14th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Palm Sunday at Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto

My family and I traveled to Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto to attend Palm Sunday mass. It is one of the most visited church in Metro Manila during the Holy Week. People from all walks of life were present. All waiving their decorative palm fronds or 'Palaspas', in Filipino, as the priest and ministers enters the church down to the altar. It resembles Jesus Christ's entrance Jerusalem. It was a beautiful scene to witness, sea of greens and hands waiving. You will feel the sense of faith, unity and peace. A rare place to be In a tough world we live in. I did not hesitate to pull my camera, for me it was a moment that needs to be captured. It was a bit of a challenge, it was low light and a lot of motion going on. I took several shots until I came to this image. It is a combination of sharpness and blur. Sharpness represents steadiness and hope. While blur represents, motion and freedom to express one's faith.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 03.2016
Date Uploaded: 03.2016
Photo Location: San Jose Bulacan, Philippines
Copyright: © Christian Querobines