2025 Camino de Peñafrancia (Day 0)

Here’s a last-minute checklist: Inside my backpack, I’ve packed socks, hiking shirts, underwear, hiking pants, my cellphone, a GoPro, a headlamp, bath soap, a laundry bag, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a power bank.

Miscellaneous items include a water bottle, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, a sleeping bag, and sunscreen.

Even though I have completed many Caminos, I still feel unprepared. I often become jittery, anxious, and uneasy. My knee sometimes hurts, and the discomfort shifts between my left and right foot. My ankle tends to give out, and I experience a burning sensation from plantar fasciitis when I stand still for too long.

“Ready or not, the Camino de Peñafrancia 2025 begins.”

This morning, I finished packing. Before we head to the Naga Bus Terminal at 11:00 AM, I need to remind some pilgrims leaving from Ocampo to Daraga and offer them encouragement, as this is when they often start to doubt themselves.

One by one, they arrived at our designated meeting point. Our Peñafrancia bus is scheduled to depart at 12:00 noon. As Filipinos, we have a tendency to push the limits of our bus schedules. The bus always leaves on time, and if you miss it, you’ll be on your own for the rest of your journey.

The waiting is over. Who will arrive on time? I bought ten bus tickets: two for seniors (160.00 pesos each) and eight for adults (200 pesos).

At 10:30 AM, Shanhie Consulta and Noli Felezmino were already waiting at the bus terminal. One by one, other passengers began to arrive. The bus departed promptly at noon. Bon Abias almost missed it; as usual, he was late and had to wait for the bus to arrive in Tri-City.

We arrived at Daraga Church at 2:30 PM. After a brief photo session with the picturesque church, we finally met Father Tony Sial, the parish priest. We were welcomed with open arms and shown to our quarters, where we would spend the night. He also instructed the staff to prepare dinner for the 13 pilgrims.

Tonight we planned to attend the 5:30 mass.  Lights out will be at 10:00 pm, and our wakeup call is at 4:00 am.  The departure time is scheduled for 5:00 a.m.