Welcome to the Adventures of the Agnostic Catholic! This is where I review some of the churches I've been to and known, minus the point of view of a committed member of an organized religion.
As a kid who wasn't too keen in attending Sunday masses, EDSA Shrine was my redeeming exception. I remembered being excited when my mom says that we'll be hearing mass here instead of the usual Caloocan church because it meant that we'll be going to the mall after.
PROS: The primary reason that I loved it here was because IT HAS AIR CONDITIONING! With the usual antique and gargantuan churches of the Metro, this was my literal breathe of fresh air. The second one was, as a child who barely understood Tagalog before, this was the first church I've been that has masses in the English language. Even sermons get less boring if you can understand what the people are saying; This is another showcase of the wonderful works of Locsin and Abueva, plus (my favorite) Orlina's floating, glowing, green, glass sculpture. It's simply mesmerizing to look at, even during a whole hour.
CONS: It's in Ortigas Center, so expect heavy traffic and difficult parking spaces.
TL;DR: EDSA Shrine has a special place in my heart, not just because of its historic symbolism, but also because of its beauty. read more
