People eager to see Pope Francis in Luneta unperturbed by stormy weather

By: Frances Mangosing - 10 years ago

People continue to fall in line on the streets around Luneta Park to attend Pope Francis’ Mass at the Quirino Grandstand. Photo by Frances Mangosing/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – Rains did not deter Catholics from attending Pope Francis concluding Mass at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park.

Rains have continuously lashed Manila since 10 a.m. but millions still thronged at Luneta Park in raincoats and umbrellas.

A record six million attended the Mass, authorities, led by the Metro Manila Development Authority, said.

Sonia Ranosa, 66, went to Manila from Camarines Sur to hear the Mass of Pope Francis.

Sonia Ranosa

“Rain or shine, we are going. This is a rare opportunity,” she said.

Lorena Arado, 39, a housewife from Cebu, also traveled to Manila for the event.

Lorena Arado (right)

“Sinubukan namin sa Tacloban pero fully booked,” she said.

She brought her two daughters with her. Despite the rains and not being able to get in the Quirino Grandstand, for her it was all worth it

“Sulit na sulit. Nakita namin si Pope nung pagdating niya. Nag abang kami sa Roxas Boulevard. Kinawayan kami at ngumiti sa amin noon dumaan sa harapan namin,” she said.

Amelia Navarro

Amelia Navarro, 66, a vendor from Tondo, said she had hopes of seeing Pope Francis but her amputated leg prevented her from getting closer to the sea of crowd.

“Gusto ko siyang makita kaso putol yung paa ko di ako makalapit,” she said.

She came with her in-laws through a pedicab.

“Minsan lang ito mangyari sa buhay, 66 na ako, hindi ko alam ang buhay ko kung sa susunod na punta nya buhay pa ako,” she said.

Metro Manila is placed under Signal No. 1 due to Tropical Storm Amang (international name: Mekkhala). It is expected to be closest to Metro Manila in the evening, the state weather bureau said.

The storm also forced Pope Francis to cut short his trip to Leyte on Saturday, a visit that was aimed to comfort the survivors of Supertyphoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan).