While many take the Lenten season a reason to have a break from the daily grind, many are still in the attitude of contemplation and reflection. While others do both spiritual journey and a way to go around to new places.
If you are into biking, wanting to go around at the same time take part in a Catholic spiritual journey, then this event from Lima Park Hotel is for you.
This year, Lima Park Hotel is continuing its yearly tradition to welcome people on their bikes to Batangas to the “Bisikleta Iglesia.” Bisikleta Iglesia is a 50 kilometer stretch of biking spanning both Lipa City and Malvar, Batangas while visiting seven (7) churches in the vicinity.
The fourth Bisikleta Iglesia is set on April 8, 2017 with Father Robert Reyes, known as the “Running Priest” being a special participant of the event.
Rose Landicho, Lima Park Hotel’s Director for Marketing and Corporate Communications, shares that Father Robert is an ideal pilgrimage leader as he is known for using sports to express his faith and advocacies.
“We are blessed because for the first time we are having a priest join our Bisikleta Iglesia. The participation of Fr. Robert Reyes no doubt makes this Bisikleta Iglesia more meaningful and inspiring,” says Landicho.
Tour of Batangas Churches
Bisikleta Iglesia 2017 will take roadsters on a religious journey with scenic routes starting in Malvar, to the hilly winding roads of Balete all the way to downtown Lipa, dubbed as the “Little Rome of the Philippines”.
The heritage and pilgrimage tour will visit Sto. Nino Parish Church in Marawoy; Sacred Heart Chapel in Marian Orchard, a pilgrimage site in Balete; Divino Amor Chapel-Redemptorist, Lipa City where devotees of the Our Mother of Perpetual Help gather; Parish of Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace, a religious site in Lipa known to Marian devotees; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Monastery, famous for its mysterious rose petal shower; Metropolitan Cathedral of San Sebastian, which serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Lipa; and finally the Parish Church of St. Therese of the Child Jesus before heading back to Lima Park Hotel.
Taking Care of Your Body and Environment
Lima Park Hotel’s Resident Manager, Bong Evangelista Jr., says this activity is also the hotel’s way of promoting fitness and ecotourism.
Evangelista estimates that in 2016, their group of cyclists saved up to P12,000 worth of gasoline.
“We’re slowly attracting more and more people from different age groups and with different interests to this religious adventure. Last year, we had an interesting mix of locals, domestic tourists, and foreigners. We also had professional, non-pro bikers, and enthusiasts whose age ranged from as young as 10 years old to 65 years old,” Evangelista relates.
More than 100 bikers are expected to join this unique pilgrimage on wheels that will complete the 14 Stations of the Cross across seven churches throughout Balete and Lipa City in Batangas.
Registration fee is P398, inclusive of breakfast, packed snacks, buffet lunch, commemorative Bisikleta Iglesia 2017 jersey, and a chance to win Lima Park Hotel gift certificates.
There is also a special Bisikleta Iglesia Weekend offer for only P2,950 for an overnight stay in a Superior Room for a maximum of four persons with complimentary breakfast for two.
Call Lima Park Hotel at (043) 981-1555 or (0917) 504-23 85 and (0925) 504-2385.
