Power Weekend

Yearly since 1999, Couples for Christ West C has mounted leaders' conferences mostly in Baguio City.  The first conference called "Power Weekend" was in August, 1999 and Jun and I were fortunate to be part of this.  This annual conference is open to all leaders of Couples for Christ, from household leaders and up.

Since Jun and I were already appointed as Household Leaders a month ago, we automatically belong to a Unit.  A Unit is made up of four to five households and is headed by the Unit Leaders.  Our Unit Leaders were Bro. Jun and Sis. Lina Eguico and the other Household Leaders that comprised the Unit were Bro. John and Sis. Weng Valesco, Bro. Artz and Sis. Tess Bermejo and Bro. Danny and Sis. Weng Abella.  Weeks before the Power Weekend, we, together with the other leaders of the Unit started planning for our stay in Baguio. Preparation included buying jackets that would be suitable for Baguio weather.  Weng Valesco and I ended up buying the same jacket from Shoemart.  We all had a good laugh since Jun and John also had identical jackets.  

With Weng Valesco and Lina Eguico at the Teacher's Camp, Baguio City.

We drove to Baguio at dawn aboard two vehicles.  The weather was fine when we left Manila.  On the way to Baguio, we sidetripped to Dagupan for a very sumptuous lunch by the sea and to Manaoag, Pangasinan to visit the Virgin of Manaoag.  Never did we think that the weather will turn for the worse in a couple of hours.

While we were about to start our trek to Kennon Road, we were advised that it was not passable as giant boulders blocked the street.  The river  had swelled with water rampaging from the mountains.  The two alternative roads to Baguio were also closed.  We  had no other recourse but to spend the night in nearby San Fernando, La Union.  We cruised along the main highway of San Fernando City and adjoining towns looking for a place to stay in while roads to Baguio remained closed.  We ended up in an old, dilapidated four-storey hotel in San Fernando proper which was so dusty and left us all coughing.  Our search for a place was reminiscent of Mary's and Joseph's quest for an inn.  

The sun was shining early the following morning.  At last, all roads to Baguio were opened.  We arrived just in time for the start of the Opening Worship.  Everybody was clapping and dancing while singing praises to the Lord to the lively accompaniment of the Music Ministry.  Thankful for the protection from the strong winds and the rain.  

Jun & I at Teacher's Camp, Baguio City.