Finding Peace in Caleruega

Close to nature, closer to God---welcome to Caleruega!

At the Dominicum's Grand Stairway with
 friends from General Santos City, Philippines

     This weekend, a spirit of solitude welcomed me and my friends in Caleruega. As their direcTOUR, I would not let the moment pass without including this holy ground in their Tagaytay City itinerary.

Transfiguration Chapel

     Caleruega, a retreat center named after St. Dominic de Guzman, father of the Order of Preachers, lies at the green and tranquil rolling hills of Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines. About an hour and a half ride by land from Manila via Sta. Rosa City, Laguna, Caleruega is a perfect respite to find peace away from the hustle and bustle of city life . The scenery truly exudes positive vibes. Manicured gardens surround the main buildings. Colorful flowers greet each pilgrim.  Majestic palm trees line up from St. Dominic's Point (statue) up to the staircase leading to the charming Transfiguration Chapel. A dream wedding venue for some, Transfiguration Chapel rises tall at the highest peak of the panoramic Caleruega. Like St. Peter in his experience with Jesus' Transfiguration, one can exclaim: "Lord, it is good for us to be here" (Mt 17:4).   Farther below the retreat buildings are Stations of the Cross and camping sites for families, friends and church mates to pray, to bond or to just chill out.  

      On a personal end, Caleruega has a special place in my heart. It was in this beautiful haven that I spent five memorable days of silent retreat  in 2005 in preparation for my priestly ordination.  Each flower, tree, and hill is a testament of God's omnipotent power. The lush greenery is God's silent sanctuary so conducive to pray and meditate about the vows and the life of service I am called to do. The wind playing with my hair is like God's comforting and reassuring hands that God will not leave me orphaned.  Since then, if I need some time to gather my self, or simply just to relax,  I just hit the road and be energized by Caleruega. 

     Caleruega is only 15 minutes from Tagaytay City proper with an entrance fee of 30 pesos each. For reservation or for more information, please call +639212709890 and +639228304226.

     Visit Caleruega. Be close to nature. Be closer to God. Vamonos!

The Risen Christ, sculpted by a Filipino artist Ben Hur Villanueva
in 1996 greets guests in front of the chapel.

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary

Where do you want to go?

Caleruega's Rolling Hills

Exploring Sumaging Cave of Sagada, Mountain Province

Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Staunton Rd.,
Sagada, Mountain Province

I headed to Sagada, Mountain Province, last weekend for a possible vocation promotion. It was my first time to visit the place. Later did I realize that the church I visited is an Anglican church!  According to Wikepedia, "Since the coming of the missionaries from the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, the Municipality of Sagada has become the only Philippine town that is predominantly Anglican with almost 95% baptised into Episcopalian Church of the Philippines (ECP)." This faith of the people must have influenced their lives  and community so much that Sagada boasts of its zero-crime rate.  To look for Catholic missions here, kindly visit catholicsagada.blogspot.com.

Sagada is known for its spelunking (caving) activities. Famous of which is the cave connection. This adventure is a 3-4 hour exploration inside the cave, starting at the Lumiang Burial Cave and finally emerging at the Sumaging Cave.  But first, do not forget to drop by the tourist center to register and to pay the environmental fee of 35 pesos. The municipality also requires all visitors to avail of the services of a Sagada local tour guide for a safe, informative and fun tour. Guide fee for the cave connection is 800 pesos for two visitors or less plus 400 pesos each for additional visitor. They also offer a 2-way transportation to and from the tourist center for 400 pesos. Try this one if you have the brave heart.

Entrance to Sumaging Cave

I opted instead the other offer for beginners--- the Sumaging Cave/short course caving. Around 40 minutes to 1 hour trek from the tourist center, Sumaging cave exploration only lasts for 1 to 1.5 hours. Guide fee is 500 pesos for 4 visitors or less. Joseph, our guide, made our tour so  much fun and easy! He guided us carefully to see the depths of the cave. He taught us to face and embrace what's inside the cave.

Reflecting on this experience, knowing oneself is like a caving experience. In order for one to know oneself deeper, he or she needs to fearlessly go down the depths of his or her own heart. Inside this heart are creatures of anger, rejection, traumas or insecurities. One may discover things that are difficult to face and embrace. But as one goes deeper into the cave of his or her heart, with trust in the Guide, one would find the journey truly liberating! 

Pictures courtesy of a fellow explorer Kenneth Galingan. 

Reminders for Caving: *

1. Wear loose t-shirt, shorts/loose pants, rubber sandals/flip-flops/rubber shoes. Gloves are optional.

2. Caving is not allowed after 4:00 PM.

3. Expect waist deep water in some parts of the Sumaging Cave.

4. Do not urinate inside the cave.

5. Do not leave your trash inside the cave.
*Based on the tourist map brochure

More blogs to come about Sagada.

Father the Explorer

Welcome to my blog fellow explorers!  I love exploring new places  as I do my ministry in promoting vocations to religious life and in giving retreats anywhere in the country. Sometimes I would like to believe that my second vocation, next to priesthood, is to explore the awesome beauty of the world. Yes, I am a priest. Call me Father the Explorer. 

While many people see priests as people living inside the confines of seminaries and parishes, some priests are tasked to go out to recruit new seminary aspirants. We call ourselves vocation promoters or directors (or direcTOURS)! Journey with me, and as you explore these places yourselves one day, I pray you will be able to explore the vocation what God calls you to be.

So is your backpack ready? The map? Let's go! Vamonos!

One of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Philippines, Batad Rice Terraces can be reached 30-40 minutes by a private/public ride from Banaue, and an exciting 30 minutes combination of uphill and downhill trek.