November 19-20, 2010
Victory Weekend what’s in it? It is a life changing experience, it’s the best decision that I’ve ever made. Now I understand the excitement, fulfillment, importance of having a personal relationship with my God.
The Process:
Victory Weekend is the most unique “retreat” that I’ve ever attended. It struck me straight to my heart, and God made me see how sinful and selfish I am. To be able to participate, you must be:
1. A member of “Victory Group”.
2. You must finish the “One to One” booklet with your Victory Group Leader.
3. Register to be able to participate.
4. Do “3 days fasting” before Victory Weekend.
5. Answer the “Preparing for Victory” manual one week before Victory Weekend.
6. Buy the “Experiencing Victory” manual to be able to understand the topics on Victory Weekend.
7. The Water Baptismal.
A week before Victory Weekend, the attacks of the enemy was stronger that I’ve ever thought. That was the 1st time that I really experienced it that the enemy disturbed me through my family and work. At first I used to think that it was normal. Then, I remembered, “oo nga pala Victory Weekend na sa Friday.” Then I prayed to God and He told me that I have to be strong and never lose my focus this time. The enemy keeps on putting lies on my head and hatred in my heart to be able to lose focus on God. And then I told myself, “This is it! There’s no turning back!” So I hold on to God, and prayed to give me strength, keep me on track, to be sensitive and hear Him during my quiet time. And by God’s grace I survived all the trials a week before the event.
The Event:
The “Experiencing Victory” Manual showed me the most painful event in my life. In Section One, there’s a topic: “The Cross: What God did for me”, I realized how selfish I am. That God loves me so much, and God sent His only son to give me LIFE. Jesus is perfect and holy but He was crucified on the cross because of my sins. Now I fully understand the meaning of the Cross in my life. It’s not just a Cross, BUT because of the cross I have my life to live with God. He’s so amazing because He never grew tired of reaching out to sinners like me. When I saw the materials that the Romans used to crucify my Savior I was humiliated in front of Him. Because I know if not for Jesus, I am the one who needs to be crucified to pay for my sins. And I must say that I would be dead by now. I can’t even ask God for anything at that time. I was crying, and all I can say is “God please forgive me for all of my sins”. That was the first time in my life that I cried out to God and humbled myself in front of Him. Because I know, I am not worth of anything if His Son was not crucified on the Cross. I am blessed and thankful for the gift of salvation. And I will never forget what Pastor John said, “Never underestimate your value as a Christian, because you were bought at a HIGH PRICE”.
The Experience:
I know my value now, because with God I am precious. I am His Princess. I am His loving daughter. I am worth of everything. With God I know that I can never go wrong. He’s someone that will never go back on my past, because with Him I am a new creation. Being a Christian is not easy. Because being a human we are born with the sins of our ancestors (sin that started from Adam and Eve). And the curse of sin will run down from generation to generation, and only Jesus can stop and cut the curse from my family. My heart is full of joy that I can relax and believe in faith that God cut the curse of sin in my life. Only God’s grace can sustain me, and can give strength in my walk with Him. Yes, there are still temptations BUT if I hold on to God his grace is always sufficient. Everyday, He has revelations. His words are more meaningful in my life.
The BIBLE is the best book that we can ever have. Before, this book is just an ordinary book for me, a book that will tell me the miracles, good things that God has done. But now, I realized that God’s commandments and His principles never changed. It started from Adam and Eve and until now all of His commandments, His character never changed. God is consistent. He is 100% percent sure of everything that was written in the Bible. Wonder what the BIBLE means? It’s “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth”.
The Realizations:
Now, I know I am on the right path. Yes, I still make mistakes but the fact that I am willing to exert an effort to live for my God is the best thing in my life. I couldn’t ask for more, because the wall of sins in my life was torn. Now I can come to God without hesitations, and I know that He loves me so much! I realized, that He never changed even though we are fickle minded. His love is consistent, it never fades. He is 100% faithful in my life, because if he’s not I will not be saved. And right now, I am not afraid to say that death is just a part of my life that will come anytime soon and it is the only way to be with my God. Death will kill my body but not my soul and spirit that belong to my Creator.
I would like to thank Thine Mojica, Yko Olandez, Kim Mijares, Joyce Habitan, Kath Azarias and Abhie Timajo for standing by my side, for all the prayers and support, for your overflowing passion and love.
And also to KG Sanchez, Elaine Buhain and Diana for being my classmates.
To all the pastors, facilitators and participants of Victory Weekend Alabang,
We are all VICTORIOUS in CHRIST!
The Water Baptismal
Kim, Elaine, KG, Me, Yko and Diana
Pastors, Participants and Facilitators of Victory Weekend
Lunch Time after Water Baptismal
Special Thanks to Kim Mijares for the photos 🙂
Last September 2010 I went to Naga City because of two reasons: one is for Camsur Marathon 2010 and second is for “GALA” mode.
It was April 2010 when I’ve decided to join Camsur Marathon. Since then, I’ve always check on seat sales of Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines because I don’t want to take the bus going to Naga City because of long hours of trip. I want to enjoy my stay at Naga City and make gala with the best that I can.
And it was May 2010 when I bought my plane ticket at Cebu Pacific for 1,300php (back and forth) together with my friend Ross of Takbo.ph. Since she’s a free lancer and I really want to avail a cheap fare, we both decided to stay in Naga from September 23-28, 2010 (super gala talaga). And to add on my College friend Mau joined us too.
September 23 at 11 in the morning is our flight to Naga City. We arrived to Naga at 12 noon and we took a tricycle from Naga Airport to the main road and the fee must be only 7-8php per head. But the first time we asked a tricycle driver regarding the fare from the airport to the main road, he said 200php (grabe manong, sobra sa tubo). From the main road to Naga City we took a jeepney ride for 13php/head. We booked at the Old Sampaguita Inn for 500php/night; our room was air-conditioned, with television and hot and cold shower. We booked at the right hotel because it is walking distance to SM Naga, and also to different fast food chains.
With Ross at NAIA Airport
Arrival at Naga City Airport (Mau. Mark and Clarence)
On our 1st day at Naga, after we checked in at the hotel we had our lunch at Jollibee since we’re so hungry. After that we went back at the hotel to take a nap and rest to be able to go out late in the afternoon and explore the place. We went out at 6pm in the evening and had our dinner at the back of the Cathedral near Sampaguita Inn, we ate at “Jing Jing’s Eatery”, the food was delicious and it’s super cheap. I ordered half laing, beef steak and 1 cup of rice for only 29php (naisip ko nalang, ang sarap tumira ditto ang mura ng pagkain). After our dinner we had coffee at Beanbag Coffee (Starbucks Version of Naga City), the price of their coffee and pastries are way cheaper (and may Wi-Fi pa). I ordered White Mocha Ice Blended for only 75php (tall size of Starbucks). After our coffee session, its bedtime na.
Laing and Beef Steak
- Starbucks Version at Naga City
- with Mau and Ross at Beanbag Coffee
And for our 2nd day we had our breakfast at Biggs Diner, one of the famous places to eat at Naga City. I had Spaghetti for my meal and Molten Lava for my dessert. After our breakfast we’ve decided to go to Cagsawa Ruins to see Mount Mayon. From the Van Terminal we rode a van going to Sabang for 1 and ½ hour and just asked Manong Driver to drop us at Cagsawa Ruins and the fare is 60php per head. From the main road we rode a tricycle going to Cagsawa Ruins for 7php per head. As we reached Cagsawa Ruins, the weather was cloudy (oh no! NO perfect cone for us?!). We met one of the tour guides at Cagsawa, his name is Enrique Ocleana but we call him “King” for short. He’s a very nice, approachable and hospitable tour guide and very gentleman also. He toured us to Cagsawa Ruins and told us the history of it and we’re currently standing at the 2nd floor of the church that sunk in because of Mount Mayon lava. He told us that he can take us to Daraga Church and Ligñon Hills thru his Honda Wave Motorcycle. It’s a Habal Habal ride for all of us. Our second stop is Daraga Church; according to King the church was called Daraga church because it was build by all Filipinas who are Dalaga. And Daraga is the Bicolano translation of Dalaga. And our 3rd stop is Ligñon Hills; it was an uphill road going there. And at the top you can have a Zip Line activity; I just didn’t asked how much it is. We just waited for the rain to stop and still No perfect cone of Mayon for us. After that, we just decided to eat at Camalig and we ate their famous viand which is Inolukan and Pinangat. Bicol is one of the best places to eat. It was all worth it, because they have good food and the price is way cheaper compared to other places that I’ve been. We asked King to join us at our early dinner because it’s his birthday. He did not ask for any fix amount when we asked him how much we need to pay him. He told us, “mam kayo na po ang bahala”. So we gave him 400php as our payment and birthday gift for him. You can contact Enrique “King” Ocleana thru his mobile number +639995574164.
Biggs Diner
Molten Lava for 55php
Cagsawa Ruins
Daraga Church
Lignon Hills
Habal Habal with King
Famous for Inolukan and Pinangat at Camalig
On our 3rd day Mau and I decided to go to Atulayan Island, we have no idea where it is and how long the travel time is. We researched at the internet to take a Van going to Tigaon (for 60php/head), we just asked Manong Driver again to drop us at Sangay. From Sangay, we rode a tricycle (for 25php) going to Nato Beach and from Nato Beach we rode a boat going to Atulayan Island (for 200php/head). Atulayan Island is a 30 to 45 minutes ride from Nato beach. A very serene place, clear water and fine sand. We went to the island with just bread at water on our bags. No plans of getting a cottage. We just had our malong, placed it under the tree and left our things. God blessed us as we bump into a big group with approximately 15-25 people and just invited us to join the in their lunch. We had squid, tuna and rice sa dahon ng saging. The group traveled from Manila to Bicol via road. And they’re also joining the Camsur Marathon. You can contact “Mang Koding” thru his mobile number +639094072846 for the boat ride. He’s very approachable and pwede ka tumawad sa fare lalo na when you’re a big group. And the care taker of the island is “Ate Lanie” +639074527566 you can ask her to cook for your food and their very hospitable and kind to their visitors. Mang Koding and Ate Lanie know each other, and have a contact regarding the visitors who are coming in to the island.
Atulayan Island
Atulayan Island
The people who feed us and our new friends
On our 4th day, it’s Camsur Marathon. I am one of the participants at the 21km distance race. I was so tired and lazy to run because of my activity at Atulayan Island. I woke up at two in the morning to prepare for the race, and we also need to catch the bus schedule going inside CWC. Every distance has different starting points and one finish line. Running at Camsur was one of the greatest experiences that I had. The people are very supportive, as I ran the 21km distance minsan gusto ko ng maglakad. But the route is bayan-bayan, so all f the residents are outside of their houses waiting and cheering for the participants. So minsan I just thought nakakahiya maglakad. The weather at Naga City was next to Cebu City. It was very humid at that time, buti nalang di nauubusan ng sponge and water sa mga stations. And the residents are very helpful sila mismo ang nagbibigay din ng sponge sa runners. I had cramps for the last 5kms of the race, but I had no choice. I have to finish the race even if I have to walk. NO DNF’s for me. When I reached km 19, I said, “This is it! Malapit na!” but it was the longest to kilometers that I ever had! It was so hot and I am exhausted and still I pushed myself to finish my 21km run. As I approached the finish line, I saw my takbo.ph friends and they cheered for me and it was so good na there are times that you want to give up BUT you have friends to encourage you to finish it. For takbo.ph peeps, love you and for the residents of Naga saludo ako sa suporta nyo. I am very happy too that Ross did finish her first full marathon, after all the sentiments na kinakabahan sya. Sabi ko nga it was normal, and besides she has training, e ako walang training when I had my first full marathon. Cheers to us sister! We’re a marathoner!
Approaching the finish line
With My Precious Medal at Camsur Marathon 2010
And on our 5th day, after Ross had her first full marathon and I had my half marathon, we both decided to try wake boarding. We just both said, “bahala na sis, andito na tayo. We need to try it!” so we went to CWC, and had our wake boarding experience even though we’re having a difficulty sa paglalakad. Still we managed to stand sa board. It was all worth it! And ang sarap mag swim the day after ng run, magandang recovery run. Later that night, we prepared our stuff because our flight to Manila is nine in the morning. We’re both wasak sa pagod and haggard but the experience was so sulit. We’re both tight sa budget but still God stretched our budget from the hotel, food and to the places that we’ve been thru. Ang galing ni God, because He gave us finances for this run and pasyal and nakabili pa kame ng pasalubong. I can’t imagine that we only have 4,500php for 6 days for all of these. One of the best souvenirs that I had is the ref magnet that was made out of Mount Mayon Lava.
Special thanks to Suzi Bermudez and Brando Losaria for my race pics.
Simha Running 