Refined

REFINED
-ryandgreat, starbucks intramuros

few months before graduation,  we've fulfilled a non-academic requirement to complete theology 8, a must! retreat in caleruega, batangas

we spent days without cellular phones but we have cameras!

and everything was captured! hahaha (no! not everything) in this memorable occasion of our lives

on our first day it was more of an orientation with father joemar sibug o.p who facilitates a quick tour and he's our retreat master

January 18 | Field Trip ba to'? (photo: Rocky Ko)

January 19 | Orientation?! (photo: Rocky Ko)

January 19 | CA4C Boys (photo: Rico Rojas)

January 19 | let's vault in! (photo: Rocky Ko)

January 19 | breakfast served! dig-in! (photo: Joan Natividad)

January 19 | afternoon sessions!

January 19 | the memorable evening (photo: Rocky Ko)

January 18 | class picture! (photo: Rocky Ko)

January 19 | group picture! (photo: Jay-r Cator)

January 20 | the gang! (photo: Jay-r Cator)

January 20 | batch 2006! (photo: Red Dela Pena)

January 20 | refreshed!

January 20 | holy mass (photo: Red Dela Pena)

January 20 | oh boy! it was captured! (photo: Rico Rojas)

the atmosphere becomes somber and quiet all through the night and then we gathered for an activity where we shared our future plans in life

right after that, we proceeded to our dorm and move our beds side by side

the quiet atmosphere was scary so we just spent talking and laughing til' dawn

we woke-up early and had breakfast together then warmed up for activities like group discussions and one-on-one sessions

we discussed more on family matters, i shared how i love and respect my parents and for their sacrifices and being grateful to them

the most memorable part of this retreat is the affirmation!

we gathered around while one seated at the middle

and one by one, to give out testimony to that person

when it was my turn, i was still trying to keep my composure but i can't help but cry,

i'm the most sentimental, i feel so much love while hearing those words from my prens and they're all crying as if i passed away 

once i got back in my chair, thank goodness that relief swept over me

i thanked everyone for their, nothing but kind words to me and all the divine inspiration from above

January 19 | i'm scared! (photo: Rocky Ko)

there were moments that moved us and tears overflowed with spirit of oneness and camaraderie, expressing our love for one another

and our hope for our future 

the entire evening was a deeply emotional experience, i won't soon forget!

on our last day, we attended a holy mass where we had our chance to express our sincerest apology and gratitude to one another

somehow, i find a personal peace of mind where i put away all my excess baggage,

and all the unforgettable times we spent together where we touched each others hearts

knowing full well that few months from now we'll part ways

so it was a great end and beginning

and our relationship now becomes so strong and meaningful with mutual respect and understanding

again, prens! thank you for the kind words that i'll treasure as we go on our next journey!