3-IN-1 BOYS UNITE!

After the affair at the Daughters of Saint Paul Convent in Pasay (and a traffic violation), we headed for coffee at Tomas Morato Avenue, QC to unwind and evaluate our most recent gig.

The 3-in-1 boys finally had their wishes come true at last, after months of clammoring to go back to Starbucks and hang out! No more 3-in-1 for Jaypee (BASS) this time, though! (ahaha!).  After landing a great job at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Ortigas, he'd probably afford to buy coffee for all of us now!   

CONGRATULATIONS, EVERYONE!

For a job well done at the Convent!

SISTER YOYO'S SILVER JUBILEE

On June 26, 2010, Sr. Yolanda Dionisio, celebrated her 25th Feast day as a nun at the Queen of Apostles Sanctuary (Daughters of Saint Paul).

How time flies, I realise, as I was trying to construct this entry. How twenty-five years ago, I used to spend a whole lot of time with Ate Yolly (as we, her cousins call her then). I would go to her place everyday after school and  practically stay there the whole afternoon. As a kid, I would have my lunch there, complete with shower, napping, the joyrides on their jeep or pick-up truck where ever, and even feeding their pet pigs and other livestocks. 

After a time, to a child's mind, for me it was as if she just disappeared! I never got to see her again. Little did I know that as we were hanging out fine together, she was already in for a calling that would change her life forever!

I remember going to this place in Pasay, where there were lots of ladies with their hair covered with blue veil. Much like the nuns I see in school except that the ones at school wore veils colored black! It was there that I found out, that Ate Yolly became a nun! 

And now after 25 years, MSC had the honor of being invited to this important day in Sister Yoyo's life. We sang for her at her Thanksgiving Mass which was attended by her whole Daughters of Saint Paul family and her invited friends and loved ones outside the convent. 

It is really admiring how people like them chose to spend their whole lives praying and serving the Lord...  I pray that my choir would have this same devotion in serving God in our own way...   

MSC SUMMER 2010 PART 7

THE TRADITIONAL PITT STOP(S)

SUBIC

MSC chose to go up north this year, 2010. Apparently, the next neighboring province is Olongapo City where the SUBIC Naval Base (now named SUBIC Bay, SBMA) is at.  MSC was in for a lot of opportunities to get to appreciate this sophisticated province!

The former American Military Base was transformed into a modern, tourist-friendly City after the Americans left the provinces, Pampanga (where the Clark Air Field was) and Olongapo City at the onset of the Mount Pinatubo eruption. Even nature had its own way of getting rid of overstaying guests! But I must say that it is truly admiring to see how the people behave here. How they manage to maintain their cleanliness and discipline. And  I would like to believe that the Americans had a lot to do with it.

For me, it was priceless to see our younglings' reactions whenever they see the giant bats clinging on tree branches and even soaring with their talons stretched widely, flying across the Olongapo skies and the monkeys that freely roam along the roadsides to and from Bataan. Even the lush forests that line the face of the mountains of Olongapo was simply astonishing. But most especially, the Duty Free shopping places and Gimmick spots.

One stop was at the Royal SUBIC mall in SUBIC Bay. The place to be when you're looking for stuff to give out as "pasalubongs" and PX goods at very reasonable prices... 

JOLLIBEE NLEX

With sufficient funds left in our group budget, the pack decided to make another stopover at a gas station along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) bound to Manila for bathroom breaks and to grab a bite at Jollibee!   

MSC had the ultimate adventure this year. And the elders will not stop to think of other things that would help rev up the group spirit even more for next year.

MSC SUMMER 2010 PART 6

The group was fortunate for we were the last clients the resort would take in. We had the whole resort for ourselves! And we didn't have to clear out the place too quickly.

It was time to go... But not without a few traditional group shots dedicated to all those who helped out make this Summer Excursion possible.  

THANK YOU, SPONSORS AND FRIENDS OF MSC!!!

GOD BLESS YOU!

MSC SUMMER 2010 PART 5

I woke up at the sound of the ocean waves not far away from our rented villa. I automatically went straight to the beach, checked on the group to make sure everyone is OK and stopped to appreciate the breezy morning. The water surprisingly ate up most of the shoreline because of the changing tides that with only a few strides, my feet were already drenched by the briny, cool water. 

Some were swimming. By the looks of their tanned skin, I realized that they have swam for quite a while already. Some were already abusing the videoke machine, others were cooking for our breakfast and lunch and while still others chose to snooze in their beds some more. That's what this vacation is all about! A time to relax and unwind! A "do-whatever-you-want" kind of way!

Breakfast and lunch went by in a breeze for the time has come to pack up and leave... These two folks, Tito Oyet and President Cocoy, played their vital roles very well in this occasion. While everyone else is having fun, these two  were making sure that the funds were efficienly utilized and that the group is well organized and safe.  

MSC SUMMER 2010 PART 4

PARTY, DRINKS AND VIDEOKE

After an odd incident with the power supply of the resort that evening (the electricity went on and off numerous times), the delicious dinner was served! The group ate on a large banquet table, cramped, crowded but it felt like being as one family. Dinner was through the efforts of our Tito Oyet and Tita Lulu. And it was truly a knockout feast!

Afterwhich, the full and satisfied pack was serenated by a battle of the vocals by the members ourselves. Even the owners of the resort came out to witness this "Singing Death Match"!

  

But of course, after all the noise is over, and the crowd already starting to go back to their nests to rest, some of us stayed behind for the requisite drinking session and some bonding with each other. Many untold stories revealed (again??) that night.

    

MSC SUMMER 2010 PART 3

AT THE BEACH:

VOLLEYBALL:

The group took advantage of the idle volleyball court and did some vollies. It started off with just a few people, but soon enough, the others followed to watch and cheer that instantly transformed this part of the beach into a sports arena!

The CRUZ BROTHERS indeed showed the choir the whole new meaning of playing hardcore volleyball with their skillful, sporty moves!

Funny moments followed like tripping and falling into the sand face down, chasing the ball to the far reaches of the shore and even the capturing of the shots in their not so glamorous poses (as shown in the pics) which are simply priceless!

 PICTURE! PICTURE! GROUP SHOTS AND JUMPS!nd-spree with all the poses these people could possibly think of!