For this year's Lent, Ray and I decided to go to Regina Rica in Tanay, Rizal. It is where the Queen of the Holy Rosary overlooks us from the top of the hills of Tanay. It is ran by sisters and has become a place for pilgrimage.
You can reach Regina Rica in the comforts of your own vehicle or via public transportation. We went there via commute and it was really tiring. It is recommended that you travel using your own car for convenience and comfort. Expect to travel the mountains of Sierra Madre and experience different kinds of weather as you go on! I mean it. We left Cogeo with the sun, met the rain at the mountains of Baras and a the-rain-just-left aura in Tanay. :)
First of all, upon entering Regina Rica, you are given a yellow sheet of paper which is like a visitor's information sheet. You should hand over the yellow sheet at the registration booth in the Pasilungan. After that you can start with any of the activities you have in mind. I listed some of the things you can do there to meditate or just simply have fun. :)
Visit the Our Lady at the Hill
There are two ways you can visit the Our Lady:
1. Climb the staircase of 308 steps - Near the first station of the Way of the Cross is also the foot of the staircase heading to the Lady. You can climb the staircase and enjoy the beautiful flowers and views as you go up to visit the Lady.
I was amazed on how big their images are. Upon reaching them, you can see the smile on their faces. :) It is really fulfilling and I felt I was really blessed.
2. Do the Way of the Cross - The first station is located just before the Pasilungan. The stations are placed around the vicinity of Regina Rica until you reach the fourteenth station which is near the SULOD where the Lady is.
As for us, unfortunately, we didn't climb the staircase. It was because Ray told me that there is also a way on the road to the chapel. I insisted to go back and use the staircase but he just told me the same thing over. Well, there you have it. We reached the SULOD using our own version of heading towards the Our Lady. I am a bit disappointed though but if I were to go back I'll climb the steps. By the way, say hello to the sheep we saw on our way to the Our Lady! :)
If you will visit Regina Rica, I suggest to use the staircase. It's because once you reach the top, there is a nun who is talking about the fulfillment of climbing the 308 steps. Well, it's still up to you! :)
Check out the Chapel
The chapel is located near the eleventh station of the Way of the Cross. This is where the 11 AM masses are held. At the back of the chapel is a veranda where you can see St. Joseph below reaching out to the Lady at the top of the hill and the mountains of Tanay.
Light a Candle
When you reach the SULOD, behind it is a place where you can light candles. The candles are color-coded depending on your prayer intention (ex. Violet = Financial Prosperity). The candles cost Php 20.00 each. We decided to light two candles, one for love and family and the other one for.. yeah, financial prosperity. ;)
You can also write your personal intentions on a piece of paper and drop it in the petition box.
I saw a stone with a quote on it just near the candle station. This is indeed a thought to ponder on:
Walk in the Labyrinth
There is a Pilgrim's Labyrinth near the SULOD which goes in circles. The sign says that you should walk slowly and pray to calm your mind. It will take around two to three rounds until you exit from where you started.
Tip: Don't walk in the labyrinth under the scorching sun. Ha-ha. LOL.
Eat at the Pasilungan
After visiting the SULOD, before going home we went back to the Pasilungan where we ate our lunch. It is written that when we purchase food, we are also feeding the nuns who run the place. What's nice though is they only offer vegetarian food, from their lumpia to the famous Rica bread.
We ordered spaghetti and bread along with our thirst quenchers, Gatorade for me and Mais con Yelo for Ray. They also have Lemongrass Tea as their welcome drink (since it's for welcome, it's free) which tastes good. You can also buy your Rica souvenirs at Pasilungan.
This is our major problem when we're on a trip with just the two of us; we can't have a picture together. So here we are managing one selca shot with the Our Lady! :)
Visiting Regina Rica was really a wonderful experience. Despite the exhausting travel, we're really happy to finally see the Lady of the Most Holy Rosary up close. I felt blessed and fulfilled. For those who are up for pilgrimage, I suggest to check out Regina Rica in Tanay. It is one of the places in the Philippines to meditate and get closer to God through our blessed Mother.
REGINA RICA
Along Marcos Highway, Sitio Aguho Sampaloc, Tanay
Contact No. (+02) 985.3878 / (+02) 401.2036
Mobile No. +639192694286 or +09192694286
http://www.reginarica.org/
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