THE MARIAN ORCHARD
Before 2017 ended, my cousin and I decided to go somewhere that is near our place, that is relaxing, that is worth going to, and that would sum up our year. We ended up at Marian Orchard, located in Batangas, that's approximately 44.2 km away from our home (Los Baños, Laguna).
I have been to Batangas many times to eat lomi, to go to beaches (they are almost everywhere in Batangas!!!), or just to go to Starbucks overlooking a good scenery. It is a province next to ours so it is very accessible to us (if you are in Manila, that's approximately 83 km away). But never did I expect that it hides a place like Marian Orchard!
This was our first time to go to an orchard so I was very excited — so excited that we even entered a wrong gate. LOL.
this is a cheap adventure
Upon entering the gate, an entrance fee of only 50 pesos (~1USD) will be collected, then you can go anywhere inside the orchard and enjoy the scenery. There is a canteen inside where you can buy your food and refreshments should you get tired exploring the area (it is a BIG area, I am telling you). However, you can bring your own food inside. There are parts of the orchard where you can stay to eat. Had we known about this before, we could have prepared sandwiches and juice.
this is a relaxing "physical activity"
Relaxing physical activity? Is there such a term? Our experience was some sort of a hiking in a very very relaxing and serene place to the point that you have just explored the entire orchard feeling just fine. Long stairs and long walks, especially when you go through the stations of the cross, where each station is portrayed by statues and you have to have a short walk to get to the next station.
I am not sure if these are the complete set or if I missed a station or two. But this is it.
Aside from being big, this is also a very quiet place. If you love meditating, this is a perfect place for you. However from time to time, there is a relaxing sound that you will hear: the Chimes of Mary.
I was not able to observe when it produces sound but I guess when the wind is strong enough? I don't know if it's manually operated but the point is, the sound brings you inner peace.
There is also a church inside where you can attend mass, if there is a session, provided that you are in a proper attire.
this promotes art
If you are familiar with installation arts:
Installation artworks [are] constructed in exhibition spaces such as museums and galleries, as well as public and private spaces.
For me, Marian Orchard presents many installation arts, which I enjoy a lot. One example is the Last Supper, a very famous mural painting by Leonardo da Vinci. I love how the painting was transformed into sculpture and how it was engaged to the nature.
Another artworks that you will see, and these will welcome you for they are located near the entrance are the statues of the saints lined up.
Look how the art complements the trees and the flowers and the sky. If you enjoy both arts and nature like me, you'll have a good time here.
this place is world-class
The moment I stepped inside, the place gave me a foreign vibe. Reminds me of Code Geass, an animated series. I've never been to a place like this. It's as if I went abroad.
For instance, these areas below look similar:
It's just so wonderful to know that when you thought you've seen the best of the Philippines, the Philippines itself would prove you wrong by showing you wonders you've never seen before.