Discovery Hills

CEBU, Philippines - Quite a number of facilities have already taken the "Discovery Hills" brand to give an intriguing, enticing name to an area that's supposedly mysterious but, at the same time, welcoming to everyone who has the knack for exploration.

The latest of which is Discovery Hills in Sitio Tagaytay, Barangay Tilha-ong, Consolacion (sharing a border with Liloan, Cebu); it's where one can meditate this Holy Week via its Way of the Cross or 14 stations, on the passion, death and resurrection of The Christ, erected in the sloping terrains of a two-hectare property development.

As for adults, who would want to tag the children along, or an extended family who enjoys the company of practically everybody in the house, there's a plaza, a children's park, and a zipline facility, they can indulge in while some members of the family might immerse in deep spiritual sessions at the Formation House.

The place doesn't have regular concession yet for meals, but if given enough time, they can cook for guests. There are cool, cozy bamboo cottages which can be rented to make the stay more comfortable.

According to its director Teresita Munez, the zipline facility took inspiration from the Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon where her brother-in-law is a native of. "Since we run a school, we look at the zipline facility as an added feature to inspire our students to do good in their academics, so from time to time, they would be treated to a day of fun and games up here through educational trips."

She shared in a recent site visit that the initial idea was to put up a theme park for kids, that's why there is a playground with basically the amusement setup where children can be themselves --- hyperactive, energetic, playful, interactive, gregarious creatures.

But later on, requests piled up on the need for a formation center for those wishing to spend their Holy Week in a serene, contemplative atmosphere. "Fit gyod sa contemplation. And we have our public address system where we pipe in the Angelus, the Lord's Prayer, the 3-o-Clock Prayer. Moingon bitaw ang farmers nato dinhi nga malipay daw ang kabaw kay makaundang og daro kay mag-prayer pa man," she shared with a laugh.

After the 14th Station of the Cross, it was noticed that the path leads the pilgrim to a cave where one is encouraged to be fervent and ecstatic in prayer, with gushing water flowing from a constructed mini-falls as auditory backdrop.

Farther down, there is a park with gigantic replicas of giraffes and cows, and a ferns sanctuary, more nipa huts, and more greens. Above are two zipline cables, which mean guests can zip two at a time. Since the 240-meter, 70-foot high zipline forms a letter "L," one gets to ride again from Tower 2 to Tower 3.

Getting there may take a few minutes if you're on your first time, from the national road, because of portions that are still dirt roads. So, arrange tours at the San Roque Child Development School in Yati, Liloan first so you can be ushered properly to the area.

Entrance fee: P25 for adults, P10 for kids, P100 for zipline. There are also quad bikes for rent at P25 for every two rounds at the oval. Kids develop an instant attachment to the all-terrain vehicle, so management has to allow only two rounds per kid in the spirit of equal opportunity.  (FREEMAN)