There are numerous tourist spots in Tarlac, particularly in San Jose. However, amidst the emergence of several popular destinations in the area, Monasterio de Tarlac will always remain a compelling reason to visit this picturesque region of Tarlac.
You may like to read: Tarlac Tourist Spots
Constructed around 20 years ago, devout locals have long been aware of the beauty of this area. That’s why, for tourists from outside the province, like us, discovering that Tarlac offers more than just urban landscapes, hot roads, and traffic is a delightful surprise.
Monasterio de Tarlac is nestled within the 278-hectare Mt. Resurrection Eco-Park, it is home to one of the holiest relics, the True Cross, upon which Jesus Christ was crucified.
Here’s a walk tour if you want to get a glimpse of what it looks like.
If it’s your first time, it will be a surprise to learn that at Monasterio de Tarlac, there is no entrance fee; instead, there’s only a parking fee of 50 pesos.
A lot has changed inside the monastery since its construction. In fact, there is currently ongoing constructions during our visit.
After we’ve parked, we began our tour.
As you approach the entrance, your eyes will be immediately drawn to the imposing 30-foot statue of the Risen Christ.
Its majestic presence commanding attention and setting the tone for the spiritual journey that lies ahead.
Continuing along the path adorned with white balustrades, you’ll encounter a charming wishing well nestled along the way.
We typically opt for weekday visits to avoid the crowds. While there were quite a few people present, the monastery was so big that it didn’t feel too crowded.
At the back of the statue, you’ll discover the History of Monasterio de Tarlac.
Monasterio de Tarlac: The History
The Monastery was formally blessed and Inaugurated by the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Fernando Filon, D.D., the representative of Pope Benedict XVI in the Philippines, together with other Archbishops, Bishops, Priests and Religious from different Archdiocese and Diocese in which also the Relic of the Holy Cross was formally enshrined for the public veneration witnessed by Msgr. Volker Bauer, Msgr, Alfred Voss, Mr. Lutz Ruhloff and other foreign dignitaties together with Mrs. Teresita Nepomuceno Wilkerson, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin G. Yalun, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Cruz and other benefactors and friends of Fr. Archie on January 30, 2007. The cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified and died was discovered around 325-326 A.D. when Emperor Constantine, a newly converted Christian, ordered Saint Macarius, Bishop of Jerusalem, to build a Church on the site of the temple dedicated to the pagan goddess Venus. Saint Helena, Constantine’s mother, had this temple of Venus destroyed, which led to the discovery of Christ’s sepulcher.
Saint Helena then sent the cross to Emperor Constantine in Constantinople, presently called Istanbul, Turkey. The cross was cut into pieces and divided among th conquering knights as treasure. Over the years, fragments of the cross were distributed to churches and monasteries in Europe.
The sacred relic of the cross made its way to the Philippines had been attributed to the divine providence and the faith of a then Filipino young priest. Fr. Archie A. Cortez was invited by Mr. Lutz Ruhloff, President of the Philippines- German Association in Oberhausen, to be his guest at the World Youth Day last August 2005 in Cologne, Germany.
The event led to Fr. Archie’s meeting with Msgr. Volker Bauer of the Diocese of Essen, Germany, where the relic of the Holy Cross with an authentic papal seal, has been kept for about 1000 years. The monastic community in Europe is slowly fading and Msgr. Bauer was looking for someone who chould serve as the new custodian of the sacred relic. Upon learning that Fr. Archie founded a monastic community here in the Philippines, the good Monsignor entrusted to the Servants of the Risen Christ Monastic Community the custody of the relic of the Holy Cross.
We are truly blessed that we have in our midst a fragment of the Holy Cross. Though it is just a fragment, it nevertheless represents the whole cross on which our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified and died. However, with our without the relic, our faith must be deeply rooted in God.
Amen.
Here is one of the iconic spots where you can take a photo after exploring or attending mass.
What you’ll love about this place is the abundance of food stalls. This is actually the second food stall you’ll encounter inside.
I didn’t realize that there’s more to the colossal statue when you visit the monastery. In fact, there are several other churches inside.
There are even more dining options available. You can try MDT Rice Bowls for a satisfying meal. 
Or indulge in Monks Gelato, which serves specialties like goto, mami, beef pares, and papaitan.
Another highlight worth mentioning is the souvenir shop, where you can find various mementos to commemorate your visit to the monastery.
