Regina Rica - A Towering statue of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary

In celebration of Mother's Day, I planned to take My SUPERMom to Regina Rica - a site known for having a 71-foot tall statue of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary sitting on top of a hill and Daranak Falls in Tanay, Rizal Philippines on May 10, 2015. It took us just an hour and half travel time to Regina Rosarii via UV Express Van from Starmall Edsa Crossing without traffic.

The Regina RICA (Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia) is a relatively new and well-maintained pilgrimage site that's an ideal destination during Holy Week. It is situated along Marcos Highway in Tanay, Rizal.

We climbed 308 steps up a set of paved stairs lined with sunflowers and yellow bells leading up to the main shrine. From there, we got a good view of the Sierra Madre mountains. Take note that Regina Rica is closed every Tuesday.

You can offer and light colored candles for different intentions (20 pesos per candle) or pause for a prayer at a small prayer room inside the statue. Yes. You read it right. There is a chaplet inside the statue. Isn't it amazing? But everyone who wants to go inside the statue needs to undergo briefing first - it is a must.

There is also a church, Pahuwayan, The Pilgrims Labyrinth, and a way of the cross that can be found around the sprawling grounds.

The Pilgrims Labyrinth

The Pilgrims Labyrinth symbolizes man's search for God at the center of their being. At Regina Rica, they use the labyrinth as an avenue to pray as they walk towards the center of their being.

There are also other points of interest that visitors with kids might want to check out. This includes organic garden, a small hanging bridge, and area with pets like monkeys and rabbits and a koi pond.

A souvenir shop is also available inside the site. There are a lot of shirt and other stuffs for sale. I bought a yellow rosary for myself and a bracelet rosary for my mom.

HOW DID WE GET THERE:

From Starmall Edsa Crossing we rode a UV Express Van bound for Tanay, Rizal. Fare costs 70 pesos each. Travel time is 1 hour and 30 minutes without traffic.

Van stops at Tanay Market. From there, we took a jeepney bound for Sampaloc. (28 pesos per person) You can also chartered a tricycle from Tanay Market to Regina Rica. Fair cost 200 pesos.From Sampaloc to Regina Rica, we rented a tricycle for 150 pesos.

For more details about Regina Rica  please click HERE. ;)