Regina RICA (Tanay, Rizal)

Due to Spanish colonization for more than 300 years, the Philippines remains as the top Christian country in Asia, wherein 90% of the population are Christians, and 80% of this Christian population are Catholics.

Given these data, it is but natural that the Philippines would boast of various spiritual pilgrimage sites across the nation, and these are being visited by the faithful especially during the Lenten Season.

According to Wikipedia: “A pilgrimage is a journey or search of moral or spiritual significance. Typically, it is a journey to a shrine or other location of importance to a person’s beliefs and faith, although sometimes it can be a metaphorical journey in to someone’s own beliefs.” 

When you talk about pilgrimage venues in the island of Luzon, the “Our Lady of Manaoag” in Pangasinan, “Our Lady of Peñafrancia” in Naga City, and the “Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage" in Antipolo, would definitely enter into our minds as Pinoys.

Let us now take a closer look at one of the least popular pilgrimage areas on this island: the Regina RICA in the province of Rizal. 

The Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia or simply Regina RICA is a venue for serenity, silence and stillness in this noisy and harried world. It is a 13.5 hectare land in the hills of Tanay, Rizal, Philippines envisioned by the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii to be a place of pilgrimage, prayer, contemplation, ecological sanctuary and wellness environment. 

Arriving at the site last July 28, 2013 after more than two hours from Quezon City, since we traveled using a car, we paid the parking fee worth Php 50.00. There is no Entrance Fee at Regina RICA, but donations are welcome.

Entering the Souvenir Shop area, which was near the parking area, we entered our names in the Registration Folder situated at the counter.

The Registration Folder

Based on blog readings, since the place contained loads of interesting places, they stated that there would be free copies of the venue map so you would know your way around. Unfortunately, they already ran out of copies when my time came…ouch! So, for those who will be trekking to this place, make sure you download the venue map as seen below:

Venue Map

We were provided each a welcome drink of Tarragon Tea, which was good for blood cleansing.

Welcome Drink:Tarragon Tea

Since we were all first-timers to the place, we attended an orientation provided by RICA Volunteers for us to know what would we see and expect, as well as the rules of the compound.

Orientation Room

The first part of our “journey” was trudging the so-called S-trail of the El Shaddai Hills consisting of 308 steps and 13 candle stations going towards the 71-foot tall statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Trudging the S-trail

For those who believe that they could not climb these steps, there is a shuttle that can take you to the statue for a payment of only Php 5.00.

Arriving at the top, you will be amazed at the statue, and when you turn your back, you could view the Sierra Madre mountains as well as the Regina Rosarii Chapel.

Beneath the 71-foot statue...amazing!

Sierra Madre mountains & Regina Rosarii Chapel behind me

Beneath the statue, there will be a brief orientation before you are allowed to enter the Sanctuary of Universal Love and Devotion or SULOD. The SULOD is located inside the enormous statue, and photography and all kinds of footwear are prohibited in this adoration chapel. 

Various footwear...all in a row

Located at the back of the statue is the Pilgrims’ Labyrinth. It is used as an avenue to pray as they walk towards the center, symbolizing man's search for God at the center of their being. It is a journey of meditation. On the left side of it is the Tilipunan (Gazebo), an Ilonggo word for Gathering Place.

Pilgrims' Labyrinth w/ the Tilipunan on the left side

Walking downhill towards the Regina Rosarii Chapel, I passed by a few “Way of the Cross” markers, as the Holy Mass started at 11:00 AM. A huge Dominican Star can be seen in front of the Chapel.

A "Way of the Cross" marker

Regina Rosarii Chapel from outside

Inside the Regina Rosarii Chapel

After the Mass, there was a long line of devotees at the altar since there was a Healing & Adoration of the Holy Relic.

At the back of the Chapel is the Multi-Purpose Hall where you could see religious statues.

One of the statues

As we continued further downhill, we arrived at the Rotunda de San Jose, which displays a 13-foot statue of St. Joseph looking at his family from a distance.

 

Rotunda de San Jose

With hunger starting to poke on us, we then trudged uphill towards the Handong, an Ilonggo word for Shady Area, where a restaurant, also called Pasilungan, was located.

Handong

Again, as you enter, you can have a dose of a complimentary drink, and yes…you guessed it right…Tarragon Tea.

Welcome Drink (again):Tarragon Tea

To avoid the time-consuming hassles of looking at the menu and deciding what to eat, we just opted to order the Complete Meal package for the day worth Php 200.00 per head. When it arrived at our tables in just a few minutes…wow…the one-serving meal can even accommodate two customers. By the way, Regina RICA only serves vegetarian dishes. Do not forget to order their Maiz Con Yelo (Php 60.00)…sarap!
 

Menu For Today

The Complete Meal we ordered

Maiz Con Yelo

Kodakan muna before Pasilungan departure

Returning back to the Souvenir Shop, we now bought souvenirs as pasalubong for our folks and for our personal property.

Some items @ Souvenir Shop

By the way, for those who would want to experience food sourced from organic vegetables and fruits, there is a stall at the Souvenir Shop where you could purchase these. 
 

Vegetarian Snack Bar

A wacky departure pictorial with Regina RICA staff

As far as pilgrimage or contemplative places are concerned, Regina RICA would definitely not be one of the preferred venues for soul-searching for the majority, since it is barely being promoted or advertised, therefore would not become a by-word for a lot of religious travel enthusiasts out there.

Given this form of promotion in this site, why not give it a try?

You do not have to wait for the season of Lent to visit this magnificent place.

It is worth the trip...Explore Pinas!