Tradition

It used to be that I look forward to the long break during holy week each year for some out of town trips, be it domestic or international.

Then, for the past ten years or so, I used to spend my holy week in Cavite with Gigi. I would drive to Cavite City on Maundy Thursday, spend the night having a couple of drinks with Francis, Gigi's cousin; and then on Good Friday, Gigi and I would drive to Tagaytay, hang out at Josephine's, and then drive back to Cavite. I would be on my way back to Manila on Black Saturday.

This "tradition" stopped when Gigi moved to the US around three or four years ago; but I would still go to Tagaytay on Good Friday, this time with Olive, hanging out at Bag of Beans.

Two years ago, I stayed home due to my treatment. Last year, for the life of me, I can't recall what I did. This year, I went to Tagaytay again, with some friends from badminton. We stuffed ourselves silly at breakfast at Bag of Beans (where else?); then we headed for Caleruega, a retreat house where our friend, who is a priest, conducts the retreat programs.

Caleruega has become a destination place in Batangas, and I am not surprised. The place is simply beautiful. You can spend the night there and have your share of peace and quite while breathing on clean mountain air. If you want to commune with nature without having to go far, or if you want some spiritual nourishment, this is the place to go.

Today's trip was fun and easy-going. It was not too taxing, just enough to get you primed for a good night's sleep.

Happy easter folks!