Camp's Last Fun Day

On the 3rd day of the our camp, we spent the rest of the day exploring places in Tagaytay.

Our first stop, People's Park in the Sky.

The design was a blend of natural and man-made attraction. This tourist spot perching at the highest point of Tagaytay was our first destination for our tour. Overlooking Taal Lake, Laguna de Bai and Tagaytay Highlands.

There, we've taken thousands of pictures. Photos that after a year, has reminded me how wonderful and glorious GOD had been, creating all the beauty that surrounds us. Making Philippines one of the nicest place to visit and explore. I agree 100%.

I used to think that Philippines has really nothing much to offer to the world. Talking about the economy's stability and government's morality (corruption and killings). However I then came to realize that the more I dig into the negativity of it, the more I drawn myself into it - the more I struggle to survive, the more I blame the government for the increase number of poor people, the lesser the hope for our country to prove itself to the world that it will improve, then I wasn't proud.

But I was wrong! There's always hope for eveything...for there is GOD.

Poised at the very top of the building, looking down over the wonder that GOD had created, I believe that our country has still so much to offer. I believed that change must neither be imposed nor demanded from the government, for it must start from each citizen's attitude towards life. If only and if only we (all - including government officials), as citizens of the Philippines, believe that we can make a difference and a change, be united and act on that belief, then the change will eventually materialize. Making the Philippines a brighter country to live in.

After we enjoyed a couple of hours orbiting the place. We then moved to our next stop, the Picnic Grove.

The place has improved since the last time I went to visit it. There were additional rides and lots of souvenir items were in store. As I remember it, though it has been more than three years since the last time I enjoyed the place, the overall feeling of looking over the majestic Taal Volcano was enough. But when I recently saw it, the potential for it to be a busiest touriest spot is still sprouting.

Just like the People Palace in the Sky, this spot is located on a lower hill, but still overlooking the beautifully crafted Taal Volcano, surrounded by the lake.

Picnic Grove offers several aminities, such as horseback riding, unique kites for rentals, roller blades, and new attractions like Zipline and Cable Car.

We definitely took several pictures of the place, but I'm afraid I haven't found any pictures of my Bro and Sis doing the Zipline thing. Though I remember Sis Jan and Sis Janice enjoyed the ride. Tight as my budget was, I preferred not to.

The place and the company of friends are definitely more than to be enjoyed. And I hold on to it as it's what's more important.

At the end of the day, everyone was exhausted and tired, yet eager to climb and to drift.

Upon the last moment of our camp, there were a whole of reminiscing and realization. And the sense of actualization on what lies ahead.

We were about to be snapped back to reality - we were going home. The three day camp was exceptional. And as I said it was different.

Maybe I haven't mentioned or posted a topic about praising and worshiping within the main hall of the camp, yet the entire trip itself was a praise and worship offered to GOD.


Looking back upon these memories, I thank GOD for all the goodness and greatness, triumphs and victories, mercy and compassion that HE had made possible for us.

I still urge each and everyone to strive to live life to the fullest. No matter what age, gender, or race.

As our time is short here on earth -
Time is short for us not to enjoy the beauty of our nation.
Time is short for us not to use our talents.
Time is short for us not to thank our family, relative and friends for the company, comfort and fun.
Time is short for us not to reminisce the happy times.
Time is short for us not to surpass the trials and overcome fear.
Time is short for us not to forgive and forget.
Time is short for us not to love.
Time is short us not to pray.
And time is so short for us not to praise and worship GOD here in earth.

Therefore, let us make that short time worthwhile - and be overwhelmed for a greater glory in heaven...where short time is no longer present - simply be prepared to embrace eternity.


I offer this blog to GOD, to my family, to Y.A.M.A.N and to all my friends who have walked with me through my journey called life.

Until then...

Faith and Fun Continues...

The fun at camp has not ended yet, in fact it has just started, and is getting even exciting.

Then here comes the game part of the camp. The campers were then again divided into different groups. There were new people in group, young ones and not so young ones - these are campers who's age maybe a year younger than mine and some probably years older.

The good thing about being part of Y.A.M.A.N. is that - age doesn't matter. This ministry believes that as long as you live in Christ, you will always have a heart of a child. Therefore, live young, beautiful and rich (in all aspects of life - but most importantly invest in spirituality).

In every game I considered it as a battle. And in every battle, the strongest emerged as a winner. Since my childhood, I always hate to lose. "Retreat and live than fight and die" had always been may childhood ideals, and it was until I came to know 2 Timothy 4:7.
2 Timothy 4:7 - "I fought the good fight, I finished the race, I kept the faith.

Keeping the faith in all you do is what's important. It was my faith that brought me believing that something good is about to happen in this camp. Indeed - My faith has not failed me.

And Never Fear when you have Faith in your heart - this I realized.

The game organizer had given us a series of instructions for the game. There were different puzzles in the game, and each are to be played by a certain number of players. The puzzles require team effort, team work and team Trust - this is the main function of the gain - to practice Faith.

However Faith without action is nothing. Therefore we believed and we acted on that belief. That each member will surely be able to surpass the trials given, and each one of us believed that we will succeed. To think and strive to win sounds like a gamble - for me it's an act of Faith.

And Faith has not failed us. We have overcome the trials, completed the puzzles, and we've made it first. Turned we were victorious!

The rest of the team did good as well. All were able to finish, time is the only difference.

This game however, unlike any other games where winners were proudly announced, had been different - it acknowledged everyone as victorious. All are winners!

If GOD is in our lives, then consider we are all winners. Romans 8:31 "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?".

Each of us have our own obstacles, trials and problems in life. If we come across Faith, believed in GOD and act on that belief, then we will emerge victorious over problems and heartaches.

Just like the game, we might be victorious over life's puzzles, though there might still be more. then we simply just have patience in dealing with GOD in every puzzles. Because every triumph has it's time, reason and purpose - all for the glory of the Lord our GOD!

The realization that Faith has indeed bound Y.A.M.A.N. (Young Adults) together for the glory of GOD.

And as part of GOD's fellowship, friendship has been given as a gift. We all had another fun moments after the game - another gift given by heavens.

As what Ralph Waldo Emerson (essayist) had noted : "The only way to have a friend is to be one.", and since "no man is an island", people need friends to company each other. And I realized that I won't have many if I'm not a friend myself. And most of us would agree that real and loyal friends are treasures you can never find once lost - therefore gaining and keeping loyal and trusted friends is more than winning.

Do you consider yourself as a winner?

Romans 8:31 "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?".

The Camp Continues...

So as the first day had passed, then comes the second day - mind nurturing around early in the morning, then comes a whole lot of fun and enthusiasm for the rest of the day.

The learning obtained from our pastors has to be simplified in our own personal life. We were then divided into smaller groups for sharing and testimonies.

Lives of every individuals have been so different, yet linked. Problems that concerns young adults about love and life have been discussed. When you are in a group learning and discovering something, you will always find a certain topic that will open another topic to a deeper realization of life.

And every lessons discussed, I can certainly relate myself into. It was another learning piled up as an added weapon and armor upon life's journey. I have learned and will still continue to learn.


Then the fun comes.

I was a bit dismay for I have not saved a whole lot of pictures during the camp. But was optimistic to realize that there's a multiply.com. I then gathered a whole lot of pictures from Bro Harold, Bro Jonard and Sis Thess collections in their album, and was starstruck with what I saw.

Another picture perfect scenes were collected and will be forever reminisced.

After we've listened to our pastors, ate together, known each other (some are still on getting-to-know each other until now), teach each other, shared tears and comforted one another - I think, as sons and daughters of GOD, we truly deserved happiness - in fact that GOD wants us to be happy and enjoy life.

This picture was taken just right outside the hall. Can't make any comment on those, the pictures simply tell a whole lot of stories that you'll find very interesting.

Le'mme give you some trick, each picture has a story to tell. They're not on the right order and who knows if they'll ever be. But you can make one if you like.

And when you're done, there's only one thing for sure upon thinking closely on these pictures - I have just made your imaginations work for you. Isn't it cool?! And I just got another one.

This picture was taken shortly after the first one. I bet you want to make stories out of these pictures? Can't help you with that, but please help yourself.

And when you're done on your imaginations, please don't it again. Hahaha!

Campers had so much fun...it shows!

The camp has not only mold us to be better persons, but has created a unique individual that promotes friendship and unity. The friendship that enticed each one to become better, not just a person but a Christian through the journey called life.

Fear Factor vs. Faith Factor

Whew!

It has been a year since the last time I peeked on my blog. Some of you might have been wondering where have I gone.

Well the answer seems pretty obvious, I've been around looking for picture perfect moments for this post. Hmmmm...have I just given you an acceptable alibi? Okay, it will probably take another year to explain where and what I have gone through, but to make it short...I've been "busy". Believe me, it's harder for me to explain than understanding it.

So for the sake of this blog, I'll refresh you with memories that had happened during our Y.A.M.A.N. camp. As I have been stressing on the pre-blogs, it was remarkably different.

Fear Factor vs. Faith Factor

I could not remember the exact date but it was one of May's Friday night. I remember bringing my stuffs (backpack) at work, had a busy day and feel relieved to know that I'll then again be traveling to another place where I haven't been to.

The group met up at Folk Arts Theater. The "Bulwagan ng Panginoon", the same place where Day By Day Community praise and worship.

When I arrived, the group was already there. All things were packed and ready. The anticipation even grew when I've seen new faces joining the camp. The thought of new people, going to a new place to praise and worship GOD had boosted up my energy to participate in this camp even more. Y.A.M.A.N. will be accommodating a bigger family after this event. And after a year of reminiscing, yes I was right, it did.

Many people had physically left Y.A.M.A.N., (ok so I myself included), but not the hearts. And this camp had brought people together - again. And the best thing about this camp?! - it has brought us to another level of relationship - a much more deeper friendship, closer to GOD.

From Folk Arts Theater, riding in a van, we travelled for almost more than two hours to reach Tagaytay (camping area). As I remember it, 2 vans (including ours), even got lost finding the place. We've gone far enough to know that we were in another province (Batangas). Funny as it was but the thrill of adventure has just started.

The pictures will tell it all.

Because we have lost our way, we arrived late in the camping site. The area was really not a scout-campsite, as I always thought it was.

That thinking of scout-camping was introduced to me when I attended one of the YFC (Bacolod Area) Camping Event held at the lower part of Mt. Kanlaon. Scout-camping was a total adventure, exciting and fun, though I wasn't really prepared for such an event - indeed, I wasn't scoutboy that time. Since then I think that camping was always like that, thus I make myself ready all the time - I have been a boyscout since.

In this camp, we didn't have to build tents or make fire to cook food. We stayed in a building (our camping site).

The building is sort of a 2 story coliseum, just a smaller one. A large door meets you at the entrance. Blocked by a huge bulletin board, a large meeting hall occupies the center for all events. Corridors and rooms occupy both the left and right upper and lower wing of the building. It was a very good venue for another spiritual camp. A totally different one, indeed.

The entire picture of the building, from the outside, looks like a church. Aside from it's architectural design, it's on pure white.

Shortly after we arrived, house rules were given. then we were gathered in groups (depending on our assigned room), and have been provided instructions on what to do next. I just can't remember really what the instructions were, except that I have fallen into a deep sleep - that I'm sure.

Then breakfast came.

We didn't have to cook - the best part of the camp. The cafeteria is located on the left side of the main building.

There were eight long tables to be shared by the campers. We ate on the same time together, but on our table we ate by groups. Male on the right and ladies on the left row of tables.

Foods were great, pinoy-style cooked meals were served - making you feel at home. Servings were simple, yet it was a sumptous feast. To make it even more at home, Bro Val preferred a hot cup of taho instead, though I remembered I grabbed a cup of tahoo too. Perfect breakfast.

Several pastors have joined us in our camp. They've shared their wisdom on topics concerning fear and faith, young and old, life and death. Indeed, through them, GOD had manifested in our camp. It was a remarkably different one - and I was grateful to be part of it.

Pastor Ed shared more on Life - Fear and having Faith. The choices that each one of us will make and the faith that holds us to GOD to make the appropriate choices in life.

Pastor Gammy testified GOD's works in his life's journey as a pastor and a father. How he struggled through difficult times and situations. How GOD manifested His compassion in his life. How GOD comforted him amidst the pain and prejudices. How wonderful GOD at all times - and I believe GOD is good all the time!

Just like most of us, I too have felt the same pain, and as a person who have heard the same cry - I definitely undertand. I have to mention that I was one who's tears flowed upon hearing Pastor Gammy's testimony. There was a warm feeling after that, comforting in a way that I could never understand. For me it was GOD manifesting His presence among us - even closer.

This was only the first day, yet we have two more fun days that I'll share...until then...

Faith Factor

It was totally a different one. The feeling has just not faded yet, and I hope it will stay for good.

The anticipated moment drew nearer. And though the entire scenario as to where to go, who are going with, and what are to be expected weren't clear, there's something in this activity that excites me most. I'm sure it another journey to a place that I've never been to.

The excitement of discovering new areas, for me, in this planet. Places where some people might have been before, few have seen at times or none has ever experienced at all. All of these I want to see and feel, in which I'm sure GOD would like me to experience.

And when all seemed so perfect, a thought bumped my mind as to what am I going to do in this camp? I haven't been involved with Y.A.M.A.N. for quite sometime - therefore I wouldn't enjoy it that much. I might waste my time, effort and my friend's money (Thanks Bro Bren for being a channel of GOD's plan for me). The thought had gotten worst when Bren had plans of not coming due to his aching tooth. Woah! It could mean one thing, the trip might no longer possible for me too.

The anticipation had suddenly changed to anti-participation. Series of questions ran through my head. What are my options? Where will I be if I won't go? When will I feel peace? Why do I have doubts? Am I having lots of Fears?

And just when I was about to quit. I remembered my notebook's cover with a phrase : "Walk with Faith!" , and so faith came.

Those questions which I have asked earlier had remarkably turned upside down. Still I got lots and lots of questions, but all of them now flows with optimism, with full conviction. What do I have to lose? My GOD stays at my side anyway. Where is the highest peak that I could go to? I got GOD's wings to help me soar high. When will be the soonest time to burst out, sing praises and shout for joy? Why would I let doubt interfere when in fact I hold GOD's trust in me?

Never Fear when you have Faith in your heart.

Several definitions of Faith runs across www.dictionary.com. As for me, Faith is something I believe in, seen or unseen, the trust in GOD and in His promises as made through Jesus Christ.

Only then that I knew, all along, it was faith that brought me believing that something good is about to happen in this camp. Indeed - My faith has not failed me.

I'll fill you up with picture perfect moments. And as I always say, let the pictures tell the entire story of my Journey to Mission Camp.

Hope you will enjoy, co'z despite my sneezing and running nose, I did 100%.

Fear Factor

It was totally a different one. The feeling has just not faded yet, and I hope it will stay for good.

That's what pops out of my mind whenever I think of the camp that I've recently joined in. Out of the stressful work and busy life in Manila, I was so grateful that I was able to make an escape and be revitalized again.

It wasn't so sudden, but the days had made it quick. About a month or two ago, my close friend and brother in church, Bren, informed me that there's an upcoming Y.A.M.A.N Camp sometime in May. I wasn't so sure about it yet, as I have already made my plans to visit my cousin in Cebu around May 14 - 25, to celebrate her 28th birthday. In short, Bren's message had slowly faded.

My excitement grows as days passed by. Seeing my cousin and again be able to step in the Queen Island of the South had been my inspiration in waking up each day, full of energy, knowing that there's something ahead waiting for me.

However, things have changed. On the last week of April, my cousin advised me that she has enrolled in an IT Course in which she has to give her full time and attention. Ouch! I thought, my plans are ruined. But then, it was my cousin's choice and I always respect her decisions in life, therefore I thought I could still go to Cebu and just be there myself. Lonesome as I think of it so I have to think of other plans. I have plans visiting my online-game friends in Bacolod, but it wasn't what my heart dictated. A thought of visiting my grandmother and relatives on the northern part of Negros even came across my mind, but my heart did not find peace on that thought.

I was then full of dismay, thinking that the first week of May had passed by, and nothing have I done and accomplished but all stress from work. I cried a lot. Life seemed full of fear, so meaningless now. Without me knowing it...my God heard all my cries.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. – Matthew 11:28-30

Suddenly, HIS message, in a form of text, made it clearer. I was then again introduced to join the camp.

Could this be possible? I asked. In times when you think you have "good things" under control, GOD simply takes it away and replaced it with "best things" you can never imagine. Indeed, in GOD, nothing is impossible - I agree 100%!

Just Remembered

February 14, 2009

Heart's day as they call it, but it's more than heart's day for me. It was a day full of love and unity, bond and trust unite.


I woke up early and was excited to celebrate the day with my family and closest friends. Since I am single and is still "looking", I tried to spend the day fruitful, in thoughts and in my heart.


I decided to spend it with my close friend and buddy in Church, as I believed it would be a nice day to talk about things in life, lessons that my workplace had never provided.


It was a long talk with movie watch in between. The movie didn't seem to have so much impact on me, but what made that day meaningful and fun was when I took the ferry ride back home.



Just as my friend dropped me off the port, so has the ferry arrived. I departed alone with other people. I realized I was the only person who rode the ferry without any companion. Most are teenage couples, holding hands, smiling at each other. Some are old couples, still holding hands, and talking with so much endearment. The rest are middle age couples with kids clinging on their arms happily boarding the ferry. Am I alone?

Lonesome as it may seemed, but I kept my eyes wide open and be busied on sceneries alongside the river. As the ferry drifted along, I was caught by the video that has been viewed for a couple of minutes just right after all passengers have boarded.


And to my surprise, it was my favorite band playing "Air Supply".


My priorities shifted, from the outside scenes to the big screen in front of me.


Air Supply's live band performance on a recorded video disc, playing right in front of me. I never got to see to one, but I always hear them sing every Sunday morning when my uncle turns his "component" on.


It was somewhere in the middle of their performance when I realized that I started to sing along with the band. And to my surprise, it wasn't only me who was singing, but the lady beside me as well, while her boyfriend, I assumed, leaning on her shoulders. Gosh! Sweet isn't it?.


The song was "All Out of Love". I guess you heard it, and most probably have sung the song many times as I did.


The song echoed inside the boat, and as I looked around, I saw almost everybody's now singing the same song that I'm singing.


I got this feeling that I could hardly imagine. It was almost like heaven. So it is indeed possible that even during crisis times, trouble hours and hardships, for just a couple of seconds to a single minute, people in all genres could be united in a song, people could become one in spirit.

Do you ever think what will happen if all these people could be one in Christ? I think the feeling would be more than a song...it could be a rhythm that never ends.


I could still feel that thrill of excitement every time I remembered all the details on that trip that I made. It was one of best days of this year. Loveless as you may described me that time, but I was never Out of Love of Christ.


Till then...