I. Introduction to Regina RICA – A Sacred Mountain Sanctuary
Nestled in the rolling highlands of Tanay, Rizal, Regina RICA (short for Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia) is more than just a religious site—it is a serene destination for reflection, healing, and prayer. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking mountain backdrop, Regina RICA Tanay has become a favored spiritual refuge for pilgrims, families, and even solo travelers seeking peace away from the city.
At the heart of this sacred compound stands a towering 71-foot statue of Our Lady, Regina Rosarii, gracefully overlooking the 13.5-hectare pilgrimage grounds. The statue, built atop a hill, serves as a symbolic beacon of hope and motherly presence. Beneath it lies a prayer chamber called Sulod, where visitors can silently reflect in the presence of the Blessed Mother. As visitors ascend the hill via the rosary trail, they are encouraged to pray each mystery while being surrounded by lush trees and fresh mountain air.
As a well-maintained and contemplative space operated by the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii, Regina RICA pilgrimage site combines natural beauty with spiritual enrichment. It is one of the most visited religious attractions in the province, welcoming thousands of guests yearly. Whether for personal devotion, group retreats, or a quiet day of spiritual renewal, Regina RICA offers a sacred and memorable encounter with the Divine amidst nature’s embrace.
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II. Regina RICA History and Founding Vision
The inspiring story of Regina RICA Tanay is deeply rooted in faith, mission, and contemplative service. Its foundation traces back to the early 2000s, when a small congregation of religious women known as the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii sought to create a sacred space for prayer, silence, and healing—a place where people from all walks of life could reconnect with God through nature and contemplation.
Origins of the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii
Established under the guidance of Sr. Mary Epifania “Eppie” F. Brasil, OP, the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii broke away from traditional institutional roles to focus on a life centered on contemplative prayer and spiritual service. The congregation’s vision is grounded in Dominican values, but adapted for modern-day seekers of peace and meaning.
The Birth of Regina RICA
The idea for Regina RICA began with a vision of a hill where people could encounter the Blessed Virgin Mary in silence and serenity. After acquiring a 13.5-hectare parcel of land in Tanay, Rizal, the sisters began building what would become one of the most beloved pilgrimage destinations in the country. The natural landscape—marked by hills, forests, and mountain views—was preserved and harmoniously integrated with spiritual landmarks like the giant statue of Our Lady, candle chapels, and a meditation center.
A Sanctuary of Prayer and Healing
Today, the 13.5-hectare sanctuary is more than a physical destination—it is a spiritual haven that welcomes thousands of pilgrims annually. The Regina RICA history is a testament to how faith, vision, and dedication can transform a simple hillside into a center of healing, contemplation, and sacred encounter. As the sisters like to say, it is a “place where people meet God and God meets people.”
III. Regina RICA Location and How to Get There
Regina RICA Location in Tanay, Rizal
The exact Regina RICA location is in Sitio Aguho, Brgy. Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal, nestled within the mountainous interior of eastern Rizal Province. Perched along the verdant slopes of the Sierra Madre mountain range, Regina RICA Tanay Rizal offers a peaceful retreat far from the noise of the city. The area is blessed with cool mountain air, forest trails, and sweeping views—making the journey as meaningful as the destination itself.
Road Conditions and Scenic Route via Marilaque Highway
The most scenic way to reach Regina RICA is via the Marilaque Highway (short for Marikina–Rizal–Laguna–Quezon Road). This winding mountain highway offers beautiful views of the countryside, pine-lined roads, and rolling hills—perfect for road trips and motorcycle rides. Although the roads are generally well-paved, visitors should drive carefully through the curves and uphill portions, especially during the rainy season.
How to Go to Regina RICA from Manila
By Private Car
Start from Manila or Quezon City and head toward Marcos Highway (via Katipunan or C-5).
Drive past Cogeo, Antipolo, and Teresa. Continue toward Tanay via Marilaque Highway.
Upon reaching Brgy. Sampaloc, look for directional signs leading to Regina RICA.
You can also search “Regina RICA” on Waze or Google Maps for real-time navigation.
Travel time is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and starting point.
By Public Transportation
From Manila (Cubao or Shaw Boulevard):
Ride a UV Express van or jeepney bound for Tanay Public Market or Tanay Terminal.
From LRT-2 Santolan Station:
Take a jeep or FX to Cogeo Gate 2, then transfer to a jeepney going to Tanay via Sampaloc.
From Tanay Terminal:
Ride a jeepney or tricycle to Brgy. Sampaloc.
Then transfer to another tricycle directly to Regina RICA (approx. ₱50–₱80 fare).
Travel time from Tanay terminal to RICA is about 30–40 minutes.
Whether by private car or public commute, the journey to Regina RICA Tanay Rizal is a scenic and soulful drive, perfect for a spiritual day trip or weekend pilgrimage.
IV. Regina RICA Opening Hours and Visiting Guidelines
Regina RICA Opening Hours
Visitors planning a pilgrimage to Regina RICA should take note of its official operating schedule. The sanctuary is open to the public five days a week, with specific hours and closure days observed to allow the Dominican Sisters to rest and reflect.
Regina RICA opening hours:
Wednesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMClosed on: Mondays and Tuesdays (no exceptions)
These Regina RICA visiting hours apply to all facilities including the chapel, souvenir shop, rosary trail, and dining areas.
It is recommended that guests arrive earlier in the day, especially on weekends and religious holidays, when foot traffic tends to increase. Morning visits also allow pilgrims to attend the 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM Mass and enjoy the serenity of the grounds before midday crowds arrive.
Guidelines for Visitors
As a sacred space of contemplation and prayer, Regina RICA enforces a set of respectful visitor guidelines:
Maintain Silence: This is a contemplative environment. Loud conversations, phone calls, and music are strongly discouraged within prayer zones.
Dress Modestly: Follow the sanctuary’s dress code (see Section V).
Respect Sacred Spaces: Do not sit or climb on altars, sculptures, or prayer trails.
No Littering: Dispose of trash properly using designated bins or take your waste with you.
No Smoking or Vaping: Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere on the premises.
Limit Group Noise: Large tour groups are advised to keep noise to a minimum and avoid disrupting Mass or prayer activities.
These guidelines are designed to preserve the peaceful ambiance that makes Regina RICA a beloved pilgrimage site. Observing these rules not only shows respect to others, but also enhances the spiritual experience of each visitor.
V. Regina RICA Dress Code and Entry Requirements
Modesty Matters: Understanding the Regina RICA Dress Code
As a sacred pilgrimage site rooted in contemplation and reverence, Regina RICA upholds a strict but respectful dress code to preserve the spiritual sanctity of the grounds. The Regina RICA dress code applies to all visitors—men, women, and children—and must be followed before entry is granted to prayer areas, chapels, and religious spaces.
Acceptable attire includes:
Collared shirts or blouses with sleeves
Long pants, ankle-length skirts, or dresses that reach the knees
Comfortable, closed shoes or modest sandals (with back straps)
Strictly prohibited attire includes:
Sleeveless tops, spaghetti straps, tank tops, or tube tops
Shorts, mini-skirts, ripped jeans, or skin-tight clothing
Leggings worn as pants
Flip-flops, slippers, or caps/hats inside chapels
Visitors dressed inappropriately may be politely asked to wear cover-ups or refrain from entering sacred areas. It is advisable to dress conservatively, not just for respect but also for the cool mountain breeze of Tanay Rizal.
Accessibility Note for PWDs and Senior Citizens
For elderly visitors and persons with disabilities (PWDs), Regina RICA provides a convenient shuttle service that runs from the main gate to the base of the Our Lady statue. This transport service is available at a minimal fee and helps those who may find the uphill trails and steps physically demanding. Staff and volunteers are also available to assist guests as needed.
Respecting the Regina RICA dress code ensures that every pilgrim can fully immerse in the spiritual experience with dignity, humility, and consideration for others.
VI. Regina RICA Entrance Fee, Donations, and Parking Info
No Entrance Fee, But Donations Are Welcome
Visitors will be glad to know that there is no Regina RICA entrance fee required to access the sanctuary. The Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii have made it a point to keep the pilgrimage site open and free to all, in the spirit of generosity and service. However, donations are highly encouraged and go a long way in supporting the upkeep of the grounds, maintenance of facilities, and the continuation of the Sisters’ contemplative mission.
Donation boxes are placed at several key locations within the compound, and pilgrims may also participate in candle lighting or prayer offerings for a minimal suggested amount (usually ₱35 and up, depending on candle size).
Parking Fees
If you’re driving to Regina RICA Tanay Rizal, on-site parking is available and secure. A small parking fee is collected upon entry:
₱50 for private cars and SUVs
₱100 for vans or buses
Motorcycles are typically charged a lower rate or may park in designated areas
Proceeds from parking fees also help fund the site’s operations and services.
Cottage Rentals and Prayer Spaces
For guests wishing to rest or dine in groups, Handong Cottages are available for use on a consumable basis. A refundable deposit or fee (usually around ₱300) allows families or tour groups to enjoy picnic meals in shaded comfort. These cottages are scattered across the prayer grounds, near the café and comfort rooms.
While there is no Regina RICA entrance fee, contributing through donations, parking fees, and cottage use is an excellent way to support this tranquil pilgrimage site and the spiritual mission it upholds.
VII. Regina RICA Mass Schedule and Mass Times (2025)
Regular Mass Schedule and Mass Times
Visitors planning to attend a Eucharistic celebration during their pilgrimage will find a consistent and accessible Regina RICA mass schedule throughout the week. Masses are held at the Main Chapel and occasionally at outdoor spaces depending on the season and crowd volume. As of the latest update, the following Regina RICA mass times apply:
Wednesday to Friday:
11:00 AM
Saturday:
11:00 AM
3:30 PM
Sunday:
9:00 AM
11:00 AM
1:30 PM
3:30 PM
There are no scheduled Masses on Mondays and Tuesdays, as the entire sanctuary is closed for maintenance and for the Sisters’ day of rest and silence.
Regina RICA Mass Schedule 2025
Although the full Regina RICA mass schedule 2025 has yet to be formally released, regular visitors can expect the weekday and weekend schedules to remain the same based on previous years’ consistency. The Dominican Sisters are known for maintaining a predictable and well-organized liturgical calendar, with special additions made during major Church seasons and feast days.
For the most accurate updates, visitors are advised to check Regina RICA’s official Facebook page or bulletin announcements posted near the entrance upon arrival.
Seasonal and Special Masses
During Holy Week, Christmas, and key Marian feasts (such as the Feast of the Queen of the Holy Rosary in October), special Mass times and liturgical activities are added to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. These may include dawn Masses, processions, or outdoor celebrations on the expansive prayer grounds.
Mass Venues Within the Sanctuary
Masses are typically celebrated inside the Regina RICA Chapel, which is air-conditioned and can seat hundreds of worshippers. On high-attendance days, Masses may be conducted at the outdoor altar near the hill or beneath the large canopy tents. Smaller prayer services, such as healing Masses and contemplative sessions, may be held within the Sulod or designated reflective zones.
Attending Mass at Regina RICA is one of the most spiritually enriching aspects of any visit. Whether on an ordinary Sunday or a special religious celebration, the sacred atmosphere offers a deeply moving experience for pilgrims of all ages.
VIII. Key Attractions and Prayer Spaces Inside Regina RICA
The Iconic 71-Foot Regina Rosarii Statue
At the heart of Regina RICA, perched gracefully atop a hill, stands the awe-inspiring 71-foot statue of Our Lady, Regina Rosarii. This massive structure—visible from various parts of Tanay—is both the physical and spiritual centerpiece of the Regina RICA pilgrimage site. Symbolizing motherly embrace and divine protection, the statue is not just a photo attraction but a place of deep reverence.
Inside the base of the statue is a sacred area called Sulod, a candle-lit meditation chamber where silence reigns. Visitors are invited to sit, pray, and listen to God in this womb-like space meant for inner healing and personal reflection.
Rosary Trail and Stations of the Cross
Pilgrims are encouraged to walk the Rosary Trail, which winds its way up the hill with each step corresponding to a mystery of the Rosary. Lush greenery and handcrafted markers guide the journey, culminating at the feet of the statue. Along the way, visitors may pause at the Stations of the Cross, making this walk both physically and spiritually enriching.
Candle Chapel and Prayer Offering Areas
One of the most visited areas within Regina RICA is the Candle Chapel, where visitors may light candles of various colors representing different prayer intentions—health, family, career, thanksgiving, and healing. There are also designated prayer areas with boxes for writing personal petitions, which are later prayed over by the Dominican Sisters.
Healing Oils and Holy Water
Guests can also receive healing oils that have been blessed through prayer. Bottles of holy water are available near the chapel and candle area, offered as sacred souvenirs or for private devotion.
Guided Reflections and Sacred Spaces
Throughout the compound, open-air gazebos and shaded benches offer spots for guided reflections, quiet reading, or group meditations. These areas invite visitors to pause and reconnect with their faith, away from distractions.
Every aspect of Regina RICA has been carefully designed to guide pilgrims into deeper contemplation, making it a truly transformative destination. Whether you’re seeking healing, clarity, or simple peace, this Regina RICA pilgrimage site offers space for the soul to breathe.
IX. Food and Dining Options – Restaurant Near Regina RICA
Pasilungan: The In-House Vegetarian Restaurant
Pilgrims visiting Regina RICA need not leave the sanctuary for a fulfilling and healthy meal. The site features its own dining facility known as Pasilungan, a vegetarian-friendly restaurant that promotes simple, nutritious, and heartwarming food—perfect for reflection and wellness. The menu includes Filipino-style vegetable dishes, soups, sandwiches, snacks, and organic rice meals, all lovingly prepared by the Dominican Sisters and staff. Refreshments such as native coffee, ginger tea, and fresh juices are also available.
Aside from being affordable, the meals served at Pasilungan reflect the values of simplicity and mindful eating, consistent with the spiritual ethos of Regina RICA.
Handong Cottages for Picnic-Style Dining
For families and groups who prefer to bring their own food, Handong cottages are available for use. These shaded open-air huts are perfect for a picnic-style meal and can be rented for a consumable fee, typically around ₱300. Tables and benches are provided, and guests are encouraged to clean up after dining. Outside food is not allowed inside the Pasilungan restaurant proper but is welcome in these cottages.
Other Restaurant Options Near Regina RICA
If you wish to explore more dining options, there are several restaurant near Regina RICA locations in Tanay town proper or Brgy. Sampaloc. These include small eateries and roadside carinderias offering local favorites like lomi, bulalo, and grilled meats. Travelers with private vehicles can head to Dangwa Tanay Food Park, or casual diners like Café Katerina and Lutong Pugon just a short drive down the highway.
Whether you dine within the peaceful confines of Regina RICA or explore a restaurant near Regina RICA, there are plenty of satisfying and soul-nourishing options to enjoy.
X. Regina RICA Photos and Souvenirs
Capturing the Sacred: Tips for Taking Regina RICA Photos
Photography is welcome at Regina RICA, but it is important to be mindful of the sacred setting. Visitors are encouraged to take Regina RICA photos that reflect the site’s peaceful and prayerful atmosphere. Flash photography, loud posing, and selfies during Mass or while others are praying are discouraged. Always ask for permission when photographing nuns, staff, or other pilgrims.
Best Photo Spots Inside the Sanctuary
Our Lady Regina Rosarii Statue: The 71-foot statue atop the hill is the most iconic backdrop, especially from the base or view deck.
View Deck and Rosary Trail: Panoramic mountain views, gardens, and stations offer beautiful natural framing.
Stations of the Cross: Capture the artistry and solemnity of the stations while reflecting on their meaning.
Souvenir Shop Highlights
Before leaving, don’t forget to visit the on-site souvenir shop near the chapel. It offers a variety of religious items and locally made products, including:
Blessed candles and rosaries
Bottled holy water and healing oils
Books, prayer cards, and Regina Rosarii memorabilia
Locally made snacks and eco-friendly items
Bringing home items from Regina RICA not only supports the Sisters’ mission but also offers meaningful reminders of your pilgrimage experience.
XI. Regina RICA Contact Number and Online Resources
For inquiries, visitors may reach out directly to the Dominican Sisters through the official Regina RICA contact number:
+63 917 329 3545 (Globe) or +63 2 8535 7594 (landline).
These numbers can be used for general questions, Mass schedule clarifications, and retreat or pilgrimage bookings. It’s best to call during office hours (Wednesday to Sunday) to ensure a prompt response.
For real-time updates, announcements, and upcoming events, you may also follow their official Facebook page: facebook.com/ReginaRICAOfficial
or visit their official website: www.reginarica.org
Groups interested in scheduling a retreat, guided pilgrimage, or spiritual formation session are encouraged to contact in advance, as accommodations and schedules can be limited during peak seasons. Early coordination ensures a more meaningful and organized visit.
XII. Nearby Tourist Spots in Tanay and Sample Itinerary
Scenic and Spiritual Side Trips Near Regina RICA
After a fulfilling visit to Regina RICA pilgrimage site, visitors can extend their journey by exploring other natural and cultural gems in Tanay, Rizal. Known for its eco-tourism spots and mountain landscapes, the area offers plenty of refreshing adventures within an hour’s drive from the sanctuary.
Popular Nearby Attractions:
Daranak Falls – A family-friendly waterfall with clear pools perfect for a refreshing dip.
Pililla Wind Farm – Often called the “Batanes of the East,” this windmill site offers panoramic views and photo opportunities.
Mt. Daraitan and Tinipak River – A great option for hikers and nature lovers. It features limestone formations, cave streams, and river crossings.
Sample One-Day Pilgrimage & Nature Itinerary
6:00 AM – Depart from Metro Manila
8:00 AM – Arrive at Regina RICA Tanay Rizal, explore the grounds and attend the 9:00 AM Mass
11:30 AM – Lunch at Pasilungan or picnic in Handong Cottages
1:00 PM – Proceed to Daranak Falls for sightseeing and nature walk
3:00 PM – Quick photo stop at Pililla Wind Farm
5:00 PM – Start heading back to Manila
This itinerary provides the perfect balance between spiritual reflection and outdoor adventure, making your trip both meaningful and memorable.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season (November to May) is ideal for combining your visit to Regina RICA pilgrimage site with nature tours. The months of October and May are particularly special due to Marian feast days and clearer weather for mountain views. Festivals in nearby towns may also add a cultural layer to your journey.
XIII. Final Thoughts – Why Regina RICA is Worth the Visit
A visit to Regina RICA is more than a typical day trip—it is a journey into stillness, healing, and connection. Nestled in the serene mountains of Regina RICA Tanay, this sacred pilgrimage site invites visitors to step away from the chaos of everyday life and enter a space of prayer, peace, and contemplation.
Whether you are a family seeking spiritual bonding, a couple in search of quiet renewal, or a solo pilgrim looking for personal reflection, Regina RICA provides a sanctuary for the soul. The reverent silence of the Sulod, the solemnity of the rosary trail, and the towering presence of Our Lady Regina Rosarii offer an experience that lingers far beyond the visit itself.
The harmony of nature and faith makes Regina RICA a unique spiritual destination—one that gently reminds us of grace, simplicity, and the power of quiet devotion.
If you’ve already visited, consider sharing your reflections with others. And if not, perhaps now is the perfect time to plan your next pilgrimage to Regina RICA Tanay, where every step is a prayer and every view a blessing.
