Days before this event, I had made my decision that I will witness Pope Francis’s arrival here in the Philippines, not because I am a big fan of him but because I want to blog about this event. I mean, this thing does not happen everyday. And this is one big shot on Philippine History, so I want to be a part of it, literally. These pictures were taken 8 hours before the Pope’s arrival.

Let’s see how Philippine Authority prepared this once in a blue moon event.

As I started the journey to the hi-ways which the Pope will be parading along, I was actually impressed not only with the security and orders on these places, but most especially, what I saw behind my camera were something awesome. I mean to see these hi-ways without a jumble traffic congestion is something new. This was my first time to see Taft Ave. and some other places without smoke and noise pollution from different vehicles both public and private.

And I noticed that as soon as I walk in the middle of this hi-way and took shots of the place, others grab their phones and took their own selfies. I bet they found it amazing too. And maybe they will be posting their photo on their social media account with a caption, “before #Pope’s arrival :D” or “waiting for #Pope Francis. ;3”.

And though I fear that police officers might yell me, “Hey, no picture!” or “Why are you walking back and forth here? You’re under arrest. You look like a threat”, I know that sounds funny, but that’s the stigma when you had already faced that kind of accusation. I mean, when you work in a media production and you’re doing something without a permit, you might find yourself on that situation. Yet still, I took the risk. While my mind was telling me to stop taking pictures of police officers, I think my hands were not listening.

And maybe I could just give these officers a credit for a job well done (I hope so, and I pray for). They were really the ones who were taking care of this operation. And so let’s give them a clap.

Let’s not forget the Media people. This one was really waiting patiently on his post.

But when I felt like 8 hours was way too long for me to wait for the actual parade of Pope Francis, I then decided to go home. You might be probably asking me why the hell? I was already in the place and all I have to do was to wait. I know, and I might ask me the same question if I were in your place. But truth be told, didn’t I get what I want? I just want to capture the event and these pictures were part of the event. Part of the Philippine history. That once in a blue moon these congested hi-ways everyday were once transformed into something like a big abandoned hallway because a great visitor will walk on its way.

And just like what Pope Francis said, “I am not supposed to be the focus of the apostolic trip to the Philippines. Jesus should be the focus.”, I went back home and opened the Bible (after posting this) and reflect on the One greater than our great visitor Pope Francis; His name is Jesus.

Aside from that, this long weekend will surely put a big smile on many Filipinos.