REDISCOVERED IN PUERTO GALERA

Last June 2008, the Single Professionals of Victory Fairview had a retreat in Puerto Galera. It is located in Oriental Mindoro which is a 4 hour travel from Manila. Dubbed as “Singles’ Rediscovered,” the retreat was a whole lot of fun, games and activities.

Bus Ride

We left Fairview at 7:00 am in the morning through a 38 seater bus. Since only 30 people were able to join, we still had more space for our bags and other stuff. We arrived in Batangas Port at around 10:00 am. Well, as we expected a beeline of people welcomed us at the terminal. Nonetheless, getting our boat tickets wasn’t really a problem because our contact at the resort helped us for early booking.

Boat Ride

The motorboat that carries around 100 people was running steadily above the water surface. Then few minutes later we found ourselves pointing and clicking our digital cameras toward every island we passed by. It was fun looking at those tiny islands on both sides of the boat.

White Beach

We reached the White Beach of Puerto Galera at 11:00 am. We eagerly strode upon the off-white sand though not as powdery as that of Boracay. It’s much better however compare to other beaches I’ve already been. We stayed at White Beach Lodge, a two-storey concrete inn that we found cheaper from the rest. P2,500 per room a day is already good for 4-5 persons. It has a big balcony on the second floor and a function hall in front.

Island Games

After lunch, we went to a nearby island about 15 minute boat ride. I forgot the name of the island but the sand is also white and powdery. Good thing about it was that our group was the only one in the island. It was like an exclusive place preferably reserved for us. So the game begins! First, we were divided into three groups and were asked to make our own cheering chant and dance presentation. We were given only 15 minutes to complete it. After few discussions, we came up with our own ideas and presented. Sad to say, some of us forgot the lyrics and the dance steps (including me, hehe!) so our group didn’t win.

The next game was more physical and difficult. Imagine, getting a peso coin from a bowl of flour using our mouth? Not only that, we took some catfish and transferred it to a small pan, dove a clue over the water, guessed the name of about 10 international flags and dug a puzzle underneath the sand. After arranging the puzzle, we still need to answer the riddle that was written on it. What a straining and mind-boggling game! You guessed it right, we were the last team to finish, hehe!

Afternoon Stroll

When we finished the game, we went to another island to swim and snorkel. But as for me, I chose to stay in our boat and chat with the boat drivers. Then we went back to the White Beach at 5pm. The afternoon sunset was dramatic and full of vibrant colors. Thanks to Ptr. Arnold for handling me his DSLR camera to take pictures of the winning team as they rode the banana boat, I also had the opportunity to take shots of the beautiful seascape.

Evening Fun

We assembled at the lodge’ function hall dressed with our luau costume. To our delight, a sumptuous dinner was served: Ensaladang talong, liempo and tinola with rice and fruits. Afterward, we had our praise and worship. Ptr. Arnold gave a short message and we were greatly encouraged to rediscover ourselves. As soon as the session was finished, we went out to the beach and took our photos, played the guitar and hang out at the beach’ food stalls.

Morning Walk

I woke up at 5pm and walked at the shore with Iya, Jecris and James. Iya was wearing a black shirt and a black batik pants and we were amused of the black dog following her.

Whenever she stops, the dog stops and whenever she walks, the dog also walks. Anyway, we had our quiet time at the big rock on the right end of the beach. The pink rays of the early morning sun filled our sight as we sat on the sand. When I opened my Bible, Psalm 91:1-2 caught my attention. It spoke clearly to me that I began to cry and pray.

Upon coming back to the lodge, I took my guitar and played some worship songs with my small group members: Babes, Karen, Stella and Irene. Ahh, it was really great praising God in the morning especially on the beach.

Breakfast was served when we entered the hall: tapa, hotdog, egg and fried rice. Then again we had our praise and worship and a message from Ptr. Arnold. We had a group discussion right after and shared more about ourselves.

Goodbye Puerto Galera!

After taking our lunch: chopseuy, chicken, rice and banana, we prepared ourselves to leave. But as we waited for the motor boat, we had more time to sing at the videoke inside the hall. Of course, everybody who loves to sing had their turn!

At 1:00 pm we started to leave. We really had fun together doing our activities and all of us got the chance to rediscover ourselves, find new friends and experience God's presence.

Place: White Beach, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Travel Date: June 13-14, 2008

Budget: Php 2,200.00