Religious theme park to rise in Subic

Here’s another first in the country and in Asia- the first religious theme park which will be built in Subic Bay Freeport.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority announced Wednesday that it had approved the proposal of a non-stock, non profit organization which will build the first religious theme park in Asia.

SBMA administrator Armand Arreza said that Holy Lang Subic Foundation Inc will build the “Holy Land” in a 20-hectare land adjacent to the Subic-Tipo security plaza.

“With Holy Land Subic, the free port will serve not only as an eco-tourism and recreation center, but also as a place for pilgrimage and spiritual rejuvenation,” he added.

The approved project will offer “a new Jerusalem experience, right here in Central Luzon,” Arreza said.

According to Maribi Garcia, founder of the Bethesda Healing Ministry, the theme park will be divided into a rest and recreation center and a prayer and reflection sanctuary.

When finished Holy Land Subic will offer: a “Bible Museum”, an amphitheater for various spiritual productions, and a separate theater for children  called ‘Noah’s Ark and Jonah and the Whale’, where cartoon shows, storytelling, and puppet shows will be held.

Garcia also said that a ‘David and Goliath’ rock-climbing course, and a ‘Trip to Heaven’ obstacle run, will be set up for teenagers and young adults.

Replica models depicting biblical stories will be built all over the place, like ‘Moses and the Ten Commandments in Mount Sinai’, a ‘Tower of Babel’, as well as sculptures portraying Jesus Christ’s life, death and resurrection.

Aside from these, a temple for prayer and worship, a chapel, and a healing and wellness center will also rise in the site.

Garcia said that Holy Land Subic will train Aetas to serve as forest rangers, jungle guides, and foot massage therapists, among others.

Groundbreaking rites for the Holy Land Subic project is expected to be held in June.