SANCTUARY REAIMAGINED
BY SABINA JOY VOCALAN CRUZ
The Jesuits’ vision for the revival of the Loyola the revival of the Loyola Retreat House (LRH) in Angono, Rizal is a blend of arts, culture, and the environment, intricately connected with spirituality. This retreat house, like its counterparts, has traditionally been a sanctuary for recollection, meditation, and contemplation in communion with God. However, the LRH transcends these conventional boundaries. Its ambition is to serve as a nurturing ground for the art and creative expressions of Angono’s artists and musicians. It also welcomes those eager to delve into the rich local culture. As a way to reflect its dual role as a spiritual haven and a cultural hub, symbolizing a unique fusion of reflection and artistic exploration, the house has been rechristened the Loyola Retreat House: Spirituality and Art Center Angono (LRH-SACA).
A Generous Act
In the picturesque hills between what are now known as the Nieves and Twin Hills Subdivisions, a generous act in 1961 set the stage for a lasting legacy. Don Mariano J. Santos, a man with deep ties to the history and heart of Angono, made a significant contribution when he donated two parcels of land, totaling nearly seven hectares, atop a serene hill. His vision was clear and purposeful: the land was to be dedicated to the creation of a retreat house and for religious activities, with a strict stipulation against any commercial use. The Loyola Retreat House-Angono, a testament to Don Mariano’s vision, was blessed and formally opened in 1964. However, its unfinished state, marked by bare walls devoid of paint, was a poignant reminder of the financial challenges faced during its construction.
Growing up, the LRH was a familiar name to me. My earliest memories of the house are intertwined with my youthful days in the Angono Parish Youth Movement of Saint Clement Parish, where I attended recollections. Back then, the retreat house, perched high in the mountains, felt like a remote sanctuary, stirring a sense of excitement as we trekked to its summit. Renowned as a center for spiritual formation, LRH was under the stewardship of the Hijas De Jesus nuns, who administered the house from 1986 to 2006.
A Slice of Paradise
The Jesuits’ choice of Angono as a site for spiritual reflection is hardly surprising. This idyllic town, cradled between the Sierra Madre mountains and the fertile waters of Laguna Lake, was a slice of paradise for its agrarian and fishing communities. But it’s not just the natural beauty that defines Angono. The town is a cultural treasure trove, steeped in traditions and myths, like the revered ‘Nuno sa Punso,’ a mythical elder believed to reside in a Balete tree at the town- center, guiding visitors with wisdom. Music and art also have deep roots here, nurtured within the church’s walls where young men first learned to play the organ and other instruments, leading to the formation of ensembles and bands for sacred events.
The discovery of the Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs in 1965, featuring more than 127 ancient carvings and unearthed by Carlos “Botong” Francisco, a local legend and later a National Artist for Painting, underscores the area’s historical significance. Lucio D. San Pedro, another son of Angono declared National Artist for Music, commemorated the mountains in his composition “Ang Buwan sa Kabundukan.” Today, Angono, hailed as the Art Capital of the Philippines, continues to be a haven for artists, devotees, and creatives, showcasing the unique spirit of the Angoneños through visual arts, crafts, and music.
Igniting Creativity
As an Angono native, I see a profound connection between the essence of my hometown and the mission of the LRH-SACA. This organization doesn’t just offer spiritual guidance; it also serves as a platform for our town’s flourishing community of artists. The power of this place to ignite creativity is echoed in the Angono hymn, “Ikaw ang Bayan Ko.” This piece, penned by Angono’s own poet, Mr. Noel Vocalan, with the guidance of Jesuit priest Fr. Reynaldo Lorredo, was later set to music by the esteemed Maestro Lucio San Pedro. The lyrics beautifully encapsulate the synergy between LRH-SACA and Angono’s enchanting landscape, the town’s rich sense of nationalism, and our collective faith in divine providence.
Isang lupang sagana
Na binuo sa hirap at dusa Isinilang sa luha’t pag-asa Nitong puso at kaluluwa
Nakita ang ‘yong bango
Sa awit at sining mo
Nadama ang ‘yong pag-ibig
Na dakila at totoo. Ikaw nga ang bayan ko
Aking bayang Angono Pinagpala ng Maykapal Na sa ‘yo ay lumalang Sa bundok bukid at dagat
Sa payak na tahanan mo
Iniukit ang ugat ng isang tunay na Pilipino.
A land so abundant,
Forged in hardship and pain, Born in tears and hope,
Of this heart and soul.
I’ve seen your fragrance,
In your song and art, Felt your love,
Noble and true.
Indeed, you are my town,
My beloved Angono, Blessed by the Almighty,
Who created you.
On mountains, fields, and seas,
In your simple abode,
The roots of a true Filipino,
Are carved into you.
Significant Transformation
In August 2021, a significant transformation began. at the LRH under the leadership of Father Jose Quilongquilong and Father Rene Javellana, who embarked on the ambitious task of renovating the nearly six-decade-old retreat house. I am incredibly honored to have been entrusted with overseeing the projects and operations of the new LRH-SACA. To this day, I am awestruck by the opportunity to expand my service to God and my community in such a meaningful way. This journey, while immensely rewarding, has not been without its challenges, including the repair and painting of rooms and toilets, addressing property incursions, clearing the surroundings, and solving the building’s water supply issues. Nonetheless, guided by the wisdom of Father Joe and Father Rene, encouraged by our generous donors, and supported by our dedicated team, we successfully opened and blessed the LRH-SACA in October 2023.
However, it was only then that the real work began. The completion of the construction marked the beginning of an even more significant journey. With the physical transformation complete, we turned our focus to realizing our dream of making the Loyola Retreat House the epicenter of Spirituality and Art in Angono. Our aspirations are grand – to host a spectrum programs, become a sanctuary for literature and visual arts, and to provide a stage for music, theatre, and dance performances. The renovation was not just about refurbishing a building; it was about laying the foundation for a future rich in possibilities and cultural enrichment. As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus wisely noted, “the only constant thing in life is change.” In embracing this change, we are not simply reinventing a space, we are reimagining our role in the artistic and spiritual life of our community.
True enough, the transformation of the Loyola Retreat House transcends mere architectural enhancement. This renovation signifies a reaffirmation of its mission: to serve as a sanctuary for prayer, a haven where the beauty of art and nature coalesce, and a perpetual testament to God’s unwavering benevolence, as channelled through Ignatian spirituality. More than just a physical venue, LRH-SACA has evolved into a hub that not only supports, but also champions the artistic community of Angono and beyond.
Sabina Joy Vocalan Cruz is a native of Angono, Rizal, the Art Capital of the Philippines. The Society of Jesus appointed Joy as the Administrator and Consultant of the Loyola Retreat House in 2022. Joy also oversees their family’s ventures – the Music Wizard Café and the Artelle Residences, along with her husband Allan and daughter Aleeza, Both are centrally located in the heart of Angono, Rizal. Joy intertwines her passion for the arts with her commitment to community enrichment, making a lasting impact on Angono’s cultural landscape.
This article was published on The Windhover, The Philippine Jesuit Magazine, Vol 1 March 2024
Featured image courtesy of Angono Tourism Office
