Misadventures and memorable experiences: The 11th IKV in Bohol -Part 3

A rainy morning at Plaza Rizal

May 3

It rained all morning. :[

Enough to force the organizers to cancel the IKV Power Run scheduled early this morning. We woke up very early intending to join this estimated 1.8 kilometer run only to see Plaza Rizal and St. Joseph Cathedral devoid of any participants or organizers.

Some would be participants like us eventually showed up. But by that time it was quite obvious there would be no more torch passing fun run all the way up to the HNU oval track.

St. Joseph Cathedral

Waiting for the fun run that morning gave us time to visit the church that sheltered us from the rains.

The Church of Tagbilaran otherwise known as St. Joseph Cathedral was one of the original six parishes founded by the Jesuits in Bohol. In 1798, the original church structure built by the Jesuits was burned. It was reconstructed and enlarged from 1839 – 1855. Other improvements were made including the construction of a convent during the 19^th century.

Disappointed but still all smiles (With South A-9 would be participants
in the cancelled Power Run)

The Power Village is drenched in rain

The South Sector delegates were kind enough to give us a lift to HNU. The site that we saw was kind of a downer. The whole IKV village was drenched in rain rendering the open courts unusable including the basketball courts. Cancellation of the “Basketball 5 on 5” contest would have greatly frustrated Sonny Boy who was looking forward very much to play for the sector. Some of the other sports competitions were continued in the only covered space wide enough for such competitions.

Organizers are forced to look for new venues for some of the competitions

But as always, when a door of opportunity shuts close in front of our faces, God opens a window for the kids. After lunch, we were informed that a different basketball court had been identified for the basketball games.

Big North prays over the sector’s basketball team

The team is in high spirits

A funny thing about traveling in the provinces. Rural folk have a somewhat different sense of distance. We were informed that the basketball court of the barangay we were to go to was “dyan lang” (just nearby). In reality, the trek to the place I think reached a distance of roughly 5 kilometers. Yup...dyan lang!

Sonny Boy starts at the opening tip-off against KFC Batangas

Players scramble for the ball

Sonny Boy struggled offensively missing all his 13 attempts which included several foul shots. The other players didn’t really fair much better.

Our basketball players had talent. But the lack of time to practice together, to establish fluidity and chemistry in their games proved to be the crucial key to any winning aspirations. Metro Manila West clobbered them in their only game today due to a knock out system where one loss meant your team’s out.

Sonny Boy shoots from the foul line

It was a valiant effort nonetheless. Our boys may have lost but they definitely did not lose their sportsmanlike disposition.

A ‘Kodak’ moment inside the Island City Mall (ICM)

From the basketball competitions, our group proceeded to the Island City Mall where some of the creative competitions were being held. We gave moral support to the Lapac sisters, Rean and Bea who were participants to the “Power of Two” contest. Bea later also sang solo under the “Power Voice” competitions.

The Lapac sisters belt it out during the IKV singing competitions held inside ICM

Down but not out – KFC North B remained united and jubilant amidst heartbreaking losses

After a long day, everyone simply wanted to unwind and have fun.

In Bohol, fun meant swimming in the white sandy beaches of Panglao Island! So to Panglao we went and had a night of camaraderie and enjoyment at a place called Dumaluan Beach Resort beside the more famous Bohol Beach Club.

Jollibee meal dinner at Panglao Island!

The kids frolicked at Panglao’s white sandy beach

Quickly the hours passed by, as the kids and I enjoyed night swimming at the cool and inviting waters of the beach. As a result, we only had a few hours for some shut eye in the beach cottages before we all left for Tagbilaran early in the morning.

May 4

I didn’t get the chance to bring other clothes from the hotel as we went straight to the beach from the mall. So the cold wind and drizzle that morning made me really shiver as I wore the same clothes I had worn and swam with the night before.

Meridian’s hotel beds and bath room were a welcome sight for us. We spent the next few hours to catch some more sleep and clean ourselves up.

The IKV officially ended this morning. By the time we were back at HNU, it was all over. At least, I got the chance to talk again to Bro. Joe Tale, our present Director for Couples for Christ and reiterated my intent to invite him for future CFC talks in our chapter.

A misunderstanding between two of our coordinators handling our tickets left us with no reservation and tickets for the ship going back to Manila. I had to wait and talk to Jane Nagrampa – the Singles for Christ (SFC) full-timer in charge of travel arrangements to help us out of this problem. Jane was very helpful yet no full confirmation could be given as of the moment with regard to our tickets.

Another misunderstanding with some other coordinators left us three at the North B home base with no lunch food. Thankfully, God always provided for us. SFC Rommel Lopez after hearing of our plight went somewhere and then returned back with 3 Jollibee lunch meals. God bless you, Rommel!

We went back and stayed at the Meridian for the rest of the afternoon.

If to further compound our worries, several brownouts occurred that day no doubt due to the rains.

We had dinner at Payag Restaurant that night. We practically ordered the same stuff. No problem with us. It was as delicious as the first time we ordered them.

Rommel Lopez, stayed with us at the hotel that night also waiting confirmation for his own ticket.

May 5

We checked out of the Meridian by 2:00 am for the Port of Tagbilaran.

Thanks to the efforts of Ate Jane, she was able to work something out with regard to our tickets. We ended up with more expensive but definitely better accommodations at the ship bound for Manila, the Superferry No. 5. Sonny Boy and I received Cabin tickets for a room at the Gold area.

Jane got a cheaper Yellow area ticket for Clark but because he was under my care I asked him to stay with us in the State room. Rommel also got his ticket back home so all’s well, ends well.

We finally left the Port of Tagbilaran by around 5 o’clock in the morning.

The ship had a little side trip to the port of Cebu by around 10:15am. It wasn’t a long stay. By around 11am, we were back to sea.

The trip back to Manila was relatively less difficult. Our room had its own comfort room and a TV set to boot. There were definitely no long lines at the cafeteria for cabin passengers. The only hassle was the air conditioning system inside the room which wasn’t really functioning that well. It was warm enough in the room that I often break into a sweat. Still, it was heaven compared to our previous trip. Enough comfort that other kids (and coordinators) often stayed in our room. In fact, some of the kids slept there overnight as everyone enjoyed each other’s company.

Earlier that night, North B had a blast as delegates, young ones and young once alike took turns in singing to one’s delight with the ship’s karaoke machine.

May 6

Finally, we arrived in Manila minutes past 11:00 in the morning. We didn’t have anyone to pick us up but by God’s grace, a parent from North B 5 offered us a ride to Quezon City, enabling us to arrive home safe and early in the afternoon.

Thank you Lord for reminding us especially the kids, that there is strength in prayer. You are the source of that strength which you give to those who ask in prayer to do what is good in their daily lives.

Thank you Lord for reminding us of the daily blessings we receive from you and how you give us the power to share such blessings and good news of Your love to others.

Thank you Lord making us realize we all have the power to build and make our homes, our environment and our country into better places.

Thank you Lord for our first journey to Bohol! Despite difficulties and inconveniences, the 11^th IKV was a momentous event to remember.

Thank you Lord, for a safe trip home!