Regina Rica

In the hills of Tanay, Rizal lies this big statue of Mary, a place for silence, peace and serenity, the Regina Rica. Regina means Queen while Rica is a Spanish word for Lady. 

After a long ride and before the walk to Regina Rica, we made sure to prepare ourselves by making our stomach full. We first ate the food that I prepared, Carbonara :)

The place was so beautiful and serene, far far far from the pollution and noise of the city.

One must pass the S Trail to before reaching Regina Rica.

NO cheating please :)

As you go through the S Trail, places where one can stop, light a candle and say prayer can be found.



Plus the flowers...

and the scenery (since Regina Rica is located on a hill).

El Shaddai = Breast of God. Now I know :)

Reaching the end is truly an achievement.

Under the statue of Regina Rica is where masses are being celebrated since the chapel is still under construction. Also, it is a place where everyone is being oriented before going inside the statue where there is a prayer room.

Chapel under condtruction

Everyone must take his/her shoes before going inside the prayer room. This is to give respect and to maintain the cleanliness of the sacred place.

Taking photos inside is not allowed. According to the nun who gave us the orientation, that place is a place for prayer and contemplation, not a tourist spot. There really is a different feeling every time we talk to God inside that kind of place. I know that we can talk to Him anytime we want to but I always believe that deeper conversation with Him can be done at a right place.

Outside the prayer room is a veranda where the beauty of the place can be truly appreciated.

After talking to God deeply, we went down and saw this prayer house. It has this circular walkway which we don't know what really means. 

Though we have no knowledge about that circular walkway, we still followed the way  and walked through it.

On the other side of the place is where the Station of the Cross (which was also under construction) can be found.

Visiting Regina Rica was a different experience. If you wish to be far from the busy city and be in a place where you can contemplate, meditate or just communicate with God in a deeper way, I strongly recommend that you go to this place.

Just a reminder, Regina Rica is not a place for picnic or recreation, it is a place for prayer.

***
Regina Rica
Brgy. Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal

http://www.reginarica.org

Manila Ocean Park

It was his birthday last year when he asked me to come with him in this place that we both haven't been. Though with hesitation at first, I decided to come with him as my birthday gift :)

To give a brief introduction, Manila Ocean Park is an Oceanarium located in Manila (behind Quirino Grandstand). According to Wikipedia, it is owned by China Oceanis Philippines and is larger than the Sentosa Underwater World in Singapore.

Manila Ocean Park, far from what's on my mind before I went there, is truly an amazing place, especially the Oceanarium. The following are the different sections of Oceanarium:

AGOS (Flow) 

It is an open area with a rainforest motif where freshwater fishes and other marine life can be seen...

and touched :)

It was my first time to hold a real starfish! I was afraid at first but because of his convincing power, I was able to hold one. It wasn't something to be afraid of because it doesn't even move. HAHA!

BAHURA (The Reef)

This section showcases different artificial corals, BEAUTIFUL coral reefs :)

Seeing these amazingly made corals made me feel sad because our real coral reefs are slowly dying. I hope those fishermen who use dynamites in fishing realize how important these reefs are. We have to save them not just because of its beauty but because they are our fishes habitat.

These string-like fishes caught my attention. At first, I thought that they're 'dilis' but they weren't.

My favorite fish among all that I saw. See? I didn't stop until I got its front view shot :))

LAOT (Fishing Ground)

Part of the Oceanarium that features big fishes in a big and long tank.

BUHAY NA KARAGATAN (The Living Ocean)

This is Manila Ocean Park's main attraction which is a 25-meter walkway tunnel that lets everyone see the beauty of underwater life in the ocean.

They also offer this real encounter with the fishes. I forgot how much it costs because I am not that interested. Seeing them is more than enough for me. Anyway, I am not a fan of ocean/seawater. HAHA!

KALALIMAN (The Deep)

This is where we can see the those marine animals that can only be found in the deepest part of the sea and ocean.

PAGI (Sting Ray)
A site where variety of sting rays can be seen.

Capturing photos of them made me tired because they're all so fast. Above photos were my best shots. Don't you just love how they look? They're like smiling to everyone. 

PATING (Shark)

Varieties of sharks were featured in this part of the Oceanarium.

"Not all sharks looks scary" -- above photos can attest to that :)

At the end of the walk, the Manila Ocean Park has few reminders for us:

After a long walk in the Oceanarium, we went in an open space area where a true body of water can be seen. 

I love horizon. This always reminds me that no matter how far our dreams are, we can still reach it with our hands, we just have to believe.

Manila Ocean Park also features the following (which we promise to visit when we come back):

• Acquatica Musical Fountain
• Marine Life Habitat
• Concourse Plaza
• Marine-Themed Mall
• Open Water Marine Habitat

A short walk and bites of kwek-kwek at the Seaside of SM Mall of Asia ended our day.

And hey, it's his first time in that seaside! Congratulations!
Thankyou for sharing your special day with me :)

***
Manila Ocean Park
Quirino Grandstand, Manila
visit their website at www.manilaoceanpark.com