“Tayo na sa Antipolo!”
“Tayo na sa Antipolo!” (Let’s go to Antipolo!), as one traditional song proclaimed.
So we did, designated Secretariat staff to the Center for Asian Integrity’s (CAI) Technical Working Group (TWG) last April 21 and 22, both organizers and participants to a planning writeshop, who trekked to this popular land of suman (rice cake), mangoes and kasoy (cashew nuts)!
A first class (in terms of income) city in the province of Rizal, Antipolo is located around 25 kilometers east of Metropolitan Manila. In terms of population, this city is considered the most populous in the Calabarzon (Southern Tagalog) area and ranked 7th most populous in the whole country based on a population census in 2007.
Named after the Tipolo (Artocarpus incisa) or breadfruit tree which was once in abundance in the area, the city rests on the slopes of the Sierra Madre mountain range, its elevated plateau provides a breathtaking view of Metro Manila especially during the evening and the break of dawn. Of course, that’s if the usual thick smog doesn’t ruin it.
The city prides itself as the “Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines” and for good reason. Since the time of the Spanish colonials, many Filipino Catholics have journeyed to this area, devotees to the Marian image of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage or simply known as the Virgin of Antipolo.
Paying homage to God and His favored handmaid, our first stop in the city was the Antipolo Cathedral.
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace & Good Voyage otherwise known as the Antipolo (Church) Cathedral
The Franciscans were said to be the first missionaries in Antipolo when they arrived there in 1578. They were replaced by the Jesuits in 1591 who organized the small village into a parish. But it was during the administration of the Augustinian Recolletos (which started in 1864) that the Virgin of Antipolo gained a following of devotees. Pilgrims from Manila and nearby towns and provinces journeyed on foot or on hammocks along the mountain trails and springs.
In 1954, the church of Antipolo was declared as a National Shrine of the Philippines dedicated to the “Nuestra Seňora dela Paz y Buen Viaje”. The statue was brought from Acapulco, Mexico to Manila in 1626 by Governor Juan Niňo de Tavora and at his death was turned over to the Jesuits for the Church of Antipolo in 1632. Proclaimed “Patroness of the Galleons”, the image again crossed the the Pacific several times during the 1600s and once in 1746.
The vibrant golden altar
On May 6, 1947, the procession of the Virgin of Antipolo was first held starting at the hills of Pinagmisahan. The following year, a National Committee was formed to undertake a massive fund-raising campaign to establish the Cathedral of Antipolo.
As one of the most popular Marian shrines in the country, various customs rose out from the pilgrimages to Antipolo. One popular tradition is the journey to its site on the eve of Good Friday or May 1 from several locations in Rizal Province or Metro Manila. One of the most famous starting points was the Quiapo Church in the City of Manila.
Another popular custom was to have new cars blessed at the Cathedral in the belief that this shall make sure the safety of the vehicle and its passengers. After all, she wasn’t declared the Lady of Peace and Good Voyage for nothing.
Statues of the saints which included one of my favorites:
St. Martin de Porres (1st from left)
The Diocese of Antipolo celebrated its Silver Jubilee foundation last year with the theme “25 Taon ng Mabuting Paglalakbay: Pasasalamat, Pagdiriwang at Panibagong Pagsasabuhay!” (25 Years of a Good Journey: Thanksgiving, Celebration and Renewed Living!).
A growing community of 58 parishes, the Diocese is the fifth largest local church in terms of its Catholic population out of the 86 ecclesiastical jurisdictions in the country today, after the Archdioceses of Cebu, San Fernando (Pampanga), Manila, and the Diocese of Malolos (Bulacan).
As devout members of Antipolo may affirm, let me proclaim the diocesan motto: “Ad Jesum Per Mariam!”
Pasalubong Center beside the Antipolo Church
For pilgrims who want to bring some local treats to their loved ones, check out the so-called “Pasalubong Center” just beside the Cathedral. I’m sure there is some delicacy out there much to your liking!
Venue of our workshop: The MMLDC Academic Hall
Not far from the town proper we arrived at our planning activity venue: the Meralco Management & Leadership Development Center (MMLDC) at Km. 27 along Sumulong Highway in Antipolo City.
The CAI TWG’s two-day planning writeshop had very specific objectives. One, review and finalize the results of the CAI strategic planning workshop held last month in Tagaytay City. Two, formulate a business plan for CAI. Lastly, the group is expected to draft governing rules, principles and policy guidelines for the Center.
Our group needed a venue which had a conducive learning environment for the purpose and relatively close to the metropolis. The MMLDC nestled at a scenic nine hectare hilltop forested oasis seemed to fit the bill.
A mere 30 minute ride from the Ortigas business district, the MMLDC appeared to me as a surprising nature haven despite its proximity to Metro Manila.
Our activity room was one of several classrooms varying in seating capacity and design found inside the Center’s Academic Hall. Aside from the classrooms, the Academic Hall also houses a conference room with video conferencing facilities, case rooms, a business center, a museum and an “educational suite” which supports production of multi-media packages.
Settling down to work
Sumptuous lunch at the Mess Hall
Internet access is available for venue guests/workshop participants
Hallway to our respective rooms (with CIPD Director Nida Gruta and PACPO
Asst. Ombudsman Evelyn Baliton
The Center’s Residence Hall provided comfortable accommodation and rest to us overnight guests. Located at the highest point of the site, the Residence Hall is to date the biggest building inside the Center, capable of accommodating 156 participants and 24 faculty members all at the same time. It has a chapel, a spacious lounge, a clinic and gym with spa.
Trying out the “Inihaw (Grilled) na Tuna Belly” beside the “Chicken Afritada”
With so many tasty food choices, dinner was equally sumptuous as our lunch
Images from the country’s historic past are displayed at the hallways of the Residence Hall (Manila was declared an ‘open city’ when the Japanese Imperial Army first attacked the country during the Second World War)
Interspersed inside the Residence Hall where pictures of Meralco’s history as well
San Sebastian Church during a bygone era
Avenue leading to the old building of the Philippine Congress
(now the National Museum) at the background
The MMLDC Residence Hall
Every building in the Center carries an evident minimalist architecture and character which complements with the environmentalist advocacy and technological dynamism of its institution.
Sprawling garden
The chapel
Morning walk inside the MMLDC grounds
Starting the day with a power packed breakfast meal
Of course, one cannot write about MML Development Center without mention of the delectable and healthy cuisine it offers to its clients. Definitely a highlight of one’s stay at the Center, I can still vividly remember the gastronomic components of my power breakfast that second day at the Center.
It consisted of:
Longganisa Hamonado
Chicken Tocino
Salisbury Steak
Fritata con Espaňol
Garlic Rice
Fresh Fruits (Papaya)
Orange Juice
“At MMLDC everyday is Earth Day”:
Promoting corporate social and environmental responsibility
Unintentionally, our second and last day at the Center coincided with this year’s Earth Day. This strong advocacy for environmental responsibility was quite apparent throughout the complex.
Meralco has a mini museum inside the Academic Hall
The Center’s swimming pool is partially hidden by the vegetation
All in all, I had a fine experience at the Center. Its relaxing natural atmosphere and sumptuous food offerings were more than enough to overcome the working stress of the planning activity that transpired.
Antipolo with its natural beauty and spiritual haven would surely reinvigorate any weary soul that seeks refuge from the hustle and bustle of the urban world.
Thank you Mama Mary for our good voyage in Antipolo City!
Ready for the full day ahead!
With CFC Kids for Christ (KFC) International Coordinator Kirby Llaban
Uhh….Joshua is still working on his task as the workshop speaker prepares to teach a song
Joshua finishes his work
Another McChicken meal under the warm sun
We fall in line for some cool freebies - Selecta Ice cream! 
Joshua with CFC Bro. Raul Balaquiao, Resident Farm Manager of Hacienda Macalauan located in Calauan, Laguna. A kid's favorite during the IKV, their stall sold delicious and reasonably priced pure and flavored farm fresh milk (Gatas Tisoy) products
Group picture with a favorite KFC - Bea Lapac of North B-6
Mother and daughter talent competition
Cake decoration contest using Goldilocks products (yum-yum!)
An afternoon promenade at the oval track
Del Monte’s marketing gimmick gets kids stuck to the wall!
Look Ma, no hands!
Joshua tries a second time…
…and gets hung to the wall again!
Joshua watches as kites of all shapes and sizes fly high over the cloudy skies 
Kids just wanna have fun…. (throughout the long night!)
Other KFCs have grown up to be young Youth for Christ (YFCs) members 
Everybody enjoys the rest of the night!
More delegates pour in as the 1st day progresses
