

In any case, we found the Manila Cathedral decked with impressive lights. A beneficiary of the Meralco's "Maliwanag ang Pasko" project(Christmas is bright), the church looked regal and stately, befitting its stature as a minor basilica. The message of a brighter future is evident in the way the church shone bright amidst the dark surroundings inviting the faithful to congregate and pray that next year would be better.
Nearby San Agustin is less opulently-lit but is no less overflowing with churchgoers. Earlier, ironwulf found out from one of the security personnel of the nearby Palacio de Gobernador that shooting the churches is prohibited during the daytime. I think that's a pity because they're really treasures that are ought to be shown to more people.
For our third church, we stopped by at a favorite, the minor basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz. Otherwise more popularly known as the Binondo church, it is not bedecked in fancy lights but rather festooned with paper stars and the omni-present banderitas. (Incidentally, we also stopped by Quiapo church but were a wee bit disappointed to see it not really lit up for the season. maybe a case of energy conservation or something else.)

