MSC SUMMER OUTING 2011 P10 - CLOSING TIME

Finally, it was time for us to leave. Bags were packed, the venue paid up and the rooms and beds has been returned to their naturally organized state.  But surely, we leave Laguna with a pleasant smile on our faces knowing that we all genuinely had a great time together.

How could one miss a quick stop at D'vinia's buko pie, to buy for "pasalubong"? 

  

The traditional group picture

Honestly, even before this outing happened, I already imagined this year's group picture to be once again shot on the beach. The beautiful scenery of the sky meeting the ocean on the vast horizon as background while our feet are being dreached in briny waters. But due to some unfortunate events that I'd rather not talk about in this entry, we settled once again to a much nearer and more practical venue. 

I would also like to congratulate this year's President Jaypee and Vice Glady for their hard work to make this event possible in spite of the minor mishaps during the planning period. Special thanks to  Ate Bhing for selflessly contributing some funds to help out with the expenses.

Until next year...  

MSC SUMMER OUTING P9 - THE NEXT DAY

I woke the following day at about 6:40 in the morning. The sun hasn't yet shown his full splendor. The venue was deserted. Not a soul has awaken yet. I had to get up and take my meds afterwhich, prompted me for some naughty but wholesome fun...

Take pics of the peeps while they sleep!!! 

After an hour or so, one by one, the members rose up from their bunkers to help out in preparing breakfast. The kitchen was once again filled with busy bees! The breakfast was dominated with EGGS! There was omelets, sunny side ups, salted eggs with tomatoes etc!!! 

After breakfast was another session in the pool! This year's chore assignments was a big improvement compared to last year. Everyone helped out! Not a single members idled and all contributed their services no matter how simple or complicated it was.

While others wasted no time at all and started preparing food for lunch!

After lunch was the hard part. It was time for us to pack up and leave. The thought of going back to the real world is quite daunting. School's up the next day and yet for others, work, work, work!   

MSC SUMMER OUTING 2011 P8 - POOL PARTY

After dinner, and when the pots and pans, plates and all been cleared out and dealt with, it was time to dive into the pool again, serve out some booze under the moonlight and party on.

Drinks were served by the pool courtesy of Jaypee, our president. It was a concoction of sorts. Unfortunately, due to my post-injury meds, I was not permitted to drink with them that night. But I bet the booze was a hit for most of them. 

(DISCLAIMER: The younglings were not permitted nor harassed by the elders to drink. ) 

The group partied on until slightly after midnight. We were steadily decreasing in number. Most have gone up and called it a day while others, including me remained for another round of throat scratching, ear-piercing karaoke Death-Match! It was all good fun.    

It was always a nice feeling whenever I see my MSC having a great time together. The highlight of the event has come and gone and the events of the night will once again be recorded in our  fondest memories. But the outing is still not over until the group wakes up the next morning.

MSC SUMMER OUTING 2011 P7 - DINNER AND ATE BHING'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

It is Ate Bhing's first time to celebrate her birthday in the Philippines after five years of living in Australia. A few hours before dinner, Mackoy, Cocoy, Tito Oyet and Joy went out to find a store to buy a decent cake for Ate Bhing without her knowledge.  The plan is to throw a surprise birthday party for her.

At dinner time, the group gathered round the long concrete table and called on "unsuspecting" Ate Bhing. Upon seeing the cake I could feel that she was deeply touched! Especially when MSC started to sing her the "Happy Birthday Song" cueing her to make a wish and blow the fire off her birthday candle!    

The surprise birthday celebration for Ate bhing was a success. It was an instant party and the mood was intensely high that night! The food was unmistakenly superb as always. Some instantly geared up for the imminent booze overload that was set up to commence after dinner. While others lined the karaoke machine with party music. I must say that this year's crowd all did their own little ways to make this night a memorable one especially for our birthday girl!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ATE BHING!!!

  

MSC SUMMER OUTING P6 - PHOTOFRENZY UNDERWATER

As mentioned on my previous entry, the newest attraction this year was the underwater shots courtesy of Gerry Laforteza (TENOR).

MSC SUMMER OUTING 2011 P4 - THE BLOGGER'S POST-INJURY SWIM

 

I promised myself that I'd have a good time with my choir if I get to join the excursion this year inspite of my recent accident. With the help of my co-members, we figured out a way for me to soak in the pool without getting my injured arm wet.

LET'S go with plastic wrap!!!   

It was really amazing to see my co-members' faces as they watched me tentatively take little steps towards the pool. I was really apprehensive to dive in! The thought of getting an infection from the water scared me so much! But the encouragement from my MSC made me feel that they wanted me to have fun with them as well and not settle on the sidelines and sulk myself to death of envy and self pity. 

Although my posture in the water was quite weird for I had to keep my arm up to avoid any splashes (even if my arm was already covered), I could really feel that my group was happy for me that moment I dived in!   

MSC SUMMER OUTING 2011 P3

The once calm and "unrippled" waters of the pool suddenly turned into a chaotic turbulence as soon as the group turned into their swimming attires! There were new games of "tag" in the pool that I had no idea of, synchronized diving and even underwater photosessions, thanks to Gerry (TENOR) were the latest in the group's activities this year.  

And while I was contemplating on whether to dive in or not, because of my recent injury, some others including myself settled on the videoke. But not for long!

MSC SUMMER OUTING 2011 P2

Villa Nueva Resort was the place to be, this year. A modest house with swimming pool surrounded by clean purple walls located at Lirio St., Mira Monte Subdivision, Pansol, Laguna.

Immediately after arrival, the group wasted no time at all and started to gather all the necessary things to assemble our lunch to quiet down our growling tummies!

 

 

The food was great as always. And was definitely worth the wait!

The Karaoke Machine was already turned on and the pool was inviting for an afternoon swim. The cloudy skies was sort of an advantage that day. Not too hot, not too cold. Just right to relax and have a funfilled afternoon lounging around the pool and making music with the karaoke... heaven!!!

MSC SUMMER OUTING 2011 P1

After a lot of debates and misunderstandings, finally the group decided on a much nearer and safer location to hold this year's MSC SUMMER AFFAIR on June 11 till 12. With Oyet still recovering from his recent heart attack and me, recovering from my accident, it is but practical for us to choose a venue that all the members would benefit from without any other concerns and hassles whatsoever. 

The assembly was early this year. Same rendezvous... Hilario's Sizzlers restaurant at 6:00am. After a few waits and last minute buys, we went on our way at about 9:30.  

After an hour or two, with a few stop overs for bathroom breaks along the way, the familiar signs were already seen and the level of excitement of the group especially the youglings went several notches higher. The resort is almost within our reach! 

The magnificent sight of Mt. Makiling that looms on the horizon somehow served as a welcome treat to us visitors who seek for a wonderful time in the province on which she stands.

Upon arrival to the town of Pansol, where numerous private resorts were offered to be leased, we had to stop by the "Brick House" which is owned by an uncle of MSC siblings, Meanne and Jhoanna. Apparenly, the place was reserved that particular weekend for another group. But we had an opportunity to tour the place while the others looked for a nearbly available resort. 

       Meanne and Jhoanna with Mom and Baby Zaren

SPOTTED: GUESS WHO'S IN BORA THIS YEAR'S HOLY WEEK??

Yes! This may look like a mysterious paparazzi shot but it's certainly obvious who these people are! Cocoy, Mackoy and Millette went on an all out summer extravaganza in the island of Boracay on 22-April, 2011. It was a 3-day stay and according to Cocoy, it was certainly one for the books! Everyone had a great time...

I think the flying fish experience had a lot to do with it! (ahaha!)

I still have high hopes that one day, MSC will get to walk along the shores of Bora together in one heck of a trip!     

MAUNDY THURSDAY- THE QUEST FOR THE SEVEN SHRINES (3)

We got lost along the way.

But after a few U-turns and inquiries at several by-standers along the roadside, we managed to get to our final and ultimate destination, The Immaculate Conception Seminary in Guiginto, Bulacan.

Now this is something else. Within the compound, devotees get to do the "Visita Iglesia" on foot! There's no need for a ride because the altars were set not so far from each other. You just have to find your way from one building to the next. Many people were there as well. Some come in large groups of families and friends, while others in pairs and yet others alone (for a much more solemn meditation) This reminds me of an old tourist spot in Manila, the "Nayong Pilipino" wherein you get to see miniature famous places and landmarks smacked in one place. That's why I consider this visit to the Seminary "a walk in the park", LITERALLY!  

The seminarians (pupils studying to be future priests) were really accommodating. Everyone of them were all really to assist any visitor for directions and their other needs. The visitors on the other hand were nice to respect the sanctity of the place. 

  

This year's Maundy Thursday is truly a date worthy of remembering. I just hope that MSC had a joyous yet meaningful time doing this in spite of all the discomforts we have expecienced while we were at it.

It is also right to always bear in our hearts that the "Sacrifice" has already been done. The Lord already did that for us a long time ago. None of us can measure up that kind of sacrifice that only a Loving God can do. I believe that the only way to please God is to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.