He texted his mom, night before our trip and we left the house at 5AM. We picked up my in-laws (MIL and AIL) in Laguna and off we went to National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio in Sto. Tomas Batangas. My mother-in-law wanted to visit this last year but my husband already planned that we will visit Cavite churches and last stop is Caleruega.
National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio
This year we started in the National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio, it was our first time there and traffic was so bad. We reached the place at 9:30AM, that was a long trip from Cavite. I’ve been seeing this shrine in social media because I have friends who always visit this shrine. If you do want to travel to Batangas, you can also visit Padre Pio Church in Libis, Quezon City.
The place was really crowded so it is really hard to take a good photo. Free parking at the shrine but restroom has P10 fee. The place is not huge but the shrine can accommodate a big crowd. It is made of wood, bamboo, and stone. I’m not a Catholic so I asked my husband who is Padre Pio because I'm not familiar with this saint.
Read: National Shrine of Padre Pio 2017
Watch the video here.
Gabriela at Nurture Wellness Village
We left at 11:30AM and off we went to Tagaytay, we braved the traffic while looking for restaurant where we could eat our lunch. Nagkakalokohan na kami na fasting na yata kami at late na di pa kami nakakakain. Most of the restaurants were full so I suggested “Gabriela” of Nurture Wellness Village na lang kami and voila, 2 tables lang ang occupied.
Read: Filipino Spa at Nurture Wellness Village
Glamping at Nurture Wellness Village
We ordered Tagaytay Bilao Group Meal good for 4 to 5 persons P1500. The bilao meal includes pandan rice, salted egg, pinakbet, potcherong batangas, tawilis, batangas atchara, assorted fresh fruit slices and one pitcher of Nurture Ice Tea.
While waiting for our food, my husband and son were busy playing here.
We did not stay long, eat and run lang ang peg because we’re expecting for heavy traffic again on our way to Caleruega.
Chapel on the Hill
We dropped by at Chapel on the Hill before going to Caleruega. You can see the view of Mt. Batulao here.
Caleruega
Expect long line just to get inside but if you have seniors with you, there is an express lane for you.
About Caleruega (from flyer)
Caleruega was named after the birthplace of St. Dominic de Guzman, father of Order of Preachers. Wishing to honor and remember the legacy of their founder, the Filipino Dominicans established Caleruega with the hopes that it will, like the town of Caleruega in Spain, be a birthplace - a genesis for people speaking to and for the Divine Creator.Silence, solitude, harmony, the majesty of creation, the freedom of Light and the passion to share God's word - this is Caleruega: the seedbed of preachers, the cornerstone of spiritual inspiration. Come, walk in His presence.
Caleruega celebrates the priceless gift of life and its Giver. Here, the lost soul finds direction; the weary traveller is shown the Way. every tree, flower and brick is a testament to God's splendor and power. Caleruega speaks through signs and symbols. It is a haven, a home, a sanctuary amidst the beauty of nature where pilgrims are open to prayer, to creative transformation, and to Gospel values.
Caleruega is really huge, you can stay here all day if you want to explore the place.
Relaxing and Refreshing Spots
Plaza de Aza’s open space and roof deck
Tuktok and its charming gazebos
Garden Cafe’s refreshing delights
The plant nursery’s seedlings for sale
Lettuce greenhouse’s freshest greens
Shop of Delight fir Caleruega mementos
Japanese Garden Cenaculum (refectory)
Kampo Restrooms
Must see sights
Transfiguration Chapel
Tent chapel of transfiguration
Fountain compass
The Dominicum’s grand stairway
St. Dominic’s Point
Manaoag Drive via Crusis
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary
Thy will be Done Sculpture
Koi Pond and its walkways
Hanging Bridge and Kampo Arriba
Kampo Terraces and Ampitheater
Worm Farm/Compost production
There are halls and accommodations for those people who wanted to stay and have retreats and recollection, team buildings, renewal workshops, wedding and reception.
How to get to Caleruega:
It is not difficult to reach Caleruega if you have your own ride.
- from Tagaytay Rotonda turn right and take the National road going to Nasugbu, Batangas
- you will pass Taal Vista hotel, Royal Tagaytay and Petron Station.
- turn left in Evercrest Golf Club.
- then follow the signs going to Caleruega.
For commuters, you need to ride a bus going to Nasugbu and ride a tricycle to reach the Caleruega. Get the number of the trike so he can pick you up sa uwian. (narinig ko lang ito sa group of teenagers nung pauwi na kami, itext na daw nila yung trike driver para sunduin na sila).
If you are strong, you can walk from Evercrest Golf Club up to Caleruega, but it is really a long walk.
Fee:
Parking fee: P40
Though may free parking but slots are very limited, never pa kami nakapagpark sa free.
Entrance fee: P30
Senior Citizen and kids (7yrsold below): Free of charge
PWD: P25
Year 2011 to 2013 no entrance fee during Holy Thursday and Good Friday but since last year meron na ulit entrance fee and they are giving flyer.
Caleruega
Brgy. Kaylaway, Batulao,
Nasugbu, Batangas
(0921) 270-9890, (0921) 830-4226
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I missed Visita Iglesia this year. Wish I can do an out of town Visita Iglesia in the near future.
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