Kamay Ni Hesus: Lucban's Holy Week Destination

Just in case you have no plans of going out far this Holy Week, but still wanted to see the country in a different way - a church and healing center in Lucban, Province of Quezon has been becoming a popular Holy Week destination since it was opened to the public in 2004. Fr. Joey A. Faller and some of his friends are behind this majestic Risen Christ grotto that you can only see at Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church.

I've been eyeing to visit this place since I heard of its miraculous works and truly inspiring story, and luckily, last year, I finally had the chance not only to see but do the Station of the Cross or Via Crucis by climbing its 305-step Via Dolorosa Grotto, where the world's 3rd tallest Risen Christ is standing. It is 50 feet in height, to be exact - and overseeing almost the whole lot of Lucban and its neighboring cities and municipalities.

But before we proceed to the Grotto, let me take you first to the other places of interests that you could find here inside Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church.

Bangkong Kahoy Valley: The Beauty In-between

Appreciating the beauty of the two mystical mountains - Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Cristobal - right in the middle of them, the beautiful and peaceful valley of Bangkong Kahoy in Dolores, Quezon possesses a unique fusion of the two mountains and served as our sweet hideout from the busy metropolis a few weeks back for the first Organic Bloggers Gathering for the year 2014.

Three hours away from Manila, Bangkong Kahoy Valley is nestled at the adjoining arms of two mountains offering a 56-hectare well-kept private land inside the Mt. Banahaw Protected Area. Owned by the family of Mr. Dionisio "Dion" Pulan since 1920, Bangkong Kahoy Valley has been considered as one- if not the greatest - treasure by the family providing tranquility and relief to each and everyone of them.

The whole lot, I must say, looks really well kept. With some transient houses that guests can rent out for a night, a week or even a month, Bangkong Kahoy caters to students who are there to discover the wonders of Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Cristobal, to families and barkadas who seek refuge from the crazy metro life, up to the farmers who wanna know the latest invention and discoveries in organic farming.

Loving Pahiyas Festival the Second Time Around...

Here in the Philippines, when you like and appreciate a place on your first visit, rest assured that you will love it the second time around. And that's what I felt as I revisit the humble yet colorful town of Lucban to experience and to drown again to the magical, creative and colorful world of Pahiyas Festival.

Usually, when a festival falls on a weekday, expect a low turnout of attendees. But here in Pahiyas, that was proven wrong, a proof that no matter what, Lucbanon, as well as devotees of San Pedro, pay their respect and give thanks to the patron saint who is behind all the bountiful harvest that the town or country had in the past year.

This is my second time here in this colorful festival, and though I'm honestly not expecting extravagance, I was overwhelmed by the unbelievable faith and devotion of Lucbanon to San Pedro. More than the colorful houses adorned by the "kipings" and vegetables that they just harvested, I had a wonderful time going around town and meeting the very accommodating people of Lucban - the most reason that made me love this place more.

The Pahiyas Festival 2011

One of my lifelong dreams is to visit Lucabn, Quezon and witness its' very colorful and vibrant Pahiyas Festival. Thanks to my blogger-friends Abe, Cathie, Flow and Ohmski for tagging me along to enjoy an overnight stay at this small but very happy city.

Pahiyas Festival is celebrated every 15th of May to give thanks to their patron saint San Isidro. And that week I and my friends drove down there to fee, see and taste this wonderful festivity.