Lent is a time for fervent expressions of faith. In Batangas, there is a unique expedition that takes devotees and biking enthusiasts on an awesome faith, sports, and heritage tour. This is Bisikleta Iglesia Season 6.
Organized by Lima Park Hotel, Bisikleta Iglesia kicks off on April 13,2019 Saturday at 5:00 am. The pilgrimage tour on bike will take cyclists on a 42-kilometer journey of seven beautiful Batangas lakeshore churches: Sto.Niño Parish Church, Marawoy, Lipa City; St. Therese of Child Jesus, Lipa City; Minim Nuns of St. Francis of Paola, Lipa City; National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio, Sto. Tomas; St. John the Evangelist Parish Church, Tanauan City; Nuestra Señora de la Soledad Parish Church, Tanauan City; and Immaculate Conception Parish Church, Malvar.
One of the main faith tourism attractions in Batangas that recently drew thousands of devotees is the National Shrine of St. Padre Pio. It was among the churches that housed the “incorrupt heart” relic of Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, Italy when it arrived in the country in October 2018 as part of an organized worldwide tour. Considered as the “Saint of the Millennium,” St. Padre Pio is best known for his charity and gift of stigmata.
According to Lima Park Hotel’s Director for Marketing and Corporate Communications Rose M. Landicho, Bisikleta Iglesia is an initiative to promote wellness, sports, and faith tourism in Batangas. “Our Bisikleta Iglesia is an excellent vehicle to promote the province, its attractions, its rich culture, and noble heritage.”
Expecting to attract more than 400 pilgrim bikers, Landicho shared that Lima Park Hotel has been working with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to develop Batangas as one of the more accessible destinations for religious tourism in the country.
“Lipa, in particular, is a virtual showcase of beautiful churches, both old and new. In fact, Lipa is dubbed as the Little Rome of the Philippines; thanks to its numerous churches, chapels, convents, and seminaries,” Landicho said.
Fifth installment
Last year, Bisikleta Iglesia attracted over 300 bikers whose ages ranged from as young as eight years old to seniors aged 70 years old. They took the 52-kilometer road adventure that started in Malvar all the way to Balete and down to Lipa.
Landicho pointed out that this event has the elements of a spiritual retreat on the road. Like last year, Bisikleta Iglesia 2019 will feature prayers, reflections, and sharing in every stop with 14 riders carrying their own stations of the cross and assuming the responsibility of being station leaders. Leading the bikers’ pack is Fr. Robert Reyes. Lent-only offer The event registration fee is only P450.00 (net) inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and pitstop snacks. The first 100 registrants will receive a commemorative Bisikleta Iglesia shirt, plus a chance to win exciting raffle prizes.
For a limited time, Lima Park Hotel is offering the Bisita Batangas Vacation Specials in time for the Lent season. The Family Getaway deal can be booked on a weekend for only P5,000.00 while the Family Staycation package can be enjoyed for only P3,499.00 when booked and bought 14 days in advance.
In both offers, vacationers can enjoy the hotel’s Wi-Fi access and top-notch amenities such as the gym, pool, and children’s playground. A 30-minute complimentary use of the hotel bikes is included in the packages.
About Lima Park Hotel
Lima Park Hotel, located in Lima Commercial Estate, is the first and only 4-star hotel in the province of Batangas.
The hotel boasts of 136 guest rooms, including Superior, De Luxe, Premiere Luxe, Suite, Executive Suite, and Governor’s Suite.
Recently, Lima Park Hotel received its re-accredited status of a high 4-star rating from the DOT.Lima Park Hotel is also a consistent TripAdvisor Excellence Awardee since 2015.
For the second straight year, Lima Park Hotel was recognized as a Top Hotel for Families under the 2019 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice® awards for Hotels. This award is the highest recognition given to truly exceptional properties and is presented annually to the top 1% of businesses across select categories.
For more information, visit www.limaparkhotel.com. The hotel can also be reached by calling (043) 981-1555 or 09175042385 or sending an email to [email protected].