A Walk to Remember at Mt. Zion at Bugallon

If I may recall my trips in Pangasinan, Philippines, one of the most memorable Easter celebrations that I had was when I decided to make a retreat at Mt. Zion Mountain Pilgrim, a very peaceful retreat house situated at Bugallon, Pangasinan. This retreat was not only a religious thing for me but also a personal self-discovery and introspection as it enabled me to deeply contemplate on things about me, my life, my family, my career and other things that matter to me. I did this simple religious journey to allow myself to discover and rediscover my "other self. "

For those who are not familiar with the place, Bugallon is one of the municipalities in Pangasinan. Pangasinan is one of the largest provinces in the Philippines which has a population of at least 3 million. Bugallon, which is situated in the central part of the province is an agricultural rural area which has a number of scenic spots.

Bugallon is my native town and I was born in one of its barangay, Magtaking. A barangay in the Philippines is the smallest administrative and political unit. Bugallon for me is really a nice place. It boasts of its rich culture and tradition.

It was holy week when I decided to spend the same in the Mount Zion Pilgrim Mountain. It is one of the most frequently visited places in the town of Bugallon during the holy week. If you are interested in going to this place, let me give you a brief tour by sharing my experience of visiting this place.

How to Get to Bugallon, Pangasinan from Manila

If you are coming from Manila, you should take the bus from stations in one of the following bus companies: Victory Liner, Dagupan Bus or Five Star. They have destinations going to Alaminos City or Bolinao. Ask the driver to drop you at the Municipal Hall of Bugallon, Pangasinan. The municipal building is easy to locate since it is situated in the main highway and you can immediately see a large carabao statue adjacent to it. By there, you can ask a tricycle driver to bring you there at Mount Zion Pilgrim Mountain. The fare plays between 30 to 50 pesos.

Going Up the Mount Zion: A Walk to Remember

It was three years ago that I visited the Mount Zion Pilgrim Mountain and the experience I had was really memorable to me. It was at exactly 5:25 in the morning when I started to set out on my religious journey up the mountain. Starting at the foot going up the hill, it took me like around one and half hour before I reach the peak.

The Mount Zion Pilgrim Mountain is situated at Barangay Laguit Padilla, Bugallon, Pangasinan. It usually attracts a great number of visitors during the Lenten Season. As a ballpark figure, perhaps there are thousands of people which visit the place annually. It maintains a chapel and a retreat house where occasionally some retreat events are held. You will pass by the 14 stations of the cross before you reach the retreat house and the chapel at the top of the hill. The area is approximately fifty two (52) hectares and is owned by a certain religious congregation. The road going up the hill is stony and rocky and you would see some cogon grasses lining up the road. From the time to time you would see different fruit bearing trees such as mango, black berry, guava, among other shrubs that grew spontaneously as product of the soil, perhaps without application of labour.

Just halfway up the hill, I can feel the scorching heat of the sun which sometimes is tempered by a cold mountain breeze filtered by the woods.

When we started out the early morning walk in the hill, we can feel the very serene environment that pervades the place. It was hot and sunny but it gives you an unusual feeling, the desire of being able to finish dropping by at every station and reach the peak.

Each of the 14 stations has life-size statutes which depict the death of Christ. We chanced upon a group of people who likewise there to pray and experience the Mount Zion Mountain Pilgrim. Going to this place is a form of religious and environmental immersion. The place is embraced by the hills around it.

At the Top of the Hill: A Sight to Behold!

When you reach the top, you would surely love the panoramic view. The entire province of Pangasinan and its neigbouring province Zambales is within sight in the horizon. It was a wonderful sight. The Lingayen Gulf in deep blue with the azure sky complements each other's cascading colurs. The municipality of Bugallon can be seen in its entirety up close and personal. I noticed a dam so huge that it can irrigate the entire valley.

Finally after almost an hour of walking, we reached the final station and uttered our personal supplications silently under our breath.

In the picture below, I stood before a station where Christ was crucified together with two other people. At the background is a mountain all in its earthly colours

We dropped by at the chapel to say a little prayer and lighted a candle. We were met by some group of people who were also falling in line to pay homage. We noticed that some of the visitors were locals. Others were from Metro Manila and neighbouring provinces.

When you reach the top, it is the chapel which emerges and welcomes you. It is relatively small in size but can accommodate enough number of people.

The retreat house is a perfect place for persons who want to spend days for reflection and meditation. It is a calm, peaceful and serene place. It exudes with tranquility. We were allowed to enter the retreat house and was able to see some of its facilities.

The retreat house is adorned with paintings in the walls. The corridor is lined up with paintings in both walls. Although I do not exactly know who were the artists behind some of these masterpieces I can deduce that they were made by masterful and skillful disciples of the brush.

Take a look at this painting which is securedly fixed in the wall. It typifies a simple and modest Filipina lass reminiscent of the character of Maria Clara in Dr. Jose Rizal's novel "Noli Me Tangere. "

Some Useful Tips When You Decide to Visit the Place

The place is far from the main highway so it is important to contact a reliable and honest tricycle driver. Be sure to ask them of the fare before you ride the tricycle to avoid being cheated as they may deem you to be a first-time visitor to the place.

It would be of help to bring with you some basic necessities such as bottled waters and snacks. Unless you are fasting, it would be wise to bring food. You do not want to get thirst and dehydrated as you would sweat a lot until you reach the top.

The place is usually packed during the Lent season. It is also during this time of the year where the weather could be really hot. So be sure to bring with you face towels, handkerchiefs or better yet an umbrella. It may also help to apply sunblock to your skin; the sweltering heat could be nasty.

I believe the place is still being developed even for the time being and some improvements are being done to make it more accessible to visitors. But the place in its very relaxing setting which is close to the embrace of nature is enough to give your troubled mind a temporary respite.

If you are planning to spend your Lenten Season in Pangasinan, it would be great to make a stopover at Bugallon to visit the Mount Zion Mountain Pilgrim. It is worth your time as you would be able to refresh and recharge yourself emotionally and spiritually.

Come and see this great place!

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