MALVAR, Batangas -- Prayer and pedal power took the spotlight as Lima Park Hotel held its 5th annual Bisikleta Iglesia, an organized 48-km bicycle ride around Lipa, Batangas to visit seven churches.

A brainchild of Lima Park Hotel resident manager Bong Evangelista, the first Bisikleta Iglesia took off five years ago with him, Lima Park chef Paul Poblador, and 20 other participants from the local cycling community in the group. This year, it has grown to include around 200 participants with support vehicles for food, water, and first aid. They also shortened the route so that beginners can participate.

Bisikleta Iglesia is part of Lima Park Hotel's Bisita Batangas initiative, in which the hotel encourages weekend tourists from all over the Philippines by organizing special activities that highlight the province’s attractions.

“Batangas is known for sports tourism and faith-based tourism. Bisikleta Iglesia is the best of both,” said Lima Park Hotel marketing and communication director Rose Landicho.

Riders carry cardboard Stations of the Cross. Photo by author

This year, the ride leader carried a cross on his back, while 14 other riders volunteered to carry cardboard Stations of the Cross, which were used during each stop.

"Running priest" Fr. Robert Reyes returned this year as the ride’s chaplain. “I’ve always seen faith as not exclusively indoor. There’s a very serious need to bring faith out of the catacombs and out of the sacristy. It’s always been my church, the church of the outdoors,” he remarked.

Running priest' Fr. Robert Reyes gives a pre-ride message to the participants. Photo by author

Next year, the hotel is expecting more participants by promoting the event much earlier. Fr. Reyes even coined a new catchphrase this year: “Padyak na, dasal pa!” For next year’s ride, he will be writing specialized cycling meditations for each Station of the Cross.

Here are highlights from this year's ride: