On our most recent visit to family in the Philippines, we stayed at our niece’s house which is located on the outskirts of Metro Manila, in the hilly portion of San Mateo, Rizal. Far from city noise, heat, and pollution, it was a breath of fresh air. It was also relatively close to a few resorts and attractions, such as the Martessem Resort in Tanay, Rizal famous for cool mornings, a sea of clouds, and scenic views, the Regina Rica, a pilgrimage site for Catholics which has a giant 71-foot statue of the Virgin Mary and the centuries-old Tanay Church.
Martessem Resort
We started our trip early in the morning to catch sight of the famous sea of clouds. We did not arrive early enough though to see a thick sea of clouds, but still lucky to get a glimpse of the gradually fading clouds between the verdant mountain slopes.
The resort also boasts scenic views of the Sierra Madre Mountain range, the green foothills, and valleys down the slopes.
Truly a very relaxing day, breathing the chill and fresh mountain air that even these 2 restless kids took some time to sit and delight in the scenery
This was the first time that we saw a different color of the usually green-colored bamboo, golden bamboo among the trees and plants.
We caught a glimpse too of a yellow-colored bird sitting on the branch of a small tree. It was an amazing combination of the colors green and yellow. Luckily it did not fly right away, we were able to capture his 3 poses. As per Google Lens, the bird is a black-naped oriole found in some parts of Asia.
After the sightseeing, everybody was hungry since we did not have a chance to grab even a quick breakfast.
The resort’s restaurant offers Filipino cuisine and from their menu, here were some of our orders. We dined at Al Fresco.
Regina Rica
Regina Rica, also located in the town of Tanay, Rizal is a religious pilgrimage site for Catholics. It sits on an area of 13.5 hectares with the 71 feet statue of the Virgin Mary located on top of the hill.
Unfortunately, much as I wanted to, the physically challenged me, was not able to climb the 300-plus steps to reach Regina Rica.
But looking up at the virgin from afar, it was like seeing her from the heavens and giving me the feeling that I was on holy ground.
One wonders how it could have been at Fatima.
There is a church where people can attend mass or light candle offerings and pray for healing, enlightenment, and other personal intentions.
It has a large garden, but this is not a park and so everyone is obliged to observe silence. There is a columbarium on a portion of the garden.
When the Vatican lifted the ban on cremation in the 1960s, the columbarium became popular as a cheaper alternative to expensive memorial plots.
Tanay Church
Tanay Church is now 240 years old and one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the Philippines. It was declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2001 due to its age, history, and architecture.
The fascinating interior has five retablos (altarpieces) – a main altarpiece and 4 minor altarpieces, all with antique images of saints.
And of course, traveling with family is always fun if sometimes poignant. Another place. Another time.
Wow ma'am @luvinlyf it was so near yet so far 🥺 my kids are growing fast and I can't draw any happy pictures that we've been through. Anyways thank you so much for the wonderful tour
It doesn't have to be in so many places, just at home or around it with the happy faces of your children and yourself is more than enough. Thank you for dropping by @usagigallardo015
Its another new place to be there in my dream. Ang ganda. Pinasyal na naman kami.
Let us promote our very own😊. Thank you for dropping by.
Wow, maganda pala dyan, i'll put it in my buct list at malapit lang sa Metro Manila...
Maganda tsaka medyo malamig pa. There are a lot of places you can go around Rizal province.
Yeah, that would be good to hike.
Wow! Thanks for sharing your travel places. I so love the picture showing the Sierra Mountain range. Just amazing sight to behold.
It's a scenic view of greeneries and nature's landscapes. Thank you for dropping by.
Your photos at the beginning make me think of paintings. This is such a beautiful landscape! 🙂
It's interesting to hear that 240 years old is the oldest church as we have churches that are 4 times older in Europe 🙂 But it is a beautiful construction!
Thank you for sharing!
Nature's landscapes make beautiful painting inspirations. I should say it is one of the oldest Roman Catholic Churches in the Philippines. Thank you for dropping by.
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Wow not a sea of clouds but a river of clouds. That's the best view. And the yelolw bird is beautiful and showing off its beauty.
You are right, no longer a sea as the clouds had slowly dispersed as the sun continued to rise. It was kind of amusing as if he knows he was being photographed. Thank you for visiting.
Lovely yellow looking birds indeed!
You can never miss it because of its bright yellow color against the green leaves background.
Di ko pa naexplore yung Tanay, Rizal grabe na din kasi traffic pag galing ka South lalo pag weekend, pero gusto ko puntahan yang Regina Rica 😍
Sinabi mo traffic na rin and to think we went there on Holy Week. Maybe maraming nag visita iglesia.
Wow very wonderful place, I have seen a lot of posts in HIVE about the Philippines and they all look wonderful... I have to visit soon or later 💪
Yes, the Philippines has a lot of natural wonders to offer. Hopefully, you can visit there soon.
Ang ganda ng view! Now that I'm joining Hive kung saan2 na ako nakapunta hehe. Thank you for touring us around Sis.
Thank you for appreciating the virtual tour and for dropping by.
What a great place to visit , i hope i can visit it also
There are a lot of beautiful places to explore in the country. Maybe you can include these in one of your travels. Thank you for visiting.
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Ang ganda ng view! Now that I'm joining Hive, kung saan saan na ako nakapunta, hehe. Thanks for touring us around Sis.