"Sway Me, Sway Me Now"

I couldn't help myself from making a blog post when I saw the video of Pussycat Dolls' Sway in the news feed of my Facebook account.  I even posted in my Facebook wall that this dance tune only conjures happy memories.  Since I can only write so much characters in my wall, I decided to make a post.

According to Wikipedia, Sway is the English version of a mambo song "Quien Sera" by Pablo Beltran Ruiz.  The English lyrics were written by Norman Gimbel and the first English version was recorded and popularized by Dean Martin in 1954.  Other versions followed but the latest one is that of Pussycat Dolls'.  It was used as one of the soundtracks of the movie "Shall We Dance?".

On the occasion of the silver wedding anniversary of our Chapter Leaders, Bro. Joe and Sis. Letty Francia, the members of their household group decided to surprise them with a dance number.  Together with Deng & Reiah Yango, Rainier & Meng Figueras, Vic & Joy Nolasco, Glen & Ely Acosta, Arnel & Bel Bista, Jun and I spent countless nights and hours practicing the steps of the dance to the tune of this song.  Another sister, Michie Zapanta introduced us to the dance instructor or DI for short.  Bro. Chito Lara provided us the venue for our practices (Up to now, Bro. Chito claims that we still owe him for the use of the venue.  Bro, padugo mo na lang tutal di ka naman sumayaw.)

We practiced twice a week for a minimum of two hours per session for a month and a half.  Yes, that loonnggg. Our DI, Joel, can only introduce one to two steps per session as not all of us are teachable.  In my case, dancing is my waterloo.  Aside from adapting to the steps, the next problem that we faced was remembering the dance steps that were taught during the previous session.  The whole two hours or so, Chito's CD player played only Sway that made him comment that even without the CD, the player still blared the dance tune.

As D-Day was approaching, it was time to think of what to wear for the dance.  The ladies trooped to Tutuban Center to buy gowns.  It took a while to find the right gowns as most of the items for sale at the center were for ladies of svelte figures.  In short, the gowns were too small for us.  Meng and Ely were able to buy glittery, beaded gowns that both clung to their figures and emphasized their beauty.  (I am too kind. Lol.)  Ely claimed that after wearing it, the glitters of her gown can be found in most parts of her body.

In all the practices and gown-hunting, laugher was predominant.  All of us had a happy time unmindful of the late hour.  Truly, this song only brings good, happy memories.

No Place Like Baguio City

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Jun and I among the blooms.

Last Friday, all roads led to Baguio City as far as leaders of Couples for Christ West C Sector is concerned.  A good number brought along their cars and vans while others took the ever reliable Victory Liner buses.  For those who brought their cars, the luggage compartment was packed to the rafters with cooked and uncooked food, cooler with all kinds of drinks, shoes, clothes, pillows for those who cannot sleep without the familiar cushion under their head, junk food for munching while listening to the speakers or for fighting the urge to sleep.  My colleague in the household, Sis. Meng Figueras, brought along her electric airpot which was used not only for boiling water for coffee but for a warm and soothing bath.  Talk about ingenuity and travelling light.

The blooms of Baguio.

The City of Baguio will always be special to any leader of Couples for Christ.  It is where the annual leaders' weekend conference is held.  Ever since my husband and I became leaders in 1999, the Teachers' Camp in Baguio City was the usual venue.  There were times that the conference was held elsewhere but the number of attendees was less than the Baguio-based conferences.  Though Baguio conferences come out costlier than those held elsewhere, the cool temperature and the bonding time spent with fellow CFC members more than make up for the additional money to be shelled out.

A typical cottage at Teachers' Camp.  Has the basic amenities of home at very affordable prices.

Baguio City, tagged as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, is located in Benguet Province in the northern  part of the Philippines.  Besides its cool weather that make it a city of blooms, Baguio City is a favorite destination for vacation seekers because of the numerous tourist spots like the Philippine Military Academy, Mines View Park, Camp John Hay and the Mansion.  It also boasts of affordable accommodations like this cottage at Teachers' Camp.  It can be reached by land and air but travel by land at approximately five hours is preferred by many using any one of the three accessible roads, Kennon Road, Marcos Highway and Naguilian Highway.  Kennon Road remains the popular choice of travellers but could be risky in times of bad weather because of landslides and erosion.

Map of Baguio City

Despite its limitations like the lack of water, rising pollution, and traffic, Baguio City remains the favorite destination for our annual weekend conference.  While in Baguio, everyone  shares a room or cottage and food with a colleague, a dear friend.  The endless stories and laughter make one forget loved ones back in Manila. It is this closeness, camaraderie and selflessness that make Baguio City so special.  Truly Baguio City is etched in the hearts of every member of Couples for Christ.

Breaking bread with other household members.  Thanks Bro. Junel for the photo grab.  Sa uulitin. Lol.

At the garden of the El Cielito Inn, our home for this 2011 conference.