September 6, 2012

Caleruega

Had you ever been in a place that made you gasp, like the only word you managed to say was wow and after that you can't get enough of the place and you wanted to stay there forever?

That's exactly what happened to me during our trip to Caleruega in Nasugbu Batangas. Just a few laughter and chit chat away from Tagaytay. This trip was more of like a tradition between us friends to go to a place where we've never been each year to celebrate our birthday, but more than that, I am also in a journey. A journey to visit 7 churches I'd never been and so far this is my fourth. I'll blog about the others soon, but for now, let me show and share the experience on this majestic prayer and renewal place.

Close to nature, closer to God is indeed true. The moment you set your foot on it's boundaries, your burden seems to if not vanished will lighten. A perfect place for prayer and be close to God.
There's a Sunday mass at 11:00 a.m, so be sure to be there early. So serene and peaceful on the outside and so humble in the inside.

Transfiguration chapel

Lush green tress which made the place awesome and the air so pure. Gazing above would feel like you're somewhere in Forks. 
And the stairs and pathways below were breathtaking. If you knew me well you know why, but if not, be aware that I love bricks. Seriously, I can sit there.

And, do you see that white portion, in the midst of the green vegetation? Guess what is it? No clue? Okay, scroll down and you'll see. Be patient, let's hike up and down to reach that spot.
To get to that special place, you have to walk down the road, pass their cafeteria and down the steel bridge to the Koi pond.
Their Kois were so big and so healthy. Stress free fish. I'm a little envious.
After the Koin pond, you have to pass through this hanging bridge. It's a bit long, but it's not that shaky and you'll enjoy it, I swear. Even for those who have acrophobia. Not to add that it's so romantic.
And here it is. An open air chapel where you can enjoy the other side of Caleruega, where the grass is more greener, the slope is higher, there's no stairs but just a trail, the air is a wind and the journey is worth the destination.
I told one of my friends that if I'd be gone missing, she knew where to find me but instead she said that she will plan my wedding and  that will be in this place. Tsk, tsk. And speaking of wedding, (information below was copied from the leaflet  they provided us. There's an entrance fee of Php 30.00)  the place is open to activities like retreats, recollections, prayer &renewal workshops, study research, youth camps, marriage and family encounter celebrations, skills training, leadership seminars, arts, music, and liturgy workshops and environment and agricultural-related activities.

They have various facilities available for each activity. For reservation guidelines and questions, you can email them at caleruega_philippines@yahoo.com or visit their Facebook page a for more information.

Notes:
  • You have to ride a tricycle to get to the place from the entrance at Evercrest (if you're commuting). Don't forget to get the number of the trike driver so you can send him a message to fetch you up, because transportation out isn't available from the inside.
  • They have a small cafeteria and there is not much food variation. If you're planning to stay longer, you can bring your lunch and eat there. A nice place for picnic. 

34 comments:

  1. It's good to know that there are people like you who care to nurture, in the most interesting way, their spiritual life.

    Although I'm a Protestant, I just admire your way of devoting yourself in getting closer to God. At the same time you're making it such an adventure. It's spiritually healthier because you're with your friends in this trip.

    I've never been there nor to Nasugbu, but I've always loved Batangas. I'm from Laguna by the way. The Batanguenos are very well-grounded people. They maybe loud sometimes and they could brag about something, but they're very cordial and hospitable.

    It is also written in the Bible that the heavens and the earth declare the glory of God. Surely, how can non-believers claim that there is no God when you see all this beauty around you? Will such orderly beauty come from such chaotic phenomenon?

    Now I sound too preachy. Hehehe... Anyway, love this post! Thanks for sharing this!

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    1. Thanks! I am glad that you like it. I hope you can visit the place too. What more can I say, than to thank you for the heartfelt comment. You not only shared your views but shared something for us to learn.

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  2. been to caleruega before company keme outing pero nung time nay un di pa ako blogger ... nice dyan no lalona pag may pinagdadaanan ka sa buhay hahaha

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    1. malaking check, hahaha. Buti wala naman akong pinagdadaanan. Spiritual journey lang, hehehe.

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  3. WOOOOW!! ganda naman dyan, Sey!!!! kelan kaya ko makakatungtong dyan? kahit sa entrance gate lang... hehe :)

    ingarts ka ganda wherever you are. Mishu!

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    1. someday dear, don't lose hope :)hehehe, Mishu too

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  4. kaya siguro isa ang color green sa relaxing color dahil kay MOTHER NATURE. so nice pictures... ^___^

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  5. Hi sis :P
    It is a very niece calming place :)
    I want to be there too :D
    Take Care!

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    1. I know you'll be. Ikaw pa eh may traveler spirit ka. hehehe

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  6. Looks so peaceful! It's so beautifuuuuullll!!!!!!!!

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  7. WOW! Pag malawak na desyerto lang ang madalas na nakikita mo kahit sa picture mo lang makita ang ganitong eksena ramdam mo ang lamig ng paligid.
    Savour the moment Sey.

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    1. Thanks! I'll try to share more like this para naman maiba ang view mo. hehehe

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  8. Gusto ko yung hanging bridge! Lagi napo postpone pag sidetrip namin dyan pag nag tagaytay kami or batangas. Would love to visit that place!

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    1. next time you'll be in Tagaytay, don't hesitate to take the chance to visit the place. It's too near na. Sayang ang chance.

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  9. first saw/read about calaruega on flickr, since then I've always wanted to visit this church, sadly di pa sya natutuloy. haysss... :(

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    1. sa wandering spirit mo alam ko mapupuntahan mo yan. hehehe

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  10. Nice place! Gusto ko yong photo mo ng church... Standing in the midst of nowhere... Musta na? Long time no hear!

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    1. okay naman. Thanks. Busy lang. Ikaw musta naman?

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  11. ang masasabi ko ay WOW na WOW! sana makapunta ako jan. I haven't been to places like that. Parati lang ako sa bahay bahay at bahay.. I miss you Sey. Ganda ng mga kuha mo sa pictures.

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    1. Thank you Pearly. Musta na? I miss you too.

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  12. We're planning to have a south Luzon road trip this Summer. I hope we get to stop by this place. :) It's so serene ...!



    http://ahintofsunlight.blogspot.com/

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    1. I'll cross my fingers for you. Wow, I remember the last time, you had the North Luzon trip. You really have an amazing family.

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  13. ang ganda. ang romantic rin nung open chruch. sarap magmunimuni. ang ganda din nung koi pond. sana mapuntahan ko rin to someday.

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  14. What a gorgeous, stunning place! :)

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  15. What a beautiful place. I love places which are set amidst nature. They always impart a feeling of peace and calmness.

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  16. I came up your blog, after we have visited the place. As I didn't have the photos that my daughter took, I looked up Caleruega for a specific photo - that of the chapel on the hill, and I found yours. I used it (as is) on my facebook account (tata trumata) to post a very remarkable incident. Thanks a lot.

    Truly, it is a very magnificent place to really feel God's greatness. Your blog describes it but nothing beats being there.

    By the way, they have now added stairs in place of the trail (in consideration) probably for the not so adventurous and the aged ones. Again thanks and God bless!

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