Misyon Goes on a Trip

Scanning the records while working at the editorial office during the summer, I found a certain file. A case was written declaring that the Misyon staff was missing from February 25 until March 2. They were usually to be seen busily doing editing and layout work in their office until those days. A secret detective who was hired from the day they were reported missing tried to look for them in the kitchen, assuming they were just eating ice- cream. But they weren't! Now the question is, ‘Where on earth do you think they were?' Let's find out . . .

Father Seán was already in Manila, so Anabelle, Bessie and Mitzi with her husband Leonides just followed. As part of their staff development, they went to Don Bosco Press and personally witnessed how Misyon and other magazines are processed by the sophisticated machines. It was a delightful experience for them meeting the people behind the printing of Misyon.

A Tuesday with Nature

The staff updated their connection with nature through their visit to the Center for Ecozoic Living and Learning (CELL) at Barrio Malaking Tatyaw, Silang, Cavite. They were given an introduction about the story of creation. Aside from the fact that the place is a perfect site for seminars and retreats, what the staff considered special about CELL was its demonstration of environment-friendly and sustainable living. The center has adapted permaculture, a system of agriculture which strives to enhance the way nature functions by bringing aspects of organic farming, water conservation, waste management, appropriate technology and renewable energy. Zone-planning is one of its features.

The staff discovered and proved to themselves how richly blessed we are with fertile soil, underground streams and a beautiful, diverse plant and animal life.

They were absolutely tired by evening, so they maximized their night's rest at the Columban House in Singalong St, Manila.

Attacking Baguio within the remaining days

Taking a non-stop bus, the group found their way to the Summer Capital of the Philippines. There, they realized that they shouldn't have underestimated Baguio when it comes to its temperature and wonderful spots. Their first stop was the Columban House where they got to know more about the Columbans.
The staff also grabbed the opportunity to climb the 99 steps to the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. They also spent some time with the Good Shepherd Sisters and bought strawberry jam. It wasn't too late for them to have a night out. Moreover, they traversed the city's main thoroughfare, Session Road. The Misyon staff weren't just spectators for they even became a part of the annual Panagbenga or flower festival. What great timing!

They also relaxed at Burnham Park, one of Baguio's most valuable assets and truly a national landmark. It is a playground for countless children and bikers and a space for nostalgia and reflection for old folks.

February 29 occurs in the calendar once in a blue moon so they enjoyed it to the fullest…

Home Sweet Home

A trip should always end with the journey home. Although they took separate ways, with all of them having side trips, for sure their one-week getaway brought their joy, laughter and experiences into one. By the way, they weren't actually missing. They were just gone for a while to find something and I guess that they didn't come back singing with U2, ‘I still haven't found what I'm looking for'.