In Time for Lent

Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia=Regina RICA

We were in a two-day review and planning workshop in Bakasyunan Resort, Tanay, Rizal. Even if Tanay belongs to the political geographical region I belong, I haven't been there. It is astonishing to see a wide upland rolling hills, with farms, forests, resorts, private enclaves and vacation houses. It also heals the spirit by looking at the series of mountain ranges in the horizon, fantastic sights especially for those of us living in concrete jungles. 

Before leaving for home in the city, we decided to visit two prominent landmarks in the area,  the Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia or Regina RICA and the Daranak Waterfalls. 

The 79 ft tall structure of Mama Mary and Baby Jesus is on top of a hill. The undulating paved path to the shrine is lined on both sides by sunflower plants, not yet flowering now, but i can visualize the beauty when they eventually bloom simultaneously. The area is also planted to calamansi growing beautifully with different stages of flowers and fruits. The statue is open inside provided with spiral chairs and nooks. The top-center of the statue is a serene place for contemplation, with an altar and some chairs. A veranda outside it also invites people to have a 180 degree view of the place. Everyone enters the statue on barefoot, silence, and without photo shoots.

At the horizon are mango plantations beautifully blending with the topography and landscape. At the foreground are the calamansi plants i mentioned earlier.

Stations of the cross are laid out in the area in time for the pilgrims during the Holy Week. The building above houses the chapel on the top floor.

These young mahogany trees are for adoptions for their continuous maintenance. Tied ribbons mean the particular tree already found the adoptive maintainers.

At the top portion if front of Mama Mary's statue are flowering plants giving more wholesome feelings to the area. The whole property is fully landscaped and maintained.

Very prominent also are the tall mahogany trees on the approach to the property, making a small forest on the lower part of the area. They provide a vision of boundary and exclusivity to the area. The roofed structures at the lower grounds provide informal meeting and eating areas for the visitors.

Visitors can buy candles near the shrine and light them here. Candles are color coded depending on the type of wish you will be praying for.

Are we all familiar whose foot this one is, or whose foot this signify? That is Jesus left foot painted on glass panels. The whole body was divided to three parts, and i chose the foot to be included here!

I am very much attracted by a lone old 'duhat' tree (Zysygium koetjape) on the far left side of the property. It is obviously a very nice area for contemplation. Steps are already placed there to approach the tree from the top ground. If only we have more time, this is the area i will definitely stay longer.

The presence of this herd grazing in the lower part near the borders of the property, completes the picture. I remember St Joseph being a shepherd before being the husband of Mary. I appreciate also the presence of those rock boulders, how serendipitous to be the area for sheep grazing, how lovely!

Mama Mary's statue as viewed from rails at the church below. When those sunflower plants get blooming, this is a perfect and lovely site.

The site is reached in 2.5-3 hours from Manila. For more information about Regina RICA please visit their site at:  http://www.reginarica.org/home