Guimaras Island: An Eco-Spiritual tour at Trappist Monk Monastery
How to Get There
You can reach this place by plane through Iloilo Airport, by ferry and speed boat going to Iloilo pier.
From Iloilo pier, proceed to Jordan, Guimaras can be reached by riding a pumpboat in Ortiz St., Iloilo City. In our case we proceed their in a group. Once you are there in Jordan Port, there are small jeepney that passes by Monastery or one can arrange transportation to the Trappist Monastery with the help of the Provincial Tourism Office Outpost. It is approximately a 20-30 minute multicab / jeepney ride from the Jordan Port.
When you heard Guimaras what comes into your mind? Of course if you have no idea about this place you probably think and ask twice. So let's start with a very nice short history about this beautiful enchanting island.
The Trappist Monk
Our purpose of going to Guimaras Island was to visit the Trappist Monk .The Trappist Monastery grounds is a peaceful and sacred enclave in Guimaras run by monks of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance. These monks follow the rule of St. Benedict and are best known for the extreme austerity or strictness that characterizes their discipline.
I was so happy because this is my first time to reach this place. The small pier was very clean and green, the smallest plaza was so green also. I had the chance to see also the Trappist monk living in this place. They have an eco-friendly gift shop inside and mango candy factory. If wish I have the chance to visit this place again and try to visit other tourist spots.
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| Jordan Pier, Guimaras |
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| Jordan Pier |
A NICE HISTORY:
In 1521, after the defeat of Ferdinand Magellan, the Spanish survivors aboard three vessels went to Leyte to undergo some repairs. Later they abandoned one of the vessels named Concepcion in Bohol for being unsea worthy and sailed towards the nearby islands of Negros and Panay.
In 1521, after the defeat of Ferdinand Magellan, the Spanish survivors aboard three vessels went to Leyte to undergo some repairs. Later they abandoned one of the vessels named Concepcion in Bohol for being unsea worthy and sailed towards the nearby islands of Negros and Panay.
R.
Morales, an author of the book “The Augustinians in Panay” published in
1987, believed that the Spaniards must have cruised close to the
southern coasts of Negros and Panay. The utterly homesick Portuguese
mariner could have given the name Guimaraez to that small island lying
very near to Panay’s southeast shores, in order to immortalize in this
part of the world the first capital of the country and the birthplace of
Portuguese nationality: Guimaraez.
Guimaras
was cited in numerous documents and books on natives who are “masters
in building all kinds of ships.” It was also mentioned in the “Relation
by Loarca of the Philippine Islands” by Blair and Robertson that the
island was rich in products such as wood, stone for construction, wax
and honey. In the latter years, the natives harvested rice, corn,
tobacco, and some coffee and cacao. It was also recognized as important
in fishing and agricultural industries in the book “The Philippine
Islands Ecclesiastical Affairs, 1638-1640”.
I had the chance to visit Iloilo city during our psycho-spiritual seminar at St. Clements Retreat House, La Paz Iloilo City. After we finished the seminar the group decided to have a trip on Guimaras Island. This beautiful town can be reach via small boat at the small pier which lasted for a 45 minutes travel crossing the ocean. Guimaras is famous for it's sweet mangoes and candy.  |
| Say cheeze at the cute, clean and beautiful small pier terminal at Guimaras |
Our purpose of going to Guimaras Island was to visit the Trappist Monk .The Trappist Monastery grounds is a peaceful and sacred enclave in Guimaras run by monks of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance. These monks follow the rule of St. Benedict and are best known for the extreme austerity or strictness that characterizes their discipline.
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| When we go home we find the smallest plaza along the road and we pose at the Smallest Plaza in Guimaras Island |
How to Get There
You can reach this place by plane through Iloilo Airport, by ferry and speed boat going to Iloilo pier.
From Iloilo pier, proceed to Jordan, Guimaras can be reached by riding a pumpboat in Ortiz St., Iloilo City. In our case we proceed their in a group. Once you are there in Jordan Port, there are small jeepney that passes by Monastery or one can arrange transportation to the Trappist Monastery with the help of the Provincial Tourism Office Outpost. It is approximately a 20-30 minute multicab / jeepney ride from the Jordan Port.
Contact & Information
- Address: Brgy. San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras, Philippines
- Website: http://www.ourladyofnewhelfta.com/OLP/
- Mobile: (+63) 928 502 4756 / (+63) 9274634465
- Fax: (+63)(33) 581-3468
- Contact Person: Fr. Bruno Mendoza
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