Another BLESSED Journey to KAMAY NI HESUS SHRINE and sidetrip to AIR SUMMIT GOURMET

It is my "PERSONAL COVENANT" to visit "KAMAY NI HESUS" SHRINE as a form of THANKSGIVING and to ask for GUIDANCE whenever I will be traveling for a MISSION, designated to a new POSITION or whenever there is a need to recharge my being as I continue with my JOURNEY in LIFE...

Traveling to the SHRINE, popularly known as "GROTTO" for the locals, is a refreshing one. Lush greens and fresh air along the way make the trip enjoyable and exciting.

This particular JOURNEY is actually my THANKSGIVING for my remarkable journey in China for 10 months. This is also purposely to ask for the ALMIGHTY's GUIDANCE since I was newly designated  to another "challenging" position just this Friday (September 23). As the new Chief of the Personnel Office of the AFP Command and General Staff College (AFPCGSC), it is another new for me. Although I already occupied several positions and had been assigned to numerous offices related to personnel management, this is another new since AFPCGSC is my first unit assignment outside the Philippine Air Force. This time, I will be in-charge of  managing personnel from the different Major Services, not just the Air Force, who are assigned at the highest military learning institution, the AFPCGSC. Indeed a herculean task to fulfill.

May God Bless my Journey so that I can successfully fulfill and accomplish the duties and responsibilities embedded in this significant and sensitive designation.

To provide some information about the Shrine:

MASS SCHEDULE

The KAMAY NI HESUS SHRINE is opened daily from 6am to 6pm to the public for FREE. 

There are daily Mass Services. 
For Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday is 9am

Healing Mass is being conducted every Wednesday and Saturday at 9:30am

During Sundays, there are 4 Mass Services at 7:30am, 9am, 10:30am, and 11:30am.

The shrine is founded by Rev. father Joseph 'Joey' Ayala Faller. The construction of the Shrine started on December 8, 2003 and was completed the following year.

The climb is both exciting and challenging with 287 steps upward the hill. The shrine is usually crowded during weekends and holidays especially during Sundays.

The 14 Stations of the Cross are situated along the way of the climb making the journey a blessed one. Perfect venue to PRAY and REFLECT. 

The captivating overlooking views are good for picture taking.

After about 300 steps, I finally reached the top of the hill. It was a triumphant feeling just like reaching the top of the world. The view of the 50-foot image of Jesus Christ was a joy to behold as a reward after the 20 to 30 minutes climb.

 Devotees praying at the foot of the image. A remarkable moment to witness.

Printed prayer is posted beside the statue as a guide for the visiting devotees. Aside from the scripted prayer, I crafted my own personal prayers from the heart thanking the Lord for the continuous blessings and asking for Lord's guidance for the next chapter of my journey.

After praying and honoring the Almighty, Enjoying the view from above, and short rest, it is time to go down the hill. 

After hurdling the slightly challenging climb, it is time to light colored candles and pray for noble intentions.

This was the first time that I noticed that there are pinned written prayers on the wall along the way out.

Noah's Ark House of Prayer is also within the compound.

There is also a playground for children that makes the compound a complete family destination during weekends and holidays.

"Feed the KOI" is another activity that can be done inside the compound near the Noah's Ark.

Many people are enjoying while feeding and watching the "KOI"

Enjoying "selfie" with the KOI.

There are numerous food shops inside the compound offering local delicacies and many other Filipino dishes.

Souvenir shops are also available selling various items.

From small to big items, there are wide variety to choose from.

From something for display to something that you can use, there is something that can you bring home as remembrance from the GROTTO.

"Pancit Habhab" for 15 pesos per serving is available to satisfy your hunger and also a rare chance to try the popular merienda in Quezon Province.

There are many other local food items that can be bought inside and also outside the compound.

The ideal duration to stay inside the KAMAY NI HESUS SHRINE is 2 to 3 hours including the mass for about an hour, the climb for about 45 minutes, buying some souvenirs, and the remaining time to explore the whole compound.

After the noble journey at the KAMAY NI HESUS SHRINE, I headed to a new RESTAURANT nearby. The "AIR SUMMIT GOURMET' actually started its operations early this year but I only learned its existence a few months ago. It is the FIRST AND ONLY AIRPLANE RESTAURANT in the PHILIPPINES. 

A new experience and different ambiance that require extra cost. A set meal costs about 500 to 800 pesos per person. A set meal for 4 persons costs about 2,500 pesos. 

It is about 10 to 15 minutes travel time from KAMAY NI HESUS SHRINE. The restaurant is located at the old KAMAYAN SA PALAISDAAN floating restaurant in TAYABAS CITY. 

How to reach KAMAY NI HESUS SHRINE?

For Private Vehicle: Drive towards South Luzon Express (SLEX), then exit at CALAMBA City (Turbina), upon reaching crossing, turn right then head towards STA. CRUZ, then to LUCBAN.

For Commuters: 

1. Ride a bus bound for LUCENA CITY.  JAC, JAM, DLTB Liners are Lucena-bound buses with terminals in Cubao and along Taft Ave.

(About 3 to 4 hours travel for about 200 pesos fare)

2.Get off at DIVERSION ROAD, LUCENA CITY.

3. Beside the JOLLIBEE is a JEEPNEY bound for LUCBAN, just tell the driver that you are going to "GROTTO". 

(About 35 to 45 minutes travel time for 30 pesos fare)

P.S. The WHOLE COMPOUND of the KAMAY NI HESUS SHRINE is a STRICTLY NO SMOKING AREA!

I am looking forward for another BLESSED JOURNEY to KAMAY NI HESUS.