Kairos

“KAIROS” is a Greek word meaning “special time”.  A retreat is not an attempt to escape the "real world," but an effort to fully enter into the experience of living. And by that meaning, I’ve opened myself through my life’s reality  at a very lovely place.

Last September 21-23, students in Senior classes from Sociology and Pol Sci had a retreat for three days held at Caleruega, Batangas (I've heard of this place since I was in 1st yr college). 4 UST buses filled with students departed from school early Wednesday morning. It was after lunch when we arrived. Immediately, we are confronted by a tremendous panoramic views. 

Comfortable cabins, few activities, adequate foods, and cool fresh air.. Went sightseeing and attended talks by Thomasian priests. FYI they're just using iPad and a MacBook. Our rooms have a large window with the best views. The food? Um.. Not so great.  I can honestly say that there wasn’t a time when I didn’t enjoy myself. It was a great time as it always is.  It gave me the chance to reconnect with all the things that matter to me.

In this retreat atmosphere, without the normal distractions of daily life, each and everyone’s inner-self can be renewed, relationships can be deepened, learning enhanced and group or individual goals renewed or reset in a meaningful manner.

Aside from the fact that this retreat is our final culminating senior spiritual event. There is something about retreats that still has a special place in my heart. Despite my busy schedule (folk school works) I'm so enticed by the idea to participate in this retreat. So in many ways, this retreat had a greater purpose. Many students have to deal with peer pressure, various temptations and struggles. I want to end my semester right. For the first time in my life "Nasusunod ko ung penitence ko"I am so fired up for God. Thank you  father Allan de Guzman for your advices.

I thought the retreat was a life-changing event for me personally. The Retreat. Well, probably the wrong word for it, more like the advancement! 

Everything here is a snap-worthy

Solidarity night

all smile retreatants

My absolute favorite picture from our retreat

Our Thursday night was spent enjoying and entertaining talent show and a warm and cozy bonfire.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay that is relaxing and beautiful, this is the place. Kahit hindi kayo magre2retreat, recollection or whatsoever visit this place. You'll love it.

Highschool Retreat

Yes, I’m a fourth year high school student, I have to say that I am so lucky, that I had the opportunity to share my other side to my classmates. I suppose that all high school graduates know what a retreat is all about, and know the importance of it.

At first, I have to admit that I totally, yes, totally unexcited.

We reached Villa Santa Luisa, Retreat house, Tagaytay at 10 am. Upon arrival, we received the casual sermon that our special section always gets from teachers, faculty, administration and staff, and were finally introduced to the retreat master.

After all the instructions given, we had a little snack together with our classmates, our friends and barkada in class, of which afterward, we proceeded with a few sessions.

As usual we have to surrender our cellphone and other gizmo.. kaya nyun last day na lang kami nakapagpicture-picture. But one thing that has really caught my attention and is stuck in my memory was "may tao sa bintana" all that crazy shit. And like I would always do uunahan ko sila matulog para di ako matakot. First night, I had only 4 hours of sleep. I know that true insomnia means. I hate insomnia not because it doesn't put me into sleep but puts me into the state of reminiscing memories which I know I can't bring back. The number of times we had to stand and kneel were countless and I was really sleepy during the mass! Crap! who fell asleep. Second day was "iyakan day" disgusting puffy eyes, star gazing, open forum and secrets have been revealed. They offered food for every two hours. The wind in Tagaytay is too cold to bare, Manila too warm and crowded because of the people buzzing here..
This retreat was indeed amazing..

Uwian na..