Breakfast with the Monks
By: Roxanne Estrellado – Limjoco
Special thanks to Dom Martin De Jesus Gomez, OSB and the Benedictine Monks of the Monastery of the Transfiguration
Atop a hill, just a few minutes’ drive from the bayan of San Jose , Malaybalay, Bukidnon is the Monastery of the Transfiguration founded by Fr. Ed Africa. It is run by the Benedictine Monks. It is considered the spiritual center of Southern Philippines because of its quiet, calm and peaceful ambience. It is haven for those seeking retreat from their chaotic city lives. It receives people from all walks of life in the spirit of “monastic hospitality and fraternal service.” It has become a pilgrim’s destination. Its sign at the entrance speaks for itself, “Peace to all who enter.”
The monastery is famous for the Monks’ Blend Premium Coffee, Monks’ Peanut Butter, roasted peanuts, Piniato (peanut brittle), their beautiful church and of course they were most famous for, the now disbanded Monastery’s Boys Choir which was the best children’s choir in the Philippines . Due to the very expensive capital needed for the boys to continue singing, the Monastery’s Boys Choir was discontinued. The Benedictine Monks have also helped tremendously in turning these barren and dry hills into a productive and promising baranggay. The locals now enjoy ample supply of drinking water, electricity, roads and livelihood, thanks to this group of monks.
Breakfast is Served
And now having breakfast with the monks has become a regular event. The magnificent church designed by the national artist, Architect Leandro Locsin, has always been open to Sunday churchgoers. Two years ago, devotees from Cagayan de Oro started complaining to the Benedictine Monks about how far they have traveled to hear mass at 8 in the morning and of having a difficult time looking for a place to eat breakfast. They suggested for the monks to prepare breakfast for them the next time they come back. With a measly capital of P5,000.00 sponsored by the complainants, the monks whipped up a sumptuous meal for 50 people! The refectory of the monastery was used as dining area for the guests. Soon, word got around that breakfast is served in the Monastery of Transfiguration every second Sunday of the month. From 50 people a couple of years ago, they now feed up to 300 guests! These people are coming from places as far as Davao City (5 hours away), Iligan City (3 hours away) and Cagayan de Oro City ( 2 hours).Usually, the monks are not allowed to talk to the guests but during these breakfasts they can now join and mingle with them.
Big Breakfast
According to Dom Martin De Jesus Gomez, formerly Gang Gomez, they started “Breakfast with the Monks” for only P70.00 per person. The following year, it was increased to P100.00 and then P120.00. Now breakfast is replaced with brunch for P150.00 per head. It is still a very minimal fee considering the abundant and delicious food prepared by the monks themselves. The monks try to cook dishes from their own provinces. Some friends and benefactors share their recipes as well. The monastery only has one helper in the enclosure but during these Sundays, they have to hire additional helpers. Also, because of the large number of people who come, the refectory could not sit them all anymore and so 35 huge tents are set up in the sprawling hills of the monastery. Three tents alone are needed for the buffet tables. What is amazing about this is that there is no need for reservations; people who wish to hear mass and have Brunch with the Monks can just come as they please. Some guests even come the night before. An overnight stay with dinner on Saturday night, breakfast before the mass and brunch after the mass would only cost P650.00! Another amazing fact is that all brunches are sponsored by generous people, family and friends.
Breakthrough
Each month’s brunch follows a motif. They have served Spanish, Chinese, Capampangan, Ilocano, Visayan and other types of cuisine. Because of the delicious food, many guests are asking about the recipes. Soon Dom Martin will be coming out with a book covering all the dishes served for the past two years during Brunch with the Monks. Proceeds coming from the affair and hopefully this book are going to be used for the monastery’s maintenance and for socio-economic, cultural, ecological and spiritual development of the community.
The Benedictine Monks of the Monastery of Transfiguration is synonymous to the word self-reliance. They rely on their own capabilities, judgment and resources to be able to help the community they are in. This self-reliance stems from the strong faith, confidence and trust that they have in God and in serving others.
