Tags: Churches and Places of Worship, Travel Tales and Tips
By KC Santos
GUIMARAS, ILOILO – For many travelers, spending Holy Week at the Balaan Bukid in Guimaras is both challenging and rewarding.
Balaan Bukid means “holy mountain” in Hiligaynon.
Guimaras is known as the producer of the sweetest mangoes in the world. But during the season of Lent, many Catholic devotees flock to Balaan Bukid. On the foot of the mountain, penitents do the “Ang Pagtaltal,” or the crucifixion of flagellants.
From the base of the mountain, you will be greeted by a small community. Make sure to buy bottles of water from the makeshift stores because the trek can be draining.
The real sacrifice starts at the foot of the mountain. Vincent Bautista of Explore Aklan writes that some parts of the mountain are too steep making every step crucial. His advice to visitors is to wear shoes with thick soles.
Much like the Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban, Quezon, 14 stations depicting the life of Christ can be found on your way up to Balaan Bukid.
According to Jake M. of Weekend Pastime, the Committee of Pagtaltal and the municipal government of the island recently changed the stations with new ones to make the experience of the visitors more worthwhile.
He added that if you want to enjoy more peaceful moments for reflection, the best day to go is on Wednesday as the place can be filled with hundreds of devotees during Maundy Thursday and Black Saturday.
The giant white cross which can be seen from any part is actually of the Chapel of Ave Maria Purisima which can be found at the mountain’s peak. To the north is a scenic view of the entire city of Iloilo and to the opposite side, the tranquil view of the rich flora of Guimaras.
For Gideon Lasco of Pinoy Mountaineer, the Balaan Bukid is a “worthy side trip” for mountaineers visiting the neighboring mountains in Panay
How to get there: Pumpboats are regularly plying the Guimaras-Iloilo City routes and vice versa from the Ortiz Wharf in Iloilo City. Take either a motorcycle or a tricycle from the wharf which will take you straight to the foot of Balaan Bukid.
(Photos taken from Weekend Pastime)
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