The Hands, the Hair and the Fingers (Lucban, Quezon)

The Background

The New Year meant a new travel episode for me, whether a solo journey or a shared travel, whether expected trips or unexpected sprees. And speaking of unexpected sprees, it was January 1 when I received a message from one of my cousins telling me that the whole family would go for a day tour to Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church in Lucban, Province of Quezon. I always wanted to go to Lucban to tick three things off my bucket list — to visit Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church, to try their pansit habhab (which for me looks like Goldilocks’ hair) and to eat their famous Lucban longganisa (the size of which are like fingers!), so I quickly replied and confirmed my attendance, as well as my mom’s and my sister’s.

The Itinerary

We left our place in Las Piñas around 4:30 am, aiming to be at the church in time for the 9:30 am Healing Mass, the first for the New Year. Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church is not far from the welcome arch of Lucban. With the usual stop-overs and convoy “hintayans,” we arrived at 7:30 am, which was our estimated arrival time. Your car will be directed to the parking lot opposite the church compound. We had our breakfast before going to the church compound.

Nutshell highlights:

• If you are an aficionado of life-size religious statues, then Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church is a must-visit place. You can see images of San Isidro Labrador (which will welcome you), Lorenzo Ruiz, Pedro Calungsod and Teresa of Avila — to name a few — visible all over the place. I noticed that the compound is divided into areas: The Holy Family Park which the Kamay ni Hesus marker and the Holy Family statue will welcome you, The Salve Regina Park where the mysteries of the Holy Rosary are depicted in life-size statues, with a big Immaculate Conception on top of the hill and The Marian Park which are full of statues of Mary under different titles — from Birhen ng Barangay, Mt. Carmel, Perpetual Help and the Holy Cross.

• Beside the healing church and multi-purpose hall is the Grotto this place is famous for: featuring the Stations of the Cross with a 50-ft Ascending Christ on top. On an average, one can reach the top approximately 10–20 minutes and descend with the same time. It is best that you meditate and reflect on your intentions as you ascend in prayerful silence.

• Upon exit, you will see an image of The Pieta and on another hill adjacent to The Grotto, other biblical characters such as Moses also have their life-size images. You will also find Noah’s Ark: House of Prayer and Spirituality which I think is exclusive for those who are having their retreats and recollections in the church.

• There are also special areas such as a chapel dedicated for Padre Pio, The Holy Cross, The Pieta and The Holy Sepulcher.
• There are food kiosks inside the compound. There are also souvenir shops inside which primarily sells shirts and religious articles. After the mass, you can ask the priest to have these articles that you bought inside (even those bought outside the church) blessed.
• There are also messages of thanksgiving on the concrete pavements near the healing church and multi-purpose grounds. Be sure to check some of these, too for added inspiration.

Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church is a complete package — for the senses, for the spiritual core and a little physical exercise. We left at around 1:00 pm, shortly after having lunch and arrived in Las Piñas at around 6:00 pm.

The Budget

We spent around PhP 9,000 for a family of 15 adults (and a lot of kids; ~PhP 600 per adult) which was enough for gas, toll, meals, small snacks and other miscellaneous items such as parking fee. Details can be seen below:

Gas: approx. PhP 3,000 (for a van (on diesel) and a pick-up (on gas)

Toll: toll from sucat exit to calamba toll gate (batangas exit) is PhP 162/one way

Meals: approx. PhP 1,500

Parking at Kamay ni Hesus: PhP 50/vehicle

Since we only rented the van (that comes with its driver) for P3,700, this was an additional cost that we needed to consider for the budget. However, the costs can still be trimmed down if you have your own car.

Other Details

• When going to Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church, it is best advised to go on a private trip or on joined private (van) trips. There are indeed vans to Kamay ni Hesus in Festival Mall in Muntinlupa or one can commute, but one may have a hard time to commute home. I heard that you would have to go to SM San Pablo to get a bus to Starmall Alabang (or something to that extent). There are joined private (van) trips to Kamay ni Hesus. I found a Quezon day trip at Metrodeal.com for PhP 888/pax (Kamay ni Hesus, downtown) during the Pahiyas season which I consider as a great deal.
• Kamay ni Hesus is primarily known for their healing masses. As of now, there are two healing mass schedules: 9:30 am, Wednesdays and Saturdays. According to Fr. Joey Ferrer, the church founder, there will be an additional 2:30 pm healing mass schedule every Sunday for the month of February. If you are going to attend the Healing Mass, it is best advised that you arrive early as the church and the multi-purpose hall tend to be full even an hour before the start of the mass.
• There are stalls outside of the Kamay ni Hesus church compound which sells food and pasalubongs.
• There are also stalls which sells pansit habhab for PhP 15 or PhP 20. Pansit habhab is stir-fried miki noodles on onions (yes, just onions). Once served on a plate or on a banana leaf, place a generous amount of vinegar (which gives the flavor). Pansit habhab was named after how one should eat it (habhab).

• There are also stores which sell Lucban longganisa. Longganisa is ___. Prices depend on the size: Big longganisa is sold at PhP 140 per dozen while small longganisa is sold at PhP 70 per dozen. Longganisa is an experience which you should not forget to try when in Lucban.

The Verdict

Despite the long drive, Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church is a spiritual experience and a go-to place especially for Catholics. Partnered with the pansit habhab and Lucban longganisa experience, one will be recharged spiritually, emotionally, even physically by these Lucban offerings. Parine sa Lucban!