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. 

Sometimes, best things aren't planned

Another perk of having a birthday is the leniency towards vacation leave. 

Not that we're military strict but we have special rules applied. 

But since it was a special day they let me moved it at a later date. 

Two days vacation leave before weekend means awesome rest. 

People  asked me where's my destination. 

there's no itinerary, I just want to REFLECT (over something) and REST, that's all.

Yes, there's no need for a grand vacation. 

Told yah, anything that is too much is fatal so I just used the VL to experience how it feels to sleep at night during weekdays. But to add a bit spice to the lazy days, I had some time out too. 

And yes, I went home. The travel time is  tad exhausting but still worth it.

I did a lot of walking which is my kind of thing

interact with mother nature at its finest,

and....this is not a rest house, it's a church

Surprise??? me too!

another venture for a self proclaimed history buff

the famous bamboo organ 

and the good news, someone played it for me

The last two pictures were taken from two different places, to be specific - churches (Mary Immaculate Parish - Nature Church and St. Joseph Parish) . I'd never been to any of them before that's why I grabbed the opportunity offered on my table before heading home. It's not  like there's no other chances but opportunity sometimes knocks only once. And I was serious when I said REFLECT....need I say more?

A walk with Nature

I had a walk with nature this morning and look what I got. It's so nice to capture them and I hope I did a great job with them.

lonely bicycle

lady in the pathway

tree trunk

I had a phone call with my mother yesterday and we both agreed that I should come home next weekend in time for my nephews birthday. The trip for today was cancelled and I made an appointment with friends. We were going out today for a movie and will watch a badminton game later. Happy weekend everyone and the pictures above are for you.