Holy Week destinations for relaxation, reflection

The city is slowly emptied during Holy Week, while arrivals increase in provinces all over the country. The long weekend is upon us when going home to your hometown or simply getting away to a vacation is de rigeur. "Pero kung tutuusin niyo, ang pinakamalaki kung susumahin natin kung saang home province ka galing, doon pinaka marami ang biyahe specific to individuals. Everything goes up," Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez said on “Talakayan with Igan” on March 26. Foreign tourist arrivals add to these figures, said Jimenez, who shared that the Philippines is on track toward meeting its 2013 goal of reaching over 5 million foreign tourist arrivals. "For the first time in tourism history ng Pilipinas, pumapalo na ng over 400,000 foreign visitors a month mula Enero hanggang ngayon," he said. According to Jimenez, our top tourist destinations include Baguio, Boracay, Cebu, and beaches in Batangas, Mindoro, Zambales, and La Union. It may seem strange to combine religion with summer vacation, but for many Filipinos, Holy Week is a chance to catch up on much needed rest, as well as being a time for reflection and prayer. Get healed by bolo-bolo Apart from top tourist destinations, there are several other popular places to spend Holy Week. On the mysterious island of Siquijor, an unusual sort of medical tourism can be found. Apart from its many beach resorts, waterfalls and springs, the island is known for the alternative healing methods of its locals. Coinciding with Holy Week is their annual Healing Festival. This year, a Holy Mass began the four-day festival, which includes healing sessions, exploring Cantabon Cave, and a Holy Trek to Mt. Bandilaan. In time for the festival, arbularyos journey into the forests to gather roots and leaves, which they believe are effective in treating various ailments. "Lahat ng sakit matatanggal 'yan. Painumin mo lang ang pasyente ng isang kutsara araw-araw, huwag lang sosobrahan," said healer Vicente Pasco in a 2009 report on “24 Oras." One such alternative healing method is bolo-bolo, in which various ailments are cured using a bamboo tube, a glass of water, and a powerful stone. "Basta kung nabati ang pasyente, mayroon kang makikitang nakalutang, pero kung wala, malinaw na tubig lang," mambobolo Consing Akay said in the report.   Other summer attractions in Siquijor are Isla del Fuego, the breathtaking beaches in San Juan town, a butterfly sanctuary, as well as the centuries-old St. Francis de Assisi Parish (1870) and the biggest convent in the Philippines (1884). "It's more fun in Siquijor because of the sun, the sand, and smiles," said tourist Fiel Anglie Gabin in a 2012 report on “24 Oras.” M is for Marinduque and Moriones In Marinduque, there is the colorful Moriones Festival, which has been held for over 100 years. In the sweltering heat, the Morion parade wearing masks and dressed as Roman centurions. This serves as their penitence for Holy Week. This province at the heart of the Philippines is also a foodie paradise, especially for those with a sweet tooth. Snack on several kinds of bibingka, drink tuba, and don't forget to get some arrowroot for pasalubong. Tourists looking for something more active can head over to Tres Reyes Island for snorkelling and sunbathing, or to Isla del Carmen for kayaking through the mangroves. At Poctoy Beach, the white sand beach stretches out for almost a kilometer. In Tanay, Rizal, pilgrims visit Regina Rosarii, a 71-foot statue of the Virgin Mary made of steel and concrete. During Holy Week, thousands of visitors line up to pray inside a small adoration chapel. Pilgrims can also visit the newly built Regina Rosarii Chapel, which can fit 800-1000 people. Although many come here on summer vacation, Sr. Mary Epifania Brasil reminded visitors to maintain the solemnity of the place. "This place is a place of prayer, peace, and pilgrimage. Hindi ito picnic ground at park at playground. So kung puwede lang po dadalhin nila lahat ng kanilang mga basura. Ang pinagbabawal dito: hindi puwedeng manigarilyo  at walang sleeveless, sando at shorts," she said in an "Unang Hirit" report on March 27. At Pulong Bato in Abong Abong Park in Zamboanga, the Stations of the Cross begin at the foot of the mountain, and ends at the peak, where pilgrims can rest and enjoy the view. Religious images are carved into the mountainside, and there are stalls where pilgrims can pause to catch their breath along the way. Recycled replicas At Samal, Bataan, visitors can see replicas of Mt. Calvary, where Jesus was crucified. The replicas are mostly made from recycled and local materials like cogon, bamboo, and old paper. Pilgrims can also visit the Stations of the Cross on Mt. Zion in Bugallon, Pangasinan. "It's relaxing and stress-free. That's why I came up here, to relieve my stress. Isa pa, panalangin mo sa Diyos, that's why I went to Mama Mary to seek help," Athena Tanos, a devotee said on Balita Pilipinas. Every year, the Tanos family makes the trip to Mt. Zion during Holy Week. "It's a good feeling, it's nice. The reason we come here sometimes is just for the peace and tranquility. And sometimes you need to get away from everyday life," Mark Tanos said. In General Santos City, families can observe Holy Week while also enjoying a stay at a hotel and garden resort. There is a grotto of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, and the hotel menu does not offer meat during the Lenten season. "Mayroon kaming Semana Santa menu because as Christians, we want to abstain from eating pork," hotel owner Dr. Jose Tranquilino Ruiz said on 24 Oras on March 26. With Holy Week destinations like these, there's enough time for both relaxation and reflection. – KDM, GMA News