We ate our late lunch at Kamayan sa Palaisdaan Restaurant at Tayabas. The tables at the restaurant are in a floating nipa hut. For sure there were lots of people in the area at that time because a lot of cars were parked but we didn't notice 'cause the restaurant was too big.

Sizzling Seafoods (P 275.00), Sinigang na Sugpo (P 300.00), Rice (P20.00) 

We rode the jeepney from Kamay Ni Hesus, just tell the conductor or the driver to drop you at Kamayan sa Palaisdaan. It's just one ride away from Kamay ni Hesus Shrine.

We went back at Kamay ni Hesus Shrine to attend the 7 Last Words, we took the public utility jeepney from Tayabas to Lucban, a ride is 20.00 per person, just imagine how long was that but hey, it was still enjoyable. 

Half way, Ate rode the jeepney with a bilao of newly cooked pilipit, a native delicacy made of malagkit, kalabasa and pulot. A piece costs 6.00 and I ate three. I hope I was the first who bought from her, 'cause I'm a lucky buena mano, she might be able to sell everything even before the day ends! hahahaha. Joke. Just that after I bought, everyone there tried it too. She probably sold a lot while in the jeep.

This is what it looks like with a banana leaf holder

. They don't use plastics there, so if you're going at Lucan or at Kamay ni Hesus area, bring your bag for pasalubongs 'cause they all use newspapers and leaves. Very eco-friendly.

The dizzying number of people climbing the Stairway to Heaven, much more than those who climbed on Maundy Thursday.

And here he is, Fr. Joey Faller, a healing priest and one of the reasons why Kamay ni Hesus was developed and has become a very beautiful yet solemn place. He was the speaker for the 7 Last Words, very touching but at times, funny. I hope to meet him personally soon and attend one of his healing masses. 

First we harvested cassava from the backyard.

They peeled them for boiling.

Some were fried. These are kamote-fries.

After boiling, just soft and not soggy.

They're ready to be hand-milled. And this is not an easy task!

I kept on pounding the ingredients (kamote, sugar, condensed milk and peanut butter) hard for around ten minutes, I was perspiring like crazy from the hard work and my fingers were shaking after! good thing my nilupak didn't come out salty.. haha. LOL. It was still a fun experience anyway. 

And this has got to be the best and tastiest and most sumptuous and most delicious and most delectable and finger-licking nilupak ever made! Of course I'm exaggerating, but the mere fact that it was I who hand-milled this makes it more special than anything else. ;)

From Kamay ni Hesus, we headed to Manasa Botanical Garden to swim. It's a fairly small resort so good thing there weren't a lot of people when we got there. The entrance fee is 50.00 for adults and 20.00 for kids. 

I am not sure but this pool is 4-6 feet deep. They say that the water is from a spring. No wonder it's cold and doesn't smell like chlorine. The only problem I had was the restroom, it was dark, scary, and no cubicles to change at so I decided to go back wearing my swimming attire and just shower at the house.

Nonetheless, the view from the resort is very good, as you can see hills and mountains everywhere. 

It was around 9 am when we arrived at Kamay Ni Hesus Healing Shrine which is situated in a slope of Mt. Banahaw or hilly part of Tinamnan Village, Lucban, Quezon. It is a popular attraction for faithfuls and tourists especially during the Lenten Season. I was also there last year, but what I saw last Thursday and Friday was WOAH. 

We decided to form in line and climb to Heaven before entering the church.

Hats are like the fashion statement when you're going there. Several kinds of hats are sold outside. I bought mine for 35.00 from the parking hill only to find out that it was sold 25.00 near the gate of the church. Oh well. 

And we finally reached the gate.

Be sure to wear appropriate clothes or you won't be allowed to enter.

That Noah's Ark is a house of prayer which operates like a hotel if I'm not mistaken. There is also a playground for the youngsters.

And we've finally started the 300 steps climb to Heaven under the scorching heat. 

On the way up are statues depicting the fourteen stations of the cross.

Yey and we safely reached the 50 feet statue of the Ascending Chist!

And the way down? it's easier than going up.

From the church, you can see the long lines of people and umbrellas going up the hill. This pic was taken around 12 noon. Imagine how hot was that. 

The drive of the people was so great nothing can stop them (us) from climbing.

At the back is the faux Mt. Mayon. 

I was fooled the first time I went there.

There are life sized statues everywhere.

What amazes me is that everyone was so patient. Even if it was really hot and there are so many people, everyone remained calm and I think I haven't heard any complains. Truly, the whole experience is worth it. Not only will one satisfy his/her spiritual needs, the picturesque view also made it very enjoyable. You must not miss visiting the place when you're in the area.