Revisiting one of my childhood and my family’s weekend
getaway was just by chance. The place
known to many Christians as a sanctuary of faith for three congregations under
the patronage of Mary, the largest portion of the Marian Hills in Tamontaka becomes one of the most famous destinations
where you can enjoy nature and renew ones faith.
The Lourdes Grotto where a replica of Our Lady of Lourdes
Grotto in France, a seven foot image of Mary Queen of Saints situated in Marian
Hills. The image looks over a fan shaped fountain onto the green rotunda of
thick Bermuda grass and cypress trees encircled by nine statues of the country’s
popular saints.
A Small World children’s park was incorporated here several
years ago. It was designed for joy and
pleasure of the young and even adults who comes and visits the park.
The compound is equipped with a retreat house for
recollection and seminars known as the Grotto Convento. Landscaped and surrounded with flowers as
well as palm trees, it is also the residence of the Grotto director.
Station of the cross known as the Via Crusis and
Resurrection was hand-carved in a Yakal wood measuring five feet tall. Donated by Filipino benefactors, the carvings
are well protected with elegant cement shelters, flowers and night lighting.
Other amenities like the mini zoo, creation and the guest
house were situated in the area where visitors can enjoy. Many part of the place became a picnic ground
to most of the families who comes and enjoy the pleasure of being in this
serene place.
