The Flora here is really inviting you to enter a state of calm. 

When you’re on the hills, all you hear is the Sound of Nature…

unless the neighbouring private properties 

used to have their videoke switched on 

which for me is typically Filipino, 

but if you are here to meditate you might find it a bit off-putting. 

Don’t mind them too much, that’s part of your ZEN training lol…

This is probably a depiction of Mary, 

the Mother of Jesus carrying the now dead Jesus and lamenting and grieving His death.

 I am not too concerned about the accuracy of depiction, 

for me what matters most is that when you are walking up the hill,

 the scenes invite you to meditate on your existence at a deeper level. 

It’s a bit like if Jesus was really born on Christmas Day 25th of December: 

that is not really a big issue for me. 

The value of it is the Spiritual meaning and not its accurate depiction. 

After all spiritual things are only conveyed with the Holy Spirit, 

without the inner workings of the holy spirit, 

I’ll have to admit, life is very superficial. 

You don’t have to agree with me, 

I’m just talking from personal experience.

ANG SAMPUNG UTOS NG DIYOS

This is the depiction of The Ten Commandments on a stone tablet. 

Of course, now its in Tagalog Version, or Filipino.

CAN I TAKE YOU HOME LOL!!

Of course, these lovely dogs never left us 

the whole time we were there. 

I could bring one of them home lol, 

but the Ten Commandments are just too hot on the collar. 

Ok, leave the dogs alone for crying out loud. 

Hang on there cutie, 

one of you can really sit on my lap inside the car lol.

I really can’t get enough of these lovelies, 

is this supposed to be a test on Temptation or what? :)Peace…

180 DEGREE VIEW

This is another great scene depicting Jesus nailed on the cross. 

Oh please, of course Im not mocking. 

This is very meditative and spiritual for me. 

At the same time very therapeutic. 

Its like a spiritual cleansing for the soul. 

The view also affords you a 180 degree view of Santiago City 

and neighbouring towns depending how far your eyes can see:)

Understand that Dariok Hills is crowded 

with devotees during the Easter holidays. 

So if your plan is to really meditate and unwind, 

you’ll have to come here when the crowds have gone, 

otherwise you’ll be in for some festive atmosphere 

as compared to a more laidback outing 

you might have envisioned yourself.

TRANSFIGURATION CHAPEL

This is the Transfiguration Chapel according to our tour guide Zynervil. 

It was locked when we visited the place. 

Maybe they have opening times I don’t know, 

you will need to do some more digging 

if your aim is to use the chapel on your visit. 

As for me the Whole of nature is really my chapel. 

And the temple is inside my heart.

These benches are reminiscent of picnics in the park back in England. 

Where there’s a park, there’s a picnic. 

Happy Days!!!

LOVE LOCKS OF FOREVER

#ILOVESANTIAGOCITY

This is the Santiago City version of the Paris ‘love locks’ 

which unfortunately in 2015 was removed 

due to a collapsed railing of the Ponts des Arts in Paris France. 

DARIUK HOUSE

Not quite sure what is Dariuk House for. 

It could be a restaurant, hotel, cafe, or a function hall. 

The property sits facing the lawn. 

It was closed when we visited. 

  From SANTIAGO CITY,

you can explore the rest of CAGAYAN VALLEY, BAGUIO CITY,

and even do a short drive to AURORA PROVINCE. 

As always, STAY ZEN! BE ZEN!