Summer Outing & Outdoor Fun

Team Building Outing at Nawawalang Paraiso Resort

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 13:16:00 +0000

I thought I'm gonna missed out again on a summer outing this 2014. Fortunately, our project team were included in two-day and one-nigh team building activity organized Amazing-Race-Style at the Nawawalang Paraiso Resort & Hotel in Tayabas, Quezon Province last June 13-14, 2014.

Initially, the team building activity was planned with the official blessing of the company (and I guess budget). However, as things turned out, the team building was initiated by our own colleagues on their own. Nevertheless, I am thankful that I became part of it.

The whole delegation is composed of staffs who are working on three different project sites. We are grouped into 8 teams, combining personnel from different sites to achieve familiarity and camaraderie. The teams who will garner the most points in the different activities will win the winner-take-all prize of 30,000 pesos.

We left Manila around 6 am. We had our breakfast and a little side trip at the serene and peaceful Kamay ni Hesus Shrine in Lucban, Quezon.

Around lunch time, we arrived at the Nawawalang Paraiso Resort & Hotel in Tayabas, Quezon to the welcoming enthusiasm of the staff. They were the ones facilitated the games and the activities of the team building.

Image from the Resort's Website

After lunch, the competition began with the cheering competition for each teams. Luckily, my GREEN team, was able to come up with a passable impromptu cheer.

Then the physical activities at the resort grounds followed. There was the blindfolded-flag-gathering challenge, the coin-at-fingertips relay and the hulahoops-on-body relay.

Indoor games at the resort function hall was next. There was the centipede race and my favorite, the pass-the-ball-hit-the-bottle challenge.

Wet games at the swimming pool was my least favorite because I do not know how to swim.

The evening culminated with dinner and the showing of pre-recorded dance & music videos for each team. I was glad that I only had a cameo-role dancing. hehehe!!!

Even though we were not able to come out on top of the competition, I won just the same - new friendship, new experience and unforgettable memories in this summer outing of 2014.

Side Trip to Kamay ni Hesus, Lucban Quezon

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 04:53:00 +0000

I started updating my blogs this last week of July 2014. I guess it's time to update this one as well.

Last June 13, 2014, I finally experienced a company summer outing. Colleagues have organized a summer excursion/team-building ala amazing race style.

Before proceeding to the actual venue of our summer outing, we did a side trip to Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban, Quezon.

Kamay ni Hesus is a sprawling 5 hectare shrine in Tinamnan, Lucban, Quezon known as healing center and a specially popular destination during Holy Week pilgrimage.

The Shrine was built rising up a hill, culminating with a 50 foot statue of Jesus Christ in outstretched arms at the top of the hill. The 14 Stations of the Cross is depicted in the slope of the hill via giant statues, visitors need to climb over 300 steps of stairs in stones to reach the top.

Photo by Robert Ryan Bangoy

The Shrine was created in 1998 through the leadership of Fr. Joey Faller who celebrates healing masses there regularly.

As our presence there was just a mere side trip. We had our breakfast at the foot of the hill and then climbed the stairs to the summit.

Photo by Robert Ryan Bangoy

As I walk the steps, I even met a batchmate in high school. We greeted each other quickly and went our own separate way.

I totally agree that the place is perfect for some self-reflection and meditation. I hope I can go back during the Lenten Season.

Here are some other sites for more information about Kamay ni Hesus:

Geejay's Travel Log about Kamay ni Hesus
Backpacking Philippines directions on how to get there and Contact Information

Missing Summer Outings :(

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:53:00 +0000

It is raining now, here in Mandaluyong City. That means Summer passed yet again and that I have not been to any summer outings this past two years.

February of last year, I was gainfully employed in a construction company. Although there were talks of plans to have a team building summer outing, it never materialized. Busy schedule at work has pushed the planned summer outing all the way to October.

Mercifully, we had a team building summer outing at Club Balai Isabel, overlooking Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. There we were able to have some games but I do not think that camaraderie was truly improved by the event.

Right now, it was announce that we will have an outing this coming June 29th and 30th at a resort somewhere in Antipolo.

Although I would still be glad and thankful if this plan pushes through, I still would be much happier if this happens during the Summer.

I pray that in these dates, the Sun will be cooperative in giving all of us a last taste of Summer.

Summer in Philippines - Circumcision for Young Boys

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Sat, 07 May 2011 12:58:00 +0000

Noise coming outside our compound's gate woke me this morning. when I peeked, young boys are lining up on the street towards the Christian building across the street.

I later found out that the Christian org is sponsoring free circumcision for those boys in line.

Yes, summer in the Philippines is also associated with circumcision. Summer vacation allows boys undergoing this procedure have ample time to heal.

Summer is Circumcision time in the Philippines
Image from here.

Circumcision, the removal of the foreskin of a male's penis, is a rite of passage for young boys in our country. Apart from tradition, the ongoing belief is that it is good for the male hygiene.

Some 20 summers ago, I myself went through it. I can still recall the lovely nurse that aided that female doctor who ushered me into manhood.

In older times of my kuyas, circumsicion isn't done by doctors. During those days tuli is conducted via "pukpok". Tales of a local (often an albularyo) using a labaja for the removal of the foreskin, boys chewing guava leaves, jumping to a nearby river, wearing skirt or loose shorts, protecting the "cut" from being seen by females and words like "german cut" & "nangamatis" were common.

I do not hear circumscion via "pukpok" anymore. Most circumcision are now done by doctors just like mine. Clinics nowadays have signages about circumcision. One, I saw, charge 750 php. I think that is well and good for the next generation of males.

Those boys who lined up this morning will go to bed tonight as young men and their parents will be thankful of the savings.

Newly-circumcised Boys
Collage Images found Online

Nagsasa Cove - My High School Barkada's Summer Outing Destination

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Fri, 06 May 2011 21:59:00 +0000

I kinda regret a little bit that I subscribed my old cellphone to Facebook notifications via text.

My high school barkada decided to talk about our barkada's summer outing for this year via private messages in Facebook. And since my cellphone is configured to received notifications from FB everytime some one sends me a message, it has been so busy receiving text notifications these past few days.

My barkada recently decided to go to Nagsasa Cove in Zambales this weekend. They planned the outing via exchanging messages on FB of which I'm one of the recipient.

From what I've seen online, the Nagsasa Cove is as beautiful as the Anawangin Cove, just not as popular. My barkada have been to lots of famous destination in the country. They are now on the look for tourist attractions that are breathtaking but not yet fully discovered/developed.

Sadly, I wouldn't be able to join them. I'l just content myself to the haul of pictures my barkada will be posting in Facebook.

And hope that next year, I, myself, will be enjoying the company of my barkada in a summer outing.

Barkada Summer Outing

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Thu, 05 May 2011 19:43:00 +0000

A Barkada summer outing is the kind of outing during the summer that is easier to organize and execute compared with the whole-family summer outing or the corporate summer getaway.

A place to go, some itinerary and at least two friends. A barkada summer outing could be as simple as that. Reunion among former classmates whether in elementary/high school/college often lead to a summer outing to the beach or overnight swimming on nearby pool resort.

I've noticed that young professionals are the group that can afford to go to lots of summer outings with their barkada. Scheduling-wise, colleagues at work find it easier to come up with the date of their outing.

Compared with a family outing, participants in a barkada summer outing can fend for each other. It is easier too on transportation and accommodations so long as every one who will be going has money to spend. As compared to corporate summer outings, there's no need to plan about group activities and where to conduct it. Plus, there's more concern with food, transpo and accomodations for large numbers.

And if you're the type of person who accumulated lots of friends since you were young, expect to receive an a lot of invites to join a Barkada summer outing or perhaps you're the type who takes the initiative into organizing one..

The Way of the Cross at Fort Santiago

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 02:27:00 +0000

Me and GF Tintin did the Way of the Cross @ Fort Santiago last Maundy Thursday.

The usual activity during Maundy Thursdays of the Holy Week is the Visita Iglesia. But I was concerned that Tintin might get too tired to complete the my college buddies' usual Visita Iglesia - the Way of the Cross at 14 different churches across Manila by walking.

We ended up with a spiritual summer outing accompanied with travel.

Maundy Thursday Activity - The Way of the Cross
@ the Bamboo Garden in Fort Santiago, April 21, 2011

A week ago, I found an alternative thru a news feature. I mistook it to be a depiction of the 14 stations of the cross spread within the walled city of Intramuros. It was only on the day itself that I realized that the Way of cross is ONLY at a portion inside Fort Santiago.

A plan is a plan. The good thing is that it was Tintin's first time to visit Fort santiago. We arrived early. The entrance fee for Adults is at Php 75.00 per person. As we wandered inside the famous Fort looking for the section of the Way of the Cross, we took the time to sightsee and take photos.

The Way of the Cross was at the Bamboo Garden. Though the stations set up by government agencies & schools inside Inramuros were less than I imagined, it nevertheless really served our purpose. With the place practically to ourselves, it was easier to concentrate on the prayers & meditations about the passion of Jesus Christ and His eventual glorious resurrection.

The First Station of the Cross
Jesus Celebrates the Last Supper

Much like our spiritual retreat, this different kind summer outing of sorts gave the two of us the chance to ask God to bless our relationship and help us go forward with Him as our guide.

Canon PowerShot A2200 - Capturing Summer Outing Moments & More

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 07:43:00 +0000

This summer promises to be a blast for me and GF Tintin and the memories will not only be etched on our minds forever but also be captured for posterity with her brand new Canon PowerShot A2200.

This Canon PowerShot A2200 was purchased last Friday and will accompany us in all our summer outings and in touring the Philippines any time of the year.

The Canon PowerShot A2200

We already tried it when attended a spiritual retreat in Cavite. As both us aren't photography enthusiast, we are contented with result. In due time, we can master it to better capture moments and post the photos in this blogs or in our social networks.

The Canon PowerShot A2200 Unpacked

Here are the features of the Canon PowerShot A2200 from the Canon Website:

Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper settings for the camera based on 32 predefined shooting situations.
Capture memories your way as either still images or in 720p HD video.
Easy to use, powerful A-Series camera has 14.1 Megapixels with 4x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom (28mm wide).
Large, clear 2.7-inch LCD makes taking and viewing images a breeze.
New scene mode: Discreet Mode disables the sound, flash and AF beam so you can capture images in quiet areas.
Creative Filters offers fun and artistic ways to capture photos.
Lithium-ion battery offers an easy alternative to recharge the battery.
Comes in 4 cool, crisp colors to match any personality: Blue, Black, Silver and Red.

Here is an overview of the Canon PowerShot A2200 also from the Canon Website:

How about you? What camera are you using to capture the moments of your summer outing or any other important events in your life?

Spiritual Retreat Kicks off A Promising Summer

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 07:18:00 +0000

Last Sunday, me and girlfriend Tintin participated in a spiritual retreat organized by my high school alumni org at Fr. Al's Retreat House inside the Sisters of Mary School Complex in Silang Cavite.

I would have to say that the spiritual retreat kicked off a promising summer for both of us.

GF Tintin outside Fr. Al's Retreat House & Memorabilia Building

It was a great time spent on reflecting one's spirituality.

First, the participants were made to watch the life of St. Peter the Apostle as he and the other apostles spread the message about Jesus Christ and the eventual establishment of the faith in Rome.

What I took from the film was that even if you disown Jesus like Peter, even if you're a murdere like Saul/Paul, you are still loved by God and He can change you. It would be struggle to pursue a life dedicated to God but it is something worth dying for.

Next was one of last videos made by Fr. Al to the benefactors of his charity works. I felt ashamed at shunning away from hard responsibilities when this man, Fr. Al, stricken with ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease worked for so many charitable causes until his last breath. Later that day, I pledge to support FACFI - Fr. AL's Children's Foundation Inc. - the funding arm of the Sisters of Mary in the Philippines.

Aside from reflection, we also prayed the rosary and attended the Palm Sunday mass. We would also have prayed the Stations of the Cross but time did not permit.

As for the rosary, it was the first time since I graduated from high school (1995) that I kneeled the whole time. And I forgot most of the prayers said after the regular rosary.

All in all, it was a great day in terms of finding out the state of my soul and I came up more determined to change my bad ways by trying to recall the things taught while I was still a student inside the Sisters of Mary.

Also, I am glad that girlfriend Tintin came along in this activity. Doing things together will definitely make us closer. But doing a spiritual retreat together will guide our relationship towards God.

Spiritual Retreat - A Different Kind of Summer Outing

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 10:11:00 +0000

For Filipino Catholics like me, summer in the Philippines is also the time of Lent and Holy Week. This is a good time to participate in a spiritual retreat.

Admittedly, spiritual retreats can be done any time of the year, but it is more timely during the summer. Besides, the Holy Week, is oftentimes declared a long holiday. So, it is easier on the schedule.

I, for one, have made reservation to attend a spiritual retreat tomorrow.

I believe that finding time to look into one's spirituality is great to be a part of anyone's summer plans. It is not as pleasurable as going to the beach or trekking the mountains, but there's really fulfillment after going through it.

This Sunday, my girlfriend and I will attend a pre-holy-week spiritual retreat at my high school alma mater in Silang, Cavite. Modesty aside, our school grounds are highly conducive to meditation and contemplation. When you are communing with nature, it is easier to think about God, the soul and spirituality in general.

I'm looking forward to this spiritual retreat, and I believe it will make my summer all the more fun.

:)

Company Outings Are Best Held During the Summer

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:06:00 +0000

Company outings during the summer is a common ocurrence in the Philippines. There are many reasons why a company outing is organized.

It may be a reward for reaching a target in the short-term, a celebration of a momentous company milestone or for team building purposes between employees.

A fun company summer outing, more often than not, translates to happier employees, real friendship among colleagues and better work performance.

Company Summer Outing at the Beach
Company Outings often involve group pictures
usually, with company banners

Well-to-do companies often do this to reward their employees for their hardwork. Traditional company summer outings include a trip to the beach with complimentary food and drinks.

Some company summer outings are for team building purposes. A busy beach is not a good idea for team-building because of the obvious distractions. Usually, a venue or a good part of it is rented exclusively by the company where the team building activities will be held.

Outreach programs are a unique way to conduct a company summer outing but are definitely more noble and self-fulfilling.

Regardless of the manner a company summer outing is executed, a successful one can bring spill over camaraderie & pumped up morale the following day in the office.

Family Summer Outing @ Splash Island Resorts, a Nice Treat to Good Students

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 10:44:00 +0000

For parents wishing to reward their children for a job well done in school, a family summer outing at Splash Island Spa & Resorts would definitely do the trick.

The children would surely enjoy and love the variety of water slides and attractions being offered by Splash Island, known as one of the largest water park in the country. From the breathtaking mountain high river raft ride to the giant twisted Magellan’s Drop, this water park has something for everyone.

And it is just outside and south of Metro Manila.

There is a current coupon promo on eBay offering discounts for students. Now, that would be a treat for the parents!

Availing the coupons will allow students to enjoy all attractions for a day at Splash Island for only Php 149. (The regular admission fee is Php 500). Check out the coupon and other important details here.

[Click here for the regular admission fees and other rates.]

So, what do you think parents? Family bonding time, enjoyable fun place like the Splash Islands, discounted rates for your children at a nearby location.

[Click here for directions going to Splash Islands.]

I suggest you avail the coupon, pack up your things and bring the whole family to Splash Island. Also, it is a good idea to read this Splash Island guide to fun & safety.

Splash Island Spa & Resort
Southwoods Ecocentrum Binan, Laguna Philippines
Managed by Global Gutz Parks Philippines, Inc.
(+632) 3824711 or (+63918) 9129177 Telefax (+632) 68006301
email : info@splashisland.net
website: www.splashisland.net

Disclaimer: This is not a paid advertisement. The author is not in anyway affiliated with Splash Island. He just like to spread information about summer outing ideas for the family.

Summer in the Philippines, the best time to Travel

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 05:29:00 +0000

Summer in the Philippines is the best season to travel around the country.

Coinciding with vacation from school, it is a good time to tag along the kids and bond into a summer outing or any other fun summer activities.

Anyone can make the best of the summer season by traveling and incorporating it with fun-filled activities best enjoyed with the family and friends.

Baguio is the summer capital of the country and is often the destination of those who want to escape the heat, felt most specially in the crowded Metro Manila. Apart from Baguio, famous cool destinations are Sagada of the Mountain Province and Tagaytay in southern Luzon.

Our country consists of thousands of islands. If your summer outing plans is the usual overnight swimming, you will never run out of beautiful clear water and white sand beaches. Even within Metro Manila, swimming pools and resorts apart from those in hotels can cool anyone's thirst to swim.

Of course, world reknowned beaches such as Boracay, Puerto Galera need no introduction. But there are also other not-yet-famous but equally captivating beaches across the country. The less traveled so-to-speak but any traveler can enjoy them more because they can practically on his/her own in them.

Hiking and mountain climbing is another good summer outing idea in the Philippines. With lots of mountains and rolling hills, there so much out there to conquer. I've been lucky enough to experience this a few times and I would say that reaching the peak of any mountain is really exhilirating and self-fulfilling.

Because of the dry weather, historical tours is also nice to do in the summer. There's Corregidor and Bataan, rich in history of the Filipino valor. Or perhaps the walled city of Intramuros. I definitely remember going there during the WOW Philippines. (Will soon check if it is existing.)

Summer is the best time to tour the Philippines.

What's your summer outing plan?

I Welcome this year's Summer with the SUMMER OUTING Blog

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 05:01:00 +0000

Welcome to the Summer!

Half of March 2011 is over but it is only today that I really felt that SUMMER is on.

And as mind, ran amuck with ideas on how to have fun this hot season, I felt blogging about summer, summer outings and other summer activities will be good for a short-attention dude like me.

Yes, that's right! I admit it. I forget a lot.

So, I welcome the summer season with a new blog about it. I hope you get to learn and perhaps enjoy my blog as we go along this season.

Welcome to the Summer and my Summer Outing blog!

Summer

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 03:42:00 +0000

Summer is the warmest season of the year. It is usually vacation from school and a whole host of fun activities outdoors that can not be enjoyed fully in other seasons of the year.

Summer outing is a common activity. Often associated to going to beaches to enjoy the sea and the sun but it can also mean other activities such as hiking, mountain climbing or plain travel.

To me, summer outing is the best time to be out with family, friends and your special someone. It is the best time to have lots of activities.

Simply put, Summer is the best season for fun.