WHAT IS CACTUS?
Welcome to CACTUS,
the Center for Applied Carmelite Teresian and Unified Spirituality.
Our mission is to provide a practical approach to understanding the spiritual life, integrating both the spiritual and physical dimensions of each individual.
We emphasize holistic well-being and the unity of life, guiding you on a journey towards harmony and fulfillment. Join us as we explore the richness and the depths of the heritage of the Carmelite spirituality and its impact on everyday living.
Cactus serves as a powerful symbol of our spiritual journey, representing self-knowledge, solitude, and resilience. Just as this plant withstands life's challenges with its thorns, we too possess inner strength that helps us endure harsh conditions. It reminds us that amid the arid deserts of our experiences, there is a nourishing essence within us that fosters growth. Cactus is a sign that serves as a beacon for those seeking to fulfill their spiritual thirst and embrace their quest for wholeness and integration.

"The vastness of the desert is a great help to the soul and body, although the soul fares very poorly. The Lord must be desiring that it have its spiritual desert...
Be that as it may, for in the meanwhile I am well off without knowing anything, and the life of the desert is admirable" (Letter 28, SJC+).
Our Philosophy
Welcome to CACTUS, where we are dedicated to teaching the art of prayer as inspired by the Carmelite Saints. Our focus is on Teresian contemplative prayer, a way of life that encompasses every aspect of your life and allows you to open your heart to God's presence. We invite you to explore the profound beauty of contemplation and discover its transformative effects on your spiritual journey. Join us in deepening your relationship with God through the practice of prayer.
Core Teresian Virtues
- Prayer
- Humility
- Detachment
- Community Life
- Apostolate
- Love

MEET THE CACTUS CORE TEAM
Expert, Creative, and Committed.
The Core of CACTUS is the team responsible for organizing, planning, coordinating, and delivering talks to clients who seek the services of the center. They facilitate events, accompaniment, and retreats for those who long for Carmelite spirituality.
RESOURCE SPEAKERS
Our dedicated team of resource speakers and collaborators are here to offer you with their expertise and experiences. Each member brings a unique perspective and expertise to our Center.
Arch. Rolly Tria-Tirona, OCD, DD
RESOURCE SPEAKER
(054) 473-8483
Fr. Danilo
Lim, OCD
RESOURCE SPEAKER
Fr. Ernesto Montuerto, OCD
RESOURCE SPEAKER
Fr. Richard Escoto, OCD
RESOURCE SPEAKER
Fr. Vito Compente, Jr. OCD
Fr. Ramil
Oraiz, OCD
RESOURCE SPEAKER
RESOURCE SPEAKER
Fr. Mariano
Agruda III, OCD
RESOURCE SPEAKER
Fr. Francis Quach Tien Nguyen, OCD
RESOURCE SPEAKER
Ms. Imelda
Ramos, OCDS
RESOURCE SPEAKER
Sr. Sheila Francia Cortes Barret, CM
RESOURCE SPEAKER
Sr. Elsie
Ybera, CM
RESOURCE SPEAKER
Sr. Gemma
Labastre, MST
RESOURCE SPEAKER
Fr. Emmanuel Angelitud, OCD
RESOURCE SPEAKER
Fr. Willow Wyn Andaya, OCD
RESOURCE SPEAKER
Fr. Josh Lee Van Dong, OCD
RESOURCE SPEAKER
Fr. Reynante
Lavado, OCD
RESOURCE SPEAKER
Fr. Jonald Panganiban, OCD
Fr. Narciso "Chito" Reyes, OCD
RESOURCE SPEAKER
RESOURCE SPEAKER
Fr. Justin
Berezo, OCD
RESOURCE SPEAKER
Fr. Reynaldo Sotelo Jr., OCD
RESOURCE SPEAKER






