Regina Rosari Instutute of Contemplation in Asia- Our Lady on the Hill

For our Holy Week destination this year(the religious part, that is), we went to Regina RICA in Tanay,Rizal. We saw it featured in Unang Hirit and since it is not so far from where we live,we chose to go there instead of Kamay ni Jesus. We set off early in the morning on Holy Wednesday and reached the place after 2 hours of travel via Theresa, Rizal. Entering the vicinity, you can already feel the serenity and peacefullness that the place exudes. Everybody seemed to make conscious effort to be gentle and quiet as they move about,maybe because from the distance, we can already see the tall statue of our lady looking down upon her visitors and welcoming them.

Upon arrival,we were ushered to their vegan restaurant where a short briefing was conducted. You can also buy souvenirs,colored candles that you can lit up as you go up the hill.  We opted to go up the hill while it is still cool(although the weather up there is generally cold). The way up the hill is called the S-trail since it is a winding pathway with glass casings along the sideways where you can put your colored wish candles.

Inside the statue is a small chapel where you can go up and pray solemnly. Footwears have to be removed before going up the chapel. Picture taking is also not allowed. You can pass by the balcony in front of  the statue on the way down. There you can get a very good view of the whole place.

entrance

The S-trail going up to Our Lady

the balcony

in the "kakahuyan"

schedule

You can also pray and follow the Way of the Cross around the compound. There are also  tables and chairs you can use for picnics under the trees. You just have to give a 50pesos donations for the use. There are also 3 "kubol" you can rent for a minimum fee if you wan to stay all day to pray and rest. 

Development of the place is still on-going. The chapel construction is already underway and they get their funding from  donations. You can participate in the fund rasing through  their "bote-bote lang" program wherein donations are placed in small plastic bottles you can get from their reception kubo specifically for the church construction or through their donation box found on the counter.

"The Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia (RICA), a venue for serenity, silence and stillness in our noisy and harried world"

Visit Her. Mama Mary waits for you.
here is Her website:
http://www.reginarica.org/index.html


Cheers!