Everyone getting ready before boarding. Sunblock, CHECKED.
THE BOATS BROUGHT US TO OUR FIRST ISLAND....
... Quezon Island!
Such a sweet couple!
Personal achievement unlocked: I did my very first zip-line in Philippines, in the heavy rain and thunder. I did it alongside Sadrina, Edward, Yi Ning and Eben! It was a once in a lifetime experience to zip-line amidst the heavy downpour!! (It cost only ~3SGD for the zip-line. So affordable, it's a MUST-DO!! And nope, this is not a sponsored post haha)
After having fun at the zip-line, we headed back to the shelters to satisfy our rumbling tummies; well-cooked BBQ food prepared by our lovely filipino volunteers! No pictures from that... I guess we were all in a hurry to savour the good food! NOMS.
We had a little more free and easy time at the Quezo Island, and that was when a few other COR members went to zip-line in all bright and sunny weather!
En Route to our next Island!
Ft. Jerven!
Here we are, at Cuenco cave- Jetty jumping!
Just look at Ellias' happy face. I did a jump too, and my face was probably showing more fear than happiness. After all, I can't swim!! :/ It was also my very first jetty jump!! HURRAY. Yet another achievement unlocked for me. This trip was full of things for me to look forward to. I believe the same goes for all the other COR members. I have seen so many of them jumping continuously; simply because they enjoyed it so much!
Those with wet hair were clearly those who jumped! No regrets!! :)
PS: While we were busy taking selfies, other members were still enjoying their "jumps" at the back...
Moving on to our very third island; Governor's Island!
123 steps to a bird's eye view of other islands!
Ft. Zyrus. Great model! :D
Check out the aerial view of the enthralling islets in the background.
FIRE team!
Earth~
Creating wonderful memories together!
AIR!
It is evident that Jia Yi enjoyed the R&R day!
Arrived back at the jetty, what a complicating love story! So many gooseberries. :P
Making sure we use the 4 hours travelling time back to YMCA Guest House wisely. Sleep is always a good option! :)
After washing up and having dinner, it was time for us to show our appreciation towards our filipino volunteers who had been such great help to us. During the entire trip, they helped to orientate, translate, aid us in our daily cooking, teaching, construction activities, etc... Too many to list! One thing for sure is that we are all grateful and deeply touched by their keen attitude towards learning sign language. It was a key to unlock the barriers that could have hindered the interaction with our Deaf participants.
Start of the Appreciation Night!
Check out (from left) Mel, Zyrus, Pamela and Nicole dancing in action!
The Philippines' very own Charlie's Angels!<3
Some warm-ups to get everybody hyped up~
1st act of the night: Song Signing
You'll be in my heart (Phil Collins)
2nd act of the night: Slapstick Comedy
Ft. Edward, Zhen Siang, Yin King
3rd act of the night: Glowstick Dance
Bar Bar Bar (Crayon Pop)
*ENCORE ENCORE ENCORE!*
Our meaningful mini-reflection session drove some of us into tears. It tugged at our heartstrings. We also received a magnet souvenir from the filipino volunteers! :)
Before the mini-reflection session, representatives shared their heartfelt thoughts on the trip. Below are pictures of some representatives, with Sadrina helping with the translation.
Ines!
Dimple :)
Lay Hong!
Nicole :) Our youngest volunteer with us!
We wrapped up the whole day with a simple exchange of appreciation gifts...
Ft. Sir Marvin!
All good things come to an end. But memories and friendship are ever-lasting!
Till then!
- Jaime
