WEDNESDAY is Baclaran Day. It is the day of the week when tens of thousands of people from Metro Manila and neighboring provinces converge in this small barangay in Parañaque to attend the novena and Mass at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and do some shopping on the side.
Baclaran has not always been like this. Originally a fishing village on the southern side of Manila Bay, its name is derived from the word "baklad," a bamboo fence used to trap fish until they were ready to be sold in the market. Over time, "bakladan" became Baclaran. When Dewey Boulevard (now Roxas Boulevard) was constructed in the 1910s, the northern part of the area became a hub for leisure-oriented establishments like hotels, exclusive clubs, and restaurants, while the quieter southern section became home to schools, hospitals, vacation houses, and churches. In 1932, the Redemptorist congregation established their headquarters on this side of the boulevard.
A rich history of devotion
The Redemptorists first arrived in the Philippines in 1906, bringing with them the original icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help from Germany. They initially set up a community in Opon, Cebu, before moving to Malate in 1913. In 1932, they relocated to Baclaran and built a church and parish office dedicated to Saint Therese of Lisieux. The icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help was enshrined on a high altar donated by the Ynchausti family. Once the church opened, the shrine quickly gained popularity.
The first novena in Baclaran was held on Wednesday, June 23, 1948. Since then, devotees have flocked to Baclaran every Wednesday. As the number of worshippers grew, a new and larger church became necessary. The current modern Romanesque church, the third to be built on the site, began construction in 1953 and was formally consecrated on Dec. 1, 1958.
Getting there
If you plan to bring your vehicle to Baclaran on a Wednesday, be prepared for heavy traffic. From Manila or EDSA, drive south via Roxas Boulevard, make a U-turn at Airport Road, and proceed to Baclaran. Limited parking slots are available inside the church compound, accessible via Redemptorist Road through the northern gate. Additional parking is available along the service road fronting Roxas Boulevard.
For those who prefer not to drive, the most convenient way to reach Baclaran is via the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1). The Redemptorist Station is located directly across the Baclaran Church, connected by a new pedestrian overpass.
Devotion
The novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help is a nine-Wednesday prayer seeking the intercession of Mary. Every Wednesday, the shrine holds 12 novena services, with two additional services every first Wednesday of the month.
The church itself is one of the largest in the Philippines, accommodating 2,000 seated worshippers and up to 9,000, including standing attendees, during novena and Masses. The Bell Tower, completed in 2015, features 24 automatically programmed bells that chime every 15 minutes before the start of a service. The Candle Chapel offers a serene space for devotees to light candles and pray quietly.
On the right side of the Roxas Boulevard entrance, visitors can view several art installations, including a mural depicting the horrors of war, the Flower-for-Lolas Campaign Monument commemorating victims of sexual slavery during World War II, and the Bantayog ng mga Desaparecidos, honoring the victims of the Marcos dictatorship. The Redemptorists have long been advocates for peace and justice.
Bargain hunting
Baclaran has also become a haven for bargain hunters. Originally selling only religious items, the market has expanded into one of the largest in the country. Every Wednesday, vendors sell clothes, shoes, slippers and hats at affordable prices. Baclaran is also a go-to destination for uniforms, Filipiñana costumes, and even wedding dresses.
Near the Baclaran LRT-1 Station, several buildings house wholesale outlets offering export overrun items such as T-shirts, shoes, towels and other goods that are distributed to shops across the country.
Food crawl
For a unique culinary experience, head to the nearby Seaside Seafood Market, often credited as the originator of the "paluto" (cook fresh) concept. Fishermen from Manila Bay would sell their catch at the market, and churchgoers would have the seafood cooked on-site and served in small huts or "dampa." Today, seafood from all over the country, including Roxas, Cebu, and Davao, is delivered fresh daily.
A more recent development is the "Ugbo sa Baclaran," where dozens of food stalls offer a wide array of Filipino, Persian, Korean, Japanese and halal dishes at affordable prices. Other popular food products include tinapa from Rosario, Cavite; suman and bibingka from Cainta; and salted eggs from Pateros.
A visit to Baclaran is not just a devotional journey — it is also an opportunity to enjoy great bargains and satisfy your cravings for delicious food, making it an experience that warms both the heart and the body.