Regina Rica

At the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains in Rizal Province may be found a place of quiet and serenity. It is home to a group of religious sisters who call themselves as the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii. The place which is located in Barangay Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal is known as Regina Rica. In Spanish, Regina means Queen and Rica means rich. But RICA is also an acronym for Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia. Since 2009, the 13-hectare lot has developed into a place of pilgrimage and prayer, an ecological sanctuary and a wellness environment.

To get to Regina RICA, it is about an hour and a half to two hour’s drive from Quezon City. Along the way, the transition from urban to rural setting becomes evident as the long and winding paved road leads to the mountainous and forested areas of Tanay, Rizal.

Upon entering the place, visitors are given a short orientation before being allowed to explore the whole area. Everyone is reminded of the sacredness of the place and to maintain silence as it is a place of contemplation. A dress code is strictly being implemented and smoking is not allowed.

The center piece landmark of Regina RICA is a 71 feet image of Regina Rosarii – Our Lady of the Rosary. Inside the huge statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a small space for prayer and contemplation. It is like a small chapel inside the giant statue which the sisters call “Sulod”. At the base of the statue, there is a balcony from where a breath taking view of the whole place can be seen. From the receiving area for visitors, there is a foot path with about 350 steps that leads to the hill where the Virgin Mary’s statue stands. Beside it is place where candles may be lighted and prayers may be offered.

Below the hill where the Blessed Virgin stands is the RICA chapel on the hill. It is a spacious edifice where masses are celebrated daily. It is also a venue where seminars on contemplation, healing and wellness are held. A second level beneath the chapel is a temporary restaurant where snacks and light vegetarian meals are served at affordable prices. A three floor building which will serve as the restaurant is almost complete and is ready for operation anytime. The sisters call it “Pasilungan”.

Around the area may be found a way of the cross, clusters of huts for resting and eating, a hanging bridge, an organic garden and a footpath for contemplation and healing. There are guest houses available for those who would like to stay for a night or several days for retreats or recollections. There is also a columbarium where the remains and ashes of departed loved ones are reposed.

All over the place various animals like lambs, chickens and peacocks freely roam around. Patches of flower gardens, trees and various plants may be found all over the place. These contribute to the environment’s cool and green ambiance. At daybreak, the mountains from the horizon are covered with fog. As the sun sets at the close of day, a serene and quiet atmosphere covers the area inviting everyone for prayer and contemplation.