Revisiting Monasterio de Tarlac

August 25, 2013: "Welcome Home!" The priest welcomed all the pilgrims to the place of prayer and meditation.  The Monasterio is the place where one can be with God and nature.  We heard the Sunday pilgrim mass at 10:30.  After the mass, the veneration of the True Relic of the Cross of Christ to the public was held.

Located at the barangay of Lubigan in the town of San Jose, Tarlac, the Monasterio was a 3 hour drive from Antipolo via SCTEX.  Upon entering the Luicita exit, we tuned in to Radio Maria at 99.7 FM.  The radio program prepared us spiritually where prayers and religious songs in the tune of nursery rhymes were played.  Since we reached the place early, we were able to find a good place under the tree outside the monastery to hear the mass.

For lunch, we had a picnic with the family of John's Ninong Jun, his boss Jun and Sir Jun's sister and family.

It was truly another trip to remember.

Field of Faith

August 9, 2013;  It's another day-off from work in celebration of the end of Ramadan and the first day of  the Islamic month of Shawwal known to us as Eidul-Fitar.  We took this opportunity to drive to Calauan Laguna and search for the Field of Faith known to the locals simply as rosary garden.

Upon reaching the place, one can feel the solemnity and peacefulness of the place.  A pilgrimage site for those looking for a place for prayer and meditation.  One can pray the rosary by walking the path from Joyful, Sorrowful, Luminous and Glorious mysteries.  Written along these paths were inspiring quotes that one can mediate on.  A luminous cross on top of the hill, Stations of the Cross nailed to the coconut trees and a Shekinah wishing walls can truly help you find God and your inner self.

You can also trace the Labyrinth path, tile per tile, for meditation and prayer.  Labyrinth walk is the western style of prayer and meditation for the early Christians.

We were truly blessed that we came across this private garden in the town of Calauan.

Rizal Shrine Calamba

June 9, 2013: The Philippines is celebrating it's 115th Independence day this coming June 12.  We had brought the kids to Calamba Laguna to see the birthplace of our our national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal.  His ancestral house was restored to its previous glory which stands beside the Calamba church and infront of the municipal hall.

It was a memorable trip down history lane.

Tayabas Quezon Roadtrip

June 2, 2012: On a rainy weekend, we drove all the way to Tayabas Quezon.  It was a 138 kilometer drive south of Luzon from Antipolo City via the backdoor route.  After 3 hours of lush green scenery we reached our destination, The Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel.  It is the largest Catholic church in Quezon province.  Built during the Spanish colonial era, it is now considered as one of the most beautiful churches in the country.

 
 

Surprised that a replica of the Black Nazarene was waiting for us inside the church, we paused and prayed for his continued guidance.

 

We spent the night at Batis Aramin in Lucban and heard the Sunday morning mass at the Kamay ni Hesus shrine which was just across the street before driving back home.

Panata tuwing Huwebes Santo

March 28, 2013: This year, we had our bisita iglesia in Antipolo area only.  We started our Stations of the Cross at our parish church, The Transfiguration of Christ Jesus.  Below are the list of churches that we had visited:
- Antipolo Cathedral
- Parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
- Shrine of St. Marie Eugenie
- St. Anthony of Padua Church
- St. Therese of the Child Jesus
- Sta. Maria Della Strada