Every once in a while, we feel like we are not ourselves. So there is that feeling of wanting to converse with our inner spiritual person just to find answers.
One way to tap into our deepest self is to do Spiritual Reflections. Doing spiritual reflections require peace. It can be done in your bedroom or house. However, there are spiritual places here in Cebu that can provide serenity.
Here are 5 spots in Cebu for Spiritual Reflections:
1. MagsPeak Mountain Resort and Villas
MagsPeak Mountain Resort & Villas is now open to the public FOR FREE starting on April 6, 2023.
The place is famous for its Way of the Cross. Visitors can find all 14 stations when visiting from the entrance to the mountain top. MagsPeak will start accepting guests who are planning to have a pristine and quiet weekend getaway.
Kickstart your spiritual reflection at the Our Lady of the Pillar Chapel. What makes the chapel unique is that it overlooks the mountains. You can even meditate at the Pieta in the Meditation Garden.
The Mountain Resort will have 12 exclusive mountain villas, 20 hotel rooms, a clubhouse, heated infinity pools, and a farm-to-table restaurant.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Brgy. Sunog, Balamban, Cebu- approx. 2.5 hours away from the city. Just about 1.5 kilometers after West 35, right turn to Brgy. Sunog
BY VAN: Ride a V-hire from the Ayala Center Terminal going to Balamban via Transcentral highway. Ask the driver to drop you off at West 35 Eco Mountain Resort or Brgy. Sunog.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “MagsPeak Mountain Resort and Villas” in Balamban. Parking space is available.
2. TanChan Celestial Garden
Ever wondered what the events of the “Stations of the Cross” looked like? Then, you might want to head to the TanChan Celestial Garden to find out—the Tanchan Celestial Garden, locally known as the Good Shepherd, is nestled in the hills of Banawa.
It has a “Station of the Cross” with life-like statues of Jesus’ experiences before his crucifixion.
There’s also a cemetery in the area. However, it is not at all scary; it is actually serene.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Banawa Hills, Cebu City. Near the convent of the contemplative and apostolic Good Shepherd Sister.
BY COMMUTE: Ride any jeep or bus going to Banawa. Tell the driver to drop you off at Banawa’s main road. Head to Salvador Street and ride a motorcycle uphill. The ride is approximately 5 minutes.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “TanChan Celestial Garden” in Banawa, Cebu.
3. Simala Shrine
Of course, our list is not complete without the famous Simala Shrine. It is also known as the Miraculous Castle Church.
If you are looking for a solemn place to meditate and reflect spiritually, Simala Shrine is the place to visit. In the monastery, candles are being sold. Each candle corresponds to different wishes and prayers.
The view and the castle itself are breathtaking. Looking at the castle church, it’s like the sun shines on the blessed Virgin Mary. However, it is also important to remember that the place is still sacred, so visitors or devotees must wear decent clothes.
OTHER INFORMATION:
- Opening Hours: 6AM to 6PM daily
- Mass Schedule: 12PM to 1PM daily; 12PM to 1PM & 3:30 to 4:30PM on Sundays
- Contact numbers: N/A
- Email address: N/A
- Facebook Page: N/A
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Sibonga, Southern Cebu- 2-3 hours away from the City.
BY BUS: From the South Bus Terminal, ride a bus going to Oslob or Liloan/Santander. Ask the driver to drop you off at Simala. Then, ride a habal-habal to take you to the Simala Church.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Simala Church” in Sibonga, Cebu. Parking space is available with a fee.’
4. Basilica del Santo Niño de Cebu
Basilica del Santo Niño de Cebu is the oldest Catholic Church in Cebu. It is the home of Sto. Niño and is a place of solemnity.
The church’s location is the same place where the Spaniard Troupe found the image of Sto. Niño.
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu Facebook Page 
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu Facebook Page 
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu Facebook Page 
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu Facebook Page 
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu Facebook Page 
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu Facebook Page 
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu Facebook Page 
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu Facebook Page
Inside the church, you will find statues of different saints and other symbols of Christianity. There are also women on the church grounds who offer prayers for you. Moreover, you will find the famous Magellan’s cross just outside the church.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: D. Jakosalem Street, Osmeña Boulevard, P. Burgos Street.
BY COMMUTE:: If you are from Mactan Cebu, ride Mybus going to SM Cebu. From there, ride a 12L or 10M Jeepney and ask the driver to drop you off at the Basilica Del Santo Niño.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Basilica del Santo Niño” in Cebu.
5. Nuestra Señora Del Patrocinio De Maria Parish Church
The Nuestra Señora Del Patrocinio De Maria Parish Church in Boljoon is a National Historical Landmark in Cebu. The church is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, so all the items relate to the Mother of Jesus.
The church’s interior sports a beautiful and rustic design. The altar is furnished with gold which makes the statues shine. Moreover, the exterior looks like it is frozen in time.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Natalio Bacalso Avenue, Boljoon, Cebu.
BY COMMUTE: From the Cebu South Bus Terminal, ride a bus going to Boljoon. The bus ride takes approximately 3 hours. Tell the driver to drop you off at the Boljoon town proper. Ride a habal-habal going to the church.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Nuestra Señora Del Patrocinio De Maria Parish Church” in Boljoon, Cebu.
