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!

Misadventures and memorable experiences: The 11th IKV in Bohol: Part 2

North B delegates assemble at the Bohol Institute of Technology (BIT)

We arrived at the island of Bohol by dawn’s early light.

Tagbilaran City…it wasn’t far from what I had expected. Now classified a 2nd class city, it is the capital of the province composing of 15 barangays situated some 630 kilometers southeast of Metro Manila. Chosen as one of the eight Philippine Dream Cities (a prestigious list that includes the Island Garden City of Samal, Ilo-ilo City, Marikina and Naga, among others), Tagbilaran is also known as the “City of Peace and Friendship”.

From the port area, fellow North B sector delegates boarded a chartered vehicle to the accommodation venue assigned to our sector. That place was the nearby Bohol Institute of Technology’s (BIT) Main Campus along C. Gallares St.

Anticipating difficulties in many of the accommodation venues due to the great number of delegates, many coordinators opted to book themselves in other venues like hotels or pension houses. Likewise, I made prior reservations with a local inn named Meridian Hotel for my son and myself. We checked into the hotel that morning but just left our bags there and proceeded to the IKV venue itself to register and join the second scheduled countryside sight-seeing tour for delegates.

Venue of the 11^th IKV: the Holy Name University (HNU) campus

The venue for this year’s International Kids’ Village was the Holy Name University. Run by the SVD Fathers in the country, it’s has a sprawling campus located at the city’s northeastern district called Dampas.

After registration, it didn’t take us long to be grouped with other delegates to be on our way to the sight-seeing destinations.

At one of the Tarsier viewing sites

First stop was at one of the Tarsier viewing sites in Loboc.

About 21 kilometers from the provincial capital, Loboc is simply a must see place in Bohol. It is home to the second oldest church in the province built in 1638. The parish is also famous for its renowned (Loboc) Children’s Choir. It wasn’t part of the tour, but I’m sure food loving travelers like me would have surely enjoyed the highly recommended sumptuous lunch aboard the floating restaurants cruising the pristine waters of the captivating Loboc River.

The world famous Tarsier of Bohol

Tarsiers (Scientific name: Tarsius syrichta) are the smallest primates in the whole world, measuring up to only about five inches with tails longer than their bodies. Unfortunately, these cute nocturnal monkey-like creatures are very frail and if not taken cared of very well, easily die. It is then not surprising to hear that the Tarsier has become an endangered species.

Note to first time photographers of Tarsiers: Don’t use your camera flash. It agitates them and disrupts their sleeping pattern.

Various souvenirs were sold at the viewing site. Always the avid collector I bought one coffee mug and some food items Bohol is famous for.

Never make the mistake of leaving Bohol without tasting and buying Peanut Kisses for your loved ones back home. Manufactured by Bucarez Food Processing Corporation, these crunchy delectable cookies are made up of peanuts, cane sugar, egg whites and vanilla. Another tasty variation of the Peanut Kisses you may want to try, are the less known Star Peanuts cookies by BQ Breadbasket. But if you’re diabetic like me, you may want to prefer the Peanut Kisses which has slightly lower sugar content per recommended serving as well as fat and calorie count.

More than halfway from Loboc going to the town of Bilar, we passed by a man- made forest primarily composed of Mahogany trees. Numbering in the thousands, they provided an awesome display of forest cover over an extensive land area. Unfortunately, the lack of diversity in tree species have kept most of the endemic animals from making this reforested area their place of habitat.

Appreciating a 360° degree view of the world renowned Chocolate Hills

“God’s little paradise.”

That’s how some people described the province of Bohol. Even with the limited exposure we’ve had so far during our first morning on the province, it was obvious that God had spent a little extra time creating this part of the world. It happens to be the 10th largest island in the Philippines and definitely one of the most alluring.

Entering the municipality of Carmen, one encounters yet God’s most unique creation in Bohol. Synonymous to the province is its biggest attraction – the Chocolate Hills.

The hills turn brown during the summer months

A natural geological formation believed to be millions of years old AND the only one of its kind in the whole wide world, the Chocolate Hills is made up of around 1,268 cone shaped mounds whose heights ranged from a low of 40 meters to a high of 120 meters and spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometers at the central part of the island.


The mounds are covered with green grass that turns brown during the hot summer months which accounts for its well known name.

The Chocolate Hills has been declared the country’s 3^rd National Geological Monument

The Chocolate Hills view from another angle

Before leaving the view deck complex, I bought some souvenir shirts for the kids and another coffee mug for my collection. It was a good thing we got the morning tour and left there when we did as more and more tourists were going up the view deck causing a heavy build up in vehicular traffic in the uphill road.

Baclayon Church is one of the country’s oldest churches

Declared a Heritage Province by the Philippine Government due to its rich history and culture, the province is the site of many Spanish colonial period churches. Four and a half kilometers away from Tagbilaran is one of the country’s oldest, the Baclayon Church.

Originally made of wood, the Baclayon Church was built by Jesuit priests Juan de Torres and Gabriel Sanchez during the first mission of Christianity to the island in 1596, in honor of the Blessed Virgin, the Immaculate Conception. The current structure made of coral was constructed in 1727. The Augustinian – Recoletos started administering the parish in 1768. Declared a national historical landmark in July 27, 1994, Baclayon Church is a must see heritage site for religious pilgrims and history buffs.

At the Blood Compact Site Monument

Less than a kilometer away at the outskirts of the city stood the Blood Compact Site monument, which recalled the friendship treaty in 1565 between the local chieftain then, Datu Sikatuna and Spanish conquistador Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. The Blood Compact or sandugo is believed to be the first diplomatic feat between Asia and the West.

Bohol’s scenic shoreline

The sight-seeing bus from Bohol Eco Tours

All this wonderful sight-seeing had worked me a voracious appetite for lunch. A stone’s throw away from the Meridian, we saw a decent looking restaurant. We decided to check the place out and try on its food. We were not disappointed.

When in Bohol, I highly recommend that you visit Payag Restaurant and try out their mouth-watering specialty, Jo’s Chicken InatÔ (grilled marinated chicken) at the second floor.

Also check out their Kilawin Tanigue, a native delicacy of raw fish ‘cooked‘ in spicy vinegar with ginger and onions. A traditional favorite among Filipino beer drinkers, their Kilawin will surely satisfy even the most discriminating palette of non-drinking food lovers alike.

Making new CFC friends (Bro. Daruel and Sis. Sharon Porlares –

Family Ministry Area leaders in Davao Oriental)

Payag Restaurant exudes the old World rustic charm one would imagine of Bohol

One glass shelf contained a collection of chicken memento

The restaurant’s al fresco area at the second floor

Payag Restaurant’s main branch in Tagbilaran is to be found at the corner of C.P. Garcia East Avenue and Matig-a St. They have a branch inside the Island City Mall (ICM) at the Dao district.

In front of the Meridian Hotel

After lunch, went back to the hotel to rest and prepare for the opening of the IKV later that day.

The Meridian Hotel located at # 4 S. Matig-a Street, Tagbilaran City is a good destination for the budget conscious traveler. The staffs are friendly and courteous enough. On the hand, though reduced to the bare essentials, our accommodation in one of its 16 existing rooms was clean and tidy.

However, I had the unfortunate experience of sitting at the throne inside the bathroom for a good 45 minutes to an hour waiting for the water to come back. Apparently, they had some problems with their water pump or distribution system and that this wasn’t a regular occurrence. Lucky me.

At the venue’s main site

Since 2001, the International Kids Village or IKV has been an annual gathering of Kids for Christ (KFC) members, their parents and coordinators from all around the country and the rest of world. KFC is a family ministry of the Couples for Christ (CFC) community established around 15 years ago to provide Catholic Christian education and pastoral formation for children aged 4-12. The Wikipedia now describes it as “the largest Catholic child organization in the world”, having its presence felt in 160 countries.

Since 2003, this had been the third time I had gone to an IKV. The two previous ones were when it was held in Pasig (2003) and in Ilo-ilo (2004).

Participating in the Holy Mass

We heard Mass in the late afternoon at the sports oval. After the Holy Mass, we had some time to roam around the venue and look at the various booths and meet old and new friends in the community.

With KFC Coordinator Bro. Bong Chichioco and

KFC International Coordinator Bro. Kirby Llaban

Eating Friday's dinner with Bea and other Big North Praise Parade participants

Dinner was distributed by sectors to designated food representatives who in turn distributed it to its component clusters and respective chapter coordinators. We had Jollibee meals all throughout the IKV.

This classroom was Big North’s ‘home base’

“We are the Big North!” That was part of the chant North B kids shouted with gusto during the IKV, a catchy phrase that kept on ringing in my mind long after the creative, sports and special competitions, workshops, fun games and power activities have come to pass.

The Praise Parade begins….

Clark, Sonny Boy and I proudly held our sector’s streamer at the forefront of the Praise Parade performers from the start of the parade up to the point they went up the main stage to do their number.

Back at the Meridian

We had quite a day today. We needed all the rest we could get for tomorrow’s new challenges.

The adventure (and misadventures) continues….

Misadventures and memorable experiences: The 11th IKV in Bohol: Part 1

On route to Bohol inside the MV Medjugorje

Sonny Boy was 12 years old. I felt it would be a real shame if he was to turn 13 this coming December without even attending a Kids for Christ (KFC) – International Kids Village (IKV) in some far away province similar to the IKV Junior and I attended in the province of Ilo-ilo in 2004. Of course, his love for basketball and the opportunity the IKV gave him to play for North B became the major incentive. For both of us, the journey to Bohol would be the first. And I knew that journey alone to the venue was already going to be a colorful adventure for both of us. In many ways, some good, some bad, the sojourn to and from Bohol proved me right.

Like many participants from Luzon, we took the chartered vessel, MV Medjugorje that left Manila’s South Harbor around 15 minutes before midnight on the 30th of April. Traveling along with us and representing the SAGIP kids of GK Ruby was Clark Saquing.

Having bought the cheapest set of tickets for the boat ride, I wasn’t expecting much luxury during the roughly 30-hour long trip to Tagbilaran City. But I wasn’t expecting a grueling and sweltering oven hot voyage either. The bunk beds assigned to us were situated near the ship’s engine that roared to a near deafening level as soon as it started. The so called “red area” had little ventilation despite having no enclosures. A tight and cramped space with excess noise and humidity was a perfect formula for sleep deprivation. I would wake up every hour or so due to the heat, noise and vibration that ran through my body as I lay in my hard framed bed. The continuous vibration from the ship’s engine felt like a long, long body massage that went bad.

Sonny Boy scans the “red (hot) area” of the vessel

To escape from the heat we had to go to the ship’s starboard or port broadside decks for the strong sea breeze. There we met several nocturnally active kids from other sectors or CFC leaders from here and there that we have not met in quite a long time.

With KFC members from Central C5-D (Guia Marie Binsol and Frances Rose Pelacio)

Bro. George Asensi joins us on our journey to Bohol

Long queues for meals was a typical sight on this trip

That morning, we realized that we had to line up early for our meals as practically everyone got their food from the same canteen. Be there a little late and you will find yourself standing in line for a very long time. The food wasn’t great and the drinks by experience were expensive as gold! Since I was sweating profusely at the ‘red’ area, I had to drink more fluids. I had the good idea of bringing several drinks along but I still had to ration it between Sonny and me to avoid buying expensive drinks from the ship.

A fellow SAGIP Program Manager, Bro. Freddie (standing) serving in GK Likad
joins us in this picture

Sonny Boy’s first long distance travel by sea

The trip was Sonny’s first long distance travel by sea. Technically, his first travel by sea was a boat ride to Corregidor Island more than seven years ago. And that was relatively a short, fast and comfortable ride to and from the said ‘rock’ fortress.

Passing through the calm waters of the Sibuyan Sea (I think!)

Traveling by sea to Bohol gave us all a lot of time in our hands. Staring at the waves gave me moments of introspection. It reminded me of my lingering fears about the open seas. Moreover, it made me realize that the only thing worse than my irrational thoughts and worries about shark-infested waters was being in trouble in shark-infested waters….filled with garbage. Makes sense, doesn’t it?

KFC kids and coordinators go around the view decks

At the ship’s upper deck

Clear view of the sea and fore deck at the ship's stem (or bow)

Dolphins would be seen jumping the waters beside the ship

Just enjoying the view with a refreshing 500 ml bottle of Coke Light

One of my favorite KFC members – Bea Lapac of North B-6 joins us in this picture

With kids from East B – Prayer Mountain, Antipolo City

KFC members converged at the ship’s main hall to pray the Rosary

A multitude of kids in prayer is always an awesome sight

The late evening of May 1st and early morning hours of the next day brought rains to the MV Medjugorje. While the waters were fairly calm, I can imagine what St. Peter and the other apostles felt during the night they encountered a storm at the Sea of Galilee or the time the Lord Jesus instructed him to come and walk towards him. The sea was pitch black and the only light on the horizon were the flashes of lighting that came with the storm.

That’s Panglao Island!

Finally, we reached the mainland of Bohol!

Not long after dawn’s early light, did we pass through Tagbilaran Strait to the awaiting port of Bohol’s capital, Tagbilaran City.

I was tired and sleepy but at the same time very excited to just get out there and experience the wonders of Bohol!

We were welcomed at the port of Tagbilaran City by a festive marching band

Father and son have finally arrived in Bohol!

The adventure (and misadventures) continues.… :]