This was how I was introduced to Caleruega – through the internet. I learned that Caleruega is in Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas . It is a meditation haven set-up by the Dominican priests. The chapel got its name from the stained glass wall behind the altar dominated by the majestic figure of Christ and flanked by Moses and Elijah. And Caleruega? The name was given by the Dominican priests, in honor of Caleruega in Spain, the birthplace of St. Dominic de Guzman, the founder of the Dominican Order. In fact, the façade of the chapel was copied after the original Caleruega Chapel in Spain.
The chapel is small. It can sit only 150 pax. And there is no aircon, as the balmy weather may require visitors to wear thick clothing during the ‘BER’ months. But the serene ambience and the absence of the trappings of modernity in the glorious expanse of woods, sky, and the horizon obscured not by buildings but by the distant verdant hills make this chapel a perfect setting to say ‘Yes, I do.’ In fact, this place is the current IN place to get married for residents nearby and from far-off Metro Manila. Chalets, pavilions, dormitories, and function rooms are strategically tucked in the lower hills in order not to impede the view. The chapel only caters to two weddings a day – one in the morning, and another one in the afternoon – and reservations must be done one year in advance. Proof of the chapel's popularity is the numerous websites of professional photographers and/or videographers which give advices on the best angles when covering a wedding in Caleruega– the aisle is short so the groom must wait in the halfway; the celestial afternoon rays of the sun from behind the stained glass wall must be directed towards the waiting groom; the glass door with wrought iron décor must be closed and opened only for the dramatic entrance of the bride; the doves must be released outside as the white of its plumage and the bride’s outfit contrasts dramatically against the red brick façade; and don’t forget to take a shot of the couple along the winding road leading to the place to highlight the rusticity of Caleruega.
By just thinking of the place, I was forced to wonder where was Caleruega when I got married? I was married in the old Jaro Cathedral as I preferred to be married in an old church. But when I reckoned the number of by-standers, gawkers, and the mendicant settlers in the church who mingled with the entourage and guests, adding their grubby rainbow colors to the well-planned monochromatic motif, where indeed was Caleruega at that time? Maybe, it would cost more to transport the entourage and guests, but can't a marriage be solemn, private, happy and just as how the bride and groom wished it to be?
Mr Uya and wife Mrs Jesusa exchanged 'I do's ' for the second time in Caleruega. The husband was dapper in a suit, while the wife was elegant in a couture gown.No wonder, Julian and Jesusa renewed their vows ‘to love and to cherish till death do them part’ with the hills of Caleruega as witnesses.
Julian or Uya was from the section 1. He was bright but possessed the peculiar quality of a farm lad – he was very shy, too shy to even recite in class. In fact many times teachers were tempted to pry open his mouth to verify if he really had a tongue. But what he lacked in tack, he compensated with his being very dependable. During class activities, he was always depended upon to prepare the food, carry the heavy loads, and work in the background while the town boys entertained the girls, enjoyed the food, and made sure that they didn’t smell like garlic and onions by evading the kitchen area where Uya stayed with his fellow barrio lads. Makalantaw lang ka nagasaot, enjoy na sanda. For this, Uya was voted as the Most Dependable Senior on graduation day.
Jesusa was from the section 3. She was a barrio girl – pretty, conscientious, and simple. When she walked, her back was always straight, as if it was supported with a tourniquet. She was tall and she seldom smiled – a younger version of Miss Tapia, kulang na lang eyeglasses. She was always serious and talked about topics which were interesting only to those who vowed to become old maids. Her look always meant a warning, like ‘Don’t touch my things!’ or to that effect. Boys evaded her.
It was therefore a big surprise that a shy somebody suspected of having no tongue would marry a clone of Miss Tapia. What happened?
Then I talked to Miss Tapia, ahh si Jesusa gali, over the phone. She talked confidently, her choice of words were very professional. She talked in straight English, always on the bright side, and never hinted on having been born a shy and simple barrio lass. No wonder. At the time she spoke to me, she was a Sales Training Officer of a real estate firm. Her work required her to speak daily before groups of sales executives and applicants of diverse backgrounds. Her Miss Tapia qualities really worked for her.
I have not seen Uya since high school graduation. I thought, just like any shy farm boy, he could have faded in the recesses of his elders' farm, plowing the fields and threshing the rice, and thankful that the soles of his feet were as thick as the sole of Adidas rubber shoes because he could no longer wear shoes as his corned toes were now shaped like a fan. I reckoned that because of his conservativeness, he could be chewing bettle nut (naga-mama, with accent in the 2nd ma) to scrimp on toothbrush and he could be listening to Tiya Dely and noontime drama over Bombo radio to while his time. But I was mistaken! When I inquired about him, I was informed that he finished his college degree and was seldom in his parents' home, because he had built for his own family a palatial abode in an exclusive subdivision in Manila. When I had a chance to talk to him over the phone, I was floored. His voice was familiar. But he was now lacquacious. He could talk about anything with authority, because now, he works as a Marine Engineer in a shipping firm plying the international route.
And how did he court Jesusa? With candor and in so many words. Uya really had a tongue! Di ba sa trabaho nya na-imbento ang term na sisid-marino?
And how did Jesusa answered Uya? With confidence and resignation. Di ba training officer sya? She saw in Uya the sincerity and dependableness she was looking for in an ideal subordinate, ahh husband pala.
The couple's two grown-up children bound them together with the ceremonial chord.They were blessed with two children – the eldest is a girl who now works as a professional Pharmacist, and the second is a boy who is a BS Architecture student in the University of Sto. Tomas.
The couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a renewal of vows at the Caleruega chapel. The flowers were bought by the couple from Dangwa. Together with their kids, they lovingly worked and arranged the bridal bouquet and church decorations. The bride wore a gown by a famous couturier which she and her daughter re-sewed to fit her daring figure. Her hair and make-up were by David Saloon, which according to the bride, she and her daughter re-touched and re-touched to the point where the David Saloon work was erased and only the hefty price tag remained. The sponsors were the couples’ friends and big-time former bosses. And the motley crowd inside the chapel were only close friends and relatives. All the ladies were in gowns. And all the gentlemen were in barong or suit.
Uya and Jesusa, no longer barrio kids, but still attached to the old traditions of the barrio, like living a simple but lasting and happy married life.
Indeed, it was a far cry from the wedding in far away Bgy. Calayo in Cabatuan, where the whole population including the dogs partook of the celebration.@
1 comment:
Walang hiya ka humanda ka..uwe aq sa August 30, hintayin mo ako... lambing lang yan... anyway thank you..Susa Moneva
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