Holy Week is a time for deep reflection, penance, and renewal of faith. If you’re planning a spiritual journey, here are some of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the Philippines where you can pray, meditate, and strengthen your devotion.
1. Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage: A Lenten Pilgrimage to Antipolo’s Sacred Sanctuary– Antipolo, Rizal
A historic church famous for the miraculous image of the Virgin Mary, Antipolo Cathedral is a must-visit for pilgrims. Many devotees practice the tradition of walking barefoot from Manila to Antipolo as an act of penance.
📍 Location: Antipolo Cathedral, P. Oliveros Street, Antipolo City, Rizal
📅 Best Time to Visit: Holy Week, especially Maundy Thursday and Good Friday
How to Get There:
🚗 By Car: Take Marcos Highway or Ortigas Extension going to Antipolo City. Parking is available near the cathedral.
🚌 By Public Transport:
-
From Cubao or Ayala: Ride a UV Express or FX bound for Antipolo.
-
From LRT-2 Santolan Station: Take a jeepney or FX going to Antipolo Church.
-
From Quiapo: Ride an Antipolo-bound jeepney near Quiapo Church.
2. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine: A Place of Healing and Reflection During Holy Week – Lucban, Quezon
Home to a 50-foot statue of the Risen Christ, Kamay ni Hesus is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Luzon. Pilgrims climb over 300 steps to reach the top, reflecting on their faith along the way. Healing masses are also held at the site.
How to Get to Kamay ni Hesus Shrine
🚌 By Public Transportation:
-
From Manila: Take a bus bound for Lucena City (JAC Liner, DLTB, or Lucena Lines) from Cubao or Buendia. Travel time is 3-4 hours.
-
From Lucena Grand Terminal, ride a jeepney or bus to Lucban and ask to be dropped off at Kamay ni Hesus.
🚗 By Private Car:
-
Take South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and exit at Calamba. Drive through Los Baños, Pagsanjan, and Luisiana towards Lucban, Quezon.
-
The shrine is along Lucban-Tayabas Road, and ample parking is available.
Mass Schedules & Important Information
⏰ Healing Mass: Regularly held at the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church (check their official Facebook page for schedules).
📌 Location: Brgy. Tinamnan, Lucban, Quezon, Philippines
3. Monasterio de Tarlac: A Solemn Retreat for Prayer and Repentance – San Jose, Tarlac
Nestled atop Mount Resurrection in San Jose, Tarlac, Monasterio de Tarlac is a tranquil monastery and one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the Philippines. It is renowned for housing a relic of the True Cross of Jesus Christ, attracting thousands of visitors, especially during Holy Week.
How to Get to Monasterio de Tarlac
🚌 By Public Transportation:
-
From Manila: Take a bus bound for Tarlac City (Victory Liner, Five Star, or Genesis) from Cubao or Pasay. Travel time is 2-3 hours.
-
From Tarlac City, ride a tricycle or jeepney to San Jose town proper, then hire a motorcycle (habal-habal) or tricycle to Monasterio de Tarlac.
🚗 By Private Car:
-
Take NLEX (North Luzon Expressway), then SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway), and exit at Tarlac City.
-
Drive towards San Jose, Tarlac, and follow the signs leading to Monasterio de Tarlac. The uphill road is well-paved and accessible by car or van.
Mass Schedules & Important Information
⏰ Mass & Veneration of the True Cross: Regular masses are held at the monastery; check their official page for schedules.
📌 Location: Mount Resurrection Eco-Park, Lubigan, San Jose, Tarlac, Philippines
4. Our Lady of Manaoag Church: A Holy Week Destination for Devotion and Miracles – Manaoag, Pangasinan
The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag, popularly known as Our Lady of Manaoag Church, is a sacred pilgrimage site in Pangasinan and one of the most visited Marian shrines in the Philippines. Dubbed the “Pilgrim Center of the North,” it is home to the venerated image of Our Lady of Manaoag, believed to grant miracles, healing, and answered prayers. Thousands of devotees, especially during Holy Week, flock to the basilica to seek spiritual renewal, protection, and blessings.
How to Get to Our Lady of Manaoag Church
🚌 By Public Transportation:
-
From Manila: Ride a bus bound for Dagupan, Baguio, or Laoag (Victory Liner, Five Star, Partas, or Dagupan Bus). Travel time: 4-5 hours.
-
Ask the driver to drop you off at Manaoag, Pangasinan, then take a tricycle to the basilica.
🚗 By Private Car:
-
Take NLEX (North Luzon Expressway) → TPLEX (Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway) → Exit at Urdaneta City.
-
Follow the Manaoag Church road signs. Parking spaces are available near the basilica.
Mass Schedules & Important Information
⏰ Daily Masses: Regular services are held daily, with special devotions on first Saturdays.
📌 Location: Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag, Manaoag, Pangasinan, Philippines
5. Simala Shrine: A Marian Pilgrimage for Prayer and Penance in Cebu – Sibonga, Cebu
Nestled in the hills of Sibonga, Cebu, Simala Shrine, also known as the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, is a renowned pilgrimage site for devotees of the Virgin Mary. Often called the “Castle Church” because of its grand, fortress-like architecture, the shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims seeking miracles, healing, and spiritual renewal. Many believe in the miraculous intercession of Our Lady of Lindogon, whose image is housed within the shrine.
How to Get to Simala Shrine
🚌 By Public Transportation:
-
From Cebu City: Take a bus bound for Sibonga at Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT). Travel time: 2-3 hours.
-
Ask the driver to drop you off at Simala Shrine Junction, then take a motorcycle (habal-habal) or tricycle to the shrine.
🚗 By Private Car:
-
Drive south via South Cebu National Highway toward Sibonga.
-
Follow road signs leading to Simala Shrine, which is about 4 kilometers from the highway. Parking is available at the site.
Mass Schedules & Important Information
⏰ Daily Masses & Special Marian Devotions – Holy Week services and Marian feast celebrations are well-attended events at the shrine.
📌 Location: Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, Lindogon, Simala, Sibonga, Cebu, Philippines
6. Divine Mercy Shrine: A Sacred Site for Holy Week Reflection and Divine Grace – El Salvador, Misamis Oriental
The Divine Mercy Shrine in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental, is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the Philippines, attracting thousands of devotees, especially during Holy Week. Known for its peaceful and solemn atmosphere, the shrine is home to a towering 50-foot statue of Jesus Christ, symbolizing God’s boundless mercy. Pilgrims visit to seek healing, forgiveness, and divine grace while experiencing the Mercy Walk that leads to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
How to Get to Divine Mercy Shrine
🚌 By Public Transportation:
-
From Cagayan de Oro City: Take a jeepney or bus bound for Iligan and ask to be dropped off at El Salvador Junction. Travel time: 30-45 minutes.
-
From the junction, ride a motorcycle (habal-habal) or tricycle to the shrine.
🚗 By Private Car:
-
Drive west from Cagayan de Oro City via Butuan-Cagayan-Iligan Road toward El Salvador City.
-
Follow the road signs leading to Divine Mercy Shrine. Parking is available at the site.
Mass Schedules & Important Information
⏰ Holy Week Masses & Devotions – Includes healing services, confessions, and the Way of the Cross.
📌 Location: Divine Mercy Hills, Ulaliman, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
7. Mount Samat National Shrine: A Place of Faith and Sacrifice in the Spirit of Lent – Pilar, Bataan
Though primarily known as a historical war memorial, Mount Samat National Shrine (Dambana ng Kagitingan) also serves as a tranquil sanctuary for spiritual reflection, making it a meaningful destination during Holy Week. Located in Pilar, Bataan, this site features a towering 92-meter cross atop Mount Samat, symbolizing sacrifice, faith, and resilience. Many visitors come not only to honor the bravery of Filipino and American soldiers in World War II but also to find solitude, meditate, and seek spiritual renewal.
How to Get to Mount Samat National Shrine
🚌 By Public Transportation:
-
From Manila: Take a bus bound for Balanga City, Bataan at the Genesis or Bataan Transit terminals (Cubao or Pasay). Travel time: 2-3 hours.
-
From Balanga, ride a jeepney or tricycle to Pilar and ask for directions to Mount Samat.
🚗 By Private Car:
-
Drive north via NLEX (North Luzon Expressway), then take SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) toward Bataan.
-
From Balanga City, follow road signs leading to Mount Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan.
Visiting Hours & Important Information
⏰ Open Daily: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎫 Entrance Fee: ₱30 per person
📌 Location: Mount Samat, Pilar, Bataan, Philippines
