BY LINDON L. ABAPO/DSSC Intern
CATIGAN Mountain Breeze Resort is continuing its expansion in Davao del Sur, introducing new physical amenities while simultaneously positioning itself as a space for mental wellness and relationship healing.
Janica Go, a licensed marriage and family psychotherapist, founder of The Heart and Home Collective, and chief operating officer (COO) of the resort, announced that local infrastructure upgrades have significantly improved access to the property. The road leading directly to the resort is now fully cemented, removing the previous requirement for 4×4 vehicles.
According to Go, the easier access has led to a steady rise in both local and international visitors. This growing traffic has positively impacted the local community of Catigan by generating steady jobs and encouraging the growth of local markets and coffee shops. While current expansions are moving at a deliberate pace, future plans for the resort include adding a new function space, a pickleball court, an adventure course, and a bungee jumping area.
Leveraging her background in family therapy, Go is set to host a one-day intensive relationship seminar titled “Couples Healing” on Aug. 5 (Sunday) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the resort’s new function space.
The seminar is open to all couples, including younger, unmarried couples who wish to strengthen their foundations before entering marriage.
“How can you get to a point of marriage with your partner if you are not addressing the issues that are already happening while you are still in a relationship?” Go explained. “It is not just about fixing your issues, but it is also about aligning your values. If you have very different sets of values regarding discipline, family, and finances, it might be okay now, but once you enter marriage and have a family, those differences will eventually come out.”
The interactive session will cover communication styles, active listening, the five love languages, and identifying personal triggers that stem from family backgrounds. It will feature a mix of lectures, joint couple activities, and voluntary, small-group heart-to-heart sharing circles.
Go shared that a common struggle for many couples is understanding how to move forward after a difficult period. She noted that true healing requires moving past simple apologies.
“Some people think acknowledgment and accountability are the same thing,” Go said. “You say ‘I’m sorry’ and promise not to do it again, but what really makes it work is taking accountability. How are you going to show up for your apology when there is no difference in the patterns happening in the relationship?”
She also highlighted that unmanaged expectations often build silent resentment. Go advises couples to examine whether their expectations are based on their partner’s actual capabilities, verbal promises, or generalized ideas of what a partner “should” do based on their role.
The seminar currently has 12 couples (24 participants) registered, with organizers expecting attendance to grow to between 30 and 50 participants as the deadline approaches, due to a common trend of last-minute sign-ups.
An early bird promotional price is set at ₱3,500 per couple, which includes lunch, snacks, and transportation to and from the resort. Registration for the promo price runs until August 3, after which regular pricing applies starting August 8.
Interested participants can register or find more information by visiting the official Facebook page, “The Heart and Home Collective, by Janica Go, LMFT.”
