The Caleruega Church Enchantment - Nasugbu Batangas

The Caleruega Church is one of the more popular tourist destinations in Batangas because of its famed church and  nature park. Both being nature lovers, we definitely had to pay this one a visit. I frankly didn't have very high expectations but what I found was so beautiful and enchanting that I couldn't help but smile. No wonder its always among the top lists of churches to get married in!

It's pretty near Tagaytay, just a 40 minute bus ride from Rotonda. We rode the Nasugbu bus and dropped at Evercrest, Batulao. From there, there are already tricycles that will take you to Caleruega for php40. The tricycle driver's cellphone number is written inside you could text them to pick you up when you're ready to leave. This will cost you php50 on the trip back, well at least you get an additional textmate hehe!

The Transfiguration Chapel is not really as big as photos make it look like but  it makes it precisely more intimate and solemn. 

The stairs leading up to the church make for a perfect wedding procession (click photos for a better view)

The church is seated on top of the mountain, making it quite a view to behold when you approach the place. It is made of real red bricks, making it look like a very old church, though this is really a replica of the Dominican Church in Caleruega, Spain. It was made to be a safe haven for Dominican fathers, and was also meant to be a reminder of the sheds that the apostles wanted to build for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah during the transfiguration. But this is too beautiful not to share to the public! Glad they decided to open this for everyone.

One of the things that impressed me so much was the interior of the church. It's only a 150-seater, which makes going to mass more of an intimate event. I loved how the stained glass was able to depict Jesus, Moses, and Elijah in more vivid detail. Windows also double as mini-doors that allow the wind to pass freely through the church. The mass was a very light and refreshing experience.

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Every piece in the altar was wooden art! I got really enamored by the lectern and the altar table. It is evident that they designed the church to blend in with the nature that they are surrounded with.

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The tabernacle and candles. I read around and learned that the tabernacle is carved from a TREE TRUNK and it represents the "stem of Jesse". Cool eh?

Even the door was made with painstaking detail. I think this is one of Ray's favorite parts of the church.

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For a mere p30 entrance fee, you get to visit the church and explore the vast up hill and downhill garden.

There's a botanical garden that sells decorative plants, a small store (they don't sell meals, just hot dogs and soft drinks), ponds and man made fountains. There are cottages and benches where you could rest and eat.

The garden is really huge, best explored using sneakers as it has a lot of slopes. It is bursting with plants and flowers of different colors, all beautifully landscaped. The facilities were truly made for people who need to reflect and just enjoy the view. I would love to have a recollection here. I love how the place was not very cluttered, and spacious enough for people who want some time alone. There are a lot of nature parks but not all of them are perched on a beautiful hill with a breathtaking view. The fact that you're in a place so high and so beautifully serene makes you feel, yes, closer to God.

More photos below:

So many beautiful flowers! (click photos for a better view)

It's interesting to note that most of the wood carvings depict a crucified Jesus surrounded by native tribesmen, and Jesus depicted to look like one of the tribesmen Himself. We appreciated this effort to illustrate the good news closer to the natives.

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One of our favorites was the hanging bridge. It's one of the most sturdy hanging bridges we've seen. As in you can jump and run about without having to worry of falling off. It's very family and child friendly. Papa Ray seemed to have a little too much fun though haha!

(click photos for a better view)

 (click photos for a better view)

The place is best for relaxation, meditation, or group picnics with family and friends. It's so beautiful no photo could go wrong so yeah you can spend the whole day just taking photos. It reminds you of the beauty of His creation, and encourages you to take a time out and just talk to Him.

Yup, we sure enjoyed the visit! :)

(click photos for a better view)

For more information it's best to check their Facebook page. They also have a website but it's been down for a couple of weeks already.