Visita Iglesia - Davao Style

We were in Davao City last Maundy Thursday. We never thought that it would be possible to do a Visita Iglesia in a place that was very new to us. I must give credit to a very reliable transport system and very honest and trustworthy taxi drivers. Unlike here in Manila, where taxi drivers would either "mangongontrata," or would refuse to bring you to your destination because of proximity or traffic situation, the taxi drivers in Davao are very courteous, wouldn't refuse to bring you anywhere and would give back your change down to the last cent. And all of them have decent IDs too, pinned at the back of their seats for every passenger to see. I'm a fan of Davao taxi drivers.

Armed with our standard question of "ano po ang pinakamalapit na simbahan dito?", we were able to accomplish something which even us thought wasn't possible. With our group of 3 adults, 1 teenager and two kids, we ventured into our Holy Week tradition of Stations of the Cross cum Visita Iglesia which we started last year. We weren't able to complete our 14-church requirement (one station per church) but we considered it a feat that we were able to get to 10 churches. We finished the last remaining 4 stations on our last stop. Here's the list of churches/chapel we've been to, listed according to order of visit.

1. Gap Farm Chapel
Green Valley, Diversion Road, Ma-a, Davao City
(082) 244-0156

2. St. Francis of Assisi Parish
Don Julian Rodriguez St., corner Carlos P. Garcia Highway, Ma-a, Davao City
(082) 244-1147 / (082) 440-1285


3. San Pedro Cathedral
San Pedro St., Davao City
(082) 226-4740 / (082) 227-2317


4. St. Jude Thaddeus Parish
Malvar St., Davao City
(082) 227-5402


5. Our Lady of Assumption Parish
F. Torres St., Davao City
(082) 227-4043


6. Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish
J.P. Laurel Ave., Bajada, Davao City
(082) 227-6647 / (082) 221-2245


7.  Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish
Obrero, Davao City
(082) 227-6397 / (082) 305-2329

8. Sta. Ana Shrine Parish
Sta. Ana Avenue corner Lapu-lapu St., Davao City
(082) 227-3842


9. Our Lady of Fatima Parish
Fatima St., Davao City
(082) 227-2503 / (082) 224-5992


10. Sto. Nino Shrine (Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague)
Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City