Caleruega Chapel in Batulao
There was a slight drizzle as clouds partly covered the blue sky. The wetness of the raindrops added vibrancy to the colors of the Norfolk pines, the yellow bells and other flowers that abound at Caleruega. Jeck stood still by the main door, all dressed in white that fitted her body, from the chest down to her waist, as it gradually widened at the hem all the way to the ground.
It was perhaps the biggest moment of her life. She was trying to maintain her composure as the guests were anxiously waiting inside the chapel. Everything else was quiet that precise moment, so quiet one could hear a pin drop. As planned, the main door was momentarily closed.
And at a given cue, Caleruega's steel door swung open as more than a hundred colorful butterflies broke free from a green basket and began fluttering upwards and flying in all directions. It was the most dramatic wedding scene I had witnessed in my life. It was so touching that a teardrop fell, so touching that I was emotionally charged. Magnificent !!
Caleruega is a small stone chapel perched on a hill near Mount Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas. Overlooking a long patch of agricultural land planted to crops, the place is far from the madding crowd, far from the hustle and bustle of urban life, yet only a few kilometers away from cool Tagaytay.
Run by the Dominican Fathers, Caleruega has become the most preferred site for wedding ceremonies outside Metro Manila. To be able to get a specific date, one has to make a reservation one year in advance. It is also a favorite venue for retreats, seminars and other similar activities.
Jeck was touching the ring on her ring finger, feeling it with her thumb. She looked at Alexander, then pressed hard the palm of his hand. She was now more relaxed and as the priest announced " I now pronounce you Man and Wife", she looked at the crowd, unleashed that warm smile and acknowledged the warm applause, unmindful of a butterfly hovering around the communion table.
- Konted
See related article:
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| Caleruega Chapel in Nasugbu, Batangas. It is also called The Transfiguration Chapel. |
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| Mount Batulao as viewed from Caleruega |
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| Alex walks up the brick steps of Caleruega. |
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| A photo shoot while waiting for the officiating priest |
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| Traditionally, the groom walks in first and waits for the bride. |
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| Holding back the tears |
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| The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ in stained glass behind the main altar. Transfiguration refers to that biblical scene where Jesus Christ assumed a radiant physical form in full view of Moses and Elijah. The Apostles learned of Christ's impending death. |
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| Two hearts unite as one as Alex and Jeck exchange rings. |
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| Jeck makes the thumbs up as priest attends to those taking communion. Alex and Jeck were classmates at the University of the Philippines. |
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| Multiple pairs of Godparents |
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| White doves being released after the wedding |
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| Going down to the parking lot |
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| Wedding cakes were planed in from Melbourne. Reception followed at the Royal Tagaytay Golf and Country Club. |
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| Posing with Alex's Ateneo classmates that include Jeric Estaco and Chito Miranda of Parokya ni Edgar. |
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| Caleruega is open to the public any day of the week |
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| Entrance fee is P30 per person. |
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| Sunset at Mt. Batulao |
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| There is so much peace and quiet at Caleruega. |
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| The steel bridge near the gardens of Caleruega |
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| Is Abok looking at the Transfiguration? |
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| The Koi pond never fails to attract visitors. |
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| Another shot of the steel bridge |
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| The hanging bridge of Caleruega |
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| More to explore at Caleruega |
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| The Gazebo where one can meditate. |
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| Another Transfiguration in stained glass. |
Postscript:
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| Alex and Jeck are now permanent residents of Melbourne in Australia. They are blessed with two kids, Maximus and Arkin Phoenix. |
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