Fr. Lawrence Llona, SVD
February 3, 2019
Philippines
A pilgrimage is a God-appointed moment for us to find time to stop to ponder, pray and get to know Him better. Feast your eyes and feed your soul. Join Fr. Lawrence Llona, SVD on a 4-day Pilgrimage to the beautiful province of Batanes leaving on February 3, 2019.
Begin your pilgrimage with a visit to the charming Mount Carmel Chapel, uniquely modelled after traditional Ivatan houses. On its ceiling are frescoes of different saints of Batanes which are painted by well-skilled Ivatan artists. Also known as Tukon Chapel, where “tukon” is an Ivatan term for “mountain,” the church offers a picturesque seascape of the West Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a hearty lunch at Fundacion Pacita, an awe inspiring stone house situated on top of a cliff with a 270 degree view of the sea, mountains and the sky. Head for the Basco Cathedral, also known as the Sto. Domingo de Basco. This first and oldest church in Batanes is dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of Batanes.
Visit the heritage towns of Savidug and Chavayan in Sabtang Island. Chavayan is a small village known for its well-preserved stone houses and for being the home of the Sabtang Weavers Association. Marvel at picturesque views at the Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint. This beautiful scenic spot has rolling hills and a small trail leading to a dramatic seascape. Not to be missed is a visit to Morong Beach, well known for the Mahayaw Arch that has become an icon of Sabtang and Batanes as a whole.
Head for Ivana to visit the San Jose Obrero Church, one of the best preserved churches in the region. Stop by at the Honesty Coffee Shop, one of the most famous man-made attractions in Batanes. Uniquely known for its business concept, the store is unmanned and solely relies on the honesty of the customers for payment of goods.
Proceed to the tiny Diura fishing village. Here, fishermen perform the Kapayvanuvanua ritual to signify the start of the fishing season. Head for the captivating town of Mahatao to visit the historic San Carlos Borromeo Church. Built by the Dominicans in 1789, San Carlos Borromeo Church is recognized as one of the cultural icons of the Philippines.
Travel to Uyugan, the town with the most number of intact stone houses in Batan Isalnd. Visit Imnajbu, the birthplace of Christianity in Batanes. Here, the first mass and baptism in the island was celebrated by the Dominicans who first landed in Imnajbu in 1682.
Cap off your pilgrimage in Racuh Apayaman, more commonly known as “Marlboro Country.” Be awed by the magnificent panoramic view of the ocean, windswept cliffs rising above the sea and lush green pastureland with a handful of cows leisurely grazing. Enjoy the moment where the ambience is simply sublime.
Join a 3-day Pilgrimage to Batanes with Fr. Lawrence Llona, SVD leaving on February 3, 2019 and savor your inner serenity amidst the scenic Batanes landscape, a glimpse of heaven on earth.
Ride a “faluwa,” a U-haul boat built small and rigger-less to withstand the huge waves, from Batan Island to Sabtang Island. The “faluwa” is unique to Batanes.
Have a souvenir photo taken on the Chawa View Deck which boasts of stunning views of the cliffs and South China Sea.
See the oldest limestone house in Batanes on your visit to the House of Dakay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Look at the ceiling of Mount Carmel Chapel in Tukon where you will find beautiful paintings of the saints by Ivatan artists trained at the Pacita Abad Center for Arts.
Resembling a gallery, Fundacion Pacita is adorned by artworks of both well-known and up-and-coming artists of Batanes.
Spiritually focused journeys
Friendly and bonded groups
Insightful pilgrimage chaplains
Senior citizen friendly
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 Franca Pilgrim
Cora and Vir Franca
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
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
1) 50 % deposit is required upon reservation.
2) Deadline for full payment should be at least one (1) month before departure date.
3) Cancellation Charges:
> 50 % of the tour cost will be charged if cancellation is made one (1) month before departure.
> Full tour cost shall be forfeited if cancellation is done fifteen (15) days prior to departure date.
BASIC TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE: Airport terminal fee, hospitalization and other medical expenses, tours and transportation during free periods, porterage of extra pieces of luggage in excess of the maximum allocation (10 kgs.), drinks and beverages taken during meals, items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone, fax, room service, tips for drivers, guides, tour escorts, 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 subagent’s 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.
