A Place to Hide

I don't know if it's crappy scriptwriting or a standard romance story "must-have", but I'm sure all of us Filipinos are familiar with this movie (or tv) scene:

The guy takes the girl to a quiet place (preferably with a view) and tells her that its his "sacred place, or sanctuary, or secret hideout." He tells the girl that it's the place he uses for thinking and quiet reflection when he feels the need to be alone (as if). And of course, we can all assume that the girl is the FIRST woman he ever brought there because he said so (as if strike 2).

I have dated a few men and NO ONE has ever brought me to his secret place where he hides to achieve nirvana so far. But what I do have is my own, my VERY own secret place. And no, you're not the first person I'm sharing this to.


I have been going alone to the Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain in Paenaan, Rizal since time immemorial for various reasons like~

I want to eat pineapple cheese sandwich.
It's my birthday and I want to hide from people (and pray).
I just graduated from college and I wanted God's direction.
I won so many awards and I wanted to thank God.
I am so seriously seriously lonely.
I miss lying in the grass.
Just for fun.

It's actually a praying place where people from all walks of life can go to seek God. OTHER activities aside from that isn't really advisable here. I think they caught lovers being sweet in one of the spots here and they let loose dogs to chase the lovers around. : ) That's what I heard, no idea if it's true.

NOTE: If you plan to go there, bring a picnic blanket for maximum experience. Of course, a Bible, a notebook and a pen.

Directions: From Cubao, ride a jeepney going to Cogeo, then from Cogeo market, ride another jeepney going to Paenaan . Tell the driver to drop you off at the prayer mountain.

Faster route: Take MRT2 to Santolan. From there, ride the jeepney to Cogeo.
Entrance Fee: P50

Room rates (pax/night): P100 (attic), P200 (dorm), P500 (exclusive)

IMPT: Bring an ID, and sms first at +639178401288 for room reservations if you're staying overnight or longer.