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Two weeks ago, I received an invite from the Foundation for the Fullness and Integrity of Creation, Inc. (FFICI) to attend a trainors’ training in Iloilo City, Philippines. The foundation is advocating the following values to parents and youth in the community level: responsible parenting, natural family planning, fertility awareness, and chastity.

Needless to say, I was immediately excited because of three things. Frst, I have recently decided that my personal advocacy would be promoting responsible citizenship and my being invited to be one of the trainors for the foundation would provide me a good opportunity to promote this cause to many people even outside of Marikina. Second, I haven’t been to Iloilo and I would love to see the place plus the trip would allow me (to finally!) get on a plane. Oh yes, I’m a first timer. Lastly, my responsibilities and multiple careers finally took a toll on me and before the trip, I felt I was close to burning out. I agreed to the trip also to spend some time for relaxation and unwinding.

God’s good. No, he’s perfect! He allowed me to realize all these objectives of mine for the trip. I’ve learned so much from the training and I was convinced by the foundation’s mission. I felt this is one foundation and one advocacy I can wholeheartedy participate in. The plane trips too were incredible. The first one though was not too enjoyable for me as I felt nauseatic and I wasn’t seated near the window so I wasn’t able to enjoy the view from above. Going back to Manila though, we charmed the ticketing officer of PAL to place us on window seats and she did! I felt how it was to be in “heaven,” literally and figuratively.

The whole trip allowed me and my good friend, Nhet, also a mother and a teacher, a time to relax and actually put off work and problems aside. None of us were able to keep our families in our minds though as we keep on hoping our children and husbands were there with us to experience the beauty of Iloilo, both the place and its people.

The venue for the training and our stay was the Villa Sagrado Practicum Center, a place owned and managed by the Colegio Del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus at the General Hughes (pronounced as “haddyes” by townfolks) Street. The place is manned by HRM students and practicumers of the Colegio. They took good care of us — from serving us delicious food to cleaning the room and providing toiletries. they were adequate and very friendly. In fact, everyone I met from Iloilo are good people and they made our stay doubly delightful.

Some of our side trips included dining at the Breakthrough Restaurant in Iloilo where we splurged on fresh seafood, I loved everything they served us even those I don’t even know the names. We also went to the “pantalan” (sea port), check out our photo in this area below. Nonet and I enjoyed taking pictures and emoting in this area. Our friend, Kuya Jon, who was instrumental in making us visit Iloilo, is a native of the town and he told us he spent so much time in the pantalan as a child and I can see why. I hoped my childhood memories also includes a house near the beach. I would put nice and comfy outdoor chaise lounges in front of the house and would probably spend all my waking hours there reading books and writing stories.

We also went to SM Iloilo and the central market where we bought our pasalubong which included the town’s specialty — biscocho, butterscotch, piaya, and danggit. For my son, I searched for a transformer robot at the Gaizano department store. We also visited the church near the town’s plaza and I took time praying for the son I lost, Marvic.

This article would not be complete if I do not express my sincere thanks to everyone who made my, and Nhet’s, stay in Iloilo one of the best trips ever in our entire lives: Kuya Jon for being the best host ever!; ate Che, Sam and Melton for the company; Bisnar family for being so nice; FFICI trainors and members for the learning experiences; our roommates from POPCOM of DOH for the brief but nice encounter; Villa Sagrado’s staff and the good security guards for being so accomodating; and everoyne else from the streets, the market and the mall, for being patient, kind and hospitable. Madamo salamat!

And lastly, I’d like to thank my family– my husband, my nanay, and my baby — for always allowing me to widen my learning and experiences, even if it means I’d be away from them for a few days. Here are some of our photos in Iloilo.

Guimaras Island at the backrop, such a scenery!

Nonet and I brazing ourselves against the gushing wind for our photo shoot (thanks Sam for this!).

No need to be a politician to have some backup security… The Villa’s guards were too friendly, thanks guys!

Sam and I at the Villa’s entrance, getting ready to roam Iloilo!

My friends and I at the Villa’s dining area. In the photo: Kuya Jon, Sam, Nhet and I.

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