April 25,2014

The week before Holy Week on April 9, the College Unit went out for a much anticipated R&R. For this year’s outing, faculty members came up with a brilliant suggestion of combining spiritual with cultural- a pre- Holy Week pilgrimage to the “Kamay ni Hesus” in  Lucban and a visit to  the “Ugu Bigyan’s Potter Garden” in Tiaong, both in Quezon province.

En route to the shrine, the group first made a very short stop at the town  of Florida and a visit to the local church. Next stop was at Lucban where  the faculty members walked the streets shopping for popular local products such as longganisa, uraro, puto seco, broas and the very famous custard cake. Unfortunately, there was  no time to taste one of Lucban’s specialty food , the pancit habhab.

The “ Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church”  is located on the slopes of Mt. Banahaw and is a popular destination for pilgrimages among Catholics, especially around Holy Week. True enough, the shrine was packed with pilgrims.  Most of the faculty members ignored  the hot, scorching noon sun, and climbed the 310 steps to the top of the hill.  Hot and hungry after the climb, all were ready for lunch at the Kamayan Palaisdaan.

Next in the itinerary after lunch was the  “Ugu Bigyan’s Potter Garden”. Never having been to Ugu’s before, most of us didn’t know what to expect. From the outside, the façade of  Ugu’s garden was nondescript, looking like most of the houses around the area. Once inside, it was like being transported to another world.  It is difficult to put into words what can be found inside.  Maybe the pictures can do it more justice. 

The place is delightfully laid out. Small structures furnished as living room, dining room, bedroom, lanai, are scattered around the garden, inviting visitors to wander leisurely around,  to explore, to discover,  to sit and lounge in each of them. The main display area houses unique pieces of decorative and functional arts designed by Ugu Bigyan. More than the beauty of the place, the garden evokes a peaceful, serene and relaxing feeling.

Before heading back for home, the group stopped at Patis Tesoro’s, another beautiful garden for a refreshing merienda.  

By: Dr. Remedios Ching,
Dean of College

Photos are from: Ms. Leah Aler,
Head Librarian, College & Graduate School Library