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By Excel V. Dyquiangco

Nestled atop a portion of land overlooking the man-made Caliraya Lake in Lumban, Laguna is an idyllic and pristine piece of property that offers more than the amenities of a usual retreat house. For one thing, Caliraya Re-Creation Center chooses an in-design of fairly humble innovations for rest and relaxation. For another, the resort gives off a melancholic and quiet feel that has guests getting easily in tune with nature and with God.

Just by the name itself, the seven-hectare, three-floor resort is already a unique and exceptional place to stay in. After all, people who come in with several luggage and baggage on their shoulders come out refreshed and relaxed without the unnecessary load – that is, in essence, the beauty of staying here and shutting, even for just awhile, the noise and the pollution in the metropolis.

While feeling rejuvenated and enlivened, guests come out a new creation, hence the name Re-Creation, for being created again. They have left behind their former selves and now, new selves are formed here through a communion with nature and with God, and through the facilities present.

In fact, according to assistant General Manager Frederic Tan Ching, one of the bases for the name itself is found in 2 Corinthians 5:17. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

“We want people to be an outdoor type of person,” says Frederic. “That’s why we call this really a retreat, and as much as possible, we stay away from anything that reminds us of our old selves.”

This includes not having a television in each of its 72 rooms. Present are just beds and comfort rooms. Facilities, on the other hand, couldn’t get any more fun. Aside from the usual outdoor games such as basketball, tennis, wind surfing, softball and even horseback riding, guests can maximize the use of Lake Caliraya by participating in canoes and kayaking, wind surfing, jet skiing and even seeing the resort from an outsider’s point of view with a speed boat.

There are also fun activities such as an obstacle course and the mudslide.

For indoor activities, there is a game of billiards, table tennis, play station, videoke and even the usage of the Internet.

But more than these games and fun stuff, the reason for these activities lies in having a blessed, peaceful and stress-free being. A small theatre just a few meters away from the resort provides an avenue where guests can be solo, read the Bible and talk with the Lord. A bonfire that guests can participate in flares up at night and if one really opts to grow their walk with the Lord, they can marvel at the wonder of the place and have their quiet and personal time by the lake or by the trees.

Their lobby, with the registration booth, also includes a buffet style table where guests can have a taste of any international or Filipino cuisine – guests can request any type of food suitable to their palate and to any type of diet. All of this while listening to soothing and inspiring Christian songs in the background.

And aside from all the amenities, facilities and activities found here, what makes this place attractive to Christian groups?

According to Frederic Tan Ching, Caliraya Re-Creation Center boasts of a resort near the heavens.

“Caliraya is very close to nature,” he says. “Therefore, it makes you closer to the Lord and that facilities are well-tailored to suit the Christian needs. No vices are absolutely allowed here. Christian groups can also have their meetings here.”

Since its birth in 1993 by an established Christian organization, Word of Life, Caliraya has been home to countless of avid Christian groups and churches, pastors and is even open to the public. Asked why the group decided to put up such a resort, Frederic has this to say: “We want Christian groups to have a place where they can worship the Lord, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.”

Apart from that, the resort serves as an instrument for people not just to enjoy the amenities through physical means but through spiritual means, as well. He continues, “We want people to be closer to God, and we want them to forget their troubles for awhile.”

And to Frederic, that is just the impact that Caliraya have on its guests and more so – for the resort to continue to be used by the Lord in winning souls.

No wonder Caliraya Re-Creation Center is very much proud to be the first Christian resort in Asia.

Tags: caliraya Recreation Center, Caliraya Lake, Caliraya Resorts