MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - Situated on a hill in the village of San Jose away from the noisy crowd is a place where one can find refuge and seek peace.

Home of the Benedictine monks, the Monastery of the Transfiguration has been a top destination for pilgrims during Holy Week in the province of Bukidnon.

Inaugurated in 1983, the pyramid-like structure of the monastery's church, which was designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin, has been an eye candy for tourists.

Policarpo Sedenio, a college professor who lives in Maramag, an hour away from the monastery, said he always makes sure to attend Sunday masses in the monastery because this is where he finds peace from all his sins.

"Napaka-solemn kasi tapos parang nawawala 'yung kasalanan. I find this place very nice," said Policarpo.

American missionary Michael Green, who is based in Taiwan, also described the monastery as the most beautiful place in the Philippines.

"It's great to be back. I love the place, I love Benedictines. I went to a Benedictine College run by Benedictine monks and sisters so they are very very close to my heart. I gotta believe this is the most beautiful place in the Philippines," said Green.

An added attraction to the monastery is their two-storey museum which houses the vestment collection of monk Fr. Dom Martin Gomez, a famous couturier in the '70s who dressed former first lady Imelda Marcos.

Included in his works are vestments made of piña and abaca fiber.

Entrance is free in the monastery but the monks reminded tourists to keep silent to maintain the holiness of the place.