CAMPING 2010

Camping 2010, with a theme: Instilling the Spirit of Unity and Accountability, was held last 18-20 February at Anhawan Beach Resort, Oton, Iloilo. The annual activity aims to enhance the learners' sense of camaraderie, leadership, survival skills and independence. Learners from Grade Four to 4th Year joined the said activity.

	Camping 2010 opened with all members of each team showing off their cheer dance prowess, and followed by the surprised tent set-up competition. The four teams were engrossed in outmaneuvering each other in swimming, show time, volleyball, team building, indoor games in the first day, plus more exciting events in the evening such as ranger games.
	Moreover, in between these events on the first day, learners listened to series of talks conducted by the Philippine National Red Cross and Boy Scout of the Philippines. The campers learned about the importance of first aid and survival cooking in the bamboo, among others.
	On the second day, the high school learners learned managing time and pressures by listening to a lecture conducted by Mr. Timothy Bantola, while elementary learners had fun art designs with Ms. Beulah Gerada-Villaruel. The much awaited search for Mr. and Ms. ISA 2010 in the evening culminated the 2-day great event.

 

Jordan Escapade

Last 26 February, the Seniors with their adviser and Social Studies facilitator visited prominent places in Jordan, the capital town of Guimaras province.

	Their first stop was the Municipal Hall of Jordan. After a brief stay there, they visited the Guimaras Provincial Monument and Museum. It is a one-story building with accessible wing leading to the main hall. Atop the building is a monument: a sculpture of a man with fishing tool and a plow, symbolizing the two main sources of livelihood of most Guimarasnons. The structure serves as landmark of the province as well as a memorabilia of the Pagtaltal sa Balaan Bukid.
	The group toured the well-known Guimaras Mango Research Institute and Plantation. They stayed for two hours to explore its vast mango plantation. It was a tiring but great experience for the learners to witness firsthand how agricultural workers earn their living. Passing by its fine-sand beaches and enchanting scenery, the learners realize that Guimaras is not only famous for its sweet mangoes but is an excellent destination for leisure, as well. The learners have their lunch and short rest in the cool and windy Raymen Beach Resort, enjoying the beautiful beach front view and the deliciously prepared fresh sea foods.
	Their last stop was a perfect place for reflection to those who seek the solace and self examination through meditation and retreat from hectic materialistic world, the Trappist Monastery. This is the only men's monastery in the Philippines ran by Cistercian Order of Strict Observance, established in 1972. The place welcomes guests who wish to spend days or even weeks of prayer, meditation and retreats. The learners stayed there for almost an hour before heading home.

 

Sophomores' Photo Safari

Second year learners spent a day to complete their educational tour and photo safari in Guimaras on 26 February. They named their picture-taking spree as "Explore Guimaras". Mr. Rodgen M. Jabor, Social Studies Head Facilitator and Field Trip Coordinator, and Ms. Aura Carmela Ferrariz, Biology Facilitator planned the trip with the help of Ms. Marietta Benedicto, Tourism In-charge of Buenavista, Guimaras.

	The activity was an integration of Science and Social Studies, providing the learners an excellent opportunity to compose beautiful photograph, applying what they learned from the Basic Photography workshop conducted by Mr. Rodgen M. Jabor.