Best Getaway Destinations this Lenten Season

Being the only Christian country in Asia with almost 86 percent of the total population is Roman Catholic, Filipinos are fond of celebrating the holy week or Lenten Season in various ways. Some families prefer staying at their homes taking part with the Pabasa ng Pasyon or the recitation or chanting of the story of the Passion, in various areas, there are stage and street play about the life and Passion of Jesus. Other families visit various churches which they call Visita Iglesia while some families take it as the best time go out of town where there are no classes and work to attend.

Most Filipino families are planning their vacation ahead of time and for sure hotels and resorts are fully booked as early of January. This year the holiday starts on March 29 up to 31 that covers the Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Glorious Saturday.

Since most families are opting for out of town, we listed some great places in the Philippines that will surely be a great place for a vacation that also features some activities and traditional way of reflecting the season.

1. Iloilo                                                                                                                    

   

Iloilo has a lot of unexplored beaches that you will surely love; you may also attend mass or visit the old and notable churches to reflect.

2. Palawan                                                                                                                                                      

   

Whether its Lenten season or not, Palawan is a very hot vacation spot offering you a wide array of water activities, beautiful beaches and fresh seafood, devotees believe that when you pray passionately, the Patron Saint of Palawan will grant the strongest desire of your heart.

3. Siquijor                                                                                                                                                  

   

Siquijor holds a Healing Festival in time with the Holy Week; the 4 days Healing Festival is consist of church services, holy treks and healing sessions.

4. Batanes   

   

                                                                                                                                                                 

Its untouched natural beauty in every city and non-city persons wished a perfect place to revitalize and reflect during the Holy Week.

5. Marinduque                                                                                                                                            

   

During the Lenten Week, Marinduqueños celebrates Moriones Festival- a depiction or portrayal performed by their fellow Marinduqueños that wears Morion mask to look like Roman Soldiers and Syrian mercenaries in the story of the Passion of Christ. The play is mostly performed on streets that catch the attention of the audience.

6. Cebu                                                                                                                                                                

   

Cebu has one of the clearest waters to dive in, a perfect spot for water activities. Tourists may also visit the castle-like, Simala Church and the famous Monastery of the Holy Eucharist.

7. Davao                                                                                                                                                                                    

   

Davao is another hot tourist spot where you can visit popular amusement parks, a staycation in some resorts or visit the seven popular churches or popularly known as Visita Iglesia on Maundy Thursday.

8. Bulacan                                                                                                             

   

Boasting with notable, old and historic churches like Church of Santiago Apostol, St. Monica Church and Barasoain Church, Bulacan is perfect for Visita Iglesia. Everyone is also encouraged to join the procession on Good Friday in Baliuag.

9. Pampanga                                                                                                         

   

Filled with historical churches and religious shrines, Pampanga is one of the most visited provinces during Holy Week, numerous play that reenacts the crucifixion of Christ is being performed in various areas in Pampanga.

Everyone might be busy doing their itineraries now but as Filipino Catholics, we should not forget the real meaning of the Lenten Season, visit some churches and reflect to the hardships and sacrifices of Jesus Christ.

Renaleth Landicho

The girl who prepares her #OOTD more than her itinerary during travel.