Batangas: Caleruega 2012 - Close to Nature, Closer to God

I really fell inlove in this church. So I and my officemates decided to visit it.

Caleruega  is a house of prayer and renewal. It is located in Batulao in the town of Nasugbu, Batangas. This is a house of prayer wherein you can do activities such as prayer and renewal workshop, retreats, recollections, youth camps, team buildngs, family bonding and also a very perfect place for weddings.

This place is also a perfect for nature trip.

Caleruega is a  place for lovers out there, that would want to be married.

How to get there:

Public Transport to Caleruega:

Proceed to BLTB or ERJOHN bus terminal along EDSA in Pasay, or in Cubao across Ali Mall.

Board buses going to any of these destinations: NASUGBU, BALAYAN or CALATAGAN.

Get off at EVERCREST BATULAO, Batangas. Ride Tricycle at the Evercrest entrance going to Caleruega.

Driving Directions to Caleruega:

Via SLEX (South Luzon Expressway), take Sta. Rosa exit and turn right after toll.

Go straight and turn right after Tagaytay Market and proceed towards Tagaytay Rotonda.

Go straight and continue until the Nasugbu Arch.

Turn left towards Evercrest and Chapel on the Hill, then turn right when you see the sign pointing to Caleruega.

Continue down the road until you reach Caleruega at the end.

Facilities:

• VERITAS HALL - a 200-seat capacity conference venue for large gatherings/also for wedding reception

• GAZEKUBO - a 70-seat capacity conference venue for small groups/also for wedding reception

• TRANSFIGURATION CHAPEL - a 150-seat capacity chapel

• REFECTORY HALL - a 180-seat dining hall which can serve simultaneous meals at any one time

• CATALINA HALL - a 90-bed (double deck) dormitory for women (with 14 bathrooms 6 toilets)

• TOMASINO HALL - an 80 bed (double deck) dormitory for men (with 6-unit common toilet & bathroom)

• 8 UNITS - twin occupancy cottages with toilet and bath

• 16 UNITS - three-in-one or four-in one room (2 regular beds & 2 trundle beds) with toilet & bath

• 1 UNIT - family room for 14 persons with 2 toilets & bathrooms

• 1 UNIT - family room for 8 persons with 1 toilet & bathroom

• PAHINGALAYAN and FRA ANGELICO - hermitage cottages complete with basic home facilities

• KAMPO ARRIBA - a campsite perfect for outdoor activities

• TUKTOK HALL - a 30 seat capacity conference venue for small groups

• PLAZA DE AZA - a roof deck which can be used as a venue for reception and other big-group gatherings

RESERVATION GUIDELINES:

For retreats and seminars:

A minimum stay of 2 days is required for a group of at least 30 persons

Reservations with less than the minimum requirement are waitlisted

Accepted reservations of less than 30 persons or 2 days will have a P150.00 surcharge per person

Guests are required to pay 25% non-refundable downpayment upon reservation

50% non-refundable payment one month prior to occupancy and 25% full payment 1 week prior to occupancy. Payments may be done at Caleruega or at any branch of Security Bank

All reservations are on a first-come-first-serve basis Only confirmed reservations are booked in Caleruega's calendar. Reservations are considered open until confirmed.

For weddings:

Reservations are on a first-come-first-serve basis.

A non-refundable down payment of P5,000.00 is required.

Full payment of all wedding dues should be made a month before the wedding date

Only confirmed reservations are booked in Caleruega's calendar. Reservations are considered open until confirmed.

Reception Venue:

Roofdeck - Php40,000

Veritas - Php30,000

Gazekubo - Php25,000

Use of the Chapel - Php15,000 (includes use of chapel and sound system only)

OTHERS:

Individual retreats at Pahingalayan and Fra Angelico hermitage houses are also welcome in Caleruega

The Kampo Arriba of Caleruega is also open for outdoor activities and exercises for a fee of Php250.00 per head/overnight (bring your own tent and food)

Electronic equipment could be rented for a fee such as LCD projector (Php1,000/day)

Caleruega is also open for one-day seminars or gatherings following the rates below:

Use of Conference Hall:

Veritas Hall Php1,000/hour, plus Php5,000/day for the use of aircon

Gazekubo Php1,000/hour, plus Php4,000/day for the use of aircon

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Php200.00/person/meal

AM or PM Snacks Php75.00/person/snacks

Caleruega Rates:

2-Day Stay (inclusive of 6 meals & 4 snacks)

Dormitory Php1,250.00/person

3 in 1 Room/4 in 1 Room Php1,450.00/person

Family Room Php1,450.00/person

Two in One  Php1,650.00/person

Solo  Php2,150.00/person

Hermitage Php2,650.00/person

Plus Php500/day/room for the use of aircon

Overnight Stay (inclusiv of 3 meals & 2 snacks)

Dormitory  Php800.00/person

3 in 1 Room/4 in 1 Room Php900.00/person

Family Room  Php900.00/person

Two in One  Php1,000.00/person

Solo  Php1,250.00/person

Hermitage Php1,600.00/person

Plus Php500/day/room for the use of aircon

Use of conference venues beyond 10pm shall have an additional charge of Php500.00/hour. Cost of extended use of conference venues beyond the time of departure shall be at Php1,000.00/hour.

NECESSARY WEDDING DOCUMENTS (To be accomplished 6 months before the wedding date)

A) FILIPINO CITIZENS:

1) Baptismal Certificate with inscription:  “FOR MARRIAGE PURPOSES” (validity - 6 moths)

2) Confirmation Certificate with inscription:  “FOR MARRIAGE PURPOSES” (validity - 6 months)

3) Pre-Cana Certificate

3.1.Non-residents of Nasugbu may submit the certificates from other churches

3.2 Nasugbu residents shall attend a  two-day seminar held every Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00AM to 4:00PM.

4) Marriage License  from your municipality or city (validity - 120 days before the wedding date)

5) Canonical Interview  (shall be scheduled upon completion of nos. 1-3 requirements)

6) Marriage Banns  (shall be given to couples after the canonical interview)

B) CIVILLY MARRIED COUPLE: All requirements stated above plus:

1) Original Marriage Contract

2) Don’t get marriage license. (Our Parish will just validate your previous  Marriage license.)

C) FOREIGNERS & FILIPINOS STAYING OR WORKING ABROAD FOR 1 YEAR & ABOVE: All requirements stated above plus:

1) Certification of Freedom to Marry and that no impediment existing regarding his proposed marriage and permission that he can be married in the Parish of Archdiocese of Lipa.  Get it from your Parish Church ABROAD.

2) Certification of Civil Status or Legal Capacity to marry from the corresponding Embassy abroad.

3) Canonical interview shall be in the Parish of Archdiocese of Lipa after complying above requirements. The Archdiocese of Lipa will issue permit to be submitted in Nasugbu Parish

Please be reminded that  all requirements shall be accomplished or initially assessed before your initial interview with the Nasugbu Priest. Submission of pertinent papers, schedule of seminar and interview with Ms. Sally of Saint Francis Xavier Parish Church.

Contact:

Caleruega Philippines

Brgy. Kaylaway, Batulao, Batangas

Mobile: 0921-270-9890, 0921-830-4226

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Zambales: Anawangin Cove

Anawangin Cove is one of the famous cove in Zambales. This cove is surrounded by pine trees and has a volcanic white sand from Pinatubo’s eruption.

The name “Anawangin” is derived from the word ‘nuang’ which means carabao. According to the locals, there are times aggressive carabao roam freely in the slopes.

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Zambales: Nagsasa Cove

This is our last island hop for day one – Nagsasa Cove, where we stayed and spent our night. This cove is super perfect for photographers. A superb scenic cove.

Some activities you can do in Nagsasa Cove:

• Beach camping.
• Swimming.
• Snorkeling.
• Star gazing.
• Trek the waterfalls.

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Zambales: Capones Island

The neighboring island of Camara is the Capones Island, one of the best attraction in Pundaquit because of its Spanish-era Lighthouse that lies on top of the island.

There are two ways to get to the lighthouse:

• On the Eastern shore of the Island (much safer way since waves are calm), a 45 minutes trekking will be done on the island’s grassy hills and rocky cliffs. I would suggest that you go on this route if you want to bring your slr/cameras since the other route is too risky to bring that.

Eastern shore 

• On the Southwestern shore of the Island, a 20 minutes trekking will be done but strong waves and rocky shore won’t make easy to the tourist to get off in their boats.

Southwestern shore 

Since we didn’t know the two routes, our boatmen dropped us on the southwestern shore,I and my friend dared to bring our camera to the island. It was too risky bringing cameras as huge waves crashed the seaside full of rocks. We got some injuries but at last, the cameras were safe but a little wet.

On the island, it was a bit difficult to walk because the pathways to the lighthouse are composed of rocks. Tips, I would require you to bring water and wear durable slippers. You can also bring your phone since there are cellular signals in the Island.

From the rocky shore, walked on the stone stairs and here’s what you can see - a golden cogon grass which add a dramatic effect in the place with a scenery of blue sky and ocean. J   

Before reaching the lighthouse, we entered a forest-like that led us to the gate of the lighthouse.

Reaching the peak of the lighthouse is the highlight of the island which give us a 360 degrees view of the coast of Zambales. A perfect and amazing view. J

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Zambales 2012: Anawangin, Camara, Capones, Nagsasa

How to get there:

Going to Anawangin Cove, Camara, Capones, Nagsasa Cove, Talisayin Cove and Silanguin Cove is very easy.

From Manila:

To go to San Antonio, ride a bus bound to Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales. Victory Liner has a scheduled trips in those destination. Then, Get off at the town of San Antonio. Travel time is 3-4 hours via NLEX and SCTEX.

Alternative route is a bus bound to Olongapo. Victory Liner has also scheduled trips here. Then, ride a Non-airconditioned bus (Victory Liner) from Olongapo to Iba, travel time is 1 hour.

From San Antonio, you can shop for other necessities here in their public market beside the municipal hall. Then, ride a tricycle to Pundaquit.

Our Contact Person: Mang Johnny,               +639202224687        . He will fetch you in San Antonio.

What to do:

·         Island Hopping: (Camara, Capones, Nagsasa, Anawangin Talisayin Cove and Silanguin Cove) 

·         Trekking (Anawangin and Capones)

·         Swimming

·         Photography

·         Star gazing

·         Bonfire. In Nagsasa, they offer bonfire for 100 php. 

Tips:

·        Bring flashlights and extra batteries in your camera since there are no electricity and network signal
      in Nagsasa and Anawangin Island.

·         Camping fee in Nagsasa is 100 php while in Anawangin is 50 php.

·         Hire a local guide to the Nagsasa Waterfalls.

·         Bring enough water and foods.

·         You can rent a kerosene lamp in Nagsasa Cove for P80.

·         Bring a water proof case for your gadgets.

·         Hire Mang Johnny, he also offer their house to take a bath after your trip. 

      Contact number:             +639202224687      

Itinerary:

Day 1

1100PM – 1200AM: Assembly – Victory Liner Pasay
1200AM – 0245AM: Manila to Olongapo
0245AM – 0430AM: Breakfast in Olongapo /Wait for bus to San Antonio

0430AM – 0530AM: Olongapo to San Antonio

0530AM – 0630AM: Wait for Mang Johnny/Meet boatman/Shop for other necessities

0630AM – 0645AM: San Antonio to Pundaquit

0645AM – 0700AM: San Antonio to Camara

0700AM – 0730AM: Explore Camara

0730AM – 0800AM: Camara to Capones

0800AM – 0900AM: Explore to Capones Lighthouse

0900AM – 1000AM: Capones to Nagsasa

1000AM – 1200 PM: Rest and Lunch

1200PM – 0400PM: Free Time

0400PM – 0600PM: Explore Nagsasa

0600PM – 0700PM: Prepare Dinner

0700PM – 0730PM: Star Gaze

0730PM – 0830PM: Dinner and Bonfire

0830PM – 0900PM: Prepare to sleep

Day 2
0700AM – 0800AM: Breakfast
0800AM – 0900AM: Packup 
0900AM – 1000AM: Nagsasa to Anawangin

1000AM – 1230PM: Trek

1230PM – 0130PM: Swim and explore Anawangin

0130PM – 0215PM: Anawangin to Pundaquit

0215PM – 0300PM: Wash up

0300PM – 0315PM: Pundaquit to San Antonio

0315PM – 0400PM: San Antonio to Olongapo

0400PM – 0430PM: Late Lunch

0430PM – 0730PM: Olongapo to Manila

Individual Cost:

P 218.00 / pax – Bus from Manila to Olongapo (Victory Liner)

P   44.00 / pax – Non-airconditioned bus from Olongapo to San Antonio (Victory Liner)

P   25.00 / pax – tricycle (San Antonio to Pundakit)

P 500.00 / pax – Boat ride (Round Trip)

P 100.00 / pax – Tent

P 100.00 / pax – Entrance Fee, Nagsasa Cove

P   25.00 / pax – tricycle (Pundakit to San Antonio)

P   44.00 / pax – Non-airconditioned bus from San Antonio to Olongapo (Victory Liner) 

P 218.00 / pax – Bus from Olongapo to Manila (Victory Liner)

P 719.50 / pax – Miscellaneous

P1993.50 TOTAL

Breakdown of miscellaneous (good for 4 pax):

P 475.00 – Toiletries

P 882.75 – Food

P   32.00 – fare (for shopping)

P   90.00 – fare (taxi to Victory Liner)

P 316.00 – breakfast (Chowking)

P   83.00 – rice grains

P   25.00 – ice

P 100.00 – bonfire

P 200.00 – tip to boatman

P 630.00– lunch (KFC)

P 45.00 – candies

P2878.75 TOTAL

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