be another option but will cost around Php2,000.00 to Php3,000.00 for a round trip ride.

 

  • From the drop off in Lindogon, ride a tricycle or motorcycle going to the shrine.

Since the Simala Shrine was built for religious purposes, it is best to pay respect when visiting the area. Whether Catholic or non-Catholic, it is still best to give and offer an utmost respect for the belief of others. For some, the shrine may just be a place for photography and adventure but keep in mind that for the believers, the place is sacred.