Side Trip Tayo!

The breathtaking Batulao Hills

I simply love this view which is seen from the top of the Caleruega Church in Nasugbu, Batangas. No wonder why Caleruega and Don Bosco are famous for its weddings - Batulao gives the perfect backdrop to a romantic hill-top exchange of vows.

When I'm in deep stress from all the work & anxiety of the big city, Batulao is the getaway I crave for. Sitting on the bench while looking over this majestic rolling hills relieve me of all worries & fears - maybe it's the crosswinds blowing, or just the tranquil effect of its lush greens and the mystic appeal of Batulao's twin peaks.

The name Batulao was derived from an annual phenomenon observed by the locals. From the town of Balayan, also in Batangas, one can see twin mountains to the east that appear quite distant from each other. But the same scene viewed from Batulao is curiously different. The same mountains seem to move closer. More fascinating is the fact that some time between December 22 and 28 every year, when the sun nestles right in between the two peaks. It creates a scene described by natives as "ilaw sa dalawang bato" (light in between two rocks) or "bato sa ilaw" (light in a rock), from which derived the term Batulao.

Going to Batulao can be done any time of the year. From Manila, travel by car or take a bus going to Nasugbu, Batangas. After passing by Tagaytay City and Alfonso in Cavite, some minutes later you will be passing beneath the "Welcome to Nasugbu" marker. A few meters more, make a left turn on the junction entering through the Evercrest golf course. Notice arrow markers pointing to "Caleruega" and "Don Bosco" as the Batulao Hills are best viewed on top of Caleruega, a Dominican community, or inside Don Bosco Spiritual Center, which is a retreat house run by the Salesians.

Hopefully I would catch a glimpse of "bato sa ilaw" the next time I return to Caleruega.

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This article was modified from its original posting at http://ryangillego.blogspot.com/