Holy Week is a time for reflection and recollection among many Cebuanos. It is the time when they commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. While most Cebuanos spend time in churches attending ceremonies, others reflect and pray in shines and parks located in and around Cebu. Below are some shrines and parks in Cebu where residents and visitors can stop and contemplate this Holy Week.
Temple of Leah
A panoramic view of the city from the Temple of Leah
Image: Temple of Leah
Located in the mountains of Busay famous for flower gardens, Temple of Leah is a testament to the love of Teodorico Soriano Adarna for his late wife Leah Albino-Adarna. The structure features granite Doric columns and larger-than-life statues.
Golden lions guard the main stairs leading to the shrine. The shrine features a nine-ft statue of Leah Adarna. Antiques, books, and other personal belongings of Leah are on display in the temple. Temple of Leah is open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day. Entrance fee is at PhP50.
How to get there: Ride a habal-habal (motorcycle for hire) from JY Square Mall. One-way fare is at PhP50. You can also take a shuttle (PhP120) which parks in front of Dessert Factory Lahug branch.
Simala Shrine
Thousands of people visit Simala Shrine to pray and attend mass.
Image: Mich Salvador
The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist or Simala Shrine is another popular destination among Cebuanos for the Holy Week. Catholics and non-Catholics alike flock to the shrine to catch a glimpse of its marvelous castle-like structure. Since it is a church, visitors are required to maintain proper decorum while inside the premises. Simala Shrine is located at Marian Hills, Lindogon, Sibonga, Cebu. Entrance is free.
How to get there: Ride a Ceres bus bound for Sibonga at Cebu South Bus Terminal. Fare is at PhP80. Ask to be dropped off at the motorcycle terminal and take a habal-habal to Simala for PhP20. You could also take a van-for-hire directly to Simala for PhP100. Travel time is two to 2.5 hours for both options.
Celestial Garden Cebu
The white-colored statues stand out amid the lush greenery of Celestial Garden Cebu
Image: Antonio Hilvano Jr.
Cebuanos normally pray the Stations of the Cross when the Holy Week comes. The best place to do this is at Celestial Garden Cebu. It is often mistakenly called Good Shepherd since the Good Shepherd Convent is located close to its entrance.
The 14 Stations of the Cross at Celestial Garden consist of larger-than-life statues showing the passion and death of Christ. Completing all 14 stations requires a two-km walk. Celestial Garden is located at Good Shepherd Road, Banawa, Cebu City. Entrance is free.
How to get there: Ride a jeepney bound for Labangon or Banawa and ask to be dropped off at Good Shepherd Road intersection. Fare is at PhP7. From here, ride a habal-habal to take you to the garden for PhP20.
St. Benedict Monastery
An image of the Santo Niño de Cebu at St. Benedict Monastery
Image: Sylvestro Benedictine - Cebu, Philippines
Established in 1999, St. Benedict Monastery is the first monastery of the Order of St. Benedict of Montefano in Cebu. Hundreds of pilgrims visit the monastery each year to pray, go to confession, or seek counseling. The monastery is ideal for recollections and retreats. St. Benedict Monastery is located in Corte, Carmen, Cebu. Entrance is free.
How to get there: Ride a bus bound for Carmen from the Cebu North Bus Terminal. Fare is at PhP50 to PhP60. Get off at the Carmen Public Market where you can ride a habal-habal going to the monastery for PhP30 to PhP50.
SRCDS Discovery Hills
Sunday mass at the Temple of Our Lady of Fatima
Image: Temple of Our Lady of Fatima
Another place that is gradually becoming a popular destination for Holy Week is SRCDS Discovery Hills. It is home to a 100-ft statue of Our Lady of Fatima and the Stations of the Cross. The place also features a park, zip line, and quad bikes for rent.
Located in Brgy. Tilhaong, Consolacion,the place offers a panoramic view of the lush greenery surrounding the towns of Liloan and Consolacion. Entrance fee is at PhP25 for adults and PhP10 for kids.
How to get there: From SM City Cebu, ride a jeepney with a 24A or 24B signboard. Alight at Fooda Saversmart Consolacion. Cross the street to Tinong’s Bakery where you can hire a habal-habal going to SRCDS Discovery Hills for PhP20.
Q Park
The Virgin Mary statue is one of the most prominent features of Q Park.
Image: Q Park
Q Park is a 200-ha park developed by Cebuano businessman Norberto Quisumbing, Jr. who was inspired by a limestone formation depicting the Virgin Mary in the area.
Q Park attracts thousands of visitors each year, especially during the Lenten season. Among the highlights of the park are the 44-ft statue of the Virgin Mary, a replica of the house of the Blessed Virgin, and the Stations of the Cross. Q Park is located in Barangay Magay, Compostela, Cebu. Entrance is free.
How to get there: Ride a jeepney (PhP20 to PhP25) or van-for-hire (PhP50) going to Danao from SM City Cebu. Travel time is approximately one hour. Alight at Brgy. Magay near the big sign pointing to Q Park. From here, ride a tricycle to the entrance. Fare is at PhP20 per person.
These shrines and parks offer Cebuanos a place where they can reflect and pray amid the beauty of nature.
