What does heaven look like?

Isn’t this something a lot of people wonder about, especially kids? And when heaven is described, isn’t heaven always pictured to be a place that looks so white and so bright? There’s a place on earth now that makes that imagined heaven a reality.

Garin Farm in San Joaquin, Iloilo is described as heaven on earth. It’s a pilgrimage site and a popular tourist attraction that’s located about 50 kilometers away from the city proper. The main attraction in this place is the Pilgrimage: A Journey from Creation to Ascension.

You’ll have to climb 480 steps up the top of the hill to see a huge cross on top and the dark meditation tunnel that will allow you to see the place they call heaven on earth.

Good thing I have strong legs and endurance now. So 480 steps you say? Ready for the climb! Some tips – bring facial mist, water to drink, dress comfortably with shades or umbrella to shield you from the heat of the sun and apply sunblock too. If you don’t want to climb though, that’s also okay since there are golf carts in the place that you can rent to take you to the top or bring you back down.

On the way up, you’ll also see various life size statues of Biblical events such as Noah’s Ark and Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.

When you get to the Meditation Tunnel, there will be a tour guide waiting to explain what you are about to go through. You’ll be asked to close your eyes for a little bit as you go in the tunnel – don’t worry, your eyes will adjust after a few seconds. The tunnel represents our negative trials in life and of course when you surpass these trials, you’ll find redemption in heaven.

The view at the top is amazing! When I got out of the dark tunnel, I had to momentarily shield my eyes from the brightness of the place. And not kidding when I tell you that if you reflect on it, you’d really feel as though you are in heaven, surrounded by angels and the Holy Trinity at the center. 
Aside from Garin Farm, on our third day in Iloilo, we also went to Miag-ao Church also known as the Church of Saint Thomas of Villanova. This church belongs to the Baroque Churches of the Philippines and is also included in the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. 
    
Do you guys know about the saying that when you visit a church for the first time, you should knock on the door and make a wish? So I did that when I visited Miag-ao. I made a wish. Didn’t come true though! Oh well. Not all wishes/prayers can be granted right? Sometimes, God says yes, no or maybe.  
The church also has such a beautiful wall facade. Great background for #OOTDs. 
We also checked out the newly opened contemporary art museum at Manduriao called Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA). It’s a three storey museum with a gift shop on the ground floor as well so if you’d like to buy a souvenir, you can do so there. You can know more about ILOMOCA here.
    
We also learned of Iloilo’s Patrocinio Gamboa, Iloilo’s very own revolutionary heroine at Casa Gamboa. Her house, located in Jaro, Iloilo, is considered a historical site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. 
     
And in case you’re hungry, you can eat at the small but quaint cafe in Casa Gamboa as well. We had our merienda there. Entrance fee is consumable guys so you can use that to buy food there or buy souvenirs and pasalubong. 
City Times Square is where you’ll find the LED White Roses. The place reminded me of Bluebay Walk in Pasay because of how it looks. You can also dine and shop in the area or attend an event as they have an open space in the center.

And Plazuela de Iloilo reminded me of Bayside in Mall of Asia. There’s a nice fountain show to check out in the area. 
Overall third day was fun and chill. I always love checking out places in the city and visiting museums. You can also read about my first day in the city and my trip to Gigantes Islands. Last one on Iloilo Travel Diary – Guimaras Island coming soon.
Day 3 Iloilo Fashion:

Dress by Kashieca
Shoes by Payless
Shades by ShopNicoleSyjuco
Bag by Long Champ