My First Post-Retirement Travails

After May 31-retirement under EO 366, I'm now free to go wherever I wish. My first post-retirement travails shall be in 3 provinces close to my heart. On June 10 onwards, I'll be in Rizal particularly in Antipolo to take a glimpse of Hinulugang Taktak, which I have not seen for many, many years. Then, I'll take a library research in my Bible school, the International Christian College of Manila (ICCM) in preparation for the class opening where I accepted some teaching loads in the same school.

On June 12, Independence Day, I will join UPLB's Coralan44 in a tour to Sta. Maria, Laguna to rekindle fine memories with the folks of Brgy. Coralan, the site of my off-campus program shortly before I graduated in 1976. So-called Coralan44 as we are 44 members of the class then who lived and worked with our foster parents in that village. T'was unforgettable experience for us for many reasons, and everyone has his own tale to tell. But one common experience, among many others, was when we were mistaken as NPA symphatizers doing teach-in brainwashing activities in Coralan, used to be haven of our brethren NPAs in the 70's. (Coralan44 then was ostracized by some sectors, a la Hyatt12 ??hhmmm).

From Laguna (place I always associate with Rock musician 'Sampaguita'), I will proceed to Or. Mindoro in my birthplace Masaguisi, my retirement place and original hometown. For few days, we'll do some preparations for my resthouse project there, as our ancestral home is too small for the 2 families of my lone brother and youngest sister who opted to stay there for life probably. I will try to explore the newest tourist attraction in Calapan City as I read in the paper few days ago - a cruise along strait of Calapan on to a nearby lake. It must be a nice experience for water resources are rich and beautiful in that part of the island.

I'll be back to Nueva Ecija on June 17, 2010.(30)