Wednesday, March 05, 2008 Delen: Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary By Annie Delen Jaded Mind
TRANQUIL. It was the first word that popped up in my mind soon as I entered the Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary. It is an oasis in the middle of an urban jungle. And if you want to be more fanciful, you can even consider it a "secret garden" of sorts. With all the trees, shrubs and what not, it's quite easy to start imagining magical creatures hiding among the lush vegetation.
I first heard about Maryknoll two years ago. Maan, our kind and patient former secretary at K and C Language Institute used to bring our younger students there for a breather from their hectic schedules. I've seen the pictures they've taken and found myself wanting to visit in person but somehow, it always ended there.
Time and again, I was told that it was a great place. Friends who knew of my penchant for calm, quiet and idyllic areas often encouraged me to go see Maryknoll for myself. Ironically enough, it would take me more than a year to get there. In fact, had it not been for a teambuilding activity, it might have taken a lot longer.
Where is that? I wondered soon as I got the text message telling me that our activity was to be held there. Trying to find an unknown place on a cold, drizzly day wasn't my idea of a fun weekend. Much more so when my brain is still mush from two nights of bonding with friends. But as luck would have it, the first cab we hailed was driven by a guy who not only knew the place, but also the fastest way to get there. Now, that's what I'd call efficiency.
Before one could gain entrance to the sanctuary, the modest sum of twenty-five pesos must be paid. A cheerful and kindly woman sits by the main entrance of a nondescript building, which houses the Maryknoll café. It is she who logs visitors in. From there, one goes down concrete steps that lead to an entirely different world. At the risk of sounding like a travelogue, I must say that one can indeed lose oneself within the confines of the sanctuary.
For one, the whole area was surrounded by trees and tall bamboo like plants. One can barely see the road from the inside. There are several picnic areas that can be used for group activities as well as nooks and crannies that one can take refuge in should one wish to be alone with nature. There too is the "hanging" bridge where one could imagine an adventure. And I haven't even mentioned the caves, which could catch everybody's interest with the mystery that it represents.
The area we stayed in was where three traditional houses stood. True it was an unconventional picnic area compared to places like Camp John Hay and Burnham Park but it was there that I felt a connection with my heritage. It may sound corny but from the top of the stairs where I was looking down at my companions, I could easily imagine my g-stringed ancestors sitting around the fire naturally warming themselves trying to escape from the cold. Obviously I am a Cordilleran, a full-blooded Igorot if you may. But that's beside the point. Maryknoll is a place where everyone is welcome regardless of race and religion.
It would be very easy to regret not having gone there sooner but why waste time on regrets? It had taken me quite a long time to discover a haven where I can be transported to another place and time but as a friend so often said, "Everything has its proper place and time." And so it was last Saturday.
