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Biyahe Tayo! (College Faculty and Administrators Cultural Trip)

by Rhodora Angela F. Ferrer, College Cultural Trip Working Committee
Posted: Monday July 14, 2008 07:43 AM

The group in front of the Bethel Guest House

On April 9 – 12, 2008, faculty from the College Unit of SSC, as well as institutional administrators and Benedictine sisters packed their bags and hied off to two exciting destinations in the Visayas – Dumaguete City in the province of Negros Oriental and the magical and mystical island province of Siquijor. As part of the Faculty Development Program of the Unit, the trip was several things rolled into one. It included a visit to the historical and cultural sites of Dumaguete City and Siquijor, a tour of Silliman University, an orientation on the programs and initiatives of Silliman University’s Angelo King Center for Research and Environment Management (SUAKCREM), an interaction with local residents and most deservedly, an opportunity for rest and recreation. The group was billeted at the Bethel Guest House while in Dumaguete City and at Don Deezco Resort in Siquijor City.

On  the first day, a courtesy call was made to the governor of Negros Oriental, Gov. Emilio Macias, who warmly welcomed the group. Having a Scholastican for a daughter-in-law, the good governor had very good words about SSC and engaged the group in light banter and good-natured exchange.

After lunch, a tour of the Dumaguete Cathedral Bell Tower, Bacong Church, Negros Oriental Arts Heritage and Silliman University ensued. After shopping and after having said their three wishes in the different churches visited, the group took coffee and snacks of sanz rival (what else?) and silvanas at Sanz Rival (where else?), filling up the entire restaurant. A mass was held at 5:30 PM at the Bethel Guest House before the group went out for dinner. Dinner was for the group to discover street food and “tempurahan” along Rizal Boulevard or visit establishments such as Jo’s Barbecue and Lab-as (which means “fresh” although the resto served ihaw-ihaw and had an “outdoor” ambiance) and meet some Dumaguetenos as Dumaguete City is proud to be the “City of Gentle People."                  

The second day started with a tour of SU’s Museum. This was followed by the talk of Dr. Angel Alcala, Director of SUACKREM who inspired the group with his many environmental projects that were in partnership with local residents. It can be recalled that Dr. Alcala was previously DENR Secretary. Then, S. Angelica led a group of administrators who met with the president of SU, Dr. Ben Malayang III, also an environmentalist.

After lunch, the group went to St. Paul University where they were warmly received by the sisters. The well-manicured gardens of the school, its beautiful chapel and museum and its butterfly farm and waste recycling facility were very impressive. It can be recalled that the Sisters of St. Paul were the first to set up a Catholic school in the city. Then the group proceeded to Dumaguete Pier. After the heat of the summer sun followed by the not so gentle pulsating of the waves during the trip to Siquijor, the group found the swimming pool and the beach of Don Deezco Resort refreshing and inviting. In no time, the  resort was a peaceful haven no more!

The next day, the group explored the island of Siquijor. From St. Francis de Assissi Church to Capilay Spring Park to the Century Old Balete Tree to Cambugahay Falls to St. Isidore Church to Salagdoong Beach Resort to Tulapos Marine Sanctuary, the group soaked up the sun and the sand and the sights and the smell and the stories and the songs (videoke time of course!). Interestingly, the group did a ritual in front of the Century Old Balete Tree which was really an awesome spectacle.

The day didn’t end early though despite the grueling island tour. The group had enough energy for a riotous fellowship night followed by more swimming and singing. The next day, some members of the group went to market, some to local communities while some dipped in the pool for the last time. Mid-morning, the group left Siquijor. Lunch was in Dumaguete City, then off to Manila. In the airport and in flight, the question that rang out was “Where will next summer bring us?”

Abangan.

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