Pilgrimage Overview:

  • Pilgrimage Chaplain:

    Fr. Dante Venus, S.V.D.

  • Departure Date:

    September 6, 2018

  • Countries:

    Taiwan, Japan

Inclusions

  • Roundtrip economy airfare via China Airlines
  • Roundtrip airport transfers
  • First class hotel accommodations on twin-sharing
  • Meals and tours as specified in the itinerary
  • Services of a local English-speaking Tour Guide in Taiwan and Japan
  • Transportation by deluxe air-conditioned motor coach
  • Services of a Pilgrimage Chaplain and Filipino Tour Leader all throughout the tour
  • Travel Insurance
  • Porterage of one (1) piece of luggage at hotels only

About Your Pilgrimage

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This Pilgrimage is fully booked. We invite you to view our other departures.

A pilgrimage provides an opportunity to step out of the non-stop busyness of our lives, and seek a time of quiet and reflection. It is a time of simply “being” rather than always “doing.”  Embark on a Pilgrimage to Taiwan plus Okinawa with Fr. Dante Venus, SVD, leaving on September 6, 2018. Make this an opportune time to refresh your faith while enjoying the company of others.

Begin your pilgrimage in Taipei, Taiwan’s largest city as well as its national capital.  Celebrate Mass at the beautiful  St. Josef Freinademetz Church in the Linkou District. St. Josef Freinademetz, SVD left behind his family and Alps, he loved so much, never returning there, and dedicated the rest of his life to the Chinese people as a missionary. Enjoy a scenic tour of the major sites of Taipei including the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial, a national monument and landmark erected in memory of Chiang Kai-shek, former President of the Republic of China.

Travel down south to Lukang, famed for its well preserved cultural and historical heritages, as well as old-time flavors that attract large number of both local and international visitors each day. Celebrate Mass at the Our Lady of Peace Church. Spend overnight at Sun Moon Lake.

Depart for Kaohsiung, known as Taiwan’s Harbor Capital,  for your two-night stay. Described as a place where “the weather is almost always good, the pace of life is slow and the city of free,” Kaohsiung will surely captivate your heart. Not to be missed is a visit to the Holy Rosary Cathedral, the oldest Catholic church and seat of the Archbishop of Taiwan.

Depart Taiwan to catch a flight bound for Okinawa, Japan. Marvel at the breathtaking cliff point sceneries of Cape Manazmo in the Kunigami District. Travel through Ohashi Bridge to Kouri-jima, which literally means “love island.” In Kouri-jima, expect to see the simple beauty of nature at its best by the stunning views, tranquil place and turquoise seas. Head to Okinawa’s Ocean Expo to visit the Churaumi Aquarium, one of the world’s largest aquariums.

Head for the city district of Naha to visit the Shurijo Castle, a center of the Ryukyu Kingdom between 1429 and 1879. With architectural influences from both China and Japan, the Castle shows its exceptional cultural and historical values in its unique stonework and architectural design. Shurijo is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Wind down your pilgrimage with a visit to Ryukyu Mura (Ryukyu Village), a small theme park about traditional culture in the form of a recreated village from the times of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Join an 8-day Pilgrimage to Taiwan plus Okinawa with Fr. Dante Venus, SVD, leaving on September 6, 2018. May this spiritual journey be an opportunity to relax, take a break, and feel refreshed. May it lead you to an encounter with God during your everyday activities and set your soul on fire to serve and love God and others.

Pilgrimage Highlights

Taipei is a tough little city whose beauty lies in its blend of Chinese culture with a curious fusion of Japanese, Southeast Asian and American influences. In many ways, this...

Taipei

Taipei is a tough little city whose beauty lies in its blend of Chinese culture with a curious fusion of Japanese, Southeast Asian and American influences. In many ways, this 300-year old city is like a living museum. The Taoist temples buzz with the prayers of the hopeful; the wooden boards of Japanese-era mansions creak under the feet of visitors; and the pilfered treasures in the National Palace Museum date back 5000 years. From the heirlooms of a tea merchant to the memories of a cemetery for the victims of the White Terror, Taipei is a city that takes great pride in celebrating its history – the triumphant and the tragic.

Lukang Town was once an important port during the Qing Dynasty in the 17th century, and it continued to be a bustling commercial area until the late 1800s after the...

LUKANG

Lukang Town was once an important port during the Qing Dynasty in the 17th century, and it continued to be a bustling commercial area until the late 1800s after the arrival of the Japanese. ‘Lukang’ literally means Deer Harbor, a name given during the Dutch colonial era because the majority of the products exported at the harbor were deerskin.

The Lukang of today is still a bustling little place. The preserved architecture and alleyways have attracted visitors to the town for many years and it has become a popular destination to see bits and pieces of old Taiwan and enjoy some traditional foods.

Taiwan’s largest lake, Sun Moon Lake is located in the mountains of Nantou at the geographic centre of Taiwan island. The name of the lake is inspired by the beauty...

SUN MOON LAKE

Taiwan’s largest lake, Sun Moon Lake is located in the mountains of Nantou at the geographic centre of Taiwan island.

The name of the lake is inspired by the beauty of the area. The east side of the lake is round, like the sun, while the west side is long and narrow, like a crescent moon. The area around the Sun Moon lake is home to the Thao tribe, one of the aboriginal tribes of Taiwan. In the centre of the lake is a small island named Lalu, and is reserved for aboriginal religious practices, therefore the public is not allowed to visit the island.

The lake and its surrounding countryside have been designated one of thirteen national scenic areas in Taiwan.

Come and enjoy the beaches, forests and rivers surrounding Meishan in picturesque and popular Taiwan. Meishan is located approximately 35 miles (56 kilometers) from Kaohsiung and about 50 miles (80...

MEISHAN

Come and enjoy the beaches, forests and rivers surrounding Meishan in picturesque and popular Taiwan. Meishan is located approximately 35 miles (56 kilometers) from Kaohsiung and about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Taichung.

To see why so many tourists opt for Taiwan as a place to holiday, ensure you and your loved ones take the time to fully explore the many scenic and cultural attractions around Meishan. Examples of places in the vicinity of Meishan are Ershui, 20 miles (32 kilometers) to the south, and Shuili, 20 miles (32 kilometers) to the southwest.

Kaohsiung, also known as the Harbor Capital of Taiwan, is the second most populated city in Taiwan and is located in the south of the island. Its year-round fine weather...

KAOHSIUNG

Kaohsiung, also known as the Harbor Capital of Taiwan, is the second most populated city in Taiwan and is located in the south of the island. Its year-round fine weather and the low cost of living make Kaohsiung the place to visit.

Unlike Taipei, Kaohsiung is a planned city with wide streets and slightly less traffic congestion than the capital. In recent years the city has made great strides in transforming itself from a primarily industrial city into a modern Asian metropolis, and several areas of the city, such as along the banks of the Love River (Ai He, 愛河), have benefited from major beautification projects under the tenure of former mayor Frank Hsieh.

Kenting National Park is the oldest national park in Taiwan. It spans over the southernmost area of the island covering mountains and beaches. It’s a favorite spot for locals and...

KENTING NATIONAL PARK

Kenting National Park is the oldest national park in Taiwan. It spans over the southernmost area of the island covering mountains and beaches. It’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike to soak up the tropical sun, find stunning scenic points and enjoy all sorts of outdoor and water activities.

Okinawa is Japan’s southernmost prefecture, consisting of a few dozen, small islands in the southern half of the Nansei Shoto, the island chain which stretches over about 1,000 kilometers from...

OKINAWA

Okinawa is Japan’s southernmost prefecture, consisting of a few dozen, small islands in the southern half of the Nansei Shoto, the island chain which stretches over about 1,000 kilometers from Kyushu to Taiwan.

The islands making up Okinawa Prefecture, are also known as the Ryukyu Islands, named after the native culture, which is distinctly different from that of the rest of Japan in terms of language, cuisine, arts, etc. The name Okinawa means “rope in the open sea”, a fairly apt description of this long stretch of islands between the four main islands of Japan and Taiwan.

Things We Love

  • Marvel at the wonders of nature on your visit to the Gyokusendo cave. A cave that boasts a host of spectacular rock formations.
  • Be enchanted by Sun Moon Lake, famous for its clear, sparkling blue waters set against a picturesque mountain backdrop.
  • Celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, in Wanchin, site of the original church built by the missionaries in 1870.
  • Learn about the rich culture of Okinawa on your visit to Shurijo Castle, the center of the culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Things To Do

  • CREATE.

    Enjoy your salt making adventure on your visit to Gala Blue Ocean in Okinawa.

  • VISIT.

    Visit the National Shrine of Our Lady of China in Meishan, a church named after the apparition of the Blessed Mother in Dong Lu, China in 1900.

  • EXPLORE.

    Have great finds as you take a leisurely stroll along Kokusaidori in Naha, a street lined with restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops.

  • MAKE.

    Make an original gift to your loved ones with Ryusen, where you can design your own fabrics with local Japanese dyes.

  • WATCH.

    Watch the colorful changing of the guards at the Martyr’s Shrine in Taipei, built to honor the fallen soldiers of the Chinese Civil War.

Why are our Pilgrimages different?

Spiritually-focused journeys
Insightful pilgrimage chaplains
Quality accommodations
Expertly-crafted itineraries
Friendly and bonded groups
Senior citizen friendly

Testimonials

The whole pilgrimage is a new and fulfilling moment in my life. It’s a nice feeling being with the Lord in His important day. And also, gaining new friends and becoming my new extended family is something I will treasure. I hope that this is just the beginning and we’ll continue to get in touch with one another despite the distance.

Brenda

Hello Co-Pilgrims,

It was indeed a wonderful Pilgrimage: very rich in history, a thanksgiving of blessings, a spiritual renewal and nourishment, and finally ending in a test of Faith.

Thank you so much Pilgrim Leader, Ging Igual, for standing beside us up to the last stretch of our 13-day journey - more particularly in the handling of an unexpected situation (cancelled flight in Mexico and re-direction of flights to make sure the 38 Pilgrims reach LA for their respective flight bookings). Ging, you were an angel to us so blessed with energy, passion, love and Milagrosa. We really felt the presence of Our Lady of Guadalupe fielding angels every step of the way.

The Pilgrimage to California Mission Churches and Our Lady of Guadalupe gives me personal inspiration for the work and activities of the next chapter of my lifetime: farming with promotion of agriculture for millennials (inspired by the scenic view of farms in California), tourism (which is a major industry in all places we visited), and support for a favourite major seminary in Tagaytay and a scholarship fund for deserving individuals (thru a non stock non profit institution).

Thank you to my Co-Pilgrims and prayer partners for the prayer support, sharing of life experiences and friendships;  Fr. Tony, thank you for your spiritual reflections and service;  Fr. Jerry Orbos for an overflowing spiritual reflections and enabling us to have the needed personal encounter with Jesus and Mama Mary (it was like a 12-day Holy Retreat); and the Executive Resources for making a very nice pilgrimage package a part of our lifetime.

Ms. Emma

Lord, we cannot find words enough to say how grateful we are to You. Our pilgrimage made us realize that Your love for us is more than what we deserve.

To all our co-pilgrims, thank you for making us feel we belong to this new family. To Fr. Dante, thanks for your prayers and pieces of advice for our spiritual nourishment. To Sis Lea, for taking care of each one of us. To Sis Joy, thanks for the contagious joys and laughters.

To our prayer partners, Sis Maribel, Melvy and Didick and Bro Mon and Sis Jot, thank you for your prayers. We will pray for you, too!

To The Pilgrim’s Center - Executive Resources, thank you for accommodating us in this Eastern Europe Pilgrimage.

God bless us all always!

Albert and Adee

Dear Pilgrims' Center:

My husband Aldo & I would like to praise & commend our Pilgrim Chaplain Fr. Dante Venus & our Tour Leader Bro. Monty for the very successful & memorable pilgrimage to Italy & the Holy Land we were very fortunate to join on March 26-April 8, 2018.

It was very hectic to be sure, but still they managed our time very well that we were able to visit more places than was promised in the itinerary, and we are very appreciative of that. Likewise, the solemnity of the whole pilgrimage experience was still observed despite many of us in the group, myself included, often forgetting that we were pilgrims & not tourists 😉😉, taking photos, selfies, etc. instead of, or before focusing on what the local guide was explaining or on the scripture readings. I cannot fault us pilgrims on this because for many of us seniors, and I speak for my husband & I, that trip might be our first & last time to visit those places, so we made sure they were properly documented. Nonetheless, it was a truly spiritually uplifting & life-changing experience for us. We continue to thank our Lord for making that experience of a lifetime possible. Indeed, nothing is impossible for God! Thank you very much to Fr. Dante, Bro. Monty & to each of us pilgrims in the group for the prayers, love, care & concern shown to each other. Let us continue to pray for and with each other. It is my hope that we meet each other again soon, to strengthen our bonds of friendships.

Most sincerely, Leclec Cabusora

Leclec Cabusora

My husband and I just came back from a wonderful trip to Israel - with Franciscan Fr Reu Galoy. Thank you Pilgrim Center for the arrangements. We are so happy and satisfied with all that you have done for us. Kudos to Yanyan and Monty from Pilgrim Center, and Fr Reu and Ronin for your caring services. It was a spiritual journey and we felt the abiding presence of the Lord all throughout.

Ann Arguelles Cortes

Our pilgrimage was worth all the hardships (I was having leg pains). We had an excellent leader in the person of Adrian, two priests Fathers Val and Ron, who gave us very nice pieces of advice and homilies, and of course the members of the group who were all very nice. Looking forward to join another pilgrimage.

Emily Bautista

It was the most profound experience I had in my whole life....Walking with the Footsteps where Jesus walked made my life more grateful and humble....My faith become stronger as I express it...A growing faith is a sharing faith....TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!! SHALOM!

Carmen Nierra

Vir & I would like to express our gratitude for a wonderful pilgrimage we had from Sept 5-18. From checking-in last Sept 5 & all during the tour, we felt the care from a family. No words can ever describe how thankful we are.

I almost cried last Sept 8, (my birthday) when we (2 of us have the same birthday) were given a surprise mini celebration when after our dinner, we were given a cake. I really felt the love of a family then.

All these things made possible because of your capable coordinator Ms. Ging Igual. She's such a wonderful leader. Kudos to her.

Rest assured that i will refer your company to all my friends who are planning to go on pilgrimage .

Good day & may God always guide & protect all of you in the Pilgrims' Center/ Executive Resources, Inc.

Cora and Vir Franca

I am honored to be included in this pilgrimage. The Pilgrims' Center has very good itineraries worth remembering. No hours wasted. They took very good care of us in spite of our big number of 47 people. The daily mass and homilies of Fr. Manny Cruz held in different shrines and churches were very inspirational and transforming. Accommodations were nice most especially the one on top of the Mountain with an awesome view built in 1909. It's like travelling back in time. I definitely would want to do it again with Pilgrim Center.

Peter Joseph Mapua

The Pilgrims' Center always gives you the best. They let you feel like an Executive in terms of personal service & attention especially during pilgrimage. Their choices of pilgrimages and pilgrim chaplains are outstanding. You go back home very fulfilled and immersed...

Marlene Silvestre

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Other Pilgrimages

Frequently Asked Questions

Simply press the I'm Interested button in any pilgrimage page and complete the form to receive the complete details including price, itinerary and inclusions in your email. You can also contact us at support@pilgrimage.ph or 5238581.
Yes! We can arrange private and customized pilgrimages for groups of 10 or more. Please contact us on support@pilgrimage.ph or 5238581 so we can begin arranging your private pilgrimage. We can provide free trips to organizers of groups of 20 or more.
Yes! We have many pilgrims joining from outside the Philippines. We can provide you the cost for only the land arrangement portion of the pilgrimage and advise you on which flights to take from your country. Please contact us and advise your place of origin and we will provide you with the rate without airfare.

Visa Requirements

No Visa is required for Filipino passport holders going to Taipei.

Japan Visa Requirements:

  • Valid passport (broken lamination of the photo is not accepted)
  • Old passport
  • 5 x 4.5 picture, colored with white background (2)
  • PSA Birth Certificate original- must be issued within one year on date of application
  • PSA Marriage Contract original – must be issued within one year on date of application
  • If student, school certification; school ID and affidavit of support ( notarized,signed by parents/supporting person +financial docs)
  • If minor, DSWD Clearance and affidavit of support ( notarized,signed by parents/supporting person +financial docs)

Note: Exemption of Birth and Marriage Certificate: If the applicant has his/her passport old or valid with used Japanese visa

  • Employment Certification(with Dry seal-if applies ) / DTI Business Registration/ SEC/ Business Permits-
  • Latest Income Tax Return
  • Bank Certification addressed to the Embassy of Japan with passbook copy

Processing Fee:           Php 1,200.00 per Pax (subject to change)
Processing Time:         Minimum 5-7 working days (discretion of the Embassy)

Booking Conditions

1) A US$ 500.00 non-refundable deposit is required upon reservation together with a photocopy of a passport (valid for 6 months fromdate of departure) and Pilgrim’s Profile with a passport-size photo plus the visa fee and travel insurance payment.

2) Full payment in U.S. dollars is required before ticketing but in no case shall it be later than 30 days before departure date.

3) The following cancellation charges will apply:
> 45 days before departure date – US$ 500.00 (non-refundable deposit)
> 30 days before departure date – 50% of the Tour Cost
> 20 days prior to departure date – Full tour cost will be forfeited

Terms and Conditions

TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Visa fees and documentation expenses, insurance, hospitalization and other medical expenses, tours and transportation during free periods, porterage of extra pieces of luggage in excess of maximum allocation (20 kgs.), drinks and beverages taken during meals, items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone, fax, room service, and other expenses not mentioned in the itinerary terms and conditions.

EXECUTIVE RESOURCES, INC. has arranged for the various tour services to be performed under the responsibility of various contractors. Executive Resources, Inc., its employees or its sub-agents therefore only act as agents for the contractors providing the various services described in the tour and accept no responsibility or liability in connection with losses or accidental expenses due to delays of schedule, overbooking, defaults or “force majeure”. All tours and arrangements are subject to the general conditions specified by each contractor. Tour itineraries and prices are subject to change without prior notice. When making a tour booking, the passenger acknowledges and accepts the foregoing conditions.

Any questions or concerns?