BEACHES AND CHURCHES: ANOTHER TRIP TO ANTIQUE

In preparation for the bishops’ retreat and plenary assembly in Kalibo, together with Fr. Bryand, the Asst. Secgen and Fr. Edgar, in-charge of the CBCP Pension Plan we conducted last week an ocular visit to the venue upon the invitation of Bishop Cor Talaoc of Kalibo. Our team stayed at the Marzon Hotel, which will also serve as the venue for the retreat and assembly. During our visit, we met with Bishop Talaoc, the organizing priests, and the hotel owner to secure their support and commitment to this significant gathering of all the bishops of the Philippines.

After completing the meetings in Kalibo, we traveled to Antique at the invitation of Bishop Marvyn Maceda of San Jose de Antique. Our first stop was the Malumpati Health Spring and Tourist Resort in Sitio Malumpati, Guia, Pandan. After a refreshing dip in the cold spring, we visited the Parish Church of Pandan, which I had only passed by on a previous trip. This time, I ensured a proper visit. We spent the night at the Esprutingkle Business Hotel in San Jose de Buenavista.

The following day, we explored San Remigio, starting with Eden Park de Aningalan, a newly opened resort offering stunning mountain views and a suspension bridge. We then visited the Igbaclag Cave and Danao Lake. In the afternoon, we enjoyed the relaxing kawa hot bath in Tibiao, followed by a boat ride to Mararison Island, where we stayed overnight at the Blue Lagoon Resort. The next morning, we hiked to Mararison’s mountain peak, admired the panoramic views, and swam in the island’s pristine waters.

By midday, we returned to the mainland for lunch at the Culasi convent, generously prepared by the parish priest at Bishop Marvyn’s request. Later, we headed back to San Jose de Buenavista for our evening departure from Iloilo. Before leaving, Bishop Marvyn accompanied us to Mary’s Cove, a boutique resort in Anini-y, about an hour from San Jose. The resort’s spacious grounds and serene seaside views, especially near the snack bar by the sea, were truly impressive.

On our way to Iloilo, we made a final stop at the Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort. We experienced the famous meditation tunnel, which leads through a dark labyrinth to a mountaintop adorned with white statues of angels and saints, a glorious cross, and an image of the Blessed Trinity—evoking a heaven-like experience.

Meeting with Bp. Cor Tala-oc of Kalibo (right) with the owners of Marzon Hotel where the Bishops' retreat and plenary assembly will be held

Kalibo Cathedral altar

Kalibo Cathedral

Malumpati Health Spring & Tourist Resort, Sitio Malumpati, Guia, Pandan, Antique

ST. VINCENT FERRER PARISH (F-1798)
Pandan, Antique

A suspension bridge at the Eden Park in Aningalan, San Remegio

Igbaclag Cave, Aningalan, San Remegio, Antique

Danao Lake, Aningalan, San Remegio, Antique

Tibiao Kaha Hot Bath

MARARISON ISLAND, CULASI

The sandbar at Mararison Island

ST. MICHAEL ARCHANGEL PARISH (F-1773)
Culasi, Antique

Bp. Marvyn Maceda of San Jose de Buenavista de Antique called the parish priest of Culasi to prepare lunch for us after our trip to the Mararison Island.