ATE BHING'S RETURN

Ate Bhing was back in the Philippines for a few days of vacay this time with the love of her life, Kuya Carlos! It is always nice seeing her reunite with her long-time friends especially the ones she really had gotten close with in MSC. A few clubbings and eating outs, a trip to Cebu and Singapore made up her entire vacation which was simply worth it. 

A few months of saving up and we'll be surprised to see her here again in no time!  

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!