The Antipolo Cathedral is a historic Roman Catholic cathedral and a prominent pilgrimage site, formally recognized as the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage.

Known locally as the Immaculate Conception Parish, this cathedral is renowned for housing the revered image of Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje, a Black Madonna depiction of the Blessed Virgin Mary that was brought from Acapulco, Mexico via a galleon ship in 1626.

This 17th-century wooden statue has become a symbol of pilgrimage for generations of Filipinos seeking safety and tranquility on their journeys.

When organizing a day trip to Antipolo, or any other town or city for that matter, it is prudent to check all the possible destinations that can be visited in that location.

Based on the time, energy, and budget you are prepared to invest, draft your itinerary by first outlining the places in the sequence you intend to explore them.

Personally, I find Google Maps to be an invaluable resource for pinpointing locations and determining the most efficient route to take.

For example, for this day trip to Antipolo, I have identified four destinations I would want to visit on this particular day. These include Antipolo Cathedral, Cloud 9 View Deck, Pinto Art Museum and Arboretum, and Boso Boso Highlands Resort, in that order.

In this post, though, I will be focusing solely on our visit to the Cathedral, and cover the other mentioned destinations in subsequent posts.

While visiting Antipolo Cathedral on your own is likely the simplest and most budget-friendly option, foreign guests and locals from other regions may want to consider online booking platforms that offer guided day tours to the Cathedral, along with other attractions in Antipolo City.

These all-in tours tend to be pricier, though, as they usually include lunch and round-trip transfers from various locations within Metro Manila. If you find this option appealing, you can book your tour via the online platforms listed below. Just be sure to confirm what is included in the package.

Whatever arrangement you choose, I strongly advice you go on a weekday, to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more peaceful visit.

Remember that the Cathedral is a place of worship, so please dress modestly. Refrain from wearing shorts and sleeveless tops.

The cathedral is located in the heart of Antipolo City, some 19km away or about an hour’s drive from where I stay in Mandaluyong City, the central hub of Metro Manila.

If bringing your own vehicle, parking is available but can be difficult on Sundays, especially during the traditional pilgrimage season that begins on the first Tuesday of May and concludes on the first Tuesday of July.

If traveling via public transport, you have three choices: by bus, UV Express, or LRT. For more information on how to utilize public transport, click here.

We decided to bring our own car and left around 5:00am to avoid the morning rush hour, particularly along Ortigas Avenue Extension, which can become quite congested. We arrived shortly after 6:00am so finding a place to park was not a concern at that time.

6:10am. Arrival at destination.

To be continued ...