Hello Hivers!
After recently blogging about a Benedictine Abbey in France, I thought about sharing our own Benedictine Monastery in the Philippines. Modern, smaller in scale and obviously incomparable to the World Heritage Site, but the Monastery of Transfiguration holds its own with its simplicity and quiet dignity. It is considered as one of our country's architectural treasures.
It was the weekend of Kaamulan Festival in Malaybalay City, in Bukidnon last year. 
My best friend, Romina and her family toured us around for an unplugged weekend break from work up in the mountains. After a long drive from Cagayan de Oro to Bukidnon, as we were getting out of the car, a pyramidal structure greeted us.
Exhaustion evaporated as soon as the calm breeze swept over me. A positive energy immediately transcended every fiber of my being into a state of peace. Time stood still and the only sound one could hear were those of leaves and branches that danced in the gentle wind. The green mountainscape that surrounded the monastery was soothing to behold.
"Ssh.." I silenced my daughter as she ran up the stone steps while her laughter echoed in the stillness. It was forbidden to create noise of any kind.
Despite the absence of authority policing the sound pollution of any sort, it felt as though peace and solemnity were naturally observed and protected. Keeping silent was instinctive and there were also signs everywhere to remind everyone to respect them.
The Benedictine Monastery of Transfiguration
The Benedictine Monastery of Transfiguration in Malaybalay, Bukidnon is a peaceful place of prayer and contemplation. At certain times, you can hear the Benedictine Monks pray and sing hymns. While it is possible to stay here overnight and have breakfasts with the monks, it is also feasible to participate in a guided or silence retreat.
The pyramid shaped church was designed by Philippine National Artist, Architect Leandro Locsin. The minimalist design reflects the simplicity and stability in the Benedictine monk's way of life.
"Many people who come to see the Transfiguration church often think that the inspiration of Locsin’s church is the pyramid because of its very dominant pointed roof of black shingles. But the truth is that the traditional bahay kubo or the lowly house of the Philippine countryside made of bamboo and nipa (dried palm leaves) was his real inspiration."- Fr. Dom Martin Gomez, OSB
The original abbey was founded in 1983 but the new church was completed in 1996. The altar is a natural volcanic boulder that was found not far from the site. At the center is a huge metal cross which was created by another national artist.
The Museum of the Transfiguration Abbey
Across the church is a museum that showcases the collection of monks' liturgical vestments by Fr. Dom Martin Gomez, a famous fashion designer in the 70s, who later became a monk. Many pieces were made of traditional Philippine fibers - abaca and piña in various designs most of which had patterns inspired by traditional and local style. The entrance to the museum is free.
Travel Tip :
- Keep silent at all times including your mobile phone.
- Wear appropriate attire , no shorts, above the knee dresses/skirts and sleeveless tops for women.
How to Get There:
Take a domestic flight to Laguindingan Airport in Northern Mindanao. Head to Agora bus terminal in Cagayan de Oro. From Davao, head over to Ecoland Bus Terminal. There are buses that go to Malaybalay. Simply take a multi-cab or a motorcycle (habal-habal) for a 5 kilometer drive south to Barangay San Jose.
Monk's Blend Coffee
Wait! Before leaving, don't forget to check the Abbey Cafe and sample their local Monks' Blend Coffee.
For today's #marketfriday, allow me to take you around the monastery's own coffee farm where they sell local coffee in packages. Both coffee beans and ground coffee are available.
Monk's Coffee Farm
Monk's Blend Coffee Shop
There is a cafe and gift shop down the road with various local delicacies. These would definitely make a great pasalubong (souvenir gifts for family and friends).
My Takeaway
The Monastery of Transfiguration nicknamed Bukidnon Monastery is a perfect venue for a silence retreat. I am not religious, but I appreciate quiet reflective places such as this one, since it is set in the remote hills of Bukidnon with a great view of Mt. Kitanglad. To be surrounded with nature and well maintained landscape makes the extra journey worthwhile. For me, to see another poetic space designed by Architect Leandro Locsin was enough reason to go there.
Is there a particular place that you go to to seek peace and contemplation? Where would that be? Please do share your thoughts below.
Thank you so much everyone for your kind support on my previous post and thanks as well for reading. Wishing you all a Happy weekend!
References:
- Art of Transfiguration Abbey by Fr. Dom Martin Gomez, OSB
- Monastery of the Transfiguration: A place for reflection in Bukidnon, by Angelo Andrade -ABS CBN News
Inspired by my original post