Note: Most of the places where we held our outings were somewhat affordable (meaning less than P 1,000/head) contribution inclusive of the potluck. If you read this, you'd be pretty much sure where I'm from.
Warning (to my high school friends): This contains old photos, whether you like it or not.
Year 6.
Year 7.
Warning (to my high school friends): This contains old photos, whether you like it or not.
Year 1.
2001. Villa Filomena Resort, Marilao, Bulacan
- bonding time of the incoming fourth year high school students. The root of it all.
Year 2.
2002. Jogima Resort, Bulacan, Bulacan
- It was held after our graduation day, and our class adviser was with us. This was the cheapest outing that we ever had. All of us had no money then, and just to get through, we did boodle fight, and our only food was tilapia and rice while those in the neighboring cottage was feasting. We turned things into positive by saying out loud, "Ilabas na ang lechon, ang mga gintong kutsara, etc..." but in reality, we were all dead broke.
Year 3.
Year 3.
2003. Bonbon Resort, Bulacan, Bulacan
- It was our first outing at Bonbon Resort, and though it was not a private resort, it seemed as if we rented the whole resort because no one else was there.
Year 4.
March 30, 2004. Jogima Resort, Bulacan, Bulacan
- Our second time at Jogima Resort. One of the outings with the most number of attendees. This photo was taken at the church patio when we saw our high school teacher while we were waiting for the others. Which reminded me that almost always, we spent half-day waiting for more attendees.
Year 5.
2005. Bonbon Resort, Bulacan, Bulacan
- Our second time at Bonbon Resort. This was the first time that we had lots of food for the outing.
- Our second time at Bonbon Resort. This was the first time that we had lots of food for the outing.
Year 6.
2006. Villa Vicencio Resort, Dampalit, Malabon
- For the first (and last) time, I was not able to join. Good thing I passed my exam in flying colors! The photo here was from our class president and head organizer of our annual outing.
- For the first (and last) time, I was not able to join. Good thing I passed my exam in flying colors! The photo here was from our class president and head organizer of our annual outing.
Year 7.
April 14, 2007. Jed's Island Resort, Calumpit, Bulacan
- Since we continuously wanted to deviate from the Bonbon or Jogima route, this time we got a bit farther and headed to Calumpit. We were supposed to go to DJ Paradise Resort in Malolos but the said resort was fully booked and we were wait listed on the cottage so we decided to change our venue. This was our first overnight outing.
Year 8.
May 2-4, 2008. Morong, Bataan
- Our longest outing to date, and the first and only time we headed to the beach (courtesy of one of our friends). It was the first time I've gone on a boat in the sea and jumped with life vest on and I was so scared then. This photo with the pawikan was taken at the Pawikan Conservation Center. While we were island hopping, something unfortunate happened to one of my friends and I became afraid of corals since then.
- Our longest outing to date, and the first and only time we headed to the beach (courtesy of one of our friends). It was the first time I've gone on a boat in the sea and jumped with life vest on and I was so scared then. This photo with the pawikan was taken at the Pawikan Conservation Center. While we were island hopping, something unfortunate happened to one of my friends and I became afraid of corals since then.
Year 9.
May 16, 2009. Southspring Villas, Pansol, Laguna
- First time to head South. This was a guesthouse that we rented overnight and the highlight of this outing was the games with prizes sponsored by our very generous seaman friend.
- First time to head South. This was a guesthouse that we rented overnight and the highlight of this outing was the games with prizes sponsored by our very generous seaman friend.
Year 10.
April 24-25, 2010. Villa Bern, Pansol, Laguna
- Headed South again. This was an overnight trip, too. What I remember the most: videoke!
- Headed South again. This was an overnight trip, too. What I remember the most: videoke!
Year 11.
April 9-10, 2011. Villa Concepcion, Pandi, Bulacan
- Back to base. Sadly, there were only a few of us in this outing, but we were still able to make it through. Our "facilitator" was not able to join here because he was sick, so we had to find ways to have fun (it's never the same without him, hehe).
Year 12.
May 5-6, 2012. St. Agatha Resort, Guiguinto, Bulacan
-(something to look forward to this weekend)
For the past three years, I've been transformed to an extreme lakwatsera reaching even the remotest places and the highest mountains. But nonetheless, this summer outing with my high school batchmates would remain to be one of my simple joys in life and it would always be my priority no matter how simple it may seem. In events like these, it's not about conquering new heights or setting a new record for myself - it's getting back to my roots that had a great contribution to what I am now, to what we all are now. It's about deep-seated friendship, and a bond so strong and beyond compare.
As a side note, my mom asked earlier where our meeting place would be, and I told her, the same old church patio. She told me that maybe even when we get too old with our walking sticks on, we would still meet there once a year during summer. With the dozen years of keeping the tradition, the thought seemed feasible.
And to our friends who are already working abroad, come back and join us, guys! We miss you!
-(something to look forward to this weekend)
For the past three years, I've been transformed to an extreme lakwatsera reaching even the remotest places and the highest mountains. But nonetheless, this summer outing with my high school batchmates would remain to be one of my simple joys in life and it would always be my priority no matter how simple it may seem. In events like these, it's not about conquering new heights or setting a new record for myself - it's getting back to my roots that had a great contribution to what I am now, to what we all are now. It's about deep-seated friendship, and a bond so strong and beyond compare.
As a side note, my mom asked earlier where our meeting place would be, and I told her, the same old church patio. She told me that maybe even when we get too old with our walking sticks on, we would still meet there once a year during summer. With the dozen years of keeping the tradition, the thought seemed feasible.
And to our friends who are already working abroad, come back and join us, guys! We miss you!
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