I have a few travels that I am able to save photos to share it to you guys. One of these is that of the Transfiguration Monastery in San Jose, Malaybalay City in Bukidnon. It is known for its pyramid chapel and happens to be a popular destination for both tourists and pilgrims. For people who want to pray and for those who are seeking peace of mind and calmness of soul and spirit can visit this place for a spiritual trip. 


It was opened on 1885 by Spanish Benedictine monks for missionary works but was aborted when the Philippine-American War broke out. In silence and a life of continued prayers, the monks also farm rice, corn, peanuts, soybeans, and coffee beans that they sell. “The monks likewise have a little store near the chapel where they sell various products from religious figurines, to rosaries, to cassette tapes, and even food. You can buy their Monk’s Blend coffee, Monk’s peanut butter (very smooth and creamy, not too sweet – masarap!), roasted peanuts, and Piniato. Piniato is a rectangular-shaped peanut brittle type of product and it is individually wrapped. It can come in plastic packaging or plastic canisters. I like it because it is chewy and not too sweet. I like it better than Baguio peanut brittle.” – A. Villoria

I was one of the lucky who was given the opportunity to represent Iligan Medical Center College at the Philippine Nursing Association Convention at Malaybalay, Bukidnon last November 2009. Together with other Student Body Organization Officers of College of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Aide, we had a stop at the Monastery of Transfiguration on the city tour that was prepared for us.


I have but few photos that really centered the pyramid chapel and the monastery itself. A mass was going on at the time we got there, and taking photographs is prohibited to do so at that time. I had a blast of a trip to Bukidnon with the SBO Officers. It’s not every trip you get to travel with different set of characters and personalities but would still hit it off as best travelling companions at the time. 

I ha a few good memories from that trip!
Thanks SBo Family!



How To Get There:
1] Book flights to Cagayan de Oro City (daily flights from Manila, Cebu, and Davao; no direct flights to Bukidnon)
2] Take a taxi or rented car from the airport to Agora Bus Terminal (Travel Time:15 mins)
3] Take a bus bound for Davao via Malaybalay or Valencia, drop off at Malaybalay (Travel Time: 2 hours)
4] From city proper Malaybalay, take a motorcycle bound for Monastery of the Transfiguration. You can ask locals where these motorcycles are located. (No public transport to the monastery)

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“The journey not the arrival matters.” – T. S. Eliot
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