The Shrine of Ina Poon Bato in Botolan
English: Photos of landmark and heritage church, most famous Icon of, in the ---National Shrine of Ina Poon Bato of Botolan[1] Loob-bunga Resettlement , Botolan, Zambales -- The Fiesta Poon Bato, "Apo Apang" (Little Queen) held January 23–24, is a religious festival that attracts up to 500,000 devotes. In 1991 the shrine was moved to the nearby resettlement area of Loob-Bunga after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo destroyed the original site. [2] INA POON BATO -Mary in the Realm of Filipino Folklore[3][4] [5] Episcopal coronation of ‘Ina Poon Bato’ -- Bishop Florentino Lavarias of the Diocese of Iba, Zambales, performed the rites of episcopal coronation of “Ina Poon Bato” on Jan. 23 2013 in her shrine in Loob-Bunga, Botolan, Zambales. “Ina Poon Bato” is the patroness of Zambales, and the propagation of her devotion nationwide and overseas has been led by Roselynn Magsaysay for over 30 years now. Features include cultural dancing from local Aeta tribes in the town plaza on the first night. [6] The image of the Virgin Mary is a replica sculpted by Maximo Vicente, father of Mother Therese and noted sculptor of holy icons. He based his work on the wooden image of what the Aeta tribes in Zambales have been venerating for centuries. The image is believed to antedate the discovery of the tribes and their habitat by Spanish missionaries. The Aeta call the image "Apo Apang" which in their vernacular means "Little Queen." It is believed that the Virgin revealed herself in pre-Spanish times to an Aeta named Djadig. During the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991, the stone statue was buried shoulder-deep in a hill named Rosaban. It required at least 12 men to lift the icon. The image found her home in Loob-bunga Resettlement in Botolan, Zambales where thousands of devotees gather during her feastday on January 23.[7][8][9]The Aetas’ ‘Apo Apang’ Ina Poon Bato[10]In 1607, shortly after the Augustinian Recoleto Missionaries arrived in Zambales, they heard stories of the Miraculous Lady of the Aetas.Thinking this to be part of their "anito worship",the priest wanted to see the miraculous Lady.Upon seeing the image,the Recoletos missionaries were amazed."This is unbelievable",cried the young friar."It's our Blessed Mother! How can she be here ahead of us!"the older priest said ,"She must have paved the way for our coming." ---The friars transferred the image to the Church.There She stayed until after the Philippine Revolution.After executing the Parish priest,Fr. Julian Jimenez, patriot rebels took the image to their newly established church, The Philippine Independent Church. In 1976, a columban priest, Rev. Fr. Patrick Duggan ordered a replica made of the Ina Poon Bato image by the famous religious scultor, Maximo Vicente. In 1981, moved by an inner prompting ,Mother Therese Vicente H.F.J., Foundress of the Holy Face of Jesus, borrowed the image and brought it to Mrs.Rosellyn Enciso Magsaysay for her to promote the devotion.The diocese of Zambales,under His Eminence Bishop Henry Byrne,gave the devotion and the mission ecclesiastical approval.Then Fr.Duggan asked Rosellyn Magsaysay to replace his wooden Statue at the grotto that was damaged due to exposure to the rain and sunlight. Then restored by Mrs. Rosellyn Magsaysay.Fr. Duggan gave the wooden statue to her as a gift.Which is now known as the International Pilgrim Image that has been canonically blessed by Pope John Paul II in St. Peter Square,Vatican,Rome. Since then Ina Poon Bato has been to nearly all the Dioceses in the Philippines.She visited various States in America,Europe and Asian countries.In Rome,accompanied by Archbishop Paciano Ancieto,D.D.,the image was blessed by Pope John Paul II.(see photos below)The new shrine now located in Poon Bato,Loob Bunga Resettlement Site,Botolan Zambales , that was built by the devotees of Ina Poon Bato,spearheaded by Ina Poon Bato Foundation assisted by Governor Vic Magsaysay(Zambales).[11]