HEED the call for prayerful silence,
in a space inspired by the divine.
22
BENEDICTINE MONASTERY OF THE
TRANSFIGURATION
Barangay San Jose, Malaybalay City
What to expect
Imposing pyramidal structure
perched on top of a hill.
Affable Benedictine monks.
Museum of Transfiguration
Monastery, featuring a collection
of liturgical vestments created
by fashion designer-turnedmonk, Dom Martin de Jesus.
Magnificent view of the
mountains of Bukidnon.
What to do
Pray, meditate, feel the peace.
Attend mass service on weekends.
Join the Breakfast with the Monks
every second Sunday of the month,
a buffet specially prepared by
these pious men for mass-goers.
Sample the famous Monks’ Blend
premium coffee, peanut butter,
and sweet peanut brittle.
What to wear
Decent, modest clothes.
When to go
Year-round destination.
How to get there
Take a bus to Malaybalay from
Cagayan de Oro City or Davao City
It pays to know
The church design was conceived
by Leandro Locsin, National Artist
for Architecture.
STROLL through the past,
with traditions passed on through generations.
PILAR
23 FORT
Zone IV, Zamboanga City
What to expect
17th century bastion of Spanish
colonial rule.
A Marian shrine with devotees
lighting candles, seeking the
intercession of Nuestra Señora del
Pilar.
The renewed National Museum
of the Philippines’ regional outpost.
What to wear
Casual, modest clothes.
When to go
Year-round destination
October is the best month
to go as the entire city
celebrates the festival of
its Catholic patroness.
38 MINDANAO FUN 101
How to get there
Regular flights from Manila,
Cebu, and Davao City.
From the city’s airport,
ride a jeepney or tricycle
to Fort Pilar.
It pays to know
Know a bit of Spanish?
Then you’ll have an easier time
with the local tongue.
Zamboanga’s Chabacano is
generously filled with Spanish
words and phrases.
Destinations 39