This basilica is filled with childhood memories. I remember a little girl who would visit with her family every Holy Week. We would drive through SLEX and go on church hopping. I remember a random afternoon when the church was empty and quiet.



The image of a dark Jesus in a black horse became familiar over the years. I remember running around the biggest church in Asia in my pretty Sunday dress.

Years passed and we visited other towns and churches. This year, I returned to the basilica like it was something new and old at the same time. We've both changed. The "Taal" sign was different.

This was the first time I was able to go up the bell tower. Perhaps my mother never knew we could pay Php50.00 to see the view of Taal town. I remember the old adoration chapel at the side.

The bell tower offers a panoramic view of the town as the wind blows in your face.



It's like seeing the place with a different set of eyes.

This won't be the last time I'll visit the basilica again.