Unique Places in Province of Tarlac

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Few has discovered this monastery, located 35 kms northwest from Tarlac city proper, in small town of San Jose. When you're looking for some peace in the midst of this busy and noisy world, this monastery can provide a quiet beat for a restless heart. The simple tasks of taking short walks in its gardens, gazing at the countryside view, listening to the gregorian music gives tranquility to a tired soul. It does not matter if you're catholic or agnostic, everyone is welcome to marvel at the beauty of the monastery gardens and rest in its shades. For the Catholic, it's one more reason to visit as the chapel enshrines a relic of the cross of Christ and will be a significant pilgrimage site for the Holy Week 2008.

The monastery is managed by the Servants of the Risen Christ, headed by Rev. Fr. Ronald Thomas Cortez, and has been liturgically blest by the Archbishop Fernando Filoni, Apostolic Nuncio in the Philippines.

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.