Location: Don Bosco Batulao, Brgy. Cahil, Calaca, Batangas, Philippines
Main entrance of this facility
I used to pass by here when I climb Mount Batulao but I happened to stay here for a recollection as I am one of the members of the Commentators and Lectors League (CALL) and currently its president of our parish priest in Mandaluyong.
Its peaceful and solemn chapel
Retreat houses are not new to me since I had worked with the RVM Congregation on its main compound situated along N. Domingo Street, Quezon City. Its huge compound houses the Betania Retreat House.
A part of the main lobby
Before our recollection, we were given a chance to tour around where I did it alone. I wanted to take photos intended for this travel blog. I avoided having companion because they would just be asking me to capture them for their photos, though I did some group photos during the actual recollection and before we left the place.
Approaching the main building
The place is spacious, with green spaces good for meditation. Based on the brochure I've got, it has the following facilities and amenities:
1. 50 Single Rooms with private bath
2. 2 Dormitories for 70 people with shower room
3. Multi-media Room
4. Conference halls
5. Dining Hall
6. Big Chapel
7. Community Chapel
8. Prayer Room
9. Library
10. Hermitage Meditation Camp
11. Hillside Station of the Cross
12. Holy Family Garden
13. Fatima Trellis
14. St. Joseph Garden
15. Jubilee Garden
The Fatima Trellis with the background of Mount Batulao
I was so amazed when I went to the Fatima Trellis because I have seen at a distance my favorite work-out climb mountain, Mount Batulao. If this is the place I will stay for a recollection or retreat, I will really be able to meditate well. It is very silent. What you will hear is the chirping of the birds.
A closer view of Mount Batulao
The brochure I took, also showed the following information if you want to stay here for a retreat or recollection for overnight or two.
The 70 pax capacity for the 2 dormitories mentioned above is broken down as follows:
Dormitory 1
* Single Bed
* 30 pax occupancy with its own shower and bathroom
Dormitory 2
* Double-deck bed
* 6 pax occupancy with its own shower and bathrooms
Rooms No. 1 and 2
* Double-deck bed with 4 pax occupancy each with its own shower and bathrooms (shared)
Rooms No. 3 and 4
* Double-deck bed with 8 pax occupancy each with its own shower and bathroom (shared)
Narrow concrete stairs down a garden
From the brochure again, I learned that they accommodate special weddings. I am sure the occasion will really be solemn and special as the place is so private. The Chapel on the Hill where the wedding will be held has a circular floor plan and is so calming not only for its location but because of what you see through its glass windows.
Part of the main lobby of the main building
By the way, during the recollection, they serve delicious meals snacks and meals. They have their own chef and they also run a bakery where its income is used to support financially selected students for their studies. Likewise, the place also sells souvenirs and religious articles.
A closer glimpse of the main lobby with the statue of Sacred Heart of Jesus
One thing that you should be ready of, their conference rooms or function hall for recollection is very, very cold. Thus, you need to equip yourself with a thick clothing to warm you up from the freezing cold airconditioning unit.
A few of my fellow CALL Members
The priests that manage the House of Spirituality composing the 2017-2020 Salesian Community of Don Bosco Batulao are as follows:
Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB - Rector
Fr. Edwin Soliva, SDB - Vice Rector
Fr. Arthur Hizon, SDB - Economer
Fr. Darwin Tolentino, SDB - Scholar's In-Charge
By the way, Fr. Edwin was our former parish priest in our parish in Mandaluyong.
CONTACT DETAILS
Mary Help of Christians House of Spirituality
Don Bosco Batulao, Brgy. Cahil, Calaca, Batangas
c/o Tagaytay Post Office
4120 Tagaytay City, Philippines
Tel: (02) 404-4327
Mobile Number: 0917-524-7192
Email: batulaodonbosco@yahoo.com/ chapelonthehill@yahoo.com
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