The last time I had a "real" retreat was way back in sixth grade. It was an overnight stay @ Tagaste Retreat House in Tagaytay. I've only had recollections during my freshman to junior years which is why I was excited and at the same time sad knowing that I would be having my first and last retreat as a high school student this year.
Now that it's done, I find myself wishing I could just go back and relive every second of it. It was a very timely experience because I was going through so much. 2012 has been a tough year for me! (Let us not talk about the reasons, yes? Haha!) It was amazing how three long days were able to cure almost, if not all, the wounds I have accumulated throughout the 8 months that have passed.
Here are some photos from my 3 day stay at Angel's hills in Tagaytay :
DAY 1
We left CSR at around 1 and arrived at the retreat house at around 3 something. We were gathered at the session hall and we were oriented about the house rules, given our dorm assignments, etc.
She was the girl who gave us the orientation. Mehe.
After which, we proceeded to our dorms. St. Cecilia was assigned to Dorm A-I while St. Rita and St. Bernadette to Droms B-I and B-II respectively.
Two of my batchmates enjoying the double-decker bed!! lol HAHA
Me with my classmate, Jill! :)
After resting and changing into whichever attire we were most comfortable in, we were asked to proceed to the Session hall to have our merienda and meet one of our facilitators, Kuya Nomer!
These are my classmates (L-R) : Gwen, Shanise and Gia
Kuya Nomer introducing himself. HEHE WHAT A CUTIE
At around 6, we were given free time. Luckily, I was able to get to talk to Kuya Nomer and ask for some advice. He was a smart person, I could tell. I remember him telling me " Ang pagmmove-on, hindi yan totoo. Teorya lang yan. Walang taong makakapagsabi sayo kung paano ka magmmove on. Kailangan mong matutunan ang natural na proseso ng buhay dahil kung hindi magiging natural ang proseso ng paglilimot mo, kalokohan lang ito. Ang wag na wag mong gagawin ay gumawa ng mga bagay para kalimutan siya..dahil hindi mo alam, siya pa rin ang iniisip mo at di ka makakalimot sa ganung paraan." As our conversation grew deeper, He gave me even more striking comebacks, I cannot forget when he said : "Yan ang pinakamalaking ka-abnormalan ng mga abnormal. Mahal pero di naman kayang sabihin, hindi kayang ipaglaban. tapos kapag nawala sakanila dahil napunta sa iba o nalaman nung tao sa maling paraan, masasaktan. Bakit kasi kailangan mong isipin na babae ka at kung anong sasabihin nila? Wala namang masama sa magmahal ah. Higit sa lahat, bakit SILA muna? Hindi ba pwedeng AKO muna?"
We had to cut the talking because we were scheduled to have our exposition at 630. We proceeded to the chapel and afterwards had dinner.
We went back to our dorms to rest and again, back to the session hall at 830. There we met our other 2 facilitator who came late because they still had class. Kuya Kit and Kuya RV!
Doing the gestures Kuya RV instructed us to do.
HAHA Meet my friends (L-R) Gwen, Al, Lex, Ariann and Marcen!
It was a pretty chill session. Lol. We were asked to "close our eyes and do the dougie"..Why? 'cause Kuya RV said! =)) Also, we were given our "buddy" assignments. The session ended at around 10.
DAY 2
Our day started at around 7 am. Had breakfast and spent the free time roaming around Angel's Hills. Most of us were either sabaw or sleepy eor too hyper. Lol.
One of my most favorite photos from the Retreat. That's my girl right there ♥
Isn't she gorgeous? she's a close friend of mine as well. Lexi! :)
The sessions were either very dramatic or very funny. The parents' letters were also distributed in the afternoon.
The mass on the 2nd day, btw, is by far the best mass I've ever attended my entire life. During the homily, each class presented in their own creative way how they see themselves in the future.
After dinner, we had the affirmation and candle activity. It was the most emotional part of the retreat because we got to say our "sorry s", "thank you s" and "i forgive you s".
Day 2 was prolly the longest day among the three. Our session ended at around 11. Most of us didn't sleep tho! lol haha
DAY 3
Most of us woke up late. We had breakfast and then proceeded for the last time to the Session hall to wrap up everything we've learned.
Check out my swollen eyes lol =))
Auti Maddie is Auti!! =))
(L-R) Eka, Me, Trisha and Angela
Everyone's favorite!! Kuya Nomer ♥
We left at around 1 something and arrived at around CSR at 4. It was my first time to experience a salubong which is why I volunteered to share during the program. :)
Sept 5-7, 2012 are so far the best 3 days of my life. Not only did it draw me closer to God but also to my batch mates. No words can express how glad and thankful I am to have met 85 such amazing individuals. You guys have taught me things that turned me into a better person. In a couple months, we'll all be parting ways. To be honest, I'm not ready but I know that through God's help I will be. If ever anyone from our batch is reading this now, please know that even if I meet tons of other "awesome" people in college, you guys would still have a special place in my heart. Incase you're wondering why this post is entitled "optimus", it's because optimus is our batch name. Lol. Hehe.
