7 Things To Do In Marilao, Philippines: Nourish Your Mind & Body

things to do in marilao philippines
Maria Lona
Maria Lona 
Updated
| 5 min read

Almost all of us spend our lives making a living, nourishing and nurturing the home and attending to our children and loved ones. It is a fulfilling task but the overwhelming responsibilities can seem dreadful, at times.

The greatest cure for this monotony is to travel, of course! When you are 10,000 miles away from home, space allows you to truly relax - and what better way to do so than with a trip to Marilao? Surrounded by flourishing bamboo forests, make the best of your trip with some of these things to do in Marilao, Philippines!

Marilao, Bulacan

Marilao is a barrio in Bulacan, the Philippines, and used to be part of Meycuayan. When Franciscan friars thrived in the area, they built the visita dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel. On the 26th of April, 1976, the barrio was converted into a pueblo and the Franciscan friars got the approval of the Archbishop of Manila to have the visita turned into a town church, whose first parish priest was Padre Vicente de Talavera. Marilao is generally an area for pilgrimage where century-old churches still stand to this day. Apart from the pilgrimage areas, it is an exciting center for cuisine.

1. National Shrine of the Divine Mercy

This structure was actually built not just to commemorate but also to immortalize the last Vision of Fatima. The first quarter of the space that stands out is the adoration chapel. Its blessing was attended by more than 5,000 people, after which came the construction of the Grotto of Our Lady of Fatima with its flowing water. Finally, more space was added for people to take time here, reflect and pray. During the season of lent, the shrine is visited by people near and far who visit the model of Calvary at the back of the church that also has a life-sized Station of the Cross.

This tourist spot in Marilao, Bulacan, was turned over to the Papal Nuncio on the 26th of June in 2005 and additional parcels of land were purchased, making this pilgrimage site one of the largest churches in the Philippines. Here, you can see Rosary Hill, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and the Grotto of the Resurrection. One can also see the Little Poland Museum which features the basement and house of Pope John II, the chapel where Sr. Faustina had the vision and the spine-chilling prison cell of Maximillian Kolbe, where he suffered.

National Shrine of the Divine Mercy

Address: Sta. Rosa I, Marilao, Bulacan

Contact: +63 (044) 893-0616/248-7255

Facebook: National Shrine of the Divine Mercy

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2. Barasoain Church

Must Visit! Barasoain Church Paseo del Congreso St, Malolos, Bulacan One of the most Historically Significant Church...

Posted by CLRAA Athletes on Sunday, 29 January 2017

This place to visit near Marilao, Bulacan, was built in 1888 and is about 42 kilometers (26 miles) from Manila. Barasoin church is also known as Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and is named after Barasoain, Spain because of similarities to the area. During that time, this place was actually used as a meeting place for anti-Spanish and anti-colonial “illustrados”, or the educated class. Interestingly, according to historians, people often forget to emphasize that this place is where the first Philippine Congress convened and passed the first Philippine Constitution, known as the Malolos Constitution, in 1898.

It should also be noted, that there are only two Presidents who have taken oaths here. The first Philippine President in 1899 and the former President Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada. Although priests and the religious will always emphasize that this place is ideal for pilgrimages, normally done during Lent, its historical significance cannot be overlooked, as the birthplace of the First Philippine Republic.

Barasoain Church

Address: Bulacan

Website: Barasoain Church

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3. San Pascual Baylon Church

Posted by Cathy S. Paguio on Thursday, 22 December 2016

San Pascual Baylon Church is a very famous house of worship. It was founded by Franciscan friars and it is where the three-day fertility rites are held annually, in honor of St. Pascual Baylon, St. Claire of Assisi and Our Lady of Salambao. In the month of May, parishioners and other devotees perform the “Kasilonawan”, now locally known as “Sayaw sa Obando”, or literally, “The Dance in Obando”. This dance is normally done inside the church and is followed by a procession on the streets. It is believed that those who have no children travel to Obando to join the three-day fertility rites, to ask for a child.

Obando Fertility Dance

Address: Bulacan

Website: Obando Fertility Dance

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4. Meyto Shrine

MEYTO SHRINE Unang lugar kung saan itinanim ang Banal na Cruz sa lalawigan ng Bulacan noong 1571. Ating puntahan sa Brgy. Meyto, Calumpit, Bulacan. HUWAG MAGING DAYUHAN SA SARILING LALAWIGAN!

Posted by PASEO DEL CONGRESO on Saturday, 20 June 2015

Holy places are very common in Bulacan, and Meyto Shrine is one of these places that can’t be missed. Authors of history books were called into question when they claimed that Calumpit Church was the first chapel and convent in Bulacan. But Father Rafael Balite, Jr., in his article in the Sandigan, dated February 1989, said that the Meyton Shrine is actually the cradle of Christianity, in Central Luzon. What Magellan’s Cross is to Cebu, Meyto Shrine is to Bulacan. It is the site where the Spaniards first set foot in Bulacan and spread Christianity to this part of the country.

Meyto Shrine

Address: Calumpit, Bulacan

Website: Meyto Shrine

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Bulacan Cuisine

As the saying goes, “You can shake the sand from your shoes but it will never leave your soul.” There is so much to travel and as we design our experiences with the goal of enriching our mind and our souls, we have to remember our sense of taste that is also an important part of creating memories.

5. Cafe Nenzo

Posted by Cafe Nenzo on Thursday, 12 January 2017

A health enthusiast will always go for foods with fewer calories. Cafe Nenzo offers you healthy snacks and meals, such as their healthy version of chicharon made from tofu or their stone-baked rolled pizza. Hand-tossed pizzas topped with curly lettuce, alfalfa sprouts, tomato salsa and a good amount of cheese are also a good choice. One can also choose the junior-sized pizza which is good for 2-3 people, or the grande sized pizza which is good for 4-6. Everything pairs well with a cool, green, weight loss smoothie.

Cafe Nenzo

Address: G/F Esperanza Mall, Mc Arthur Highway, 3020 Meycauayan

Contact: +63 (044) 323-0182/(0906) 233-2233

Facebook: Cafe Nenzo

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6. Banh Mi Ngon

Posted by Banh Mi Ngon on Friday, 3 March 2017

If you want a taste of Vietnam, in Bulacan, Banh Mi Ngon offers several varieties. Banh Mi is basically classified as a sandwich. The restaurant offers them with a choice of meat with shredded pickled carrots, radish, cucumber, cilantro and liver pate with mayo. Must-try dishes are the chicken salad, the fresh spring roll topped with siracha and the Po Ngon (beef noodle soup) where the taste of the clear and authentic broth blend well with all the other ingredients to bring you an excellent example of Vietnamese-Bulakeno fusion.

Banh Mi Ngon

Address: Stall G 2513 Don Juico Avenue Malabanias, Angeles City

Contact: +63 (919) 466-7992 , +63 (925) 886-0920

Facebook: Banh Mi Ngon

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7. Army Navy Burger + Burrito

Have a Burritoful Wednesday! #ArmyNavyPH Photo by @muffin_md

Posted by Army Navy Burger + Burrito Philippines on Wednesday, 10 June 2015

Burritos are of Mexican origin while burgers are all-American. This Marilao, Bulacan, tourist attraction brings you to the best of both worlds. Army Navy Burger + Burrito obviously specializes in the two and, if you are hungry, the steak burrito filled with juicy meat, greens, puffy rice and tons of cheese in a soft tortilla wrap is something you should explore. Of course, a meal is not complete without an ice-cold drink. Libertea is the perfect combination of freshly brewed and a powdered, sugary kind of tea. The intensity of flavor and the earthy taste complements the burritos well. This can be an arresting encounter that can bookend your Marilao experience, perfectly.

Army Navy Burger + Burrito

Address: E1, Marilao, 3019 Bulacan

Website: Army Navy Burger + Burrito

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Create memories

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Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Judgefloro used under CC0

The bewitching, historical and religious pilgrimage sites of old and the intoxicating fusion of American, Mexican and Asian dishes are some of the amazing experiences that make Marilao a complete vacation destination. In our travels we discover, grow and learn how to be someone who is mature enough to know that the transient and temporary experience of travel is just what we need to re-energize our spirit. Create your memories in Marilao.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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An educator who never believes that a doctorate degree is enough to explore a wonderful world. A mother of three who loves to bake, design and learn new things each day and an adventurer who never...Read more

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