A Heartfelt Christmas: Monasterio de Tarlac
Monasterio de Tarlac
San Jose, Tarlac
We were on our way to Baguio, but we spent a day in Tarlac to visit the Monasterio de Tarlac. We exited at Luisita and parked the car at the Microtel Hotel where we will be staying and then went on.
The drive from Luisita to the Monasterio was long and scary. It was similar to Kenon Road except I found this one scarier because of the sharp turns along the way. However, I know there's another way to get here (exit at Victoria), but I'm not sure how the road goes from there.
We finally arrived the Monasterio and the first thing we were able to see from where we parked was the view and the statue. It's definitely beautiful. I can't stop taking photos. I thought this was it, until we walked further and found an area with the "Monasterio de Tarlac" where you can have your photos taken.
After walking a few more steps, we found our way to the church. It's one of the smallest churches I've seen and the Christmas decors inside were pretty neat (although I didn't take photos of the inside).
When we stepped outside of the church we saw a booth with Christmas lanterns. What happens is you get the lanterns at a cheap cost (sort of a donation na din) and write your names in it together with your prayers, and a monk blesses it and prays for you. Afterwards, you're going to hang your lanterns on the tree located just outside the church.
Clean restrooms are also available in the area.
Although I'm a non-practicing Catholic, I was able to appreciate coming over to the Monasterio not only to see the view, but also to pray and be with family, which is what Christmas is all about.
Date of Visit: December 26, 2016
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