SACRED HEART RETREAT HOUSE AND SEMINAR CENTER

Location: 1117 Quirino Highway, Novaliches, Quezon City, Philippines Telephone Numbers: (02) 939-5060/69 Mobile Phone Number: (+63) 917-8688187 E-mail Address: shretreat@yahoo.com Website: www.shretreat.com Descriptive Summary: Sacred Heart Novitiate Retreat House and Seminar Center is owned and managed by the Jesuits which has been operating for 75 years already and considered to be their spiritual home and countless others opted to be in warm embrace of God’s divine presence. It has four air-conditioned rooms which can accommodate 30 to 150 people. It also has seven private rooms for individual consultations and spiritual direction. It was the Jesuit missionaries Fr. Sedeño, Fr. Sanchez along with Bro. Gallardo who inspired the creation of this spiritual home wayback in 1581.

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The vast grounds teeming with old acacia and mahogany trees

Indeed, Sacred Heart Retreat House is a place where one can have total silence and commune with his Divine Creator. The serenity of the place can give one a total retreat from the hustle-bustle cosmopolitan lifestyle. Yet, this place is still a part of Metropolitan Manila.

The main gate of Sacred Heart Novitiate Retreat House and Seminar Center

As you start your very first step while entering this tranquil place, you will feel the aura of tranquility which puts you into the state of reciprocity.

The long shady road leading to the building facilities

Mother nature abounds inside the compound and fresh air is every where. The administration building and other facilities are approximately more than kilometer from the main gate.

Spacious accommodation and house of prayer

It has several amenities such as function rooms, consultation areas and air-conditioned conference rooms for seminars, conferences and meetings.

Part of the retreat session

The house assists in facilitating reservations and contacting spiritual directors for retreat needs where there are various retreat directors, such as Jesuits, lay persons, and other religious who are available for individual and group retreats.

Part of team building activity accommodated at Richie Fernando Hall

The house also accommodates corporate team building activities. Though every year from the last Monday of October to the third week of November, the whole house is reserved for those making the thirty-day retreat, the full Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.

The tree house as part of recreational venue

There are varied sports facilities available like basketball and volleyball courts, a soccer field, a tennis wall and court and a swimming pool. It also has 24-hour security services.

The Immaculate Conception Chapel

The house is equipped with six chapels and one of them is the Immaculate Concepcion Chapel. Other smaller chapels are: De la Strada, Francis Xavier, Holy Family and Saint Joseph. These chapels can accommodate smaller groups of retreatants.

The Main Chapel

The chapel above considered as the Main Chapel is housed in the other building just next to the Refectory or Mess Hall as well as the kitchen facilities. It is a chapel where I really felt the presence of God when our spiritual master facilitated the spiritual cleansing session in the name of Brother Nikki “Nix” Hipolito – a graduate of Ateneo de Manila University.

The spacious Refectory or Mess Hall

Refectory can accommodate big groups as many as 150 in one serving where retreatants and guests are served with snacks and refreshments and three meals in a day.

Part of the Administration on the left part of the picture

The huge acacia tree on the background where roots occupy a wide radius of space is a dominant sight as you park your vehicle fronting the administration office.

The favorite corner of the retreatants and visitors

Groups of retreatants and visitors would normally have their group picture taken from this statue of the Sacred Heart where the house has taken its name.

The Sacred Heart statue gleaming in all its glory at night time

I personally thank, Ma’am Letty V. Uy, the president and major stockholder of Angels Institute of Learning and Angeli Dei Schools for inviting me to join in this very meaningful retreat held in this sacred venue. She was my former superior and remained to be a highly respected friend and mentor.

HOW TO GET THERE

Refer to this link Direction to the Sacred Heart Novitiate to get the right direction.

MOUNT MALINDIG CLIMB

Location: Buenavista, Marinduque, Philippines Jump-off: Brgy. Sihi, Buenavista Coordinates: 13.2413°N; 122.0136°E Elevation: 1,157 MASL (3,876 feet) Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 4.5-5.5 hours Specs: < Minor climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 1-2 Descriptive Summary: Mount Malindig is also known as Mount Malindik and Mount Marlangga which is a potentially active stratovolcano in the Municipality of Buenavista, one of the six municipalities of the island of Marinduque. The therapeutic, sulfuric springs of Malbog is one sign of this historical - if not prehistorical - volcanism. As for the name itself, Malindig, it is linguistically descriptive of the gentle slopes that characterize the mountain, as well the island's high areas.

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Our group as we reached the public pasture land of Mount Malindig

This point is a grassland where cows and carabaos are pastured by the locals. Since it is located in an elevation of approximately 700 meters above sea level, it is already a high land overlooking the neighboring towns and distant islands.

The gradual trail from the jump-off point

Starting from Brgy. Sihi is a gradual trail grown with coconut trees. In some parts, seasonal crops can be seen grown with the locals like tomatoes, string beans, rice and a few others.

Along the trail are cows grazing for their food

As we trekked towards the higher elevation, we saw cows and carabaos feeding on the rich grasses along the slopes of Mount Malindig where our guide told us that the area is really a public pasture land since nobody really owns the land.

Clearing and open area in higher elevation

This open area is really hot as there are no trees for one to cover but just the grasses. That is why, it is suggested that an overnight camping would be much better. But mind you, this is the point where we stayed longer just to capture the perfect scenery of the neighboring hills, lowlands and islands from afar.

The endless ascent in a tree-less trail

We were lucky then that at some point, we were accompanied with a sea of clouds while we were at this grazing area making our trek not so hot.

Almost there at the military outpost

It was so rewarding catching the sight of a military outpost at a distance. According to our guide, we can have a rest there but camping there is prohibited. He even told us that there was an enforced policy that going beyond the military outpost needs a permit from Camp Aguinaldo but our group was allowed to pass through it.

The military outpost

It was a relief when we arrived at the military outpost as there are structures where we got some cover – a little shanty which gave us shade while we had our lunch. We had then there our leisurely rest. It was actually a radio station base at 900 MASL with sufficient water supply, cold as such.

A group picture at the summit

After having an ample rest, we proceed with a 50-minute real semi-cardiac assaults heading towards the summit wherein we experienced a trail of mossy and closed canopy forest trek with foggy surroundings. I had this eerie and spine-chilling feeling while having the trek but I preferred to have it in complete silence in order not to scare my companions.

Since from the military outpost going to the summit is already a rain forest, our guide warned us to avoid having contact with the leaves of a poisonous plant where it will irritate one’s skin once you happen to brush it and it may last for a week. He even showed us how the tree and leaves look like.

Mossy forest at the summit

The summit view is not really rewarding as it just look liked a dead end trail. What captivated me there was the two trees juxtaposely grown with mossy canopy structure in between resembling to a dressing room in a department store.

BELOW IS A SUGGESTED ITINERARY:

Day 0

2100 Board Dalahican-bound bus from either Buendia or Cubao

Day 1

02:00 Board ferry to Mogpog port or Sta. Cruz.
06:00 ETA Marinduque, make arrangements for transportation to Buenavista.
09:00 ETA Jump-off point in Brgy. Sihi. Start trek.
11:30 ETA military outpost, 900 MASL. Lunch.
12:30 Commence summit assault.
13:30 ETA summit. It is covered with trees and there is nothing much to see.
13:45 Start descent
14:30 Back at the outpost.
16:15 ETA jump-off point. Proceed to Sta. Cruz accommodation for overnight.
18:00 Stay for overnight in Sta. Cruz and see what nightlife the place can offer.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Take Jac Liner or Jam Transit (Edsa-Kamias Terminal or LRT-Buendia Terminal) heading for Talao-Talao Port, Dalahican, Lucena City preferably the 6pm, 7pm or 8pm trips with a trip duration of 3 to 4 hours

Then, take a Roro or Ferry from Talao-Talao Port to Cawit Port of Boac (Marinduque) for 3 hours which leaves Talao-Talao Port at 12:00 Midnight or another which leaves Talao-Talao Port at 4:00 A.M. to Balanacan Port of Mogpog, Marinduque for a duration of 3 hours. Other Ferry trips are 10:00 PM, 10:00AM and 12:00 Noon.

Then, take a jeepney (for bigger group, a chartered one is highly advisable) from Balanacan Port to Brgy. Sihi in Buenavista for approximately more than 2 hours.

A climb registration is required thru the Brgy. Captain in Brgy. Sihi which serves as the jump off point to Mount Malindig.

SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY, MOTHER OF PEACE

Location: Caglago Mountain, Barangay Tabgon, Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines Date Opened to the Public – First Image: May 20, 1990 Date Opened to the Public – Second Image as Replacement: May 1, 2008 No. of Steps from base to the summit: 530 Descriptive Summary: This is a 26-foot image of the Blessed Virgin Mary currently named as the Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, the Mother of Peace. Records tell that its first image was badly damaged by super Typhoon Loleng in October 21, 1998 wherein partly its mantle was blown off and some fingers were lost. In 1999, it was also struck by a lightning which severely damaged it that its restoration may no longer practical. Thus, another image was constructed and was completed on May 1, 2008.

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The imposing image of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary

Caramoan is known for its beautiful islands dotting the Maqueda Channel. Caramoan municipality is a peninsula which is a part of Bicol Region mainland.

Saint Michael the Archangel Parish in Caramoan town

You will find the people of Caramoan to be religious as a proof that its town’s parish church are always filled with church goers attending even a Saturday morning mass.

The municipal hall of Caramoan town

The town itself has imposing building structures and aside from its parish church, its municipal hall can also be a pride of the people of Caramoan as its design and structure looks new and palacial.

A green and refreshing countryside

Heading to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary boarding a chartered single motorcycle with a maximum of two passengers is quite rewarding as you see the charming countryside. The scent of a rice field is quite refreshing. The gentle blow of cool mountain breeze completes the package.

Fresh and abundant flowing water from a small dam

As I pass thru a bridge turned to a small dam, I can’t help but lift from the vehicle and feel the aura of being in a river where just like the place where I grew up, a river is the source of everything where mothers are in a long line washing their clothes while the kids are having a playful swim. Fathers are seen to fetch water and accompany their carabaos for fresh drink in the river.

The start of any pilgrim as he is challenged to complete 530 steps to the Grotto

The signage arc serves to be the jump-off point for pilgrims. If you plan to scale these concrete steps leading to the grotto, do bring water to hydrate in between your steps and a towel to wipe the sweat off. If you're going in the morning where I did, either wear a hat or a shawl because it will get very hot! The challenge is in the number of steps, not the steps themselves. The steps, while not equally-sized, are all cement, and there are railings to hold onto as well.

The scenic sunrise as taken just halfway to the grotto

As you climb higher on stairs, superb views of the Maqueda Channel will unfold to your very own eyes not to mention that sunrise magnify the beauty of the surroundings.

My last 30 steps to complete the scaling challenge

Being physically fit since I am a mountaineer was not at exactly a challenge. I did the climbing with ease and gusto. Honestly, I was so intoxicated of the beautiful nature that besieged me. It was great to be in this part of the Earth. Try it and you will be able to relate to my experience.

The waving symbolic religious flags welcome the pilgrims

Not yet on top of the Grotto, these waving flags would welcome you with all hospitality as if those big arms ready to embrace you with warmness.

Scenery taken as I reached the flatform of the Grotto

Reaching the Grotto is such a rewarding experience. It is like a feeling of a mountaineer reaching the summit of a mountain. But this one is reaching the arms of the Mama Mary figuratively.

A comparative scale in size of the Image of Virgin Mary to a human body size and height

After praying the Holy Rosary, I stayed a bit longer to feel the presence of the Holy Mother and to give my full veneration to Her.

As an additional background, the construction of the first structural image of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary began in 1989 under the leadership of St. Dominic of Guzman parish priest Rev. Fr. Felix F. Barella. During its construction, the people of Caramoan had to climb Mt. Caglago to bring the materials. It was completed the following year through foreign and local funding.

The second sculpture was built through Ben Niera who was commissioned by Rev. Msgr. Juan N. Buentiempo which was completed on May 1, 2008.

In May 2000, during the occasion of the Great Jubilee Year, the Shrine was declared as one of the pilgrimage sites in the Archdiocese of Caceres.

The two telecommunication towers dominate the Grotto

The place would really be a total sacred ground had it not with the presence of these two telecommunication towers. I find it difficult to capture a total picture of the image removing these structures as a part of the Grotto.

Pilgrims descending the Grotto

Descending the Grotto is easier compared to climbing it. For a pilgrim whose age and health is in the brink of severe condition, climbing is like fighting with cardiac assaults while descending is equally exhausting as you control your weight in every step you make.

HOLY MASS CELEBRATION IN THE SHRINE

The Eucharist is celebrated in this Shrine every first Sunday of the month and other occasions such as the anniversary of the foundation of the image (20th of May), Triduum, and feast of the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Mother of Peace (4th of October).

HOW TO GET THERE

You may find this link useful Manila to Caramoan Tour in providing you with options on how to go to Caramoan town. From the town, you either hire a van or a single tricycle with maximum of two backride passengers. The round trip fare is negotiable but I paid P150 since the shrine is quite far from the town. The driver will wait for you from the jump-off point when you completely descended the shrine.

CAPUL ISLAND

Location: Northern Samar, Philippines Region: VIII (Eastern Visayas) Total Land Area: 35.56 km2 (13.73 sq mi) No. of Barangay: 12 Congressional District 1st District of Northern Samar Coordinates: 12°25′N 124°11′E Date Established: November 7, 1975 Time Zone PST (UTC+8) Zip Code: 6408 Dialing Code: 55 Descriptive Summary: Capul once served as the capital of Samar from 1848 to 1852 since the Acupolco-Manila galleon trade vessels used to have frequent stop-over at this point of San Bernardo Strait, thus, a watchtower (light house) was built to serve as a guidepost. Currently, it is a fifth class island municipality of the 24 municipalities of the province of Northern Samar. The name Capul came from the word Acapulco, an old trading post in Mexico.

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A blend of colors of the sky, far reaching seas and the sprawling landscape of Capul Lighthouse

Capul is the only town in the province of Northern Samar with a distinct language, Inabaknon, instead of Waray-Waray, the native language spoken by the locals of Samar island. Inabaknon is considered to be 8th of the rarest dialects in the Philippines.

The historical Capul lighthouse

This historic Capul Lighthouse has been erected to serve as a sentry or warning system and a refuge for indigents during Moro raids.

Ideally, one can make it to Capul for a day tour. Food can be bought from 2 or 3 eateries at a minimum of P50 per meal. Though, the two food stores in Barangay Dos near the port do not cater for dine-in services.

The refreshing cliff down the Capul Lighthouse

Touring around the island is not a problem as there are habal-habal drivers who are very much willing to drive you around. Going to the lighthouse is just P50 one way. Don’t worry as they will also wait for you if you opt stay much longer in one place. Just be generous enough to give them a tip.

Just one of the white beaches on the way back to the port coming from the lighthouse

The island of Capul is blessed to have a lot of nameless white beaches which will not charge the guests with an entrance fee. Tourists and guests can have a dip and go so that they can be relieved from the exhausting travel.

The 233-year old Saint Ignatius of Loyola Parish Church

St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish Church was built in a concrete structure in 1781 thru the initiative of a Spanish architect-priest, Fr. Mariano Valero and along with it was also built a stonewall fortress similar to that of Intramuros, Manila that would wedge it against the Moro attacks. However, the first two structures of the church was built earlier than 1781 made of hard wood and nipa roofs but were both devastated by the attacking Moro pirates in 1615 and 1768.

The stonewall of the Saint Ignatius of Loyola Church

Other than the lighthouse and the historical church, tourists can also try the popular tourist attraction, Bito Cave or Beto Cave located in Sawang and try to visit the Timon-timon Rock which is a rudder-shaped rock formation located near the southern point of the island. Habal-habal rates for these destinations will vary since it is located opposite to the direction of the lighthouse.

Capul Municipal Hall

HOW TO GET THERE

Assume that the point of origin is Manila, then these alternatives can be considered:

By Air:

Take the nearest airport to Capul, which is either Calbayog or Catarman. Calbayog airport is an hour and a half from Allen, Northern Samar. Catarman driving distance time to Allen is also approximately the same. From Allen Balwharteco Port Terminal, take a boat going to Capul island for an hour sea travel for P150 for one way. There is only one trip in a day at 11:00 A.M. from Allen to Capul Island and from Capul to Allen is at 7:00 A.M. the following day. You can have an option to charter a boat for special trip which can cost at P2,500 and above depending on the size of your group. The bigger your group is, the lower the cost sharing is.

By Land:

Take a bus trip preferably Philtranco from either Pasay or Cubao Terminals to Allen for P1,100 at an approximate travel duration of 14 hours which is inclusive of Ferry boat fare of P120 from Matnog, Sorsogon to Allen but not to include the P30 terminal fee in Matnog Port. The ferry sea travel crossing the San Bernardino Strait is to 2 hours going to Allen. The same routes will be followed if you are already in Allen’s Balwharteco Port Terminal.

MOUNT TARAK DAY CLIMB

Location: Mariveles, Bataan Jump-off point: Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles Coordinates: 14°30.357′N, 120°30′E Elevation (Ridge): 1,006 MASL (3,300 feet) Elevation (Peak): 1,130 MASL (3,707 feet) Days required/Hours to summit: 1 day / 5-6 hours Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3 Descriptive Summary: Its craggy landscape, sharp rocks, and steep location may have given rise to its name “Tarak” which was coined by the locals from two words: “Tabak” which means “hunting knife” in English and “Tarik” which means “steep”. Rich dramatic hues of sunset can be viewed at its best from the ridge. Whether you are on the ridge or at the summit, you will have a 270-degree view of sprawling hills and plains as well as its coastline and that is to include Corregidor Island and its neighboring islands and islets and the majestic Manila Bay for the farthest point of Cavite..

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The scenic Tarak Ridge with the summit in the background

Mount Tarak is an ideal mountain for workout in preparation for major climbs. Partly, its trail and terrain is the similar to that of Mount Kanlaon and a few others. To really enjoy the climb, it is best to have it overnight. However, on my part, I was taking it as a workout.

The rolling trail near the jump-off point

From the jump-off point, the trail is a dusty road where vehicles can pass and gradually trees are increasing in number and gradual elevation is evident that is why it is still manageable to trek. Occasional long cardiac assaults will then be experienced one hour before approaching the Papaya River with deep gullies (ravines) which as far as I can recall totals to five though it is a consolation that the trail is becoming too shady because of thick concentration of trees along the trail. At the most, for an average-paced climber, it will take more than three to trek from the jump-off point to Papaya River.

The long cardiac assaults after Papaya River

Papaya River, which I am wondering why it was called such despite of the non-presence of papaya plant around. This is point here is the only known water source to climbers though a few guides revealed that there are some minor water sources available though not accessible near the usual trails. Water here is so fresh it is safe to drink. From this point to the ridge is challenging since you must have longer strides and more cardiac assaults are evident, jumping over the roots or holding on to branches for support. Emerging to the ridge is a rewarding sight as it is an open clearing grown with cogon. The campsite at the ridge is protected with thick bonsai trees. However, you are advised to bring with you extra pegs as gusts of wind from the South China Sea at night will still uncontrollably be penetrating to the hidden camp site on the ridge.

The entry to the Ridge with lose soil trail

It is advisable for first-time climbers to hire a guide since the trails can be misleading. In my second time here, I was lost together with a friend. We were leading to a pineapple plantation and there was nobody there where we can ask for assistance.

Part of the extremely rocky steep Ridge

ACTUAL CLOCKED TIME OF ACTIVITIES

04:30 Board Bataan Transit on its Doroteo Jose Terminal to Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles
08:30 Brgy. Alas-asin; register at the barangay hall
09:40 Start trek
12:30 Papaya River, take a break for lunch
13:00 Resume trek
15:00 Tarak Ridge, take pictures for 15 minutes
15:15 Summit assault
16:00 Summit just for picture taking
16:30 Back to the ridge and without rest descend
17:00 Papaya River (without taking rest)
19:30 Back to the jump-off Point
20:00 Dinner in Brgy Alas-asin
20:30 Left Brgy. Alas-asin boarding a mini-bus for Balanga
21:50 Balanga, Bataan
12:00 Left Balanga boarding Genesis airconditioned bus
02:20 Arrived Boni MRT Station

In the picture is Gani Dionela at the other side of the Ridge, with the backdrop overlooking the vast expanse of Bataan lowlands and coastal area

Particulars	Amount
Trail food	P110
Bus Fare (Bataan Transit Airconditioned Bus from Doroteo Jose, Sta. Cruz to Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles)	267
Breakfast in Brgy. Alas-asin (Eatery)	40
Registration fee (Barangay Alas-asin Hall)	40
Dinner in Brgy. Alas-asin (Eatery)	40
Minibus Fare from Brgy. Alas-asin to Balanga, Bataan	48
Bus Fare (Genesis Airconditioned Bus from Balanga to Boni MRT Station)	210
TOTAL EXPENSES	P755

The Ridge taken from the midpoint going to the summit

The scenery taken from a clearing midpoint of Papaya River and jump-off point