Batch Integration 2.0

Last Friday, August 30, 2013, we left with smiling faces from St. Albert the Great Seminary. This trip was originally scheduled August 23, 2013. But due to the weather conditions because of typhoon Maring and the monsoon, we did not push through. We still had classes with our beautiful professors, ma’am Ocenar for Chemistry and ma’am Bautista for Technical Writing before we departed.

Our first stop-over was at Aling Taleng’s Halo-Halo in Pagsanjan. I think there were very few stores who have attempted to compete with that restaurant for so many years since 1933. To satisfy hunger, we ordered halo-halo and pancit guisado. We then proceeded to Panguil River Eco-Park to have an overnight camping with Fr. Lovell, Fr. Ogie and our drivers, kuya Pane and kuya Roger. There were team-building activities set for us. We have to work as a batch in order for us to accomplish the tasks. I’ve discovered more the attitudes of my brothers especially in leading the group. In the evening, we had our dinner. Sinigang and adobo was prepared for us by the cooks who work in the pavillon where we stayed. By the way, the camping was not fully “outdoor” because our tents were pitched inside the pavillon. We had roofs over our roofs. We roasted marshmallows and hotdogs afterwards and we shared stories about our experiences in the seminary. Love lives were also included. Most of us slept early. There were about 8 of us who were really strong in staying up until 12 midnight.

The next day, we woke up and had our breakfast. At 7:45 am, we went to the falls. The trekking took so long. There were three obstacles to cross. First, we swam at a raging stream. It was difficult because of the current. Second, we had to cross to the river while holding a bamboo log. Third, we had to cross to the falls using only a rope while swimming in the water. That was an unforgettable experience because I was afraid that I might bump my head or slice my leg on one of the big rocks. It was really fun though. We took photos of ourselves for us to put in the annual photo album. The next activity was rubber tubing, the salva vida were turned into a long boat. The feeling of thrill while you are riding there is like in the movies wherein the boats might turn over anytime. We still swam in the dam after that. The water current was very strong that it was starting a small whirlpool. We watched children jumping at a very high place. It was breath-taking. If only their parents were watching, it’s either they’ll be proud or angry of their children. We took a bath to clean ourselves and had lunch and proceeded to our next trip.

We went to San Pedro de Alcantara, a church in Paquil, Laguna famous for its yearly Turumba-dancing the Sorrowful Mother. The afternoon TV series “My Little Juan” was taping scenes but we arrived there during their break time. We went to another church in Paete, Laguna. Paete is known for the handicrafts of creative people who live there. They are really proud of their God-given gifts. I shared to some of my brothers that if it is their first time in a church they will enter, they should make a sincere wish and it will have big chances that it will be granted by God. We still strolled there. We went to the shops of carved images of Saints and other religious items. Those were really works of art.

We head back to Calamba but before that, we had snacks once again at Aling Taleng’s Halo-Halo. We just can’t get enough of their specialty. I am not after the recipe though. I just hope that I will know the secret of their success once I will be able to have a chance to talk to the successors of the owner.

We arrived in St. Albert the Great where we can rest in peace. We were very tired but still we kept going and attended the Evening Prayer with the First Year Aspirants and the Postulants. As for myself, I still have the energy to meditate and thank the Lord for the happy memories. I kept learning a lot of things with the people I meet each day. And as I have said, I discovered more the attitude of my brothers. It is not the trip that was important to me. The bonding was unforgettable. Whether I continue to be with them forever or not, I will keep those precious moments of laughter and sorrow. And as challenges come our way, I only pray that we stick together as one family.