If one is traveling via passenger ship or a motor vessel from Manila to the Visayas or Mindanao or from Batangas to Mindoro, Marinduque or Romblon, you will surely be cruising along the Verde Island Passage (VIP).
The VIP is recognized internationally as a coral triangle or the Amazon
of the oceans as it is home to thousands of big and small species of
marine life and an impressive array of colorful coral reefs.
Scientists and marine biologists also call parts of the VIP the "Twilight
Zone" as mysterious and still unnamed species had been sighted in its
about 500-foot deep dark trenches.
So far, the most damaging of accidents that happened in the VIP waters
are oil spills that endanger marine life due to its long-lasting effect.
Tower Of Peace
Crewmen and passengers of marine vessels plying this route find solace
in and protection from the imposing image of the world's tallest statue
of the Virgin Mother from the cove tip of Barangay Pagkilatan in
Batangas City.
Montemaria, so called as the Mother of All Asia-Tower of Peace sits at a
plateau, the highest point of the barangay, with an elevation of 148
meters above sea level, directly overlooking the VIP and Batangas Bay.
No one can miss its dignified presence, even at nighttime.
Montemaria, known as the Mother of All Asia and Tower of Peace,
stands at the height of 322 feet, from the ground to the tip of the cross at
the top of her crown which has 12 stars representing the apostles of
Jesus Christ.
The world's tallest among statues of the Virgin Mary, Montemaria ranks
ninth among the highest statues. Jesus Christ, the son of Mary, died at
age 33, the exact number of its floors bearing a floor area of 12,000
square meters or about 1.2 hectares.
Devotees constantly gather to for personal intentions and for the
protection of sea travelers while environ advocates continuously call of
legal protection of the VIP.
Pilgrim and Conference Center
Named Montemaria International Pilgrimage and Conference Center
nesting in a 130-hectare property, this was conceived to attract
international devotees and tourists.
Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, its founder, meant for
Montemaria to be his legacy project. Part of the expanse is meant to be a
retirement paradise.
Conceived in the early 2000s, Montemaria structure itself was
completed in 2021, in time for the celebration of 500 years of
Christianity in the Philippines.
There were many studies made for this ambitious project. Thousands
prayed — including the religious community — for the right design to
come to fruition.
The monument's design included 12 foundations representing the 12
tribes of Israel.
To reach the crown, one has to negotiate 420 steps from the ground.
There are three elevators, of course, but devotees would rather endure
the foot march up as a sacrifice.
Comparatively, there are 292 steps to reach the colossal Kamay ni Hesus
in Lucban, Quezon and 252 paces to go to up to our Lady of Lourdes
Grotto in Baguio City.
Climbing up to reach the patron is a great sacrifice, indeed.
One of the most famous for the devouts is the St. Joseph Oratory in
Montreal, Quebec in Canada. The truly pious manage 283 steps on foot.
Separately, 99 steps are dedicated to be climbed on one's knees.
How To Get There
For commuters, from the bus terminal in Buendia, Pasay in Metro
Manila, to the Batangas Grand Terminal, it takes around three to four
hours, depending on the traffic and road condition. The fare is about
P207 for the 100.3-kilometer ride.
From this point, there are jeepneys and shuttle vans that bring you to
another jeep terminal in SM City Batangas. Jeeps bound for Ilijan will
take you to Montemaria, via the Batangas-Tabangao-Lobo Road. Fees for
the both legs are P13 and P40. The two rides may take about 1 hour in
all.
Taking own private vehicle, point to point from Magallanes in Metro
Manila to Montemaria, may take approximately two and a half hours.
Entrance to Montemaria is free.
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