SM City Tarlac Supermall

SM City Tarlac will become the first "SM Supermall" in the city of Tarlac, which is located in MacArthur Highway, Brgy. San Roque Tarlac City, Tarlac.

The SM City Tarlac mall will be having a total of 103,000 square meters floor area with anchors like the SM Department Store and the SM Hypermarket, including Entertainment area, Food Court, Movie Theaters and a 6 stories brand new building made exclusively for public parking. SM City Tarlac is currently under-construction and its schedule to open this late 2009 or early 2010.

Corazon Aquino The Saint of Democracy: TIME Magazine

Time Magazine pays tribute and shows respect to "The Saint of Democracy" our late Philippine President Corazon "Cory" Aquino by featuring her on their August 2009 special report issue. This is the fifth time that Mrs. Aquino was in the cover of the famous magazine.


Corazon Aquino was named as Woman of the Year on 1986, just the year when she won in snap election against Ferdinand Marcos and brought the democracy back to our country. Now, Time magazine again pays tribute by tagging her as The Saint of Democracy.

{via enjayneer.com and TIME Magazine }

The Don Bosco Tarlac Technical Institute

The Don Bosco Tarlac Technical Institute school has been named after St. John Bosco whom the Church has proclaimed Father and Teacher of the Young. He himself said, "I have promised God that I would spend myself to my last breath for my boys." And this he did. He dedicated his life to teaching. To continue this work, he founded a religious society of priests and brothers - the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB).

Don Bosco Tarlac was opened in 1947 in the rented Oriente Hotel by Fr. James Wilson, an American army chaplain at Clark Air Base concerned with the Catholic education of the youth of Tarlac. Because of his devotion to the saint, he named his school St. John Bosco Academy. It transferred to its present site in Brgy. Sto. Cristo in 1948. In 1951, the school received its first Salesian, Fr. Anthony DiFalco.

From then onwards, it received a steady stream of Salesians who continued to improve the school. It started its technical curriculum in 1974 and four years later came to be known as Don Bosco Technical Institute. From a student population of 80 in 1947, it has grown to around 1,100 at present.

DBTI is made up of the Educative Pastoral Community (EPC). Its main components are the Salesians, the teaching and non-teaching personnel, the alumni, the parents, and the students. The Salesian spirit gives to the institution its lifestyle, its way of doing things. One element is the Family Spirit. Being an educational institution, DBTI has a system of education called the Preventive System. This system rests on the pillars of religion, reason, and loving kindness.

Vision

"We, the Educative Pastoral Community of Don Bosco Tarlac, envision the young as servant leaders in the Church of the Poor. Faithful to the teachings of St. John Bosco, we develop their giftedness and their power of choice to enable them to contribute to social transformation."

Mission

"By being living witnesses, we commit ourselves to provide a holistic education within a culture of excellence, spirit of collaboration, and in the context of the Preventive System."

Tarlac Monastery a Must Visit Church this Holy Week

A religious edifice in the Province of Tarlac, where the shrine of the sacred Relic of the True Cross is located, and cited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as one of the places to go this coming Holy Week.

The Monasterio de Tarlac in Barangay Lubigan in San Jose, Tarlac as the most revered pilgrimage site in Central Luzon on account of its spiritual prominence.

The site is one of the center of spirituality this coming Holy Week. It is here where The Church of the Risen Christ, which houses silver reliquary where the authentic fragment of the Wooden Cross, is located.

The church is under the ministerial care of the Servants of the Risen Christ, a monastic congregation led by its Prior, Frater Ronald Thomas "Archie" Cortez. The religious brothers, or Frater to the Catholic community, are clothed with a divine vow to live a life of monasticism and contemplation.

It was in 2005 when Msgr. Volker Bauer from Germany during the World Youth Day celebration offered to give to Prior Cortez the sacred relic long after the churches in Europe underwent radical transformation due to the advent of communism and were being closed down to give way to museums and warehouses.

And on Jan. 29, 2007, Bauer flew in with the relic and brought it first to Clark in Pampanga and finally to the monasterio in Tarlac for dedication. The historic event was conducted by the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Most Rev. Fernando Filoni, Tarlac Bishop Florentino Cinense, and members of the clergy.

The reliquary is known to be the only one in the entire Asia.


















MORE PHOTOS HERE!
The veneration of the True Cross finds its origin in the legend of Helena. According to Christian tradition, when Emperor Constantine granted religious freedom to Christians in the Roman Empire in 313 A.D., his mother Queen Helena, later in 326 A.D., made pilgrimage to the Holy Land to locate those places sacred to Christians and find the Cross of Jesus.

With the help of Christians there, she found many places where Jesus lived, and carried out his ministry.

Queen Helena had churches built in many of these sacred sites like the Tomb of the Holy Sepulchre, the Calvary, and the Nativity, among others.

She also found the True Cross, buried under a pagan temple, the nails, and the title that was affixed to the Cross.

She is said to have verified the true cross among the three that were unearthed through miracles (a dead girl was restored to life when touched by the True Cross). She left part of the Cross in Jerusalem, gave part to her son in Constantinople, and took part back to Rome where the Church of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem was built.

Pieces of the Cross were venerated as holy relics and fragments were given as gifts to many churches in Europe.

The sprawling monastery with dormitory and viewing decks offers a commanding view of the mountainous terrain of the towns of Tarlac nearby and the imposing 30-feet Statue of the Risen Christ.

The 278-hectare Tarlac Ecotourism Park, where the moasterio is located, was developed by Former Governor turn Congressman Jose "Aping" Yap as his legacy to Tarlaquenos. Visitors are attracted to the place on account of its cool mountain air, presence of natural springs, flora and wildlife, and outdoor living activities.

How to Get There

From Manila, take North Luzon Expressway (Nlex), exit at Sta. Ines Toll Plaza in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Proceed north to Tarlac City. Upon reaching Barangay San Sebastian (Hon Kee Tea House), take a left turn to the bypass road (Tarlac-Pangasinan) towards the town of Camiling. Follow the 36-kilometer backcountry but well-paved road to Barangay Lubigan in San Jose, Tarlac.

For more information, contact Frater Thomas Mary Lawrence at mobile no. 0917-9328738 or e-mail monasteriotarlac@yahoo.com.
www.tarlacmonastery.com

[Photos via Monasterio de tarlac]

Green Meadows Paniqui Tarlac

Paniqui, with its panorama of greens and friendly faces, is considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in the province of Tarlac.
Paniqui’s beauty is evident right away in the rows of trees that are scattered on either side of its roads – a welcome sight for any urban dweller.

Aside from its rustic charm, Paniqui also offers the convenience of being in a city. Being the center of Northern Tarlac, it has easy access to all the municipalities around it. This positions the town as a place for business to thrive in. In fact, Paniqui Mayor Miguel Cojuangco Revilla envisions the town to be the center of trade and commerce of Northern Tarlac in the near future. He shared that Paniqui’s livelihood projects are becoming one of the town’s diverse offerings.

It is for these reasons that Sta. Lucia Realty, one of the largest and most experienced real estate developers in the country, is building its latest subdivision there called Green Meadows.

Located along the stretch of the highly accessible McArthur Highway that serves as a gateway to the northern part of Luzon, Green Meadows in Paniqui, Tarlac is the daydream of serene, quality living come to life.

With proximity to Hacienda Luisita and Metro Town Tarlac, access to major commercial and entertainment establishments, Green Meadows is an ideal place to call home. For those who enjoy going on vacation, a leisurely drive up north will easily take them to Baguio.

Located beside a mango orchard and farmland, Green Meadows welcomes everyone with an atmosphere of calm and freshness. Adding to that are the "park-like" features and amenities that give it a touch of modern living.

Visitors and residents will find the following luxuries a real treat: a basketball court, swimming pool, children’s playground and clubhouse. There’s also a wide open space unique to Green Meadows, which allows residents a chance to breathe fresh air and clear their minds.

There are also the other amenities that a top-notch subdivision always has: A grand entrance gate and guard house, entry statement, wide concrete road network, paved sidewalks, curbs and gutters, centralized interrelated water system, underground drainage system and a Meralco electrical system.

All these qualities make Green Meadows an ideal place to invest or settle. Combined with the allure of Paniqui, which continues to attract more tourists as well as permanent residents, it is no wonder that Paniqui is steadily establishing itself as a refuge for urbanites.

Profile:
Discover the songs of Nature at Green Meadows. Find home in this natural sanctuary that offer lush landscaped greens and modern houses fit for even the most discriminating tastes. Where green living is at its finest. Only at Green Meadows

Location:
Green Meadows is nestled at the Heart of Paniqui , Tarlac, deemed to be a fast-rising favored address up North. A mere 60 minute Leisure drive brings one to the Summer Capital of the Philippines: Baguio. Wake up to the idyllic views of Mt. Arayat and the cool mountains of Mt. Province as they become daily treats exclusive to the residents.
With Close proximity to the Hacienda Luisita Golf and Country Club and other fine leisure, business and entertainment establishments, one can definitely enjoy the best of the city and the best of nature in one magnificent setting. Only at Green Meadows.

Facilities and Amenities:
Indeed, living at Green meadows can give one a different kind of high. Its first-class facilities and amenities only add up to the unique pleasure one experiences as he becomes one with nature. From wide-open space greens to a spacious clubhouse, one can definitely enjoy countless possibilities for life’s sensibilities in this natural heaven called home.

Investment Opportunity:
With its premiere location and elegantly-designed homes, Green meadows is definitely an investment worth taking. Be a few steps away from the crossroad of landmark destinations and key business, leisure and entertainment establishments. Sit Back, relax and watch your investment grow in unison with the lush greenery that surrounds this one-of-a-kind master-planned community at the center of Paniqui, Tarlac

FEATURES & AMENITIES:
-Clubhouse
-Covered basketball court convertible into badminton court
-Swimming pool
-Landscaped open space
-Children's playground
-Entrance gate & guardhouse
-Entry statement
-Wide concrete road network
-Paved sidewalks, concrete curbs & gutters
-Centralized interrelated water system
-Underground drainage system
-Meralco electrical system

Belenismo sa Tarlac

(Update)
TARLAC CITY has announced Its 2nd Belen Making Competition.The competition called
"The Art of Making Belen" This campaign is to gain an annual tourist attraction for Tarlac.A project that seeks to transform the province into the “Belen Capital of the Philippines”.

What does Belenismo mean?
Spanish means the art of making Belen, a representation of the Nativity scene in which the Holy Family (Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus Christ) is visited by the three wise men who came to the manger through the guidance of a star.

This year’s Belen Festival ran from November-January 6.

I have my a digital camera now,so here are some pictures.

Municipality of Moncada Tarlac









Greenhouse in Paniqui Tarlac






Municipality of Paniqui Tarlac


Municipality of Victoria Tarlac

more photos in edzhstarblog.multiply.com

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College of the Holy Spirit of Tarlac Accident

Dec.4'2008 College of the Holy Spirit of Tarlac Accident
Message: Thursday, December 4, was a tragic day
for us CHS family. At around 12 noon
(half day class), one of our Paniqui
schoolbus (like a mini van) drove home
six high school students. Beside the
driver was Ana Sorriano- IV year, at
the driver's back was Frances Yanguas-
II year, beside her was her friend and
classmate Patricia Tiangsing and then
Vernon Bulosan- II year. Also inside
were Juneah Arciaga and Rio Bautista
III year. The bus driver apparently was
speeding up. The students tried warning
him but he ignored them. He attempted
to overtake a vehicle in front of them.
Unfortunately the sugarcane truck on
the left lane driving towards them, hit
the rear side of the school bus,
causing the bus to spin hard. Its front
then, hit the sugarcane truck with
great impact causing the truck to tip
over to the right side of the highway
and the sugarcanes to fall out. The
massive accident claimed the life of
the driver instantly and two of our
students, Frances and Patricia. Some
good Samaritans brought all the
students to Jecson's hospital Tarlac
where Frances and Patricia were
pronounced DOA. Ana suffered from face
injuries, misplaced jaw and at once was
treated in the operating room. Vernon
was also hit on the head and was taken
to the ICU for observation. Rio
fractured her shoulder while Juneah had
scratches. Among the six, it was Juneah
who stayed conscious the whole time and
was able to relate what happened.

Yesterday afternoon, we (classmates and
teachers) went to offer our condolences
to the bereaved families of Frances and
Patricia. We've been praying for them
and their families since it happened.
Rio and Juneah are now safe from
danger. They were discharged from the
hospital yesterday. Ana is now
recovering in Jecson's while Vernon is
still in critical condition.
We are very grateful to have teacher
like Ms. Joy Andrade, Evelyn Delenela
and Sir Butz Surla for their immediate
assistance. Also our very active PTA
president Dr. Dungca who right away
after learning what happened rushed to
Jecson's to offer his services.

We're asking for prayers for all these
six and their families. We especially
ask you if you could join us in prayer
for Vernon's safety. Let us all ask St.
Arnold to watch over us and keep us
safe always.

- Thew

This was happened when I was in Manila for our Affiliation in National Center for Mental Health..Please Pray for all those 6 and their families...I would like to extend my personal condolences to Frances and Patricia's Family...



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The Art Of Making Belen - (Belenismo sa Talac)

TARLAC CITY has announced Its 2nd Belen Making Competition.The competition called
"The Art of Making Belen" This campaign is to gain an annual tourist attraction for Tarlac.A project that seeks to transform the province into the “Belen Capital of the Philippines”.

What does Belenismo mean?
Spanish means the art of making Belen, a representation of the Nativity scene in which the Holy Family (Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus Christ) is visited by the three wise men who came to the manger through the guidance of a star.

This year’s Belen Festival ran from November-January 6.

I don't have my a digital camera here for some reason,I will find ways to share the photos of different Belen here.


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Related Entries:
●Relic of the True Holy Cross
●Road3p @ San Jose,Tarlac
● Monasterio de Tarlac Update(Photos)

SITEL training center in Tarlac

TARLAC CITY, (PNA)–- SITEL, one of the world’s leading business process outsourcing(BPO) companies opened its training academy here recently.

Gov. Victor Yap said the entire third floor of the Provincial capitol was renovated under a (MOA) Memorandum of Agreement signed last November 2007 between SITEL and the Provincial Government of Tralac.

“the company is most welcome in the province” especially at the capitol because “the environment promotes mutual learning.”

“the arrival of the academy in Tarlac also promotes professionalism influenced by the western culture.”
-Yap said

Dan Reyes, president of the SITEL Philippines, said the company is very happy to work with such a dynamic and visionary governor.”

On the other hand, Baguio's SITEL president, Rod Spires, said the training center hopes to help as many Tarlaqueños in skills training for employment in the company.

Initially, 31 trainees will undergo a 30-day workshop in the academy with two trainors housed in Tarlac city. The training includes communication skills, basic computer literacy and call center workshop.

The trainees who will pass the final examination will be directly hired by SITEL Baguio, which is already home to more than 2,000 agents.

Yap further added that SITEL’s rallying cry “Vision, Passion and Purpose could very well be adapted by the Provincial Government of Tarlac.” (PNA)

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Paniqui Dike

Waiting for sunset


Picture2x



Grace and Lea

Brief History of Tarlac City

Brief History of Tarlac City

The town of Tarlac has had a colorful and significant history. Its story may very well be story of Tarlac province itself, which came into being only in 1873-74, eighty six years after Tarlac town was formally founded in 1788.

From Bacolor, Pampanga came intrepid leaders, namely Don Carlos Miguel and Don Narciso Castaneda who, years before 1788, with their families and followers trekked through the forests and hills of Porac and Bamban before finally settling down in what is now known as the town of Tarlac. They cleared the forest and tilled the fertile soil until a settlement emerged along the bank of the river which flowed across the township.



The community grew rapidly with settlers coming from Zambales, Pampanga, Bataan, Pangasinan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and elsewhere. The Pampanga dialect became the lingua franca in the community, as it was part of Pampanga province in those days. The two leaders, Miguel and Casta�eda succeeded in carrying out their pioneering venture through benevolent leadership, which elicited the cooperation of their followers. Thus roads were built, barrios were established without monetary expenditure, only through the common efforts of everyone. It also marked the beginnings of Tarlac as a �melting pot� of Central Luzon, with a mixture of divergent people working mightily for the common good.

Peace, happiness and self-sufficiency reigned during those early days. Enough agricultural and fish products were supplied by a rich soil and a flowing river, waiting for the hands of its hardworking settlers.

Later, it was unanimously agreed by the growing populace to request the authorities in Manila to convert the community into a town. Don Carlos Miguel prepared the needed resolution and forwarded it to the Spanish authorities. In 1788, a decree was issued by Captain General Don Felix Berenguer de Marquina, proclaiming Tarlac as a town under territorial jurisdiction of Pampanga, whose capital then was Bacolor.

The first governadorcillo (later called municipal) was Don Carlos Miguel in 1788 who, together with Don Narciso Casta�eda, established the foundation of Tarlac town. He was followed by Don Luis Briones 1789. It was during his term as the second governadorcillo that the �legend of San Sebastian� started. It is said that sometime that year, an armed band of tulisanes were stopped from marauding the town by a young boy who turned out to be no less than San Sebastian himself.

Tarlac is represented prominently in the eight rays of the Philippine flag because it was among the first provinces to join the revolution in 1896. The K.K.K. of Andres Bonifacio found early adherents among Tarlaque�os, headed by Don Francisco Ta�edo, after whom the town�s principal thoroughfare is named. Don Francisco Ta�edo was killed in an encounter with the Spanish guardia civil at the outset of the revolution. His early death inflamed the citizenry and his relatives and followers were bent on capturing the town by any means, but were dissuaded by Don Eusebio Ta�edo Iro, who volunteered to see his friend, General Monet, former politico-military, governor of Tarlac and at the time the highest military official in Pampanga. Denying that Tarlaque�os were involved in the revolution, Don Eusebio was able to obtain orders from General Monet to stop military operations in Tarlac. However, peace did not reign long in Tarlac because Generals Francisco Macabulos and Jose Alejandrino already started their offensive against the Spanish forces. On June 25 1898, Spanish soldiers surrendered in Tarlac.

The Miguels, descendants of one of the pioneers of the town, Don Carlos Miguel, changed their family name to Ta�edo in 1872 upon the promulgation of the Claveria decree on surnames. It is said that the Miguels preferred the masculine version of Casta�eda, and Ta�edo was also in compliance with the designated starting letter for all Tarlac surnames- it is therefore, not surprising that many Tarlaque�os to this day bear such surnames as Taala, Taar, Tabamo, Taban, Tabaquero, Tabasondra, Tamayo, Tamondong, to name a few.

President Emilio Aguinaldo proudly proclaimed the Philippine Republic on January 23, 1899 in Malolos, Bulacan. Assemblance of an independent government was formed, with a lawmaking body, the Malolos Congress, a cabinet headed by Apolinario Mabini ( who was foreign affairs minister), a judiciary, and of course, an army led by General Antonio Luna. A State University, the Universidad Literaria de Filipinas, was also opened.

By July 1899, however, with the tides of war turning against Aguinaldo, Tarlac became the last capital of the short-lived republic then on the run. Among the deputies who were in Tarlac to attend sessions of Congress were Fernando Ma. Guerrero of Manila, representing Leyte; Daniel Tirona of Cavite, representing Batanes; Tomas Mascarado of Batangas, representing Sorsogon; Servillano Aquino of Tarlac, representing Samar and Francisco Macabulos of Tarlac, representing Cebu.

The Aquinos, forebears of the late Benigno Aquino, Jr., came from lower Pampanga like most Tarlac settlers. The family of General Servillano Aquino settled in the town of Concepcion, still then a part of Pampanga. Present � day Aquinos trace their Tarlac, Tarlac connections to one of the �original� families of this capital town, the Ta�edo�s General Aquino married Do�a Lorensa Ta�edo Quiambao and later, when he lost his wife in one of the tragic episodes of the revolution, married his wife�s widowed elder sister Do�a Saturnina Ta�edo-Quiambao de Estrada, grandmother of former Senator Eva Estrada-Kalaw. The latter�s bloodline is therefore not Aquino but Ta�edo �Quiambao, which she shares with the late Ninoy Aquino, her second cousin.

It is said, �the past is a prologue to the future�. This brief account of the town�s colorful history is by no means complete. Since 1788, the town has progressed significantly, leading to its becoming the nucleus of Tarlac province. It has encountered countless hardships in the course of its existence, including those precipitated by earthquakes, cholera and other epidemics, great fires, devastating floods and similar calamities. Through the years, Tarlac�s ability to survive wars, economic difficulties and political turmoil among others, has been proven by its consistent re-emergence as a stronger and better town, eager to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Tarlac upgrade to cityhood started way back in 1996, with the filing of a bill in Congress to convert the town into a component city. House Bill No. 6863 was passed on November 17, 1997, subsequently; Senate Bill No. 2340 was approved on February 23, 1998. Then, on April 18, 1998, through a plebiscite the citizenry overwhelmingly supported the conversion of Tarlac town into a component city with affirmative votes of 21,378 out of 26,020 votes. It was proclaimed as a component city on April 19, 1998 by virtue of Republic Act No. 8593 to be known as the City of Tarlac. --www.tarlaccity.gov.ph

Kwarta

500 peso (limandaang piso) bill: The original theme of the limandaang piso bill was Ferdinand Marcos but after EDSA, it was changed to Benigno "Ninoy" S. Aquino Jr. On the front side of this yellow-coloured bill from left to right is a dove, an image of Ninoy, the Philippine flag and in words, two of Ninoy's beliefs which are Faith in our people and faifth in God and The Filipino is worth dying for. Earlier in his life, Ninoy was a journalist and there is also a typewriter on the front side of the bill signed with the initials BSAJ. On the reverse side are more of Ninoy's aspirations. In the top left, Filipinos of different faifths and class of society, civilian and military are seen standing united. In the centre, a mother and a boy give flowers to two soldiers, representing the desire for a democratic and peaceful nation. In the bottom left, part of an article from Ninoy's years as a journalist covering the war in Korea. In the top right is a girl holding a book with the words Study Now Pay Later which refers to an education bill Ninoy sponsored. In the bottom right are the Concepcion Municipal Hall and the Tarlac Capitol building where Ninoy held the office of Mayor and Governor respectively. On the far right at the top is the dove again. While imprisoned during martial law Ninoy campaigned for a seat in the Batasang Pambansa from his cell. During a pro-Ninoy rally outside his cell, a dove landed on the ledge of his cell window and has since then become symbolic of freedom.

photo courtesy of nationmaster.com

Road3p @ San Jose,Tarlac

It seems like a simple gateway to heaven, an emerald bliss of cold air that touches on your skin, this place carved with side by side towering peaks and cliffs carpeted with green and plenty leaves, while listening to their echoes swaying on the cold breeze.

Promoting the Lubigan Eco-Park as one of their tourist destination in San Jose can be seen in some small billboards giving directions where to go. We push our speed to follow road signs and as we go through, San Jose has many nice places to offer. A bridge crossing a wild river with many large stones creating splashes and waves, which I think suitable for simple white water rafting during rainy season.

How to Get There

From Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway, exit Sta. Ines Toll Plaza in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Proceed towards north to Tarlac City. Upon reaching Brgy. San Sebastian (Hon Kee Tea House), take a left turn to the bypass road (Tarlac - Pangasinan) towards the town of Camiling. Follow the 36-km backcountry but well-paved road to Brgy. Lubigan in San Jose, Tarlac (turns are well signposted).

Contact Information:

Mr. Val Vibal
Lubigan Eco-Park Administrator
+63916 305 6422

Relic of the True Holy Cross

Monasterio De Tarlac April 05, 2009 Entry Update Click HERE!!

DOT Cites Pilgrimage Site in Tarlac

Tiotuico said that the Church of the Risen Christ located in the middle of the sprawling monasterio complex houses the silver reliquary where the authentic fragment of the Wooden Cross is now enshrined. It is now under the ministerial care of the Servants of the Risen Christ, a monastic congregation led by its Prior, Frater Ronald Thomas Cortez, or Frater Archie to his friends, whose population numbers to about 30 all over the country. These religious brothers, or Frater to the Catholic community, are clothed with a divine vow to live a life of monasticism and contemplative life.

It was in 2005 when Msgr. Volker Bauer from Germany during the World Youth Day celebration offered to give to Prior Cortez the sacred relic long after the churches in Europe underwent radical transformation due to the advent of communism and were being closed down to give way to museums and warehouses. And so on January 29, 2007, Msgr. Bauer flew in with the relic and brought it first to Clark in Pampanga and finally to the monasterio in Tarlac for dedication. The historic event was conducted by the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, His Excellency Most Rev. Fernando Filoni, DD, Tarlac Bishop Florentino Cinense and a host of other clergy.

The reliquary is known to be the only one in the entire continent of Asia.

To accommodate the growing hordes of devotees to the shrine in Tarlac, the Priory of the Risen Christ decided to celebrate the Holy Mass every Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 in the morning after which the faithful is allowed entry to the reliquary to pay their homage and be blessed with spirituality.

Starting on September 14, 2007 and every year thereafter, when the entire Christian community celebrates the anniversary of the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and for which the Vatican officially named the day in 1963 as the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross, the church will begin to open the silver-guilt casket for public veneration. Atop the imposing altar is the inscription in Latin: Ave, Crux, Spes, Unica which means Hail, the Holy Cross, Our Only Hope.

The veneration of the True Cross finds its origin in the legend of Helena. According to Christian tradition, when Emperor Constantine granted religious freedom to Christians in the Roman Empire in 313 A.D., his mother, Queen Helena, later in 326 A.D. made pilgrimage to the Holy Land to locate those places sacred to Christians and find the Cross of Jesus. With the help of Christians there, she found many places where Jesus lived, and carried out his ministry. Queen Helena had churches built in many of these sacred sites (e.g., the Tomb of the Holy Sepulchre, the Calvary, the Nativity, etc.). She also found the True Cross, buried under a pagan temple, the nails, and the title that was affixed to the Cross. She is said to have verified the true cross among the three that were unearthed through miracles (a dead girl was restored to life when touched by the True Cross). She left part of the Cross in Jerusalem, gave part to her son in Constantinople, and took part back to Rome where the Church of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem was built. Pieces of the Cross were venerated as holy relics, and fragments were given as gifts to many churches in Europe.

The sprawling monastery with dormitory and viewing decks offers a commanding view of the mountainous terrain of the towns of Tarlac nearby and the imposing 30-ft. Statue of the Risen Christ.

The 278-ha. Tarlac Ecotourism Park where the monasterio is located was developed by Gov. Jose “Aping” Yap as his legacy to the Tarlaquenos. Visitors are attracted to the place on account of its cool mountain air, presence of natural springs, flora and wildlife, and outdoor living activities. Providing the needed support is Vic Yap of the Special Projects Office of the Office of the Governor, and Ms. Isabel Cojuangco-Suntay, a persistent benefactor to the community. The local tourism industry provides full support to the project under the auspices of Ms. Lydia Co of the Tarlac City Tourism Council and at the same time Chairman of the Central Luzon Tourism Council.

How to Get There

From Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway, exit Sta. Ines Toll Plaza in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Proceed towards north to Tarlac City. Upon reaching Brgy. San Sebastian (Hon Kee Tea House), take a left turn to the bypass road (Tarlac - Pangasinan) towards the town of Camiling. Follow the 36-km backcountry but well-paved road to Brgy. Lubigan in San Jose, Tarlac (turns are well signposted)