I'm finally back from Bantayan, it's two-three-four days late, I know, but right now is the only time I found to sit and blog. Yesterday, I planned to but then I woke up really late and then after that had to go to Cebu Doctor's University for boring business, after that, went to e4J.

Being to Burning Heart Bantayan last year (2006), I can compare and say that this year was much better and more fun. Last year's theme was Spiritual Warfare. And the spiritual warfare that I would want to listen to about would be war against our demons inside and those around us. Unfortunately the warfare meant and talked about was witchcraft, cults, and occults. And that ended up with me falling asleep during the sermon, not taking any notes at all, leaving the place with only the fun and the beach in my memories, having learned nothing. Not to point fingers at the camp coordinator, it was entirely my fault. I should've listened.

the "camp"/retreat site. same from last year but still great.

This year's theme was Dare to be Different. This time I had enough sleep during the night so I was awake when the speaker spoke, took notes well and listened well, and more importantly I learned something (yeah you know, about the general will of God and specific will? yeaaah~). And I know the theme is relevant in my life right now because I just graduated from a Christian school and then I'm kicked to face the "world" that I've never experience before. I've always prayed that I would have Christian friends so we could grow together in Christ and not just me alone. And if I wouldn't find any Christian friends at all, then I asked GOD to give me courage to make them (wooo.. scary). What comforted me was Brett will still be my schoolmate and a brother-in-Christ, along with Ingrid and Princess (who are both taking Nursing). Also with Jeff, growing much with the LORD, always has me reminded that prayers have no bounds and we shall keep praying for each other despite studying at different schools. (he said he'll always keep me praying with his requests.. hahah)

By joining the retreat, I dared to be different. Want to be one of us?


The guys I sit with most of the time during breakfast, lunch and dinner. clockwise from top left: Ariane, Eric, Mikko and Chad.



James attempts at being a beggar by knocking on the windows and begging with his cap, during the trip to Bantayan in the boat. *but he failed!*


Mikko on the bed, doing her thing. I'm not so sure. bet she was singing.


Anne tries to sleep.. but I wouldn't let her!


The first break, when we went to the beach. Wehooo. So fun.


Ariane and I, a self-portrait shot in the beach. Check out our uber-white teeth and my almost-brown hair. (thanks to Photoshop.)


I almost completely forgot Jeff was my classmate, and he was there. lol. So here's some of his best shots.


Sea creatures and writing our names on the sand are classic.


HoY! Mga walang tulog!! WALANG TULUGAN!!!


Sand making competition under the scorching heat. Pfffft. We didn't win. Ours was something really simple, it looked like a square toilet with a cross inside. But real hard work (huh? Why didn't I take a picture??!).


Me, Anne, and Eric. Oh the omni-lovely Anne. This was in the Ogtong Cave Resort.


Chad's a rebel on the jetski. Hehhe. And then we heard someone on the megaphone, "Get off that jetski, CHAD!" I didn't get to ride it though.


Charles Vincent Tan. "Ahia Charles". Camp coordinator. I respect you now.^^


The first batch of banana boat riders get ready. Reverend Ang kept joking about praying for them so their souls would get to Heaven (just in case they die). Hahah!

Away they go! Till they come back!

The next batch and so on and on...


A game of volleyball after a tiring (or maybe not) day of water activities. First image: I believe Reverend Ang's team got a point because he looks like he is dancing (!!) Ahia Charles looks really happy. So is the guy on the whistle (hhahha, funny, Ahia Jerry). Run for the ball!


A group shot. Anne, Chad, Mikko, Chippy.


A blurry shot. Anne and I in the balcony (where we watched the volleyball game from).


We try to style Eric's already-long hair. But we're not stylists.


Anne looks like NAKAMA YUKIE!! NOOOOOhohoho!!! (at least only in that photo.. whew~) Btw, I didn't like Nakama Yukie so much after watching her movie, "G@me". Well... because of her sexy kissing with Fujiki Naohito. That's all. But she's great as Yamagucki Kumiko, though.


Mikko's always so cheerful~ these guys are so fun to be with..



Our last night... huhu.


The team singing songs in the ferry on our trip back to Cebu (nooo, we're leaving already~~). They really had a good time.

I ran out of batteries on the bus. Well.. perfect timing.



See you guys next year on 2008!!! It was so much fun! Hope and pray it gets better.