Who said that faith and fun cannot go together? At Manresa School, it is always possible! From July 15 to 16, 2024, the Manresan educative community had their BEC and community-building activities at Makiling Highlands Resort in Pansol, Calamba, Laguna. This year’s community building activity has the theme: “MAKI-LINGAW: Pamilya ni Santa Candida, Sama-samang Nagkakaisa sa Gabay ng Dakilang Ama.”  The goal of the two-day activities was to promote faith, cooperation, unity and solidarity among the sisters, faculty, staff and maintenance personnel as they begin the 2024-2025 school year.

Day 1: Let Faith and Fun Begin

Upon arriving at the resort, the Pastoral Ministry Team, headed by Mr. Archee Curiba, initiated and facilitated the first BEC activity. Everyone was assigned to a caring group with a respective shepherd. The members of each group gathered together and had their self-introduction as a starting point. Then they read the Gospel, observed a moment of silent reflection and had faith sharing based on the guide questions. After the BEC, the team-building groups were given a chance to be together so they could get to know each other and practice their catchy chants and cheers.

In the afternoon, the team-building activities commenced. The Guidance counselors, headed by Mrs. Edz Lumbao, kicked off the different games that fostered collaboration and camaraderie among the members of the educative community.

After the fun games, it was time to prepare for the much-awaited part of the night, the Socialization Dinner. Everyone happily wore their famous Disney attire, and everybody participated! Each team-building group also had their own Disney Prince and Princess representatives. Oh, how they really internalized their characters and shared their famous lines from their different Disney personalities!

Another anticipated activity of the night was the initiation of the newly hired teachers, staff and maintenance personnel with special participation of the new Sisters. They were divided into three groups and showcased their acting, singing, and dancing skills, which left the community in awe.

After the evening program, the teachers and staff had a chance to bond and relax in the warm water of the different pools before they dozed off.

By Ms. Louisa Lorraine C. Caronongan