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“Life can still be beautiful, even when it’s not easy.”
These are my thoughts while on our way to Balete, Batangas. It was a tough week for me, and I thought I needed to go someplace to wind down.
Marian Orchard didn’t disappoint.
If you want to be one with nature while praying, thinking deeply or quietly or not to think at all, Marian Orchard is the perfect place for you. I describe this park as one huge, picturesque garden, truly an Instagram worthy place. Though sometimes Marian Orchard can get crowded, you can still find a serene spot for yourself away from other visitors.
This pilgrim site is a must add to your list when doing Visita Iglesia during the Holy Week. Marian devotee or not – you will be mesmerized by this place.
Bring a bottle of water, a pair of sunglasses and an umbrella. They come in handy if you are going to wander around Marian Orchard on a sunny day.
The parking area is a few meters away from Marian Orchard. You will find local vendors in the parking area selling native snacks like bananaque, turon and different kinds of rice cakes or kakanin. It’s a smart idea to take a bite before heading to Marian Orchard because eating inside the pilgrim park is not allowed.
Marian Orchard is in Malabanan, Balete, Batangas. This pilgrimage park is started by Lazaro L. Katigbak in 1988.
It is open from Friday to Sunday (including holidays) 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The gate closes at 4pm.
Your entrance fee of P100.00 to Marian Orchard serves as a donation. Students, senior citizens, and PWDs enjoy the all-season P 80.00 entrance. Just make sure to present a valid ID.
Mass is being held every Saturdays, Sundays at 10am and every first Friday of the month at 4pm.
Source: Facebook.com/MarianOrchardBatangas
Be a responsible guest when in Marian Orchard. Abide their house rules. Be mindful with the other guests as most of the people are there to pray in peace and quiet. It is not just your ordinary leisure park.
Marian Orchard is “A spiritual oasis that inspires the renewal of faith.”
Here are their house rules:
- Let’s keep Marian Orchard smoke-free.
- Please refrain from eating within the grounds.
- Please refrain from picking plants, flowers, and fruits.
- Let us practice “Leave No Trace”. Please take your rubbish home and recycle what you can.
- Avoid loud and boisterous behavior.
- Please observe silence especially when Holy Mass is going on.
- Please wear appropriate clothes. Do cover up when attending the Mass.
- You are free to take as much pictures. Please be mindful that Marian Orchard is primarily for prayers and meditation.
- Restrooms are located at the Visitor’s Center and Marian Plaza. Water in the restrooms are not for drinking.
Source: Marian Orchard website
After I wandered around Marian Orchard, I was reminded of this quote in the book “Letters of Selah” by Joena San Diego. “You have come this far. It’s okay to pause. You will finish the race, even when you take time to rest.”
If you’re having a hard time in life and you feel that you are being left out, please be reminded that it’s okay to rest. You don’t have to figure it all out now. Go to a place where you feel God’s presence the most – it could be a Church, a Bookstore, a Café, or in the comfort of your own bedroom. God is always there, just waiting for you to ask for His help.
Other tourist spots worth visiting near Marian Orchard:
- Batangas Lakelands Park
- Lima Park Hotel
- Cinta Corito’s Garden
- Nayomi Sanctuary Resort
- Balete Baywalk
