I've heard this place many times. They call it as their secret hide away - a secret hide away place.
Well, secret no more!
The place is actually called as TOUCH OF GLORY Prayer Mountain, a.k.a Prayer Mountain. Located at Sitio Calumpang, Barangay San Jose, Antipolo City, Rizal, this 2 hectare place where serenity is to be found can easily be accessed whether by private of public vehicle.
For the benefit of the commuter, let me start off from Cubao, which I'm pretty sure everyone knows where the place is. An FX ride would only cost you Php 35 to Cogeo. It will take you not more than an hour to get there. As you dropped off the place, just cross the footbridge and take a jeepney ride going to Paenaan. It would cost you Php 21 to get there, just tell the driver to drop you off at the Prayer Mountain. It's a 30-45 minutes ride from Cogeo Town Plaza, depends on the traffic jam.
Others prefer to alight at LRT Line 2 Santolan Station, then take an FX ride before the jeepney ride.
Here comes the place. A place where wearing of shorts is not allowed.
The security guard will only ask for an ID (identification) and let you log your name on his visitors logbook. Entrance fee of Php 70 (as of March 2013, it used to be 50 though) will be paid at the library where the guard will give you instruction to get there.
Being a first timer, you would probably be curious about what's inside. A site map just before you enter the library where you will have to pay the entrance fee will show you what's inside. (By the way, keep the receipt that will be issued to you as the security guard will look for it as you leave the place).
This is my favorite spot. The Prayer Hut.
Hear humming birds, see lushes of greens and feel the gentle wind that touches your skin. This place perfected by nature will surely be absorbed by your soul searching body, mind and spirit.
Talk to God. You may choose to talk to God at this place. A place where you put yourself in a cell so you could have a real quite time for him. This is open for public too. A small framed house rules at the center of each level of the apartment cell is written.
Pray at the Garden. Others choose to stay here for soul searching. Whether you do want to find a quite place to relax, this spot will be good for you too. Bring a blanket and and feel free to lay down on the grass. The floor is yours.
Most people in here bring their bible, a small notebook and a pen, their way to connect with God and disconnect to the "techy" world.
And the best way to enjoy each and every getaway is to have it ended with good food. At this CAFETORIUM as they call it, you'll never get hungry. Whether you get a light or heavy meal, this will surely be enjoyed at an affordable price of less than a hundred (Php 100) for lunch, less than Php 50 for breakfast with an unlimited view of greens around you.
And by the way, you could also refill your empty bottle for only Php 10 / 1.5 lit. Not so bad.
And oh,by the way, if you you choose to stay overnight, private rooms or an affordable dormitory for ladies and gentlemen are available too.
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