HEAVEN ON EARTH: GarinFarm Pilgrimage, San Joaquin, Iloilo

Entering an air-conditioned room after being exposed from the heat

Eating your favorite food

Indulging in the best-tasting dessert

Getting a high score in the exam

Or pulling out that popcorn stuck between your teeth

These are some situations in which we can say "HEAVEN!"

But, there's more to that! I have been transported to Heaven.  

I mean, HEAVEN HERE ON EARTH.

Welcome to GarinFarm Pilgrimage!

(By the way, that's Ainna in the picture above.  I chose that photo of hers because she portrayed #Heavenfeels so good!)

Let's begin.

1. How did we get there? We commuted.

• From Iloilo City, we rode a jeepney at Super Terminal bound for San Joaquin.
• The fare was 60 php.
• It took us 2 hours of travel since, the jeepney had many stopover(s).  The driver dropped us by the road that leads to Garin Farm.

• Then, we rode a tricycle at 15 php to take us to the farm.  It only took us 5-10 minutes.
• Note: I think all drivers bound for San Joaquin are familiar with Garin Farm, so don't worry, they will drop you at the exact dropping point.  Luckily, there were tricycle drivers waiting already.

2. Arrival

• We paid 150 php for the entrance fee, inclusive of which are the pilgrimage and farm tour.
• Exclusive of which are the room: Zipline, Restaurant (of course), Kayaking, Swimming and Room accommodation (if you want to stay there).

3. On our way to heaven

Of course, we didn't reach heaven right away. We had to undergo some, let's say, obstacles, but more likely, beautiful scenery!

THE GREEN TUNNEL

This tunnel will welcome you.  It's a very long tunnel.  

Along the way, there are animals for you to see.

After the tunnel, you'll reach the starting point.  As you can see from the left picture, it says "GARIN FARM PILGRIMAGE: A JOURNEY FROM CREATION TO ASCENSION" Plus a follow-up note that says "You are entering a SPIRITUAL AREA. Humility is the key to eternity." 

Yup! Again, this is a Pilgrimage. It's a place for us to pray and reflect about our spiritual life.  It's a sacred area to know God and deepen one's faith.  Thus, what I am trying to tell you is that TO ENCOUNTER GOD is the top purpose in coming here (To take gram-worthy photos is just a plus-factor)

Behind me are the 400 steps to heaven! 

Oops, I almost forgot. Yes, I said 400, not 100 so, I have tips for you:

1. Make sure you are wearing comfortable clothes and shoes.

2. Bring face towel.

3. Wear a cap or bring an umbrella.

4. BRING WATER, lots of water.

In other words, bring what you think you need to survive the stairs and the heat of the sun.

6. Lastly, always put in mind, that you are doing it for the Lord. Enjoy!

NOAH'S ARK

As we were on our way, we witnessed different biblical events.

SCOURGING AT THE PILLAR

THE ASCENSION OF JESUS

In every stop, say a short prayer.  After, you may take pictures if you want, like what we did.

The view from up above! 

 It's very tiring, to be honest, but you'll see that it's worth it upon arriving the finish point. Scroll down, dear!

We finally reached the dark meditation tunnel.  This is the only way upon entering heaven. 

As I've walked in the tunnel, I've had a reflection.  Isaiah 9:2 - "The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them."  In life,  darkness can be termed as our problems.  WHY DOES GOD GIVES US PROBLEMS? Because, we are just humans who are made to be His.  We are the Father's children that we are born to BE IN NEED OF HIM.  When in darkness, we have this urge to find and direct ourselves to the light. That light, is God, my dear.

Metaphorically, the tunnel also relays a message that before we enter heaven (I believe) we're gonna go through some stages in which we will be tested on how we lived here on earth. In this tunnel, we reflect, meditate, and ask forgiveness.

In simpler words, all problems have solutions. You just have to keep on walking, until you see the light.

FINALLY, HEAVEN!

My eyes' pupils from large automatically adjusted to small as my eyes were welcomed by the brightness of heaven,  Everything was just so white, except me (Eh, waley)

 At the center stands the Holy Trinity: The Father, Son (at the right hand) and the Holy Spirit (at the other side).  To have seen this made me excited in meeting our Father, but I do not mean sooner.

My two dearest friends!

There are statues of angels and saints praising the Father.

Then, we came to this point:

That was a glimpse of heaven, and it was indeed a heavenly experience. Back to the world, my friends! Our time has not yet come. 

As we exit, we spent minutes touring the farm. Here are some pictures:

Great company.

Opinion from what I saw: Instead of observing solemnity in the pilgrimage, I feel sad to have seen people who did not conform to sacredness.  Straight to the point: some just went there because it's a trending place.  Take pictures, and done.  I am not judging.  I just hope that you, my fellow, if you have the plans to go here, please remember the purpose why this place was built.  That is: to encounter God and experience a glimpse of heaven.

THAT'S A WRAP!

Feel free to comment down below and I'll gladly and surely reply.

radiating sunshine, Hannah Borja

Stay tuned for my next blog about Bacolod!