good friday 2018 | BATANGAS

On Good Friday of 2018 we hit the road going to Batangas to visit the newly-built Montemaria Shrine, said to be the world’s tallest statue of Mama Mary. The statue was actually not yet finished that time, there were still trashes around it but it was already open to public. The road going to the shrine was quite far and rough especially if you pass the Lobo trail from Batangas city. I think there was also an ongoing road construction during that time that’s why the road was not so friendly. We didn’t use Waze, we only followed road signs leading to the shrine. And it’s easy to locate because you can see the statue of Mama Mary even from afar.

The former Montemaria Oratory in Bgy. Amuyong, Alfonso

If you have been reading my old blog, you must have read that we’ve been visiting Montemaria since 2012. Not this pilgrimage site in Batangas but the one in Amuyong, Alfonso were the late Father Fernando Suarez held healing mass every 3^rd Sunday of the month. We had our last visit there in January of 2014 before it’s closure on the same year because Father Suarez decided to return the land to SMC following the lingering issues with him and tirades by detractors. I feel sorry for the late priest. 😔

Anyhow, back at the new site of Montemaria in Batangas City. The location was so infinite, perfect for pilgrimages. It overlooks the Batangas port and nearby islands. If not for the very hot and humid weather that time we could have explored the site a little more. 🥵

The stairways heading to the chapel has pictures depicting the 14 stations of the cross, it helped that we were able to climb without even noticing the number of steps because we stopped and prayed at all stations. Many devotees were doing the same but so you don’t burn your silky skins (which I guess was one of the positive effects of unlimited quarantine 😁), do the station prayers at early morning even before 8am or you can take chance and apply plenty of sunscreen or schedule a late afternoon visit. We finished the station before 10am and the burning sensation was too much to handle. Bring plenty of drinking water, in our case we brought a cooler so we don’t have to buy overpriced bottled drinks.

The mass already ended when we reached the chapel but we still stepped inside to pray and sit and rest for a while. The very hot weather that time almost exhausted all the energy I have but looking at the scenery from the view deck, it’s breathtaking. God truly has made everything beautiful. 💗

For more info about Montemaria, like mass schedule and this Holy Week schedules, please visit HERE.

We drive back to Batangas City before lunch time because there’s no restaurants nearby, and because it’s Good Friday almost all establishments were closed. Luckily, we chanced an eatery. Irene’s Bulalo sa Kubo is along the National Road, they served grilled foods, beer match (pulutan), lomi and of course bulalo.

We ordered grilled bangus and eggplant, grilled pork belly for the non-devotee and lomi. It was an affordable and delicious lunch, thank you to Tita Josie who sponsored our lunch. 😊

Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Sacred Heart Tower

Right after lunch we planned to head home but thinking that the trip was not sulit yet, we visited another pilgrimage site. The Marian Orchard is located in Balete, Batangas. It is a spiritual oasis that will promote the Roman Catholic religion through the propagation of Marian devotion and other religious activities that will inspire a renewal of faith.

When I first saw its pictures, I was really captivated because it looks very scenic and charming and solemn. And I was right, the site was very attractive in person. There were too many to see inside including the life-size depiction of the stations of the cross. The trail was tiring but worth it especially if you are practicing penance. The bonus part of the trail —a water station where you can drink or refill your tumblers and the shaded and green pathway.

Took these photos by the way.

1. Two Hearts Promenade

2. The Ruins

3. Mary Mediatrix Garden Plaza

4. At the Hall of Petitions

5. Miraflores

6. with Family at the Garden Steps leading to the Via Crucis Garden

7-8. Chimes of Mary

9-12. snaps at Via Crucis Garden

For more info about The Marian Orchard, please click HERE.

Entrance at The Marian Orchard is not free. I think we pay more than P50 during our visit so if you’re not comfy or pleased going to pilgrimage sites with entrance fees, turn around there are other places to visit in Batangas without fees, I just remember I haven’t blog our visit to Padre Pio. By the way, there are stores inside and plenty of corners to sit down while trying to cool down.

On our way home before the exit, we dropped by this Bee Farm that sells honey, wild honey to be exact that’s why it’s slightly pricey compared to what I usually buy in Mahogany market. I got just a few bottles because I normally take honey when I feel under the weather.

Arriving home, I feel blessed, you know that light mood that tells you everything is just right, that everything falls into place. As we approached the Holy Week, let’s continue to do penance —prayer, fasting and almsgiving. I wish everyone a blessed Lenten season. 🙏

For this year, we’re not decided yet because we’re North bound to spend the Holy Week but I doubt we can squeeze the church visitation while we’re there because we have too many errands to attend to.  So, let’s cross fingers that we can do our yearly Visita Iglesia before we close this month. 🙂