Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Santiago City's Calvary Hills and Balay na Santiago


I usually spend my weekends here up north going around and exploring the province or the nearby provinces. Three weeks ago, I visited Santiago City which is at the southern part of Isabela. Like in Iguig, Cagayan Province, Santiago also has its own Calvary Hills which is located in Dariok Hills. In the same place you'll find the Chapel of Transfiguration and the statue of Our Lady of Lasalette right in front of the chapel. Similar to the Stations of the Cross in Iguig, there are life-sized images of the Stations of the Cross in Calvary Hills as well. What I loved about visiting this place was the view of Santiago City. If you just want to get away and spend a bit of time for solitude, and you just so happen to be in Santiago City (haha!), drop by the chapel or just sit on one of the steps on Calvary Hills and take in the view of the sprawling landscape of the province.






Before going to Dariok Hills, I dropped by Balay na Santiago which is a museum featuring the usual old artifacts you'd find in local museums. Most of the items were donated to the museum, according to the caretaker. I wasn't able to explore the entire place as there was an event they were preparing for. Apparently, you can also rent the place for parties and other events.






It's easy to find both places in Santiago. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take down the directions haha! But from the main highway in Santiago, you can ask the tricycle drivers for directions to both and they'll gladly help you find these. Balay ni Santiago is actually just a minute away from the main road so that'll be pretty easy to find.

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