Dearest travelers, raise your hand if you want a break from your community quarantine! Are you fond of going to pilgrimages with family and/or friends and have not been to Iloilo?
Well, I went to Iloilo and, boy, do I have a “heavenly” trip for you! Aside from enjoying the awesome grand mansions and churches as well as the yummy food treats of Iloilo City1, you definitely need to go to Garin Farm to experience a unique spiritual journey!
Source: Official Facebook account, GarinFarm Pilgrimage Resort – profile picture: https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.294880927229393/799835836733897/?type=1&theater
Personally, I can describe it is as a pilgrimage similar to Kamay ni Hesus2 in Lucban, (in the province of Quezon), but one that promises more – a glimpse of heaven –which Senior Citizens/PWDs can easily visit!
Photo Source: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/p.2817647424952718/2817647424952718/?type=1&theater
Interested? Let Tita S tell you about it.
Garin Farm is a 14-hectare, inland resort-pilgrimage-farm located in Barangay Purok 2, in the town of San Joaquin3, in the province of Iloilo4, in the Western Visayas Region5 of the Philippines.
Yes, it is a three-in-one destination: it combines a farm, a resort, and a pilgrimage site – all in one location! It is open daily, from 8 AM – 6 PM. Hours may vary during holidays so better check online beforehand. You may also call (033) 314-7555.
Garin Farm is about 1-1.5 hours ride from Iloilo City1 where most tourists stay. You could schedule your visit after seeing Miagao Church6 (see my post about it: THE MIAGAO CHURCH: A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE AND NATIONAL SHRINE), almost 14 km away (about 20-25 minutes ride). I am sure your tour guide can plan your itinerary with you ahead of time.
Anyway, the star attraction of Garin Farm is Pilgrimage Hill with 456 steps till the Divine Mercy7 Shrine (480 steps up to the foot of the giant cross). Well, what did you expect? It is not that easy to get to heaven, right?
Photo source: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1420978767952931/?type=3&theater
On your way up, you initially pass through three Biblical scenes (Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Noah’s Ark, and the 10 Commandments with Moses), before the 9 major ones.
Photo source: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1009561575761321/?type=3&theater and https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/979981715385974/?type=3&theater
The nine Biblical scenes with life-sized figures follow. Not only do these show your spiritual journey from Creation to Ascension, but these also serve as reflection and rest stops too, at different points along your way to a heavenly scenario. It would be an opportune time for elders to recall these major Biblical milestones with grandchildren.
Here are the nine major scenes: the Nativity or Birth of Christ, the Baptism of Christ, the Triumphant Entry of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the Agony in the Garden, Scourging at the Pillar, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and the Ascension.
Photo source: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1351211758262966/?type=3&theater, https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1419921238058684/?type=3&theater and https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1412750825442392/?type=3&theater
Photo source: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1406417456075729/?type=3&theater and https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1428119237238884/?type=3&theater
The steps end at the peak, and as a reward, you will know how heaven could look like. I will tell you more about that later.
Photo source: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1444949222222552/?type=3&theater
Now, dearest religious Seniors and PWDs, I know what is in your minds – more than 400 steps? I cannot be able go there. Well, no worries! Recall that I previously mentioned that the pilgrimage is Senior Citizen-PWD-friendly. Why? Because you do not have to climb all those steps. Garin Farm offers golf carts starting from the entrance to the pavilion where you get tickets for your ride all the way up to the summit, as well as back to the pavilion for food and drinks, then back to the entrance where vehicles are parked nearby. Now, is that not a wonderful incentive for you to visit this place?
My all Senior-group, in mid-January 2020, did not go up using the cemented steps. Instead, we availed of the golf cart ride. Three persons are allowed per trip.
Source of left photo: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.472980046086146/472980986086052/?type=3&theater
However, we were not able to see the 9 Biblical scenes along the way. Nonetheless, we were able to pray and reflect in the Divine Mercy7 Dark Meditation Tunnel (which I will describe later), meditate, as well as take a lot of solo and group pictures in the heavenly scenario at the summit.
You and your family/friends may opt to just stay for the day and return to your hotel in Iloilo City1, or stay (at least) overnight in this place, what with all the activities you can enjoy here together. Besides, all rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with Wi-fi. Breakfast and the use of the hilltop pool are included in the room rates. There are three types of rooms:
- Hilltop Family Room (for 4 pax): PHP3,500/room/night;
- Hilltop Twin Room (2 pax): PHP2,500/room/night; and,
- Hilltop Single Room: PHp1,500/room/night.
An extra bed for twin and family rooms is charged at PHP350 (with breakfast) and PHP200 (without breakfast).
Photo source: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1032912586759553/?type=3&theater
Garin Farm also offers conference rooms for large groups, all air-conditioned too. The Executive Conference Room, good for 15-20 pax, costs PHP2,500.
The Farm offers the following recreational facilities and activities: hilltop swimming pool (PHP80), (300 meters x 2) zip line (PHP250 sitting position or PHP350 Superman position), buggy car, kayaking (PHP40 single, PHP90 double), pedal boating (PHP90 for 2 pax), fishing (PHP30/kilo), horseback riding (PHP60), rubber boat (PHP120 for 4 pax and PHP240 for 8 pax), all-terrain vehicle (PHP200 for 20 minutes), and, billiards (PHP60/hour).
Photo source: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort
The farm features different crops, livestock, and agricultural practices. Products are either sold to visitors, used as ingredients in the restaurant, or even sold to other buyers. For city-dwelling Seniors, why not bond with your grandchildren by walking around the farm, asking them to read the labels and signs, and identifying the plants and animals. Just be aware of areas with a foul odor due to the nature of the crops/animals.
Photo source: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort
So, here is my experience of Garin Farm.
This resort-pilgrimage-farm was part of the Iloilo tour of an all-Senior group of my college buddies. We arrived around 10 AM, after coming from a short visit of Miagao Church6, almost 14 km away (about 20-25 minutes ride).
It was hot and a bit humid. As expected, there were many people everywhere. I could just image how crowded this could be during Holy Week, so it would be best not to visit this place at that time.
A Senior/PWD who does not want to walk from the entrance to the pavilion can ride a golf cart for PHP60. Three passengers are allowed per ride.
For those willing to walk, they pass under a trellis with vines, and get to see the farm’s crops and animals (like chicken, goats and carabaos).
Photo source: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1288787001172109/?type=3&theater
By the way, outside food and drinks not allowed so bring money.
The entrance fee is PHP150 per adult. Seniors, PWDs and children can avail of a discount. So, do not forget your IDs.
Upon reaching the pavilion, we were immediately split into groups of 3, and we patiently waited for our turns to ride the golf cart to the summit. It costs PHP90 for a golf cart ride from the pavilion to the top, with three passengers per ride.
Photo source: Official Facebook account, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1324368560947286/?type=3&theater
We also purchased cold mineral water beforehand in the nearby kiosk of the pavilion, just to be sure that we will be hydrated when we go around the top.
Some members of my group who were a bit hungry were enticed by the newly delivered empanadas8 at the kiosk while buying their cold mineral water. I tried tasting two kinds – pork, and ham-and-cheese; both were tasty and satisfying. There is also a vegetable empanada, for those who do not want to eat meat.
It would also be advisable to bring a fan and sunglasses at this time of the day.
On the day of our visit, there were only two golf carts in service, so we had to wait a bit. However, that mid-morning, it was pleasantly windy, and it was cool under the tree where monobloc chairs were provided for those waiting for a ride.
Our turn finally came. The golf cart driver was very accommodating and answered all our inquiries. He showed us the beautiful view below as the cart went on upwards.
Thin metal bars were improvised to fit on both sides of the golf cart for our protection. He told us that there were a total of seven golf carts, but due to the repetitive use of the carts and the influx of devotees, some got busted and some were undergoing maintenance checkup.
We finally reached the top and we thanked our driver. We then walked upward a bit to meet with the others in our group who went ahead. They were already seated comfortably in designated and shaded waiting areas. 
There was a life-sized statue of Christ, enshrined as Divine Mercy7 in a small enclosure with the inscription “Jesus, I trust in You” at His foot. Radiating rods emanate from His heart, lined with rosaries of different colors. You can have a picture taken on this spot, if you like. 
We then walked towards the Divine Mercy Dark Meditation Tunnel which would lead us to the Heavenly Scenario. 
It looked like the entrance to a cave and we read the messages on the wall.
The top of the entrance to the cave states that we are entering a spiritual area and that humility is the key to eternity. To remind us of this virtue, all of us had to stoop low to enter the structure, but easily stood straight upon entry.
It was now time to be serious and meditate. Join us through the pictures which follow.
Signs reveal that the dark tunnel represents our hardships and challenging earthly lives, and in our journey, if we have faith, love, kindness, and generosity, at the end of the tunnel, we will see the light (representing Christ as Divine Mercy7).
We slowly and carefully walked through the dark passageway, allowing our Senior eyes to adjust to the darkness.
The small blue LED lights on the sides guided us and led us to a small enclosure with a lighted Divine Mercy7 wall. There were black monobloc chairs for about 8 people so the rest of us stayed at the sides while one of my companions led a prayer.
We reflected and contemplated a while, then veered to the right and the symbolic light at the end of the tunnel appeared. We lined up and eagerly looked forward to what we will see at the end of the tunnel.
Lo and behold, everything was white, and it was like the gates to heaven, with St. Peter waiting for us further up ahead, beyond the gates. We were in the Heavenly Scenario. Yes, it was white all over, shiny and almost glowing even. I was told that we were about 200 meters above sea level.
We were drawn to the imposing gigantic cross beyond the gates, but our group decided to pose first at the steps. Giant angels blowing their trumpets lined both sides leading to the gates of Heaven.
Photo source: Official Facebook account, GarinFarm Pilgrimage Resort – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/photos/a.309751675742318/1334292856621523/?type=3&theater
You could really feel that you are in Heaven because there was a solemn Hallelujah song playing in the background. See the video below.
As you go past the statue of St. Peter, positioned to the right of the gate, you go nearer the cross with radiating rods all over which are well-lighted at night. Below it is the interpretation of the Holy Trinity – to the left is God the Father, God the Son at the center, and God the Holy Spirit at the rightmost, all atop floating-like clouds since there was space above the floor.
Everyone wants to have a picture; you just have to wait for your turn. However, there are devotees who stay below said clouds, perhaps meditating, but most of them were resting and talking with one another, oblivious of other devotees who would like to have their solo pictures in that spot, preferably without anyone at the background.
Figures of angels and saints are found to the left and right of this central cross, facing the center, as if paying homage to the Holy Trinity and the Cross. I tell you, you cannot have enough of poses everywhere, just properly time your pose when there are no people near you for that perfect shot. For Seniors who want to sit down, there are provisions, you just have to find these spots among the figures.
Basically, you feel a sense of spirituality, resolving to be a better person as you leave this place.
Once you and your companions have taken all the pictures you want, you veer to the right of the cross where there is an arrow which says: back to the real world. Perhaps, you sigh, after a euphoric experience of Heaven, with a resolve to be a better person. Am I right? Well at least I did. Tell me if you did too.
A gate leads to the waiting area and main steps for those who opt to walk downward, back to the pavilion.
We, Seniors, decided to sit and talk in the waiting area until the arrival of the golf cart that will bring us back to the pavilion for lunch since it was almost noon. The service golf cart arrived soon after, and off we went, by threes, to have our lunch in the pavilion. It costs PHP60 each for the golf cart service.
By now, we were all hungry. Here is the menu in the restaurant: 
After almost non-stop eating for a couple of days, my group just ordered a light meal: two kinds of noodles – Pancit Canton Guisado9 and Bihon Guisado10, Grilled Liempo11 and Kamote Fries12. Cold drinks were ordered. Overall, the said dishes were served hot and were satisfactory in terms of appearance, taste and serving portion. All cold drinks were well-chilled and hit the spot.
Those with a sweet tooth went outside to the kiosk, to order ice drops in different flavors like ube13 and chocolate, and enjoyed this treat. I did not do so, so I cannot comment.
The pavilion is very spacious and well-ventilated. There are also tables, al fresco, overlooking the swimming pool and a small lake for fishing/boating, bordered by houses for the doves. Such a refreshing sight, with doves flying nearby. 
It was time to leave this place, so off we went to the restrooms that were outside the pavilion. They were clean and had water for flushing.
Indeed, this was a special and unique journey that I shared with my college buddies –our “thirst for immortality, a taste of heaven, and a glimpse of the eternal.”
Now, dearest Seniors, will you also embark on this journey with your family or friends sometime soon? It would be best to time your visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat walking all those steps, if you so desire. Bring cash to buy food and drinks.
For those who prefer to walk, it might take you 30 minutes to almost one hour going up since you might opt to take pictures of each of the Biblical scenes along the way. Wear light clothes and comfortable footwear. Do not forget to apply sun block, and bring a hat/cap, umbrella, fan, and change of shirt/blouse. Pass by the kiosk of the pavilion beforehand to buy cold mineral water.
For Senior couples, or those with PWDs and families, avail of the golf cart service. You might also consider staying overnight if you do not have a tight schedule.
Bottomline, there is something for your soul (the pilgrimage), your body (the food and drinks in the pavilion) and your relationship with your family (bonding in the farm, other resort facilities and leisure activities, and overnight stay).
It is also a chance for city-dwelling kids to personally see an operating farm, complete with animals and common crops, together with its foul odor (that is reality!).
Not bad for at least a half-day’s stay! Try it!
For more information, you may call (033) 314-7555 or 09166676851, or send a PM to its Facebook account – https://www.facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/.
Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear from you regarding your visit to Garin Farm, especially those who stayed overnight since I was not able to do so.
See other interesting places through other posts in this category and other categories of SCapades, Pinoy Delights, and Smart Travelers – Foreign Travelers Ask, Now You Know, and Say, Say, Say. Happy reading, and I hope that you will appreciate what I shared and some of the featured destinations will be part of your future travel plans!
Do share this post with your Facebook friends, follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device, and do not forget to like this post. Thank you.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
The following terms are defined for interested readers, especially those with “Senior-Moments”, not familiar with the Philippines, and those too busy or lazy to Google such terms:
1Iloilo City is a highly urbanized city on the southeastern tip of Panay Island14 in the Philippines. It was founded in 1566, recognized as a city in 1889, and as a highly urbanized city in 1979. It is the capital of the province of Iloilo4 where it is geographically situated but, in terms of government and administration, it is politically independent. It is the regional capital of the Western Visayas Region5 and the regional hub of education, healthcare, tourism, culture, industry and economy. It is also the regional center of government offices, financial institutions and government-owned and controlled corporations. It has 180 barangays. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Iloilo City”.15 You may visit its website: www.iloilocity.gov.ph
2Kamay ni Hesus is a popular religious destination in the town of Lucban, in the province of Quezon in the Philippines. One has to climb more than 300 steps (one way) till devotees reach the top of a hill with a 50-ft. Statue of the Ascending Christ. Devotees flock to this place especially during Holy Week not only for the pilgrimage but also for the healing masses.
3San Joaquin is a town located in the southern tip of the province of Iloilo4, in the Western Visayas Region5 of the Philippines. It is 53 km (33 mi) from the provincial capital, Iloilo City. It has 85 barangays. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “San Joaquin, Iloilo”.16
4Iloilo is a province located in the Western Visayas Region5 of the Philippines, founded in 1566. It occupies the central and eastern sections of Panay Island14, bordered by the province of Antique to the west, Capiz to the north, the Jintotolo Channel to the northeast, the Guimaras Strait to the east, and the Iloilo Strait and Panay Gulf to the southwest. Its capital is Iloilo City1. It consists of 42 municipalities and two cities (Iloilo City and Passi City). The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Iloilo”.17 You may visit its website: www.iloilo.gov.ph
5Western Visayas is an administrative region in the Philippines, also known as Region VI, with a land area of 20,794.18 km2 (8,028.68 sq.mi.). It consists of 6 provinces (Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo4 and Negros Occidental), 2 highly urbanized cities (Bacolod City and Iloilo City1), 14 component cities, 117 municipalities, and 4,051 barangays. It is considered the most populous region in the Visayas. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Western Visayas”.18
6Miagao Church, or the Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church, is a Roman Catholic church located in the town of Miagao, in the province of Iloilo4, Philippines, consecrated in 1581 and founded in 1731. It was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 11, 1993, together with San Agustin Church in Manila, Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Church in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, and San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, under the collective title Baroque Churches of the Philippines, a collection of four Baroque Spanish-era churches. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Miagao Church”.19 See a related post: THE MIAGAO CHURCH: A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE AND NATIONAL SHRINE
7The Divine Mercy is a devotion to Jesus Christ associated with the apparitions of Jesus to Faustina Kowalska (1905 – 1938), a Polish Roman Catholic nun and mystic. The image of Christ was based on the paintings in her diary, with the right hand of Jesus outreached in blessing and the left hand holding His heart where two rays of light flow, signifying water and blood. Three in the afternoon is known as the hour of Divine Mercy, the hour at which mercy is best received. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Divine Mercy”.20
8Empanada is the Filpino version of a baked or fried turnover, consisting of a crescent-shaped crimped pastry with a variety of fillings, ranging from savory to sweet.
9Pancit Canton Guisado is the Filipino version of the Chinese chow mein.
10Bihon Guisado is a popular Filipino noodle dish, similar to Pancit Canton Guisado9 but uses bihon which are very thin rice noodles. Chinese sausage is a regular ingredient.
11Grilled Liempo is a popular grilled pork dish in the Philippines made of thick slices of pork belly marinated in soy sauce, calamansi (local version of lemon), garlic, salt and pepper for several hours.
12Kamote Fries is a popular Filipino fried snack similar to French fries but made of sweet potato.
13Ube is the term for purple yam in the Philippines, used to flavor sweets, ice cream, etc.
14Panay Island is the 6th largest and 4th most populous island in the Philippines, located in the Western Visayas Region5 of the Philippines, with a total land area of 12,011 km2 (4,637 sq mi). This triangular island is located in the western part of the Visayas and consists of 4 provinces: Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Iloilo4. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Panay Island”.21
15“Iloilo City,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iloilo_City
16“San Joaquin, Iloilo,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Joaquin,_Iloilo
17“Iloilo,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iloilo
18“Western Visayas,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Visayas
19“Miagao Church,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miagao_Church
20“Divine Mercy,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divine_Mercy
21“Panay Island,” accessed January 17, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panay_Island
Tita S Travels 