BEACHES AND CHURCHES: The Cathedral of the Diocese of Kidapawan and some churches in the diocese.

I was invited by the Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice, and Peace (ECSA-JP) to participate in the Third Bike for Kalikasan, held in Cagayan de Oro City. The event featured a 26-kilometer mountain bike ride around the city, with over 250 bikers joining. Bishop Colin Bagaforo, Chairman of ECSA-JP, kindly brought an extra mountain bike from Kidapawan for me to use.

After the ride, we traveled to Kidapawan and stayed overnight. The next day, a Sunday, we attended the fiesta in M'lang, where Bishop Colin celebrated Mass. I had the chance to briefly reconnect with my relatives, the Piñol family, after the Eucharistic celebration.

Following the Mass, a parade was held through the town, featuring floats from various barangays, beautifully decorated with native fruits and ornaments. The parade concluded behind the church, where a groundbreaking ceremony took place for the construction of a new parish church.

On our return to Kidapawan, I was finally able to visit the Cathedral—a special moment for me as it was the last cathedral in the country I had yet to enter. Ten years ago, during my last visit to Kidapawan, I had only seen it from the outside as I passed by.

In the afternoon, we proceeded to Davao City where a Dinner for a Cause was held at the Dakong Balay of the Reyes family for the Caritas Philippines. Was able to pass by one more town of Cotabato, Makilala, which was along the way.