'Geraldine Romantik' honors Orani celebration


Rep. Geraldine Roman

Catholics in the Philippines celebrate every Dec. 8 the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

The day is extra special among the faithful in Orani, Bataan and neighboring towns where a long and winding procession takes place in the early evening in honor of the Blessed Mother.

In the run-up to Christmas Day, Bataan District 1 Representative Geraldine Roman pays homage to the colorful religious celebration, complete with church music and fireworks, on the third edition of her You Tube vlog, "Geraldine Romantik," set to drop on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.

The Roman family keeps a precious collection of saints, including a 200-year old image of the Immaculate Conception which has 12 stars on its crown.

Rep. Roman says she maintains a personal devotion to the Blessed Mother in keeping a family tradition.

Bataan itself takes pride in being home to the Nuestra Senora del Rosario del Orani, believed to be 400 years old. Known for being miraculous (many favors are attributed to her), the Virgin of Orani attracts visitors from everywhere around the country and abroad.