Visiting the Pink Sisters

signage going to Pink Sister

Whenever, I go out of town, I always include in our itinerary to visit a church or chapel. For our Tagaytay visit we decided to go to Pink Sisters Chapel and Convent located at Aguinaldo Highway, Rotonda, Tagaytay City. If you are a fellow commuter you can ride a bus going to Nasugbu and tell the bus driver to drop you at Pink Sisters Chapel and Convent. This is not hard to find as there is a big signage at the corner of the street going to the Chapel. After getting off the bus you need to walk the dirt road for some meters before reaching the gates of the Chapel. If you are lucky, there are tricycles offering free ride to the chapel because they are to deliver something at the chapel.

Since this is a holy place, silence is strictly implemented upon entering the gates of the chapel. Even security guards are not allowed to shout or whistle in assisting guests with their parking. They used hand signals and placards and signage. Decent clothes are also required upon entering the church. Guests wearing shorts and sleeveless are not allowed entering the front door but they can enter and stay at the right wing of the church.

a view of the chapel

The chapel offers a place of meditation as it is quiet, even people visiting the place sees to it that they maintain the solemnity of the place. Guests advised to turn off mobile devices or put them in silent mode as not to disturb other people in their prayers. Guests can also write their prayer intention on a piece of paper provided by the nuns.  

guests writing their prayer intentions

guests praying

 Aside from praying and meditating, the place is also very scenic adding to its solemnity. The plants and trees gave a relaxing feeling, while the statue of Christ, the cross and a statue of the Our Lady of Lourdes with the three children gives off the spiritual atmosphere.

If you are thinking of pasalubongs, there is no need to worry as there are a lot of stores along the street going to the chapel selling shirts, vegetables and sweet delicacies.

Though on a vacation, it is still important to thank the Lord for giving us time to relax and unwind and to ask help in coming back to our daily work. 

Not Just A Rock - The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

A trip to Ilocos Norte would not be complete if one would not visit the famous white rock formation known as the “Kapurpurawan Rock Formation”. Kapurpurawan is an Ilocano word for white, as the rock formation is white. Kapurpurawan Rock has become one of the major tourist attractions in the North aside from the beach of Pagudpod and the Windmills of Bangui. The rock was formerly owned by a rich doctor who sold his land to the Marcos. The Marcos then opened the land as a tourist attraction to the public.

the sea and the field

Located in the town of Burgos, after visiting the Cape Bojeador lighthouse our tourist guide said to us that our next destination will be the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. The van stopped at the drop-off area wherein other vans are also parked. We asked our tourist guide if he will be coming along but he said no. He advised us to put some sunblock and bring along an umbrella and some water.

We hiked down a cemented stairs that leads to a pathway lined with trees. This pathway then leads to a field where just beyond it is the sea. At this point, tourist will now feel the scorching heat of the sun, no wonder why our tourist guide advised us to bring an umbrella. It is a long walk to the rock formation; luckily the formation is near the sea so the breeze from the sea somehow mellows down the heat of the sun.

the long way to the rock formation

When we reach our destination, there was awe in our faces. The rock is like a big white ship nestled on top of a hill. Aside from this big ship-like rock there are also other small formations that will leave you thinking how nature has done them. The rock is a white limestone formed by weathering. I think the sea and the air from the South China Sea are responsible for this. As I near the formation I noticed the rope prohibiting people to climb the rock. And it gets slippery as you come closer due to the growth of moss in the area.

other rock formation in the area

being captivated 

After taking pictures we decided to go around the mountain near the rock formation. According to locals the area was used for a movie shoot, and there are still remnants of the props and materials used. This part is not slippery as the one near the rock formation. The rock in here is also white and made of limestone. We climbed the different rocks even though it’s quite dangerous. One wrong slip and you might fall to the other rocks or in to the sea. After reaching a high place we blankly stared into the sea as we breathed in the fresh breeze of air and be amazed by nature’s beauty.

the various props used in the movie

the view of the sea