Taal Volcano

March 1, 1998. We were on top of one of the active craters of Taal Volcano.

Our group, composed of young faculty members of CvSU, took a boat ride from Talisay to the volcano island and went hiking up to the uppermost end of the largest and most active crater. The site is often visited by foreigners but they usually choose to ride the horse with a local guide.

Top of the world in one sense. Glad to appreciate God's creation around us.

Bohol, 1997

Bohol for the second time. But it was Cyril's first. It may be my second time visiting this famous tourist destination but I still marvel at the sight of 1,268 perfectly-coned hills of about the same height. These 30 to 50 m-high mounds, which are dominated by cogon and other grass species, turn brown during the dry season, hence the name. We also enjoyed our seafood meal in a restaurant near the Tagbilaran pier on our way back to our hotel. Hopefully, next time we could have the Loboc river experience and visit Bobby's birthplace in Dimiao.

Oroquieta City

Time to see my best friend in college. Actually, it was a surprise visit. We did not see each other after graduation and 20 years had passed since then. From Cagayan de Oro, Bobby and I traveled by bus to Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte where we took the ferry to Ozamis City and proceeded to Oroquieta City. We went straight to the Land Bank of the Philippines where my friend worked. As she went down the stairs to see her guests, we were so excited to see her reaction. Of course, her officemates and the clients present then became curious as to what was happening with us. I was so elated to see her after all those years. We were classmates in college, roommates at the Women's Dorm, prayer partners, and very close friends. Despite the distance and few letters in between, we remained friends.

Camiguin

Summer 1997. Back to Mindanao for the third time but this time, we were four: Bobby, Amyel, Cyd, and I. It was the kids' first time riding on an airplane. We were so happy to spend summer vacation in Mindanao again. Good to be with your loved ones without the usual stresses of work and school and eat fresh seafood and fruits in season.

This time, the family with some relatives had a day tour in Camiguin. We went to Katibawasan falls, Ardent hot springs, a walkway to the old volcano, and the sunken cemetery. Though the island can be toured in one day, we were not able to see the other must-see spots of the island. Maybe next time. And too bad, the lanzones festival is celebrated in October.

Munoz, Nueva Ecija

In April 1996, Central Luzon State University hosted the 46th Annual National Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineers Convention and the 1st International Agricultural Engineering Conference and Exhibition. I attended the convention together with my colleagues in the department and some students. 

A week after, I went back to participate in the 2-week Training on Irrigation and Drainage. More serious work and there were tests before and after the training. Fortunately, we were able to visit the irrigation structures in the area and the Pantabangan dam. Of course, there were light moments with the videoke.