Reminiscence

Chapter 23 - Regina RICA (Tanay Trip Part 2)

Luna's Point of View
I can feel Mom's excitement just by listening to the tone of her voice. We are currently nakapila sa entrance ng Regina Rica, the giant Mama Mary here in Tanay. We always go here pero medyo di na masyado these days because busy.

"Kailan ba huli kong punta rito?" she asked but before we could answer, nauna na siya. "Ah two months ago na," Oh diba, tanong niya, sagot niya. Daldal ni Mommy. Taas ng energy. Tapos ayaw pa sumama kanina.

"Let's go naaa!" Mommy said as soon as Dad got our car parked. Bumaba agad siya ang pinicturan yung giant Mama Mary. Syempre, I did the same. It never gets old. Still beautiful.

Regina RICA basically stands for Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia. Regina Rosarii is our Lady of the Most Holy Rosarii. I so love the song they sing here. Then I play it at home pa kasi we bought DVD's na may novena and every at the end of it, they would play the song. But let's talk about the statue. It's really a work of art, a masterpiece. This huge sculpture is actually habitable and people are actually encouraged to go inside for their own spiritual enlightenment.

"Galing mo, Daddy. Look po oh, she's so happy," I went closer to Daddy and we're both watching Mommy, taking shots of the beautiful Regina Rosarii.

We first went to the vistor center, this is where we would buy souvenirs but Mommy said na later nalang so that wala kaming dala sa taas. Then we went to the prayer petition booth, we got small forms and a pen to right our own prayers. I wrote all the people that I want to be guided and that includes my family, friends, other relatives and my fans too. I think Mommy and Daddy did too.

I took a peek on what Mommy was writing and I saw Tita Eula and Tito Albert's name and below it, nakalagay na sana magkabati na sila. Awww. Magkaaway sila? Oh gosh. I wonder how Cassie, Flor and Xander's doing. I'll call Cassie later to check.

After we finished, we bought candles to light kasi as far as I can remember, there's a place where we can light a candle on the way up. Then we went to the donation area and the three of us domated some money. Hehehehe, I don't know if this would be considered as bragging but I can say na the three of us are generous, lalo na silang dalawa. I think that's where I got it. They're both compassionate.

We decided to attend mass later so we checked the schedule and luckily, meron later at 1 pm.

We passed by to Mary's Sacred Trail to go up to the Lady on top of the Hill.  She's so beautiful as in. We lighted candles and offered prayers on the way up.

Usually I would get tired of long walks if the sun is hot but surprisingly, I didn't even noticed na nandito na pala kami. Galing!

Finally, we're here on top! It was really stunning and I can't help but to marvel its beauty! As you reach the top, you will be welcomed by a long queue of pilgrims and devotees.

I looked back and saw the breathtaking view. Also, mamaya dun kami sa chapel pupunta, which is located below the hill where Our Lady is built.

And since this is a place for prayer, taking pictures is not allowed. For respect na rin. Andito tayo to pray and reflect, not to take pictures. Pwede sa labas, oo. But inside, we pray.

We removed our shoes and we were guided to a place where we will be having a briefing on the things we can and cannot do, the history of Regina Rosarii and some other information. We actually know this already pero it's really needed para makapasok ka sa loob. And okay na rin, ang gaganda kaya ng mga sinasabi. Always worth the time.

After that, we got grouped and we were guided to go up. Magkakaroon ng short but meaningful prayer meditation, led by a nun, infront of the Blessed Sacrament. But of course, si Daddy, todo alalay kay Mommy and 'di nakaligtas sa'kin 'yun. Hahaha, sorry Mama Mary.