The Monasterio de Tarlac is a Servants of the Risen Christ monastery on top of Mount Resurrection, in the foothills of the Zambales range west of Tarlac City. The reason most people visit is the giant 30-metre statue of the Risen Christ that stands above the chapel — arms raised, blessing the plains stretching east towards the Sierra Madre. On a clear day the view runs all the way to Mount Pinatubo.
The monastery is in the municipality of San Jose, about 30 km from Tarlac City. The drive up the mountain is itself a small adventure — narrow road, sharp curves, fine views. The community here keeps a relic of the True Cross, brought from Germany. Pilgrims come at Easter and on first Fridays; the rest of the time it is quiet. Wear sturdy shoes if you want to climb to the foot of the statue itself.