Cavite Farms

For the first time, I became a tour guide and enjoyed it because I visited some of the farms in Cavite. It was the Lakbay Aral of WESMARRDEC. On the first day, the group visited STARRDEC, the Research and Extension Units of Cavite State University, and the National Coffee Research, Development, and Extension Center. On the second day, we visited the dragon fruit farm of FITS CvSU's Magsasaka Siyentista Mr. Eddie Silan. Then we proceeded to Yoki's Farm in Mendez where we were guided to their greenhouses full of hydroponically grown lettuce. There are herbs and orchids too. We were surprised to see the owner's collections of antiques and other treasures in the museum. There is an aviary for colorful bird collections.  

Our next stop was at The Flower Farm in Guinhawa, Mendez, Cavite. Greenhouses were full of drip-irrigated gerberas and mums from Holland, foliage plants, herbs, and many more.  

The last farm we visited was Gourmet's Farm in Silang, Cavite. There are different kinds of lettuces grown on soil beds. We also saw the herb plantations and learned that their herbs are being endorsed by Sharon Cuneta. I got to meet and taste ashitaba (a medicinal herb, good for hypertension according to our tour guide). The sanctuary is a quiet place for meditation and relaxation, and for simply appreciating mother nature.

Caliraya, Laguna

The next stop was the Caliraya Re-creation Center and Resort. After exploring the various sites and "kodak" spots in the area to enjoy the scenery, the group engaged in the team building activities like the Earth ball (soccer and volleyball using a "monster" ball), an all-female obstacle course (because the guys did not join us) and other adventure games like Slide Pinoy (mini version of zipline), Fly Pinoy (my first zipline experience), mudslide (I super loved it!), water ball and Zorb ball (another first-time experiences, and I think I won't do it again.) ;-) It was fun, fun, fun!

LSPU and Liliw, Laguna

CEIT went on Lakbay Aral to Laguna. The first stop was at Liliw, Laguna for shoe shopping. The next stop was the Laguna State Polytechnic University in Sta. Cruz, Laguna. The group first dropped by the Admin building and then proceeded to the laboratory rooms of the College of Engineering.

God With Us III

Our choir performed "God With Us" by Don Moen in December 2008 with a guest singer from UCCP-Nasugbu. The second time, we joined with the choir of UCCP-Tagaytay for their simbang gabi last year. For the third time, the two choirs joined with UCCP-Nasugbu, Batangas for their 103rd church anniversary. The songs we sing may be the same except for one or two but every performance gives an enlightening experience as we sing praises to God and proclaim that He is with us; He is faithful; He will make a way when there seems to be no way; there is no other name but the name of Jesus, and we just have to be strong and take courage, and give thanks with a grateful heart.

Reunited After 30 Years

After 30 years since I finished high school, I was back in my alma mater for our class reunion. It was my first time attending because the previous three or four gatherings did not fit my schedule. It was exciting to see "old", familiar faces, many of them I had not seen nor heard about after graduation. It felt good to renew ties, refresh memories, and enjoy the presence of and have fun with my long-lost friends, classmates, batchmates, and teachers. Indeed, I was blessed to be with them and hear each other's stories. I'm now looking forward to our next reunion in 2014.

(Photo 1: Our section, 2: Batch '81)