It's not Rio de Janeiro, it's Monasterio de Tarlac

On the way to Monasterio de Tarlac. We're so excited!

 We stopped here for a while because we were captivated by the view and our tricycle is having trouble climbing the steep road so we needed to walk a bit and climb. But it's enjoyable!

After a long and hard journey to Monasterio De Tarlac, this view embraced us as soon as we get out of our vehicle. It took us almost two hours from San Miguel to this destination.

A thirty-foot statue of the Risen Christ towered over the rolling landscape of the Province of Tarlac.

Monasterio de Tarlac’s claim to fame, besides the colossal statue of the Risen Christ, is the Relic of the True Cross which is enshrined inside the monastery chapel. 

The Monasterio de Tarlac is not as old as the monasteries most people have in mind. In fact, its construction concluded only in the year 2000. Very, very recent, considering most monasteries are centuries old; well, at least those we see in Hollywood movies, them medieval ones complete with hooded monks and cobwebby halls.

Besides that heavy religious stuff, the Monasterio de Tarlac is beautiful in itself. Elevated 300 meters above sea level, the air here is fresh and calming. Trees abound and the silence is a soothing change for frayed nerves; a perfect place to slow down and reflect.