Monasterio de Tarlac,Tarlac's Mountain Top Monastery

Have you ever visited a monastery on top of a mountain? How about seeing a relic of the True Cross? Or even taking a photo under the huge statue of Jesus Christ?  Well, this could be an awesome adventure and that could only be in Monasterio de Tarlac.

Monasterio de Tarlac is not the old monastery as you might expect. The construction was just concluded by the year 2000. And in every year's visit, the monastery has always have new places developed.

The 30 ft Statue of the Risen Christ on top of the mountain is gaining a popular attraction not only to religious people but also to many. The ground to where the statue is located is covered with flowers, making it look lovely and close to nature. From the top of the
mountain, you can feel the solemn ambiance, with the cold breeze of air. A very majestic feeling.

Aside from the colossal statue, the relic of the True Cross is enshrined inside the monastery chapel. The story goes when St. Helena, mother of Constantine the Great was in search of the Cross. Under the Calvary Hill, Jerusalem, she found 3 crosses. Not sure which one of
the three was Jesus', so she sent a dying woman to touch all the crosses. The cross that revived the woman from her condition was declared the True Cross. The cross was passed from one hand to another, generation to generation, split up to smaller pieces. Gratefully, in 2007, a splinter of that cross was sent from Germany to Philippines and then it was enshrined at the baroque chapel of the monastery. The relic is said to be miraculous.

There are still more places you can visit around and near the monastery. One of that is the disney-like construction on the other part of the monastery with designs that resemble towers and castles.That is located at the 20 hectare Tarlac Eco-Tourism Park. So the kids and the kids-at-heart will enjoy the tour.

Community mass are also conducted every day: 6:00 am for weekdays and 10:30 am for weekends. So if you want to attend the mass, be sure to take note of the schedule.

The monastery is situated on top of the Mount Resurrection which is part of the Zambales Mountain Range in brgy. Lubigan, San Jose, province of Tarlac.  There is an entrance fee of 50 pesos. If you wish to get to the Monasterio, ride a bus going to Tarlac then alight to
the Siesta Bus Stop in Tarlac. Ride a tricycle to the Jeepney Terminal going to San Jose, Tarlac. From there, you can rent a jeepney to Monasterio.  Or you can travel via car. From Manila, take NLEX to SCTEX exiting at Hacienda Luisita. Take McArthur Highway to Tarlac
City then turn left just after Sogo Hotel and before SM. Follow the road leading to Brgy Tibag Junction. You can see signages going to Monasterio de Tarlac. For people from North, head to Tarlac City to Uniwide Mall. Follow the service Road and turn right to Carangian
Bridge. From there, you will see markers leading to monastery. The roads are well paved but it will take about 2 or 2 and half of travel going to the mountain top.