Lent is a good time to reflect and commune with nature and with one’s God.

If you are a non-Catholic living in a predominantly Catholic community, chances are, establishments will be closed and everyone would be at home or out of town for a vacation.

Those who cannot go out of town for some reason go out and visit churches or the Visita Iglesia. Others walk the path that Jesus Christ took on his way to Calvary through the Stations of the Cross. Still others go to prayer or retreat houses.

The Dominican House of Prayer in Shrine Hills, Davao City is on top of a hill overlooking the city. Peace and serenity can be yours while you pray and reflect.

You can go to the chapel or the view deck, walk on the grounds and take-in the quiet.

The Dominican Sisters of the Holy Trinity allows you to stay there at PhP950/day all-in.

The Holy Family Novitiate Discalced Carmelite Friars also have a retreat house in Tugbok, Davao City.

As it is located far from the city’s center, it would be like leaving the noise and bustle of the city behind you.

The lush greens that would surround you take away your worries and make you even more receptive to the spirit of Lent--- rebirth and renewal.

So when you get to be in Davao on a Holy week, you know where to go.

How To Get There:

PAL and other major airlines fly daily from Manila and Cebu to Davao City.

Approximate time of travel from Manila is an hour and 50 minutes while it takes an hour from Cebu City.

Fares will vary depending on promo fares.

Taxi flag down rate is PhP40 and Jeepney rate starts at PhP8.