A Catholic Holy Week in the Philippines would never be complete without taking the Way of the Cross or Stations of the Cross. Every community in the country has it’s own Way of the Cross, from simple to the elaborate. Some would even travel to places where the tradition has been observed in a special way.
In Western Visayasy, the Balaan Bukid in Jordan, Guimaras is a well-known destination for the Way of the Cross especially during Good Friday. The fourteen Stations of the Cross lead up to the peak of the mountain where the Chapel of Ave Maria Purisiman is located and a giant white cross which is visible along the coast of Iloilo.
During Good Friday, Catholic pilgrims flock the Island-Province of Guimaras for the Way of the Cross and the Pagtaltal sa Jordan, the annual reenactment of Christ’s Passion performed by local actors.
From Ortiz Wharf in Iloilo City, Guimaras via Jordan Wharf is about 15 minutes by pumpboat. Start early in the morning in order to avoid the crowd and the afternoon heat. From the wharf, you can take a tricycle ride to Brgy. Hoskyn, where you start your hike up to the summit. Although the road is rocky, your climb will take about 45 minutes to an hour. The fourteen Stations of the Cross are located along the road.
A much shorter, but far more difficult alternate route to Balaan Bukid is also available. Pumpboats for this trip are available at the Ortiz Wharf. Be advised to buy things you need for your climb beforehand since you will no longer pass by Jordan Wharf. Via this route, you will be deposited at the side of Balaan Bukid facing Iloilo where you have to climb a steep slope with sharp rocks. The Stations are laid out along the twisting trails and sometimes you’ll have to pass narrow passages. This route affords you a picturesque view of Iloilo City and the Iloilo coastline.
If you plan on watching the Pagtaltal sa Jordan, you must be at Brgy. Hoskyn’s by noontime where you can take a tricycle to Jordan proper where the Pagtaltal reenactment is held. There are likewise several interesting sidetrips that you can take during your Holy Week in Guimaras. You can visit the Trappist Monastery, buy mangoes from the market, or visit a beach.
Here are some photos of my Way of the Cross experience in Balaan Bukid last 2008.
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Nice pics. I’m sure that being part of this Station of the Cross will give you refreshing heart and spirits
Vlads last blog post..New 7 Wonders of Nature Part 2
@Vlad- Thanks! Well, that’s true. Not that I only think about spirituality during the Holy Week but taking part in the Station of the Cross has that effect.