Hidden Gems of Tanay, Rizal, Philippines

On our most recent visit to family in the Philippines, we stayed at our niece’s house which is located on the outskirts of Metro Manila, in the hilly portion of San Mateo, Rizal. Far from city noise, heat, and pollution, it was a breath of fresh air. It was also relatively close to a few resorts and attractions, such as the Martessem Resort in Tanay, Rizal famous for cool mornings, a sea of clouds, and scenic views, the Regina Rica, a pilgrimage site for Catholics which has a giant 71-foot statue of the Virgin Mary and the centuries-old Tanay Church.

Martessem Resort

We started our trip early in the morning to catch sight of the famous sea of clouds. We did not arrive early enough though to see a thick sea of clouds, but still lucky to get a glimpse of the gradually fading clouds between the verdant mountain slopes.

The resort also boasts scenic views of the Sierra Madre Mountain range, the green foothills, and valleys down the slopes.

Truly a very relaxing day, breathing the chill and fresh mountain air that even these 2 restless kids took some time to sit and delight in the scenery

This was the first time that we saw a different color of the usually green-colored bamboo, golden bamboo among the trees and plants.

We caught a glimpse too of a yellow-colored bird sitting on the branch of a small tree. It was an amazing combination of the colors green and yellow. Luckily it did not fly right away, we were able to capture his 3 poses. As per Google Lens, the bird is a black-naped oriole found in some parts of Asia.

After the sightseeing, everybody was hungry since we did not have a chance to grab even a quick breakfast.

The resort’s restaurant offers Filipino cuisine and from their menu, here were some of our orders. We dined at Al Fresco.

Regina Rica

Regina Rica, also located in the town of Tanay, Rizal is a religious pilgrimage site for Catholics. It sits on an area of 13.5 hectares with the 71 feet statue of the Virgin Mary located on top of the hill.

Unfortunately, much as I wanted to, the physically challenged me, was not able to climb the 300-plus steps to reach Regina Rica.

But looking up at the virgin from afar, it was like seeing her from the heavens and giving me the feeling that I was on holy ground.

One wonders how it could have been at Fatima.

There is a church where people can attend mass or light candle offerings and pray for healing, enlightenment, and other personal intentions.

It's modern altar

It has a large garden, but this is not a park and so everyone is obliged to observe silence. There is a columbarium on a portion of the garden.

When the Vatican lifted the ban on cremation in the 1960s, the columbarium became popular as a cheaper alternative to expensive memorial plots.

Tanay Church

Tanay Church is now 240 years old and one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the Philippines. It was declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2001 due to its age, history, and architecture.

Side Entrance

The Historical Marker

The fascinating interior has five retablos (altarpieces) – a main altarpiece and 4 minor altarpieces, all with antique images of saints.

The intricately carved main altarpiece in Rococo style

And of course, traveling with family is always fun if sometimes poignant. Another place. Another time.