Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary: Traveling through the Cosmos
Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary – Solace in the middle of the Busy City
Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary, Campo Sioco, Baguio City – Being one of the forerunners in the ecological scene in Baguio City, “Maryknoll,” as locals fondly call it, is a piece of nature where you get to see the real story behind the creation of the world and how it became to be – with influences from the earliest civilizations, natural phenomena, and birth of world religions, too. As a “green museum,” this sanctuary aims to tell its visitors that everything in the world is interconnected and that the beauty of nature should be preserved through our collective responsible and sustainable actions.
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Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary’s Cosmic Journey
As an ecological sanctuary, Maryknoll focuses on the restoration and preservation of nature. I have been here a few times since my High School days and what I can say is that it truly is the epitome of what we should do in helping conserve our natural resources. In the compound of the sanctuary itself, you will find the 14 stations of their famous “Cosmic Journey” where it tells the story of the beginnings of the universe and how the Earth became to be.
Here are the 14 Stations of Maryknoll’s Cosmic Journey:
1. The Universe Came into being 13.7 billion years ago
This is the time where the universe came to be, from the collision of stars and the creation of galaxies that formed the universe we know today.
2. Planet Earth emerges 5 billion years ago
The place we call our home was formed from the collision of heavenly bodies in the stages of the formation of the universe.
3. The oceans are the birthplace of life 3.5 billion years ago
As water is considered the lifeline of every creature, oceans began to appear from the surface of the Earth. It gave life to every creature succeeding in its existence. It gave life to every creature that roamed around the planet.
4. Dinosaurs on the scene 235 million years ago
Dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals once ruled the Earth. The first settlers roamed the wild and hunted for their own food in the wilderness.
5. The mammals arrive 220 million years ago
The earliest mammals and animals rose from the surface of the Earth and began exploring its vastness. The earliest animals came to be the balance of nature.
6. The birds take flight 150 million years ago
The kings of the sky took their first flight during this era. It is the time where they got to explore the vastness of nature and of the Earth.
7. Flowers spread on the earth 130 million years ago
The natural colors of the Earth blossomed as different kinds of flora spread to give light and texture to the natural greens of the planet. They are nature’s work of art by giving color to every corner of the world.
8. The primates come forth 65 million years ago
Our early ancestors first roamed the Earth some 65 million years ago. They came into being to have balance in nature. They were the earliest stewards of the Earth’s riches.
9. and 10. Early humans lived in caves 50, 000 years ago
As humans evolved from our earliest ancestors, they learned how to live in stone houses and caves for protection from the forces of nature. They were the beings that continued the stewardship of nature and began creating civilizations of their own kind.
11. The hunting and gathering age
The earliest people who wandered the surface of the planet already knew how to hunt and gather their food for survival, sustenance, and longevity.
12. The village period 10, 000 years ago
As the population of the human race grew, they built their houses together in villages and formed their own way of living, and created the earliest of civilizations. Here, they became mutual in all things possible and learned to love the value of being in a community.
13. The Earth gives sweet water
From the emergence of the oceans a few billion years ago, it made its way to the land and streamed its way to every path it may pass through. The sweet water then became a source of life for every creature living in between.
14. The emergence of the Earth’s Religious Traditions
From the civilizations that were created by early human settlements, they began forming their concepts of beliefs and worship. It branched to many beliefs and traditions, that are rooted in one main ultimate being.
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Being the highlight of the sanctuary itself, Maryknoll is also a place where you, your friends, and your family can have a simple retreat while enjoying the lush greens surrounding the area. Nestled in one of the quietest Barangays in Baguio City, this place is perfect for some relaxation in the middle of the busy City life – a place where you get to be close to nature and appreciate that the things we have right now should be nurtured for future generations to come. There are also other facilities and amenities that you can enjoy inside the Sanctuary, such as the dormitory (for long-staying guests), function rooms (for events and conferences), souvenir shop (for remembrance), and their learning garden (for cultured plants) to name a few.
Other information about the Sanctuary
| Address | 25 North Santo Tomas Road, Campo Sioco, Baguio City |
| Business days and hours | Open daily, 0830 – 1600 H |
| Entrance Fee | ₱ 50.00 |
| Contact number/s | +63 74 424 5745 |
| Website | www.maryknollecologicalsanctuary.org |
| Social media account/s | Facebook: @baguiomaryknollecologicalsanctuary |
| How to go here |
Via jeepney: Ride a jeepney with a “Campo Sioco” sign. Their garage (as of this writing) is located near Igorot Park, right across TiongSan Harrison. Fare is around ₱ 9.00 per person (one way) and travel time is around 5-15 minutes. Tell the driver to drop you off at Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary (on the left side of the road). Via taxi: Ride a taxi and tell the driver to drop you off at Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary, you just walk a few steps to the entrance upon paying the entrance fee. Travel time is around 5-15 minutes, depending on the traffic, and taxi fare usually costs around ₱ 60.00 – 80.00. You can use your preferred navigation app to get to the place. Via private car: Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary is easily searchable on your preferred navigation app. Just follow the directions going to the place. The signage to the sanctuary is found on the left side of the road. There is also a wide parking space inside the premises. |
We’re born to travel!
About Aldrick 'chiki' Agpaoa
