Places of worship aren't always built of concrete, steel, and glass. Sometimes, they're sculpted by the hands of time and the marvelous wonders of Mother Earth herself.

Maasin City - early morning. This humble settlement in the Philippine province of Leyte nurtures a sacred treasure. Despite not being a vastly developed metropolis like its urban counterparts of the country, I was drawn to its heartwarming locals, peaceful atmosphere, and simple lifestyle. Apart from exploring this travel attraction as a usual tourist, I was there more importantly as a religious pilgrim. My specific destination? The Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption and the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, also known as Monte Cueva…

Resting on top of a hill amidst lush greenery and situated several meters above sea level, Monte Cueva (Spanish for Mountain Cave) was certainly a challenging site to arrive at. I assumed, upon initially hearing its name, that it was only within the city plains, but it already hinted to me about its natural geography. My adventurous spirit awakened…

On the way to this elevated landmark, I together with my co-pilgrims had to channel through the Stations of the Cross, a reflective commemoration for Catholics about the life, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Moreover, we were advised by event organizers that we had to ascend more than 500 steps to reach this divine location.

OMG, this tiresome task isn't for those who lack stamina indeed!

Although these flights of staircases seemed physically daunting at first, the surrounding nature and astonishing environment compensated for the exhaustive climb.

Evergreen landscapes. Cloudy bluish skies. Bird sounds. Gentle breezes whistling through the leaves. Colorful flowers and ornamental plants. Freshly tailored gardens. Smells of fertilized soils. Stimulating foliage. These were some of the immediate experiences that softened the arduous journey to the top.

Each step I took upwards was a moment of meditation - a silent reflection that prepared my mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being for the holy sanctuary that awaited me at the peak.

It was likewise my personal sacrifice, a sincere offering to the heavens that strengthened my religious beliefs - knowing that it required genuine effort to achieve a deserving goal. Visiting Monte Cueva in the flesh was definitely a worthwhile accomplishment to strive for! At least for me, it was.

Would you dare climb these many steps?

Eventually after a long and demanding ascent, we arrived at the cave’s tiny opening. Hey, the unexpected welcome at the cave entrance wasn't as grand as you'd expect it to be if you compare it to other churches or chapels with lavish decorations, but everything shifted the second I entered its mysterious inner sanctum.

Wow, just look at that! It was one of the most spectacular scenes I've ever laid my eyes on! Like glittering golden pieces, Monte Cueva dazzled like this precious metal’s hues with all its warm lighting. The glowing central altar, lights, candles, together with other religious artifacts, technological support, and furniture for parishioners were properly organized across the entire sanctuary.

Contrary to traditional places of worship such as churches, chapels, or other spiritual spaces that were typically constructed with majestic settings, Monte Cueva however rested at the heart of a humbly natural cave, enclosed by its stalactite and stalagmite chambers.

We had to observe silence inside because there was an ongoing mass, a Eucharistic celebration that gathered the faithful into solemn prayer.

As you can see, lights were cleverly concealed within the cave’s natural rock formations to produce a non-glaring effect that may otherwise be harmful to our vision. The entire shrine’s subtle illumination against the dark backdrop of the cave walls created a dreamlike, enchanting, and contemplative ambiance suitable for holy grounds. It was definitely the perfect blend of nature’s astonishing artistry with mankind’s desire to spread their spiritual heritage through religious architecture.

The harmonious relationship between faith and nature was clearly manifested in Monte Cueva. In fact, my visit there wasn't only a great chance to enjoy our planet’s gifts and to connect with our Divine Creator as a spiritual pilgrimage, but it was also a significant voyage that brought me closer to myself.

Would I return to Monte Cueva? Absolutely! Exceptional places like this blessed shrine aren't only mere travel destinations, but rather they’re also human experiences that must be embraced over and over again.

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