Thursday, January 31, 2008 The Prayer Mountain By Jojie Alcantara Witerary
ITS impressive full name is the Covenant Mountain and Prayer Center, up in Tamayong, Mt. Apo, Calinan, less than an hour's ride from downtown.
For the Reverend Apollo C. Quiboloy, executive pastor of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ the Name Above Every Name, it is a haven for peace and prayer, for contemplation and soul searching.
Once a rough landscape up in the highlands, the Prayer Mountain has been transformed into an 8-hectare garden of plants, waterways and flowers. Amazing landscape and restoration is spearheaded by Pastor Quiboloy, at the same time that he strives to make the mountain community benefit from surrounding developments.
This was where he grew up, where he was called and chosen, and finally anointed.
Tamayong is said to have an ambience best suited for spiritual retreats and recreations. Here the pastor intercedes for prayer requests sent by members, televiewers and covenant partners from all over the world.
Here, the President of the Philippines and other notable personalities had come to visit him and pay respects.
Many have been curious as to what the pastor is like, and many more eager to know about the Prayer Mountain.
I have had the privilege to be up there twice; once in 2001 when it was just being developed, and last Christmas, when Rhonson and I had the privilege of a pictorial session with him. This time, the area has been transformed into a breathtaking vista of floral gardens and a highland park that astounds the mind.
There is his Pastoral House, Prayer House and Gazebos, Martha's Restaurant overlooking Davao, Millenial Houses in different pastel colors, Star of David, Vista House and Garden Villas.
Gardeners are everywhere, quietly and dutifully fulfilling their tasks of picking out fallen leaves (not a sight anywhere!). The pavements were so clean you can sleep in them (it is said to be scrubbed daily with chlorox).
It was truly a paradise to ease the soul. Rhonson's only hitch was that the whole area was a No Smoking environment, so he had to walk far outside the entrance gate where he can puff away. We were told Ms. Ces Drilon, talk show host, also did this during her interview with the pastor.
I've heard many nice anecdotes about the place and the beloved pastor from his members who became my friends. But finally meeting him and shaking his hand was the ultimate encounter. He told me he has read my column, which delighted me.
During the pictorial session, he was in his favorite all white Armani suit.
One of the anecdotes proved to be true. He was camera shy, bashfully uncomfortable with posing for the lens. So I set out to make him at ease by conversing with him, while Rhon's camera kept clicking from afar with his zoom lens. Finally, the pastor was opening up, laughing candidly, far from the strong no-nonsense presence he projects on TV as an evangelist.
He has adopted so many kids, that it was only fitting to have him play with the children in the garden. It was a sight to behold, the lighter side of the reverend. An aura of gentleness and quiet strength exuded from his character.
One could see how his people around him revere and respect him so much. You would want for him at that moment, to adopt you too, and spare you from human frailty and a world gone mad.
For those who wish to visit the Covenant Mountain, write a letter of request addressed to the Central Administrator at the Central Headquarters located at Phil-Japan Friendship Highway, Catitipan, Davao City.
Appointment must be made at least 2 weeks before the scheduled date of visit for proper coordination. Follow up of approval of letter of request may be done by appointment or phone call.
There is a set of guidelines to be followed once you're up there: proper dress code for the men and women (no sando or sleeveless, spaghetti straps and no slippers). No picking of plants and fruits around. Observe silence at all times.
When were given a room in one of the Millenial House, we were asked to take a bath and cleanse ourselves before we meet the pastor. New toiletries were laid out for us.
Rhon commented it was so quiet that he couldn't sleep. The place is certainly conducive for deep contemplations and prayer. If something's bothering your life right now, this is the best place to stay for a while. (E-mail writer to jojiealcantara@gmail.com or visit her website www.witerary.com.)
