Celebrating Holy Week has been a tradition for every Filipino, especially in the Philippines, allowing us to reflect, meditate, spend time on vacation with family and friends, and attend religious activities.
However, the said event is not closing doors just for a particular religion. Regardless of religion and its belief system, let’s take a moment to pause for a while from everyday responsibilities and schedules and give our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being a top priority.
With that being said, the meditation’s effectiveness can be fostered by choosing an environment where you can freely prioritize your well-being and immerse yourself in a meaningful getaway.
Hence, you don’t have to worry anymore about intending to go on a solemn retreat during Holy Week this year because here is a list of welcoming destinations for everyone where you can prioritize your spiritual life and general well-being.
1. Mount Purro Nature Reserve
Located away in the Sierra Madre Mountain Range’s foothills, this is a perfect destination for those who want to give their physical well-being the utmost priority this Holy Week, where you can enjoy different activities surrounded by nature through camping, hiking up the mountain, trekking, tree planting, and many more.
As described by previous visitors, the said destination also demonstrates how important it is to put God at the center of everything, thereby acknowledging that God, Nature, and People, are the true measures of personal and community development and reminds us to form a sense of connection, which involves praying while they are there in addition to engaging with the activities offered.
2. Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain
Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain is the first prayer resort in Southeast Asia located in Antipolo. It is an ideal place to strengthen one’s spiritual connection and cater to everyone who loves to pray and encounter God’s presence.
In addition, overnight accommodations are provided in this first prayer resort, which is an ideal getaway where they can grab the opportunity to spend their time engaging in different activities such as reflecting on nature in their garden area, worshiping in their chapel, spiritual counseling, retreats, and community-building activities.
3.Caleruega
Situated in Batangas, this retreat center is an ideal place to visit where you could probably hope to get closer to God, with retreat programs that will help each one to nurture one’s spiritual and religious well-being.
In addition, this place is an opportunity that can help in the search for serenity and a sense of reconnection with the natural environment.
In case you’re up for an adventure, they also have a hanging bridge and you can also embark on a trek until you reach the church located on the top of a hill.
4. Bahay Kalipay Retreat Center
Located in Puerto Princesa Palawan, this place embraces a holistic approach to wellness and activities, which offers a detox program, retreats, a raw vegan kitchen, and a strong sense of community along with respect for the environment, deep nature cleanses, and sound-based healing activities.
This is also an ideal place because it can teach the basics of how to achieve and maintain a healthy diet and a getaway for those who want to slow down, take a pause, and experience Palawan in a deeper sense.
5. Oasis of Prayer
This House of Spirituality under St. Hannibal Rogate Center, Inc. is a perfect place to conduct religious-related activities, such as prayer meetings, retreats, and recollections, that will help you strengthen your sense of connection with God.
Amidst the area’s solemnity and lush surroundings, this place is an ideal setting to take in the fresh air and indulge in some meditation or act of prayer.
Indeed, these ideal eco-friendly places to spend this Holy Week, offer a perfect escape from the harsh reality of our society. That is why let us remind ourselves to embrace the Holy Week’s importance as a time to reflect, thank the Lord, appreciate all the blessings, even the smallest things, and prioritize our well-being amidst nature’s beauty.
