An Overnight Encounter with Him at the Prayer Mountains

It was past 2 in the afternoon when I took another Jeepney ride to Cogeo market to find the jeepney route to Paenaan where the prayer mountain is located. I’s almost 4 in the afternoon when i reached Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain.

At the entrance I had to register and leave my ID. To those who wanted to get here, make sure to have a reservation as there are a lot of people during weekends. After logging in, the guard gave me my reservation slip and told me to proceed to the admin office  so I can settle my dues. I then proceed to the Female Dorm to rest and freshen up. I had a bumpy, dusty and exhausting ride going up here. Few minutes later, I found myself roaming and familiarizing the different spots I needed for my stay.

The Hallway to the Private Rooms and it’s Air-conditioned (2 pax @ 1200 and 4 pax @ 2400)

Female Dormitory (Fanned Room @ Php 250.00/person)

Fish pond where you can stay and unwind

Main Hall where gatherings and events are being held

Prayer Cells (this is the friendliest spot, a place for meditation and reflection)

Cafetorium ( serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks from 6 AM to 9 PM)

PC #23, you know what this means :)

It felt really good finding the time to spend an overnight weekend here. This by far can be considered as one of my most important travel for this year. Being alone, in a prayer cell/room felt surreal. Away from any distractions like what I used to have back home. I don’t have to think of anything at this time but myself and what this life is all about. As I read through the scriptures, I see not just words but a whole new meaning. I thought about my life in the: Past, Present and Future and this made me realize how blessed I am, how God has provided and taken care of me all throughout and of course we all know how emotional I can get, the next has been overflowing tears; might be regrets or joy I couldn’t describe it. I played “Take me Out of the Dark and Warrior is a Child”, these are my all time favorite songs. There maybe questions left unanswered but it’s all up to Him. All I know is that the moment I got out from that cell, I felt lighter.

After my ‘me time’ and clearing my mind inside the prayer cells, I hang out in the cafetorium while writing my journals. Facing the mountains while listening to soothing music gives me the relaxation and peace of mind I needed to think and compose myself.

It was a short stay at the Prayer Mountains but achieved my ultimate goal and went back full of hope and happy smiles and ready to conquer my fears. I have reloaded for my next battle and this in turn will help me face life with positivity, strength and gratefulness. My perspective will change as I move forward, that’s for sure.

Address : Bgy. San Jose , Sitio Calumpang, Antipolo, Rizal. Office Landline : 986-15-27. Mobile # 0917 840 12 88.

FX from Megamall – Antipolo RT (Php 50.00/way)
Php 100.00

Jeepney Fare from Antipolo Proper – Cogeo Market RT (Php 16.00/way)
Php   16.00

Jeepney Fare from Cogeo Market – Prayer Mt RT (Php 21.00/way)
Php   42.00

Accommodation (Dormitory)
Php 250.00

Dinner and Breakfast
Php 205.00

Other Expenses (Tric from Antipolo to Eds House)
Php   50.00

Total Expenses

Php 663.00

Technorati Tags: Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain

A Detour in Antipolo, Rizal

The road to the unknown overwhelms my spirit and as the journey towards strange places continue,I couldn’t help but feel a little bit worried if I am indeed taking the right way to my destination. This journey to the unknown makes traveling a little exciting and I missed doing this for the longest time ever. I missed traveling solo.

May weekends should be a series of beach bumming and exploration but I finally decided to take a weekend off my regular trips and head to the mountains of Antipolo. This should be a back to back getaway but my body reminded me that I am still human and sometimes I need to take a break.

There you go, at 830 in the morning, I found myself walking towards FX Ride to Antipolo with my usual weekend self, backpack, camera and this time I carry something very essential for this trip. My journals :)

After roughly 45 minutes, I finally reached Antipolo City. According to the informative WIKI, it is a city in the Philippines located in the Province of Rizal; about 25 kilometers east of Manila. It is the largest city in the CALABARZON Region. It is also the seventh most populous city in the country. The city is popular for being a pilgrimage site. It prides itself as the "Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines." The Marian image of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage or the Virgin of Antipolo, which was brought in from Mexico in 1626, and enshrined in the Antipolo Cathedral has a continuous following among Filipino Catholics since the Spanish era. Said to be the patron saint for sailors and travelers. I didn’t know this until I landed here. So there, I am now aware whom to call and pray for each time I travel.

It was a fine and hot sunny Saturday in Antipolo and my first stop is of course, the Church. Just before I  entered, a lady approached me and gave me prayer leaflets and rosary in exchange for a donation. I brought them with me inside the church. I attended mass and took pictures after. As much as I would like to stay and take more images, the place is just too crowded and there’s an ongoing mass all throughout the day. So, maybe next time, I might get the chance to roam inside.

 

 

 

I hailed a tricycle going to my friend’s place. I was surprised that I have to pay Php 50.00, according to her it’s a special trip. yay! We went to her friend’s place and grab some lunch. We did a little chit chatting, recalling our childhood days and how we missed our beloved hometown.  So long my friend, till we meet again. It was nice seeing you and your kiddos.

 ‘

 

The Journey to the Prayer Mountains ===> An overnight encounter with Him

Technorati Tags: Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage,Virgin of Antipolo