One of the prominent gardens in Cebu City, the Banawa Celestial Garden is most visited by Cebuanos and Roman Catholics during the Lenten Season. The gardens, which is actually a memorial park, is set on 12 hectares of rolling hills that is famous for their life-size statues depicting the passion of Christ.
It was on a Maundy Thursday when I visited the Banawa Celestial Garden. Left home alone because I wasn’t able to secure a ticket going to my province in Leyte, I got curious about the garden when it was flashed on the television.
Banawa Celestial Garden
It is accessible by public transportation like jeepneys and taxicab. Take note that when asking for directions, it is easy to refer to the place as Good Shepherds Road. If you don’t have a private vehicle, there are lots of motorcycles that will take you to the gardens which is around a 5-minute ride from the main road.
There are vendors selling prayer books and guides outside if you don’t have one. Mostly, people come in groups and have a prayer leader that will guide throughout the stations of the cross. Since I was flying solo, I joined a group that brought a loud speaker and hanged with them until the 14th station.
The stations are situated at different parts of the hills so you’ll be walking up and down. There are plenty of plants and trees around the area for some shade .
It was around 11:30 in the morning when I finished the way of the cross and it was scorching hot above the hill. Somehow it was part of the sacrifice you have to endure but don’t forget to hydrate yourself. There were hundreds of people in the area though I believe there will be thousands late in the afternoon especially on a Good Friday.
The Banawa Celestial Garden is a perfect place for praying and meditating during the Holy Week. The peaceful panoramic view of the mountains, skies and the Cebu City skyline is nothing less than spectacular. I will surely visit this garden at its peak on a Good Friday next time. Have you experienced the Way of the Cross in the Celestial Garden? 🙂
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I’ve been here 🙂 What amaze me here is the cemetery which is very clean 🙂 Perfect kaayo for a photoshot ^_^
Jace | laagpamore.net
Bitaw nice mag photoshoot..kakaiba gyud and the overlooking view of the city is really great. 🙂
I would like to join for a group tour for good Friday. Please advice if you have any program like this.
Thank you,
Ruby
Hello Robisita, I am not connected to any group tour. I think there are a lot of groups you can join their directly. 🙂