A Lenten break

It's Maundy Thursday and the day seems to brood, hot and heavy - reflective of the last two days leading to the commemoration of Christ's crucifixion. Holy Week this year feels like a scrunched up affair with just today as the real start of Lent. Blame it on the political climate we have these days or on the materialism that has become too much with us or on the exigencies of living in these hard times.

Holy Week should be the best time to take stock of where we are in our lives, what we have accomplished and what we intend to do from here on. Being in a Christian country, we are fortunate to have businesses slow down and even cease to operate from Wednesday onwards to the weekend. A number of private corporations let go of their personnel for most of the Holy Week. My niece, for one, left for Bicol on Tuesday with her best friend's family to spend her break in a completely new environment. Holy Week therefore is high season for the travel industry.

Most of you have planned your Lenten break away ahead of time, I bet. Knowing the tight situation in hotels and transportation, I should presume that you made those reservations and confirmations months ago. The early birds really do get the best deals in this situation, not to mention the best rooms, the best tables in restaurants, the nicest set-up, etc.

The beach may not be the most ideal spot for those who want peace and quiet for the weekend. People congregate to the waters in the height of summer heat.

Mountain resorts are better choices, or out of the way towns, beachfronts or hillside hideaways. You will be surprised at the number of new resorts and mountain recreational centers sprouting at the most unlikely places. Take, for instance, Riverstone Castle in the elevated terrains of Argao. It really is a small stone castle with dungeons (where the wine cellar and boutique shops are located) and a moat with a live alligator basking in the waters! The menagerie in various cages in the complex is a fascinating nature up close encounter for little ones.

Another adventure into mystic solitude would be to get lost among the beaches of Siquijor - still a relatively unspoiled slice of paradise. Camiguin, on the other hand, is fast becoming to be another Boracay. Too many people for such a small place.

Or one may just drive up along the road crossing the Busay hills. Perfect for meditation and close communion with nature.

Whichever way you spend the Holy Week, let it center on reflection and prayer. A recharging of the spirit. We need it for grounding our lives to what is important and abiding.

Happy Easter, one and all! Travel safely and stay healthy.