In Zambales, wooden image of Ina Poon Bato continues to draw pilgrims

Pilgrims gather at a camp site at the village of Loob in Botolan, Zambales to celebrate the feast of Ina Poon Bato. JOANNA ROSE AGLIBOT

BOTOLAN, Zambales–Devotees of the Blessed Virgin Mary gathered here once more to see the wooden image of Ina Poón Bato for some deep reflection or to seek miraculous cures on Friday (Jan. 24), her feast day, at a shrine hosted by the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI or the Aglipayan church).

Aglipayan priest Fr. Rino Tristan Soliman was among those who led the Novena and Mass for Apo Apang (the other name for the image which
means Little Queen) days before the feast.

According to some pilgrims, more and more devotees come here every year for the feast although no data were immediately available.

Accounts, both historical and mythical, say the Aeta had been worshiping a wooden statue set on a rock in the 17th century when Spain began its colonization of the country. The image was soon associated with the Virgin Mary, prompting the Catholic Church to dub
the image as Ina Poón Bato (Mother of the Lord Rock).

A chapel of the Aglipayan church is filled with Marian devotees. JOANNA ROSE AGLIBOT

Ina Poón Bato survived the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo.

Chinita Piloli, 63, said she proceeded to the Apo Apang Shrine with her family as early as Jan. 22 to beat the crowd.

An Apo Apang devotee, Piloli said they camped at the bottom of the hill near the church every year to show their devotion.

“We have done this for more than decade. Now I see more people come to Her so we come early so can be ahead of the line,” she said.

Angela Egalia, 47, said they have also gone to the shrine two days earlier, always packing enough food for the long vigil.