I attended one of the novena masses with my mom and sister. We usually stay after the novena to pray, esp. when people are few and the bright lights are dimmed. It is more solemn. After praying, I told my mom to go ahead with my sister. We live very near the church and walking home was no biggie.
During that time, I brought my cam with the intention to chance on some photos before leaving. When I was starting to get the angles and test my shots, a ladder suddenly blocked my view. I saw a group of ladies instructing a man to arrange some flowers. I didn't let the opportunity pass. I approached the man and handed him my cam. I asked him if he could take shots since he's already up there. But one of the ladies insisted that I climb and take the photos myself and I quote, "Para mas maganda!", which I did.
The ladder was sturdy and I climbed to the highest level. I'm not scared of heights, but when I saw the Queen up-close, my legs started to tremble. The presence was so strong that I was stunned for a second or two. I totally forgot about all the people around me. It was just the Queen and I.
I heard someone shouting at me, "Anong ginagawa mo diyan?!" (What are you doing there?!). But if I could remember it right, I just stared at him blankly and looked back at the Queen. The second shout, "Bumaba ka diyan!" (Come down now!), brought me back to my senses. It was the security head asking me to come down. Fortunately, I managed to take some photos. But unfortunately, I was asked to leave the church.
This was by far the most intimate moment I had with the Queen. I may not have the privilege to come close to Her, kiss Her manto, nor kiss Her hands; but by just feeling Her presence was beyond fulfillment.