Some places are not just venues — they become part of your spiritual journey. Sierra Madre Country Club in Tanay, Rizal was one of those places for us in 2009.
Everything about the activity was all set. Our group was about to hold a spiritual retreat for two and a half days, and the venue was Sierra Madre Country Club. The place is atop the mountain, overlooking the majestic Sierra Madre range.
It was our very first time to hold a spiritual activity in a place as vast as this one, so I was really excited more than anybody else in the group.
First Impressions: A Place Made for Retreat
When I first set my eyes upon it, I had a feeling that we would be having a great time. And I was right. The beauty of the place alone was enough to lift our spirits.
Here is what made Sierra Madre Country Club so significant for our spiritual retreat:
1. Its Vastness Gives Space for the Soul.
Sierra Madre Country Club is really vast. Its area is more than enough to accommodate all of our activities for two and a half days — from plenary sessions to small group sharing, from quiet prayer to joyful fellowship. In a spiritual retreat, space matters. You need a place where you can be alone with God and also be together with others. This place gave us both.
2. Amenities That Support the Journey.
They have a huge multi-purpose gym where we held our big group fellowship and games. The gym was not just a building — it became our church for two days, filled with singing, laughter, and testimonies.
3. The Hanging Bridge and the Verdant Grounds.
There is a hanging bridge that is very ideal for group challenge and trust activities — a perfect metaphor for faith. The verdant lot around it provided a suitable place for stargazing for students who woke up early in the morning. It was also a refreshing jogging and morning exercise venue for the figure-conscious ones. In the morning, the mist covers the grass, and everything feels holy and new.
4. Spring Valley Pool and the Trail to the Falls.
Downhill, the Spring Valley Pool awaits whoever desires a plunge after a long session. And uphill, a trail to the falls will satisfy a trek craving for those who love physical activities. The surroundings as a whole is refreshing. It's green everywhere and the sight of the mountain range is breathtaking. One would really feel nature to the fullest — and in nature, you feel the Creator closer.
5. The Temperature That Invites Reflection.
Above all, the place's temperature. It chills everyone to the core. There's no need for an air conditioning unit or any electric fan. The cold mountain air keeps you awake during talks, and it makes your blanket at night feel like a warm hug. Discomfort was never in my mind. The cold itself became part of our retreat — reminding us to stay warm in our faith.
A Beautiful Place, With Lessons to Improve
As expected, we stayed there for two and a half days. We were able to accomplish all the things that needed to be accomplished and were able to enjoy what the Country Club offers.
However, I think we would have enjoyed it more and would have focused more on our spiritual goals if some basic services were improved:
1. Housekeeping. The toilets were not regularly cleaned during our stay. For a large group staying for days, regular cleaning is important.
2. Water Supply. There was no water coming out of the faucet between 1:00 to 4:00 A.M. and we were not informed about it. So we had to wait until 5:00 A.M. A simple notice would have helped us prepare.
3. Safety and Keys. When one of us left the key inside the room and we called a staff, he arrived with a box containing a lot of keys which he one-by-one inserted into the keyhole until the right one unlocked the knob. We waited for almost an hour. When I asked why he didn't have a duplicate, he replied, "Kasi po dinadala ng mga bisita ang susi pag-alis nila." He was so unfriendly that I was not given the chance to express what was in my mind. A master key system would help future guests.
4. Food. The food served was not very delectable. I think food does not have to be expensive to be tasty — especially for retreat participants who need energy for activities.
5. Cordiality. And lastly, but what matters the most — it would have been better if the people in the place had been cordial and showed politeness when approached for assistance. I don't remember any of them smile when approached. In a spiritual retreat, a simple smile from staff can make participants feel more welcome.
Final Reflection
Certainly, the beauty of the place awed me — only the place. Sierra Madre Country Club is truly a mountain top haven ideal for spiritual retreats, recollections, and nature encounters. Its vast grounds, cold climate, green surroundings, and peaceful atmosphere make it easy to pray, reflect, and connect with God.
If the service and hospitality match the beauty of the mountain, this place could be one of the best retreat venues in Rizal.
Despite the inconveniences, we went home with grateful hearts. We had two and a half days on top of a mountain, away from the noise of the city, with a breathtaking view that reminded us how great and beautiful God's creation is.
