Holy Week getaway at Microtel Sto. Tomas

MANILA, Philippines - If you are thinking of a more meaningful Holy Week — that is, away from the parties and the ruckus — you might want to consider Batangas as a place to achieve this. Surely, if Visita Iglesia is in the agenda, Batangas will not disappoint. It is teeming with old and new churches, as well as venues for retreats and quiet reflections.

Families, in particular, will appreciate the abundance of such venues. They have choices to go on an inward journey together. The good thing is, there is an easy and affordable way to meet this objective. Microtel Sto. Tomas is offering 50 percent off on all its 78 rooms come Holy Wednesday.

“We know that a lot of families go on Visita Iglesia during Holy Week. We thought, Microtel Sto. Tomas can be their base while they go visit these churches in observance of Lent,” says Norman Eusebio, area general manager for South Luzon. “Plus, we offer complimentary breakfast.”

“Since we are a family-oriented market, guests can expect no rowdiness happening in our hotel,” Eusebio adds. “You can be assured that you will be in family-friendly company.”

For families going on a church-visit spree, Microtel Sto. Tomas will be providing free shuttle. “It is a hassle to park anywhere. So why not stay with us, leave your vehicle in the security of our parking space, and enjoy worry-free transportation. There will be an appointed meeting and pick-up time for guests.”

He adds that their Visita Iglesia will be highlighted by the Shrine of St. Padre Pio, also in Sto. Tomas. The shrine is the first parish church in the world dedicated to St. Padre Pio.

“Guests will discover that it is a conducive place for worship and reflection,” he says. “They can do the Stations of the Cross there, or attend the many activities that the parish church has lined up.”

The shrine’s parish priest and rector, Fr. Jojo Gonda, shares that despite being a work in progress, they have traditional Holy Week activities and rites that the faithful can participate in.

“I am inviting everyone to take part in the blessing of palms on Palm Sunday. We will be holding a Kumpisalan ng Bayan, the Last Supper, Washing of the Feet, and vigils,” Fr. Gonda says.

The church is a good half-hour drive from Microtel. The actual church is still under construction, and is envisioned to be nature-friendly and to look like a giant salakot. It is situated on a 1.6-hectare land. To this day, generous donors have been sending financial support for the shrine’s eventual completion.

Right now, visitors and devotees can fulfill their Lenten duties in the temporary makeshift church, a comfortable structure made of local wood and other materials.

“We are raising funds to complete the shrine. Hopefully within this year, we will finally reap the fruits of our donors’ generosity,” Fr. Gonda says.

Already, the shrine attracts huge numbers on weekends, when people from all walks of life attend Masses and do their devotional exercises.

Indeed, it is a good idea for Microtel Sto. Tomas to introduce this church to its guests. “We are doing this as our hotel’s way of thanksgiving. We are now on our 11th year of business and we recognize that we are blessed beyond measure,” Eusebio says.

Fr. Jojo Gonda, parish priest and rector of the Shrine of St. Padre Pio in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

Those who decide to stay at Microtel Sto. Tomas will enjoy unparalleled security. The hotel is located inside the First Philippine Industrial Park, where security is at its strictest. Add the security provided by the local police force and the hotel’s own group and you get a hotel that leaves no stone unturned in the safety stakes.

Its countryside charm will not be lost on its guests. The staff is always ready to serve. Mountains and greenery provide the perfect backdrop for a dip in the hotel’s pool. Or perhaps relax in absolute comfort in its rooms, doze off to dreamland in their chiropractic-approved, healthy-for-the-back beds. There is cable television, individually controlled air-conditioning unit, Internet-ready data port, and full-size bathrooms with hot and cold shower, among others.

So indeed, consider a Holy Week unlike any other at Microtel Sto. Tomas and experience something divine and down-to-earth.

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Microtel Sto. Tomas is located at the First Philippine Industrial Park in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. For more information, call the Manila office at (63.2) 899-7171 or e-mail at sales@microtel.ph or the Batangas office at (63.43) 405-6957 or e-mail at sto.tomas@microtel.ph. Visit http://www.microtel-batangas.com.