Our Journey to Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church

A short journey 

We were running out of budget, but we already planned in going out for a short trip. We wanted a quiet and simple out of town. And then I told him that I haven’t been to Kamay Ni Hesus and so we decided to push on with the trip. With only a thousand bucks in our wallet, we were ready to go.

I love seeing different churches, though I am not active in joining pilgrimage or a patron devote, I see to it that I attend to church every Sunday. Now, I am a regular attendee of The Feast and I also encourage you to join to discover more about your faith and to find your way to your Financial Freedom. I know most of you know already what I am talking about. 

By the way Kamay ni Hesus is located in Lucban Quezon, and you can include a side trip here if you'll visit Lucban for their Pahiyas Festival. 

Kamay ni Hesus is popular healing church. Masses are being celebrated by the known healing priest Fr. Joey Faller.

Another thing that makes the church popular and bring hundreds of people here is the 300 steps hill with life size figures portraying the 14 Stations of the Cross. On the top is the large statue of Jesus Christ. 

Going to Kamay ni Hesus is easy.

From Alabang or Buendia terminal take a bus via Lucena and take off at the grand terminal. From there, are jeepneys bound to Lucban. Advise the driver to take you off at the grotto. Or you can easily notice it as the jeepneys usually stop there to drop passengers. Expect a lot of people and vendors outside.

You can also see the Garden of Eden, a life size image of Adam and Eve can be found here. A Noah’s Ark shape building is what they called house of prayer is a retreat house. Different animals can be found outside to replicate the event. 

A place to explore and a place of prayer, by the way do not forget to wear proper church attire here as they do strictly require following it.

So wondering how much did we spent on this short trip?

Alabang to Lucena          - 360php (two way)

Lucena to Lucban           - 40php (two way)

Breakfast (Chowking)     - 100php

Lunch                             - 150php
(Pansit Habhab + Tapsilog + Ice Cream + Water + Shake) 
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Total Expenses per person = 650php

Of course if you want to buy pasalubong, then you still have extra money left. 

And remember... ;p

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This post is my third entry to the Pinoy Travel Bloggers' Blog Carnival for August 2012 with the theme  "WHERE WOULD YOU TRAVEL GIVEN A P1,000 BUDGET?"

Hosted by Cris of Pinaythrillseeker

Visit Estan Cabigas' Langyaw  to see the archive of Pinoy Travel Bloggers' Blog Carnival!

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Pahiyas Festival 2012

In honor of San Isidro Labrador, it was a tradition to celebrate the Pahiyas Festival here in the town of Lucban every 15th of May. This is the way the farmers give thanks for the bountiful harvest by displaying colourful rice wafers, fruits, vegetables and handicrafts decorating every house in town.

It was my first time to join a festival celebration in Lucban and was so glad to get to see and feel the warmth of the locals here.

What can you expect during the event? 

1. Food; Of course it's everywhere, they expect number of visitors so you can either eat in any local stores or sidewalk. Or look for your friends house to invite yourself in. For us, hindi namin nahanap yung house ng office-mate namin so we stick to our plan to eat around the area.

Kiping is made from grind rice that was brilliantly colored for main decorations.
Pwede ring i-ihaw para kainin. 

The famous longganisa ng Lucban

And, pansit Habhab - this is 10php per serving. 

Pwede ring pamaypay - :D pero nakapila to para ihawin.

Fried Kiping topped with sugar, mas bet ko toh kaso si ate natalsikan ako ng mantika. :p

2. The Lucban Church; It is devoted to town’s patron saint, San Isidro Labrador and this church is said to be almost 400 years old.

We should not forget to include visiting the Church to give thanks

The beautiful structure of the church outside.

3. Parades; You can see marching bands, ladies wearing colorful costumes/Filipiniana made of native materials, floats and farmers with their Carabaos in costumes.

4. Street Party; We also saw a group of environmental activist singing in the street. They caught our attention because of the Reggae theme of their band and the singer sang well. Hindi namin napansin nag cause na siya ng isang malaking party-party sa initan. Even the foreigners joined the party. Asteeg at ang saya lang!

Haribon haribon...

Instant dance floor sa initan, angsaya! 

Don't get near the mic or else you'll get to sing too.

5. Souvenirs; Of course don’t go home without buying something for pasalubong.

Meet Sol, my travel buddy for this trip (Actually may isa pa pero camera shy)

Na-aalala nyo pa ba toh nung mga kabataan natin? :p

And of course the main attraction are the houses of the locals in Lucban. This is the reason why tourist go to the town every 15th of May. 

It rained for a while pero uminit na ng tanghali. 

Tutubing Okra :p

Locals are kind enough to let you take pictures anywhere you want. 

You can go inside the house to take a picture by the window

Ang daming tao

Iniisip ko parin kung anong hayop or insekto ang gusto nilang i-achieve dito :p 

This is my favorite! Puro luya yan, infairness... 

Pacute lang... Pumila pa ako makapag pa picture lang.

The tallest house we saw :p

After lunch we went to Liliw to check for some slippers and shoes and had a short visit to Nagcarlan Underground cemetery. The day was such a tiring but colorful day for me! We haven't got to know the winner of the event. :p

How to go to Lucban from the South:

Since I am from South, the easiest way for me is from Pagsanjan/Sta. Cruz Laguna.

From the Alabang Terminal, you can ride an air-conditioned van/bus going to Pagsanjan/Sta. Cruz.  Then from the Town Plaza, ride a jeep going to Lucban. You can also join a group tour to get the comfort of not worrying for the transportation especially if you have seniors or kids with you.  Btw, expect for a long walk as the main road was closed for the event.

I hope to visit the next Festival and get to see Kamay ni Hesus next time.