I WAS HERE

Last August 20 - 21, 2012 , Pilipinas Natin! invited Assumption College to join the Balangayan Camp at Mt. Makiling, Los Banos, Laguna. Youth leaders/nation builders from different schools in the National Capital Region participated in the 2-days and 1-night leadership camp. Luckily, I was part of the few Assumption students who were able to attend the camp.  Psychology student Danna Cuba and Education student Wen Asuncion were also particpants of the Pilipinas Natin! camp.

I am really thankful that I was able to attend the camp. Best decision! Honestly, I never expected to actually attend the camp. Let me stress on the word, "ACTUALLY". In the beginning,  I was a little bit hesitant of joining. I felt indolent and doubtful of the idea of camping for 2 days and 1 night. It's true. I'm not a camping type of person. But for some miraculous reason, I had the change of mind and heart. Something was pushing me. Some voice inside my head was telling me that I should really not let this opportunity pass. Let us just say, I had an "AHA moment". And from that moment on, I felt determined to join this, "this-will-be-life-changing" camp. ( lately I've been really random - like this camp)

Highlights of my Balangayan Camp experience:

1. Team name and team chant activity

We call ourselves, "FLAMES". We believe that we our destined to keep the fire of volunteerism burning!

2. The muddy obstacle challenge

" Pain is temporary. Victory is forever." 

I can never tell my parents what we actually did in the obstacle challenge during the camp. I had so much fun that time that I completely forgot about my surgery last month.

3. UBE

UBE for Ultimate Bonding Experience

We were told to prepare a 7 minute presentation that will show our talents. Our group decided to prepare a song and dance number. WUHOO! GO FLAMES!!!

Our talents are God's blessings; blessings that we must share.

4. Face paint activity

During this time we also had a forum on, " PAANO KA BA MAG-MAHAL?". It's interesting in a way that it is not a usual question to be asked. At some point of the activity, I had a hard time opening up to my partner in the activity--who I just met. It was very awkward for me but sorry for me, "bawal ang kill joy..."

I look so pretty, and witty, and gay!!!

5. Budol fight

I will never forget my first Budol fight--EVER.

Frankly, this camp is not something that I will usually attend. Even my friends were astonished when I started to tweet about how great the camp was and that I did not regret anything; except for not bringing enough clothes--I regretted that. They sounded something like this, " Pumunta ka talaga, Ruth?! Wow. I did not expect that you were really going". ( Oh no guys...I was really serious when I said I was going. Hindi yun Joke.).

I brought a lot memories and learnings with me after the camp. Not only that, I also found new friends.  Its like that song from Owl City, "We don't even have to try, it's always a good time." (Excuse me, corny moment here). Actually, it took me quite some time to start on this blog entry. I admit the fact that I was lazy at the same time I felt scared that I wouldn't do enough justice to this awesome experience--but at least I tried. And I guess, that's more important.

I am definitely looking forward to the next Pilipinas Natin activity! :D

I Was Here - Beyonce