So, we told them to sleep early and don’t worry about their things because we will be the one to prepare it…(you know, parents thingy). Below are some pictures taken before they go 5am in the morning of monday…watch out for more pictures and stories as they return…

Event Details:

• Time: October 19, 2009 at 6am to October 24, 2009 at 6pm
• Location: Adventist University of the Philippines
• City/Town: Silang, Cavite
• Event Type: Camporee
• Organized By: S.S.D. Youth Department

Event Description:

On October 19-24, 2009, the Southern-Asia Pacific Division Youth Department will host an International Pathfinder Camporee to be held at the Adventist University of the Philippines, Puting Kahoy, Silang, Cavite, Philippines.

The Camporee is represented by all Unions, Conferences, and Missions under SSD territory. This event will accommodate around 5,000 campers for quality and attainable objectives druing the program implementation. The hosting of International Pathfinder Camporee 2009 by the SSD Youth Department is believed to be the first of its kind in the Philippine history.

This event is designed to address the youth development needs, promote leadership skills, enabling and empowering the youth to become full partners in the mission of the SDA church in the proclamation of the Gospel. The showcase of talents and skills by the youth will enhance a unified spirit of commitment, confidence, love, and loyalty to the church they belong.

This thing has been prayerfully asked and researched if this is really what we really need. It takes a year before it finally come true, it’s a bike.

Rice and I always debates before we move on to the next level, meaning we discuss things that we want to buy if its really a need or a just a want. So we talked about it for a year or so..haha.. do we really need it? what does your friends say about having this ride? Is it really dangerous? brand new or second hand? do you already have a license? what if and what’s the? etc. etc. blah blah blah. Also what brand are we going to get. It should be less gas consumption, lesser maintenance, and best of all the concern is budget. So we canvassed for brand new and seconds. We visit Motortrade and other stores for the price and check which is better. Sometimes “nahiya” na kami kasi puro tanong na lang ng tanong, kala tuloy walang kaming pambili.

Considering all those things, we finalized our plan to get one. “Sige bahala na basta ingat na lang and kumuha ka ng insurance incase para naman wala ako problema pampalibing sa yo”..ha..ha.. because we know the danger of riding a motorcycle lots of accidents everyday on the TV, but we really need it. Before nanay flies to the U.S. she expected us to have one before she go, but unfortunately hindi na nya inabutan. And you know what? the funny thing is we got it the day during her flight…after pag-hatid sa airport in the afternoon..So nanay, if ever you’re reading this, don’t worry, we’ll post the picture of the motor bike.

We’ll to make the long story short, we got it last June 28, it’s a second hand 1 year old fully modified / setup 2008 Yamaha Sniper 135.

So that’s our new ride. For now, that’s all I can say…check us out later because I will post some pictures of it…linisin ko muna…madungis ngayon eh…araw-araw pang hatid sa LRT Monumento.

• original stock engine
• Original X1R rear disc brake kit
• X1R rear set
• Carbon Fiber HGM pipe
• Original Color Black Flaring
• Super Bright LED park light
• H.I.D (battery drainer..haha)
• Alarm System (w/ remote automatic start)
• Air horn
• Big Disc Racing Boy
• Brake & Clutch Lever racing Boy
• Bar end Racing Boy
• Shock stabilizer Racing Boy
• All Screw are STAINLESS

The drive to our destination was a bit scary. The road is slippery, and we thought that the Carry couldn’t ‘”carry” us through the steep roads up the mountains. But thank God, we arrived there safely.

Below are some of the pictures we have taken from that place. We could have taken more if time permits us. But we stayed there for just 2 hours because we have to go leave early for our flight back to Manila.

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When I went inside the church, I thought that it becomes smaller. Because I have the impression that it was bigger since the last time I went there which was around more than 12 years ago. One by one familiar faces approached us, but besides the relatives and the Jucal’s, I do not remember the others.

Manong Alpha led the lesson study and because the assigned elder was in Manila at that time, he was still asked to be the speaker for the divine service. They have to grab the opportunity since its been a long time since he last visited his home church. Jimer rendered the special number, Manong Eman the presiding elder, Manang Fe the offertory and Joy-joy for the homily. It’s more or less a family program he he he. We were able to meet Paris, Sally and Adonis Jucal, long time acquiantance way back in Pasig.

After the service, we all went to Tiya’ys place where we all had our mini reunion. We’re all glad to be able to meet the elders, Auntie and Tiya’y and for them to see the girls and Rabin, especially for Auntie.

This family trip is not planned.  Well you couldn’t say technically a family trip since the girls with Rabin and nanay were already in Himamaylan since Wednesday, Jimer is in Iloilo finishing some work and I was in Manila.  Due to the demands of living a normal life, we have to give up the opportunity of traveling together and spending more vacation time.  I was able to get permission for leave of absence for today only, that’s why I was the last to leave Manila.

Uncle Asher, Auntie Diding and Manong Alpha with Brix met me at the airport.  Since I will be meeting Jimer in Bacolod, I waited for him at SM Bacolod but the problem is, we do not know when he will be finished.  So from  12 noon I wandered inside the mall, and was surprised that I’ve been familiar with its every nook and corner.  Well who wouldn’t be if you have nothing to do for almost 8 hours!

When Jimer finally arrived around 8pm, I could almost cry not of relief in seeing him, but because at last, I can leave the mall. I asked him if he can still travel for more than 2 hours to Himamaylan, I estimated we’ll be there around 11pm. But he’s so tired already from traveling all day in Iloilo so we decided to spend the night at Manong Alpha’s place. So we texted him to give us instructions how to get there, and he told us that it would be convenient to get in a taxi but will cost us around P300. Outside the mall, we met a security guard and asked him for directions. He told us to ride a jeepney bound to Mansilingan, tell the driver to drop us at the terminal to Handumanan. Imagine, going to a place you do not have any idea where at 9 o’clock in the evening and where we have a minor communications problem (for I cannot speak direct Ilonggo), this is just the adventure that we’re waiting for!

To cut the story short, we were able to make it to the last trip to Handumanan and slept at Manong Alpha’s place, though not included in our itinerary for that day. The next day, Sabbath day, we traveled at least 2 hours to Himamaylan c/o Uncle Asher. At least I was able to enjoy that scenery, the baybay, endless sugar cane farms, greenery every where, a far cry from the city life.

As the train continued with its travel, I glance at my watch again and tit says 7:30am while in Carriedo.  Yup! right on schedule.  Then as we were on our way to Pedro Gil station, the train slows down and stops.  We thought that this is just one of those regular stops in the middle of stations because there’s still another train on the next station.  As the minutes pass by, the driver announces that there’s a problem between the Pedro Gil and Quirino stations.  We’re all hoping that it’s just a minor prbblem that can be resolved immediately.  After some long minutes have passed, all of us passengers become worried and agitated, looking at our watches, texting or calling.  Then the driver announces that it is now code Yellow 1.  I don’t know what’s their color coding means coz I usually hear code red , but one thing for sure, that’s the first time in my entire LRT riding experience of hearing that code color.

I looked at my watch and it says 8:00am.  I know this is my PANIC time.  In my schedule, I should be at Buendia and already boarded a bus to Makati, but here I am, still in limbo between Pedro Gil and UN stations.  When the doors were opened, some passengers alighted the train and started to walk towards Pedro Gil.  I asked Jimer if we should follow them, but he says that its dangerous because the path on the side of the train has plenty of gaps.  Then the guard arrived in our coach and he informed us that we should leave the train because resuming operations would take some time.  The door on the left side were then opened, and that’s where we left the train.

There’s always first for everything, and this is first time to walk in the middle of the LRT train track.  It gives me that sense of pride because not everybody has this privilege, I just wish that this not happened on a regular working day.  So we walked on the track filled with rocks and you can notice some passengers documenting the said event with their cellphone and we did the same also for our souvenir.

We boarded a bus and started our time-consuming trip to Buendia.  I texted my boss that I will be definitely late, I just hope that it will be not that very late.  When I reached the office, my time-in was exactly 8:59am.  What a relief, I thought it will be around 10am.

So I started with my routine tasks and remembered that I have a 10am meeting, so there’s no time for me to eat my breakfast.  I just bought a Skyflakes and Milo from the vendo machine then proceeded with my meeting.  I thought that the meeting will be short since it’s just the continuation from the meeting last week, but I was mistaken.  We left the room around 12:30pm, all hungry and tired, to think that it’s just the middle of the day.

The rest of the day dragged on and I was lucky enough to leave the office early (when early that means before 6pm).  We decided to take the LRT because when we exited the LRT station, we did not went through the ticket booths so this means we still have spare trip.  When we reached the station, it was full of passengers, starting from the stairs on the entrance. Most of the people were passengers earlier and their tickets were being verified by the counter tellers.  And so we patiently squeezed our way through the counter and waited for some time before our turn for verification.

And so my day ended which should have been a good day.

I want to share this words to you from Haven Today:

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 41:1-14

Who of us doesn’t need strength in this life? Many are the days in the day care center that I have in my home when I just pray I can make it to nap time and rest.

Life gets so busy for most of us. Our jobs and hectic schedules keep us on the go long before sun up and beyond sun down. We are in daily need of strength.

There are things which test us and try us, and we find that in our own strength we are unable to go on. God promises to give us that strength and to help us.

Is God challenging you with a difficult job or task? He will strengthen you for it.

Do you have ongoing health problems? His promise is for you, too.

Are you a caregiver for an elderly family member? Special strength is yours. No matter what God calls us to do, He gives strength for the task.

I worried about keeping up with the college kids on a tour to Israel, but God saw me through the long journey and carried me on His blessings each day.

Insight: God never gives us a task but that He gives us the strength to get it done.

At this point in time I was thinking of how can I get such big amount of money; doctors fee and operation will cost us a lot. First move is to look for a charity to lessen the bills and the right place is Chinese Hospital in Blumenttrit. Since then, anywhere I go a prayer is uttered silently begging to please atleast it’s not the worse yet. With the Lord’s help and guidance He lead the path to where we should go to. He give us friends who are willing to help financially and spiritually. To the brethren of Imelda Adventist Church, Vivien Subigca and Dayrest, Ma’am Feliciano, Ate Ester, Mrs. Bacud, Imelda Church and to all who extend their help to my sister, Thank you very much.

Dec 26 – We visited Inday Phebe and Tito Roming at the Union’s guesthouse where they arrived earlier from Seattle.

Dec 28 – Around 10am, Jimer and I went to Pier 15 to meet with Tiyo’y Jesher and Manang Fe. In the afternoon, Samuel went to the airport to meet Manong Eman and his family. They all stayed for the night at our humble house and we were able to fit a total of 12 people inside!

Dec 29 – After last minute change of arrangement, it was agreed that we will meet with Manong Jun at NPUM around 9AM. So we all get ready early in the morning and took 3 cabs to fit us all, going to NPUM. When Manong Jun arrived, it was clear that we cannot fit in his Starex if we include our baggages. It was decided that Manong Eman and his family with Jeremy will stay and wait for Manong Leslie while the rest of us went ahead, destination SSD. Here are our pictures at NPUM.

I admit, I was looking forward in visiting SSD since I haven’t been inside the place. My impression, typical Adventist environment, but more spacious and more greenery (if there’s such a word). We went to one of the guest houses and immediately after leaving the van, the kids excitedly went to the mini playground.

When we went inside, new faces showed up: Alex, Manang Sharon and Tiyay, Dawn (whom I have seen for the first time), Manang Gina and her family who arrived the night before, Manang Sheilah’s sons and Inday since Tito Roming was out as well as Manang Sheilah and ‘Nong Nilo. After the SOP greetings and settled in, we had a quick lunch then made arrangement going to Silang. Since Alex will be having his “pamanhikan” in the afternoon also, our family ride along with them. So once were at Putingkahoy, Alex with the seniors (Tiyay, Inday, Nanay) and juniors (Manongs Nilo and Harry) proceeded to Ascel’s place and we were dropped off at Uncle’s place since Samuel and his family were already there waiting. We stayed for sometime at Uncle’s place until we got ready to go to AUP for the final rehearsal.  While waiting, we indulge ourselves with boiled corn for our merienda.

Since Lola Unsay’s (Pasig SDA Church matriarch) house is along the way, we decided to pay her a visit. But as we got near her place, we met Pastor Koch and Che as they are getting ready to go somewhere. They volunteered to drive us to Finster chapel since its a long walk from that place. And upon arrival, Pastor Koch gave each of our children P100 as their belated “pamasko.” We couldn’t be more lucky that day.

At the Finster, we found out that we were really very early since only Manongs Nilo and Harry were there (straight from pamanhikan). After sometime, participants started to arrived as well as other relatives also. The rehearsal finished around 9pm and we realized that our stomachs are growling because we haven’t eaten dinner yet. Uncle Jethro was kind enough to drop us off at Uncle Em’s place.

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Upon arrival, we went straight to the dining table because we’re all famished then got ready for a good night’s sleep.

Dec 30 – the W day. We got up around 6am, with breakfast already waiting c/o our ever accommodating host, Noel, who was up before the sun shone on the horizon. After breakfast, I’ve decided to wash the clothes we wore yesterday because we still don’t know when we will be going home, so its better to have clean clothes ready. Around 11am, we started to get ready for the wedding since our call time is 2:30pm. Nancy have to do make up all five of us. Everyone is busy preparing themselves, however, Len-len is not yet sure if she’ll be able to make it to the wedding since she still has a high temperature since the day before. Then on the last minute, it was decided to let her visit the clinic to make sure that she’ll be alright, so Karen then will take her place as one of the bridesmaid. It’s just luck that they almost have the same body size to fit the gown as well.

We hurriedly went to the venue, and found that almost everybody is present already. After some final instructions, Manangs Sheilah and Gina, the ceremony coordinators, signaled for the start of the wedding, exactly 3pm. The wedding went on smoothly, and generally, almost perfect as rehearsed. I was not able to take pictures earlier because I left the camera in my bag that when I remember to use it, the ceremony is almost nearing the end.

Ascel’s Tita Miriam who was the reception coordinator, left me with more instructions since she will be heading off to the reception to prepare the area in advance. So after the wedding, I have to make sure that I remember her instructions that’s why we were one of those few who left the Finster Chapel last. Upon arrival at the reception, everyone is almost seated, saved from the entourage since they will be acknowledged upon entrance. I seated myself at our designated table before the program starts. During the reception program, we tried to took as much pictures as we can of our relatives since this is just once in a lifetime opportunity to have them all here in one place.  But after the program, the fun begins.  We literally owned the stage and the newly weds presence, by taking pictures in every given opportunity.  We were such a big family that we couldn’t fit the camera in one sitting!
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Upon leaving the reception, we stopped by AUP’s clinic to visit Len-len who was confined early that day due to her high fever. At Uncle Em’s place, as we are preparing for bed, we heard the doorbell rang and Uncle Job’s voice echoed downstairs. Samuel told us that they were inviting us at Manong Leslie’s place to spend the night there. Nanay chose to stay behind since she’s too tired to travel while the rest of us packed our things headed for Silang. We were able to see at last the home of Manong Leslie, and it was large, for our standard. They were very accommodating and was able to make last minute arrangements for our stay.

Dec 31 – We woke up early and told the girls to take a bath already because we don’t know what will our activities for the day. So its better that they’re already finished with this task immediately. Then we heard Manong Leslie’s van and saw Manong Eman, Manangs Rejean and Sharon alighting the van. They were having their early morning stroll around the SSD compound and were met be Manong Leslie along the way, so he invited them to visit his home also. We worshipped together but before that, we had a sort of getting-to-know-you session since Jo was not familiar with all of us yet especially those from Negros.

After breakfast, they went to Manong Jun’s house to visit also. After sometime, we all got in the van to go to SSD. It’s been very cold in SSD not to mention experiencing a light drizzle of rain every now and then. When we reached the guesthouse, the kids immediately went to the mini playground while the rest of us went inside the house. We were served with some more food but I declined since I am still full from our heavy breakfast earlier. Since the weather is not suitable for a picnic at the Picnic Grove as originally planned, we’ll just have a pizza instead. So the Manongs went out to get the pizza. The relatives then come by batches. Uncle Asher and family brought some more food then the folks from Muzon, riding with Uncle Jethro arrived. Then the house were almost filled in every corner. With kids running here and there, others were interested on the one-on-one showdown of videogame with Naruto, chocolates being served every now and then, folks chatting and spontaneous laughter filled the room.

Click here fore more pics!

Then the pizzas arrived! As in P I Z Z A S! There were at least 30 boxes of them piled up on the table, all waiting to be eaten.  No need for second bidding, we immediately start consuming them to our heart’s content.  But it seems that we all have a bad syndrome of pizza overload, because after sometime, there’s still more pizza still waiting to be eaten but we cannot do it anymore.  I myself would not want to see another pizza for the meantime and the kids were of no help at all in defeating those slices.

Since its already mid-afternoon, Samuel’s and my family bid our goodbyes to everyone at the house. Samuel and his family have to go to Tiaong to catch-up with Nancy’s family new year reunion. And for our family, this would be our first new year at our house and we wouldn’t want to have it lonely and uninhibited. Manong Leslie and Uncle Job were kind enough to drop us off in front of AIIAS for our bus to Manila. It was a very memorable and happy experience for everyone. And I’m totally glad that Alex and Ascel had this wedding, or we would not be able to see each other once again. The next question now would be: When will be the next gathering? We’re looking forward to it in the very near future.