2025 Camino de Peñafrancia (Day 3)
Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Polangui, Albay to
St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Buhi, Cam Sur
Distance: 24 km
Today, the pilgrims on the Camino de Peñafrancia crossed the provincial boundary from Albay to Camarines Sur. Out of the original 14 pilgrims, only 11 have continued on to complete their journey; the others will join later. This leg of the journey is the most challenging, as it involves a long uphill climb through a less populated area with limited food and water supplies. Our trimobile transportation managed to navigate the incline with a lot of effort, as it was packed with backpacks and luggage.
The weather was pleasant throughout the climb. They crossed into the boundary of Camarines Sur at 10:14 AM. Our trimobile support finally came through and brought us a water supply. It might be a good time for a coffee break; they wish there were a Jollibee or McDonald’s nearby to help us refuel with some energy.
The pilgrims had traveled 12 kilometers, which is nearly halfway to their final destination. Unfortunately, there was no food in sight, except for the leftovers from the previous night’s dinner.
They arrived at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church at 10:44 AM. This first parish is located on the border of Camarines. They still need to cover another 7.6 kilometers to reach St. Francis of Assisi in Centro, Buhi.
All 11 pilgrims reached their final destination at 2:10 PM. Suddenly, heavy rain began pouring and continued into the late night, with intermittent showers. The pilgrims’ mass was scheduled for 6:00 PM, and some new pilgrims arrived before it started. The group of 13 pilgrims from Ocampo was able to catch up in time for the mass. After the service, the parish church hosted a dinner for the pilgrims in a “budol” style.
We ended the night with a few reminders for the pilgrims, and lights out was set for 10:00 PM.
Regarding my personal health issue, I returned to Naga to consult my doctor. He prescribed two types of medicine, which have somewhat reduced the pain; however, my toe is still swollen, and I am unable to wear my hiking shoes.
BUEN CAMINO!
VIVA LA VIRGEN!
VIVA DIVINO ROSTRO!
About the Author
DENNIS T. MARPURI graduated from Ateneo de Naga High School. He was an independent IT consultant in the US and worked in nine different states doing contracts primarily with Federal government agencies and Fortune 500 companies. He also became a professional photographer covering NCAA college sports. Now retired, he and his wife love to travel to Europe. They divide their time between Northern California with their immediate family and Ocampo, Camarines Sur, his hometown, where he promotes mountain biking for the local youth. He is the founder and principal advocate of Camino de Penafrancia.
