2021 • 4 • 26

Tagaytay has carved its niche on the tourism map as a popular weekend getaway destination near Manila. Although the city has long responded to the call of commercialization, Tagaytay still fosters a calming atmosphere that is great for reflection and meditation. Thanks largely to its relatively cool weather and a front-row view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. Altogether, these make Tagaytay a favorite location for retreat centers, churches and convents. One of these is the Pink Sisters Convent.

“Pink Sisters” is more like an endearing nickname. Officially, it is called the Adoration Convent of Divine Mercy. But the sisters have become so iconic that people tend to refer to the whole place as the Pink Sisters Chapel. They became well-known among pilgrims and devotees for the overwhelming number of answered petitions and prayers.

If this is your first time visiting the Pink Sisters Convent, here are some of the things you might want to know before you visit.

Who are the Pink Sisters?

The Sister-Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration run the convent. They are popularly called the Pink Sisters because of their pink habit, which is said to symbolize the love and joy of the Holy Spirit. It was chosen by its founder, Saint Arnold Janssen.

Many pilgrims and devotees believe that through the help of the Pink Sisters, their prayers and petitions will be granted. Many claimed that their requests and prayers were indeed granted and answered. Some of them are, in fact, visiting again to express their gratitude.

Mass Schedule

• Daily Mass – 6:30 AM
• Vespers/Benediction – 5:00 PM
• Sunday Mass – 7:30 AM & 5:00 PM (coupled with Vespers)
• Holy Hour w/ Mass Every 1st Saturday – 4:20 PM

How to Get to the Pink Sisters Convent

The Adoration Convent of Divine Mercy is located at #8, Holy Spirit Drive (Arnoldus Road), Barangay Maitim 2nd, East in Tagaytay City.

Either by private car or public transportation, getting to the convent is not too complicated.

By Private Car

1. From Manila, drive towards Tagaytay Rotonda.
2. Holy Spirit Drive (Arnoldus Road) is connected to Emilio Aguinaldo Highway. This is the narrow street between D’Banquet Bakeshop and Restaurant and Aquila Crystal Palace Tagaytay.
3. Continue driving along Holy Spirit Drive (Arnoldus Road) until you see the huge sign on the left.
4. Turn left and continue driving to the entrance gate.
5. Park your car.

By Public Transportation

1. From Manila, take a bus bound for Nasugbu or Tagaytay. These days, you’ll catch one at the PITx (Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange)
2. Tell the conductor that you are going to Pink Sisters. You can either alight at D’Banquet Restaurant or at the New Olivares UV Terminal. This is near Landbank, just before you reach Tagaytay Rotonda.
3. From there, you can take a tricycle to the Pink Sisters Convent. If you are alighting at D’Banquet and you simply enjoy walking, you can go there on foot. You will see many stalls lining the road to the convent.

Interesting Features & Things to Do

• Pink Sisters Chapel. This charming church is where you will get a glimpse of the Pink Sisters from the other side of the metal grilles, separating them from the pilgrims. They are positioned near the altar, while the pilgrims are positioned near the entrance door. This is where masses are held and where pilgrims and devotees pray and write their petitions.
• Petition Box Area. This is located on the left side/wing of the church. Walk up to the front where you see the bulletin board and a small cross. There are two labeled drop boxes there — the petition box and the donation box. The petition box is on the bottom left of the wooden frame with a small cross. Drop your petitions and give way to others.
• The Station of the Cross Garden. Situated just across from the church, this is a relaxing green space for visitors to unwind and have some quiet time. Please observe silence.
• Pasalubong Shopping. The road leading to the convent is lined with stalls selling local delicacies like rice cakes, kalamay, etc. There are also fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables. Some also have souvenir items like key chains, shirts, and whatnot. You can also purchase whatever the Pink Sisters are offering to help them raise money. When we went there, they are selling ponkan seedlings, grown by the Pink Sisters themselves.

Proper Attire Inside the Church

Since the complex is a place of worship and prayer, please take note of the dress code if you are planning to go inside the church.

Proper Attire

• Collared Shirts/Collared Blouses
• T-shirts
• Jeans
• Slack Pants
• Polo Shirts
• Long-sleeve Polo/Long-sleeve Shirt
• School Uniforms
• Office Uniforms
• Corporate Attires
• Dresses
• Long Gowns

Improper Attire

• Cap/Sombrero
• Jersey/Sando
• Jersey Shorts
• Shorts
• Sleeveless
• Spaghetti Strap
• Tank Tops
• Skirt
• Skimpy Shorts
• Plunging Neckline

Church Entrance Process

1. Fall in line. If you go there on a weekday, like us, there’s a high chance that you won’t be queueing.
2. Sanitize your shoes at the foot bath station.
3. Go through the thermal scanner to check your body temperature.
4. Fill out the contact tracing form.
5. Sanitize your hand. As much as possible, bring your own pen.
6. Get your blank petition paper and envelope.
7. Step inside the church.
8. Find a vacant seat. The seats are labeled and numbered for proper physical distancing.
9. Pray and write your petitions.
10. Drop your petitions. You may also drop an amount for donation.
11. Exit the church.

Reminders & Tips

• Observe social distancing.
• Please wear face mask and face shield.
• Bring your own hand sanitizer and alcohol.
• There’s a parking area inside the convent complex. However, this gets occupied fast during peak season, especially during Holy Week.
• No entry for tricycle, bus, coaster, truck, jeepney, and motorcycles inside the Pink Sisters Convent complex.
• There are many paid parking spaces outside the complex, along Holy Spirit Drive (Arnoldus Road). From there, you will have to take walk your way to the convent complex.
• If you are parked outside the complex, you can buy pasalubong while on the way back to the paid parking lot.
• Take note of the proper attire if you are entering the church. Remember that this is still a place of worship and prayer.
• No pets allowed inside the church.
• Observe silence inside the church.
• Turn off your cellphone. No taking photos inside.
• It’s safer to bring your own pen.
• Your nearest physical encounter with the Pink Sisters is through seeing them on the other side of the metal grilles, separating them from the pilgrims and visitors. You cannot talk to them. They are really focused on praying, praying, and praying. :)
• The church closes at 3:30 PM for cleaning and sanitation. You can still explore the complex and the garden.

Top Tagaytay Hotels

If you plan on staying overnight in Tagaytay, here are some of the top hotels that are relatively budget-friendly, as scored by Agoda customers.

• Royale Parc Hotel Tagaytay. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
• Capital O 730 Hotel Casiana. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
• The Carmelence View Villa. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
• The Serviced Residences at Kasa Luntian Managed by HII. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
• F8 Bed and Breakfast. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
• The Carmelence Lodge. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
• Containers by Eco Hotel. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
• View Park Hotel. Check Rates & Photos! ✅

Search for more Tagaytay Hotels!

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