Monastery
The Silence of Monasterio de Tarlac
Posted by Potpot - 12387 Views
- November 25th, 2011
- in Destinations, Philippines
- 4 Comments
We all live in a world that spins so fast. Technology accelerates on a break-neck speed. It automates everything and makes us all thrive in a seemingly virtual world. Humans are racing with time in an unimaginable speed to cope with day-to-day changes. Amidst all these madness, the Monasterio de Tarlac stands still – peaceful, solitary & beautiful.
Set on the summit of Mt. Resurrection in Brgy. Lubigan, San Jose, Tarlac, this monastery is home to the Servants of the Risen Christ Monastic Community. It enshrines the relic of the True Cross of Jesus, believed to be the only fragment of the cross left in Asia. From the lowlands of Lubigan, the 30-foot statue of The Risen Christ stands imposing in this 278-hectare Eco-Tourism Park.
The experience of serenity begins as one starts the steep climb on a narrow & winding road to the summit. The view of the sprawling ricefields of Tarlac ushers every guest to a different kind of travel experience. Upon reaching the gates of the monastery, religious chants reverberate throughout the silent kingdom of peace. From the view deck, a relaxing panorama of the hills set before a backlit sky and the crows flying low on the fields create a feeling of stillness, as if the world stopped spinning.
The Monasterio de Tarlac is constructed with so much intricacy in building design. It is filled with trees, bushes and flowers. But its excesses are subdued by the deafening silence. This is haven for those who wish to get spiritual reflections, rejuvenating a weary soul from the harried world and just be in commune with nature. Despite the vast open space, it weaves an indescribable feeling of closeness with nature and God.
Solace. Peace. Redemption. Monasterio de Tarlac.
Travel Tips
- There is no public transport going up to the monastery. It is expected that you bring your own vehicle.
- You may hire a tricycle from the main highway in San Jose but it can be very costly.
- Don’t complain of the very far location because it is really meant to be that way (monasteries are constructed far away from the noise of the city).
- There is a store that sells refreshments but it closes early.
- The best time to visit the Monastery is early morning and in the mid-afternoon.
- No fees are collected in the Monastery.
- Contemplative monks live there so always follow the rule of absolute silence.
- Clean as you go, as always.
Betwixt and between the arthritic 40 and a horrendous body mass index of positive 30, escapism and yummyeology are my real-life double post-graduate degrees conferred with the highest honors. I lived nearly half of my life in fancy suitcases, jetsetting between reality and fantasy... read more
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Comments ( 4 )
Thanks Gwacie. Hope you can visit this place too.
So nice Pot! Parang nasa Europe.