Embracing the Song of Nature in Our Lady of Manaoag, Carmen, Cebu

It maybe cliche, but let me share with you a little backstory of how this place became memorable in my heart. A few years ago, I always thought to myself that it would be best for a guy to ask me on a date to a place that is new to my eye, peaceful, and meaningful. It’s always been a dream of mine to pin a place as the most memorable one. I never thought that it would be with this man. A man full of virtue and God-fearing. He may have flaws, but his positivity is enshrined. We exchanged messages through Messenger at first for almost a year. He always invited me to church, but I never said yes. Then, we finally met accidentally at a church, and we talked. He seemed to be a nice guy to be with. So, my hesitations to know him deeper were erased. After that time, he invited me to go somewhere. And he brought me to this peaceful place—Our Lady of Manaoag, St. Benedict’s Monastery, Carmen, Cebu. From that moment, it has always been our favorite go-to place when we want to breathe and sing with nature's calmness.

Our Lady of Manaoag, St. Benedict Monastery of Carmen, Cebu is located in Barangay Corte, Carmen, Cebu. According to Google Maps, it is almost 9.4 kilometers away from Poblacion, Carmen. However, when you travel there, the distance seems not to matter at all. You will enjoy every moment of your travel. Just take note that while traveling north, you should take notice of the signage of Cebu Safari Adventure Park on the highway, just right after the Carmen National High School. When you finally reach the signage, turn left and continue driving until you pass by Mount Uragay Spring Resort and Durano Eco Farm Spring Resort. The drive will be steep as the road is a lot uphill. Just keep on driving until you reach Barangay Corte of Carmen, Cebu.

The place is easy to locate, as the gate has a big arch and the name of the place was carved on it. Upon entering, you will see Saint Benedict's grotto. Upon scanning the whole place, you will first catch the towering statue of Snr. Sto. Nino.

There is also a rosary center where Catholics can offer their venerations. Beside the statue of Snr. Sto. Nino is the small chapel where masses are held every Sunday at 4 p.m. There are also candle stations where people can light candles and pray. At the back portion is the monastery of the Benedictines. Statues of saints are also visible just below the chapel. From the lower ground, it would have approximately three floors in total if it were a building.

If you are not Catholic but want to relax and enjoy the calmness of the place, the lower ground offers seats/cottages. There are also locals who offer reflexology. One hundred twenty pesos for the back massage and one hundred pesos for the foot reflex. (I forgot to take a picture of it)

The place has a lot to offer. It is not only a place for worship but also to quieten one’s mind when it becomes too chaotic. However, it is also a must to respect the solemnity of the place. We may not have the same perspective, especially on religion, but it is common etiquette to respect one another.

Moreover, the first reason it became symbolic for me is that—in this place, I realized that life may be harsh for you, but there will always be that person/instrument from the Heavens to make your life easier. For you to breathe and realize that life is not that hard if you just take things slowly, one step at a time. It should not always be in fast-paced motion. There should be times that you need to take time slowly, feel the slowness of things, and appreciate time as it is. In this place, you somehow forget all the fast-paced thinking you have back at home. You will have time to stare at the sky, feel the cool air, and listen to the birds singing as if telling you there’s no need to worry.