Guimaras has its share of amazing destinations where people can renew their faith or devote themselves to prayer, but perhaps the most unique of these is the Our Lady of the Philippines Trappist Monastery, a place where one can catch a glimpse and perhaps experience how to live simply and humbly, with God and nature in mind. 

The only men’s monastery in the Philippines is run by the Cistercian Order of Strict Observance and was established in 1972. This place is always open to those who seek the solace and self examination through meditation and retreat from taxing endeavors of the materialistic world. The Cistercian was founded in 1098 near Dijon, France. In the 17th century, at the monastery of La Trappe in Normandy, a reform of the Cistercian Observance was undertaken. The monasteries descended from that reform movement were organized into what is called the Trappist – which is a separate Order of Cistercians, in the year 1892. Cistercian monasticism is a form of Benedictine monastic life, being based on the Rule of St. Benedict as interpreted by the twelfth century monks in Citeaux, France.

The primary role of Cistercian life is to seek union with God and to witness to His Holiness and His desire for the salvation and sanctification of all persons and to unite all people in their adherence to Him through their faith in Christ and His Catholic Church. In 1997, the church and a modern guesthouse with private facilities were built. They welcome guests who wish to spend days or even weeks in prayer, meditation and retreats. Their livelihood involves agriculture, growing vegetables for their own and guests' consumption, mango orchard, processing plant for mango, pineapple, guava fruit into jelly, jam, juice, dried, piaya, cookies and others. All products are displayed in their gift shop and at GTIC-Pasalubong Center. You can write your petition/intention and drop it in the box located at the entrance of the church. Religious items purchased may be blessed by the monks upon request.

Location

San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras

Where to Stay

Here is a list of hotels and inns for your stay in the province:

• Shirven Hotel - San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras

• Pine Haven Hotel - Islander Village, San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras

• Small Wings Pension Inn - San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras

• Miewa Pension House - Mclain, Buenavista, Guimaras

• OLP-Trappist Monastery Guest House - San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras

• Guisi Heritage Cottage - Dolores, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras

Where to dine

Here is a list of some of the restaurants, bars and cafes located in the city:

• NVDS Refreshment/ Tita Nels Refreshment - Mclain, Buenavista, Guimaras

• Gladys Refreshment (Carinderia & Videoke) - Rizal, Jordan

• Paul and Michelle Kitchenette - Rizal, Jordan

• Toms Place Bar and Refreshment - Hoskyn, Jordan

• Dans Batchoy - Rizal & San Miguel, Jordan

• Victors Restaurant 7 Fastfood Center - San Miguel, Jordan

• Sa Payaw Seafood Grill - San  Miguel, Jordan

 How to  get  there

Iloilo City is the gateway to Guimaras. Guimaras can be reached by air or boat from Manila via Iloilo City and by pumpboat in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental. The island province is 20-30 minutes by motorboat or ferry boat from Parola, Ortiz, Muelle Loney or Lapuz wharves in Iloilo City. Direct travel to Guimaras is possible by light planes, which can land at the Guimaras Feeder Airport.

Jeepney and tricycles are also available as a mode of transportation when touring the province from one town to another.

Please check the Guimaras official website for more information about the transportation schedules and locations.