Kuh's Tagaytay hideaway

When life in the city gets somewhat too suffocating, some stars usually hie off to, if not foreign shores (Hong Kong and Bangkok are favorite destinations), Boracay to unwind, never mind if the faces they bump into are the same ones from Manila they are running away from.

Tempo’s Ronald Constantino is right.

“The perfect place to be during the Holy Week is Metro Manila,” said Ronald who is packing his things for a post-Lenten holiday “somewhere” with STAR contributor Bibsy Carballo. Hola! “Everybody goes out of town and Metro Manila is all too suddenly quiet and peaceful, no traffic and no ‘intrigues’ since TV is off, so it’s ideal for meditation and soul-searching.”

But where does Kuh Ledesma go to relax, recharge and renew herself on weekends and during the Lenten Season?  

Yes, to her own Hacienda Isabella (named after her daughter) in Tagaytay City which is only more than an hour drive away. The place has been consistently receiving rave reviews for its tasteful, unique and rustic style, laid-back ambience and impeccable service (the buffet offers food for all kinds of palates).

“During Holy Week,” Kuh told Funfare, “an option of healthy organic food will be available aside from the Hacienda’s best-sellers.”

The Hacienda is open to guests.

“We accept walk-ins for special breakfast, lunch or dinner,” added Kuh.

More than the gustatory delights, Hacienda likewise offers “food for the spirit” at its daily Bible classes and inspirational talks conducted by Kuh herself and other speakers who are Bible teachers.

(Note: For reservations and inquiries about the Holy Week package, call 726-6485 and 721-1936, or mobile phones 0920-9539488 and 0917-8139065.)

Holy Week events at Kamay ni Hesus

And if you happen to be at the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine in Lucban, Quezon, here’s Fr. Joey Faller’s schedule of activities for the Holy Week:

• Palm Sunday, April 17 — Commemoration of Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem, morning and afternoon Masses, and Estacion General (Via Crucis at Grotto);

• Holy Monday, April 18 — Morning and afternoon Masses and stage play Biglang-Bigla Isang Umaga;

• Holy Tuesday, April 19 — Afternoon Mass, and continuation of stage play;

• Holy Wednesday, April 20 — Morning healing Mass and afternoon Mass, and continuation of stage play;

• Maundy Thursday, April 21 — Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Washing of the Feet, Holy Communion, Procession, Benediction, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament;

• Good Friday, April 22 — Celebration of the Lord’s Passion, Liturgy of the Word, Veneration of the Cross, Communion, Procession, and continuation of stage play;

• Black Saturday, April 23 — Continuous veneration of the Image of Crucified Christ and continuation of stage play; and

• Easter Sunday, April 24 — Eucharistic celebrations.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected] or at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare.)