From afar, one can already behold this structure perched atop a mountain in Batangas City.

But it's not just any building.  

This is the Montemaria International Pilgrimage and Conference Center, home to the Mother of All Asia - Tower of Peace, considered the tallest image of the Virgin Mary in the world, standing at a height of 98.15 meters or equivalent to thirty-three floors.

It is the ninth tallest structure in the world.

The image’s face is made of bronze and designed by National Artist Ed Castrillo.

One can climb up the stairs carved into the hands of the Virgin Mary that overlooks the islands of Mindoro.

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Here also lies the St. John Paul II Chapel, housing a first-class relic or a few strands of hair from the former pope. 

“Iyong ambiance niya, maganda, malamig…. Solemn po, ang sarap po mag Visita Iglesia dito,” said Atty. Rebelia P. Garces who visited Montemaria.

(The ambiance is beautiful, cool… It's so solemn, it's delightful to do the Visita Iglesia here.)

“Maganda ang experience, maganda ang lugar, maganda ang ambiance, so punta po kayo dito sa amin sa Batangas,” said another visitor Marlon Baldoz.

(“The experience is beautiful, the place and ambiance are beautiful, so come here to Batangas.")

Also found in Montemaria is the Sto. Niño de Praga Chapel, a replica of the Holy Infant of Prague in the Czech Republic. 

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It has a grand altar where one can pray fervently while feeling the cool breeze from the sea.

“Iniimbitahan po namin kayo lahat to experience the charm, the solemnity of the place… Lagi namin ine-encourage ang lahat na umakyat sa kamay ni Mama Mary because there parang you are so close to the heart of the Our Lady,” said Bro. Jojo Pastor, Operations Manager of Montemaria International Pilgrimage and Conference Center.

(We invite all of you to experience the charm, the solemnity of the place…. We always encourage everyone to climb to the hands of Mama Mary because there, it's like you are so close to the heart of Our Lady.)

The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Lipa also draws crowds, especially during Lent for Visita Iglesia.

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It was founded back in 1581 and was demolished and rebuilt in 1851.

On April 8, 2017, some parts of the basilica were damaged due to an earthquake and were temporarily closed to the public. It reopened after eight months of renovation.

Many visitors marvel at the church's ceiling adorned with murals and a golden-colored altar and to see the black image of the Santo Niño de Batangan and La Inmaculada Concepcion de Batangan or the "La Batangueña".

“Ang amin pong Basilica dito sa Batangas City ay mahalaga para sa amin dahil bilang mananampalataya, dito kami humuhugot ng pag-ibig sa Diyos at sa aming kapwa,” said Antonio Garcia, Coordinator, Parish Pastoral Council, Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception - Lipa.

(Our Basilica here in Batangas City is important to us because for us believers, this is where we draw love for God and for our fellowmen.)

The Church reminds everyone to prepare themselves before going for Visita Iglesia.

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 “Siyempre hinihikayat ng simbahan na hindi lang tayo mag Visita Iglesia, siyempre kailangan yung paghahanda ng sarili, at walang kapalit na paghahanda ang pagkukumpisal, para magkaroon ng cleansing ang sarili mo, siyempre taimtim na pagdarasal at pagsasakripisyo,” reminded Rev. Fr. Gaudencio Carandang Jr., SDB Rector of St. John Bosco Parish, Tondo. 

(Of course, the Church encourages us not only to do the Visita Iglesia, but also to prepare ourselves, and there's no substitute for preparation like confession, to cleanse oneself, of course, sincere prayer, and sacrifice.) 

Aside from Visita Iglesia, the Church hopes that the faithful will continue to visit churches and reflect, and not just during the Lenten season.