Reminiscing the cherished moments of the past is the best thing to do when we miss people so dear in our hearts. It is even wonderful if we relive those moments by creating more to be missed. We cannot bring back the beautiful memories of the past but we can make amazing things to look back to. This is what we should do and this is what First District Board Member Maria Olivia B. Pascual just did when she brought her batchmates right from the corners of Metro Manila to pride upon what Cagayan Province can offer.
On February 11-14, 8 Escolarinas batch ’77 plus 2 of their spouses and 1 very close friend adventured into some of the places in the province. Among those who were able to join are spouses Marilen Tomacruz and Ciros Tomacruz, Annie Yu, Ma. Theresa Ramos –Tess, Ma. Ramona Siquisor –Monet, Annabel Beltran, Erlinda Lumabi, Eleanor Tarog, Diocelyn Damatac, spousess Quellie Maranan and Regie Maranan.
Different tourists’ destinations unfolded every hour before their eyes with so much amusement that they cannot help but to “wow’. Not even blinking, they hopped from one spot to another as BM Olive prepared the itinerary.
The shortlist is a perfect pheromone for first timers which surely brought out their bewilderment.
Their arrival at the grounds of Cagayan Province is a mark of exciting and fantastic moments ahead of them.
Escolarinas visit the workplace of the Board Member which they loved taking pictures.
The Calvary Hills at the Municipality of Iguig where station of the cross is portrayed with the human-life sized characters caused them to breathe in very deeply.
Visiting the Mini Christams Village experience in the Municipality of Lal-lo featuring the personal village collections of BM Olive is a post Christmas experience in the province.
Participating in the IDA Hataw at the Sta. Maria, Lal-lo is responsible for every sweat which comes out of their pores which eventually made them aware of the advocacy on fighting Iron Deficiency Anemia.
Aware of the need to fight global warming, the Escolarinas joined in the tree planting activity at the Municipality of Lal-lo in support of the national greening program.
Overjoyed with the arms of the first suspension bridge in the country – the Magapit bridge which connects the province of Cagayanand Ilocos province.
Taking part of the history, Escolarinas get to touch the Oldest Bell in the Far East laid in the Municipality of Camalaniugan.
Getting close to the Pacific Ocean as Escolarinas posed behind the place where the river meets the sea at Aparri, Cagayan.
Escolarinas pray to the Our Lady of Piat, Piat, Cagayan.
Escolarinas take picture at the facade of the Provincial Capitol.
Posing with “pandoy” the boy tour guide featured in Maalala Mo Kaya, Escolarinas prepare for their caving adventure in Callao caves.
Escolarinas pose while they wait for the thousand bats to come out from their place, the experience is completely wonderful.
Escolarinas’ final destination – St. Claire’s Church at Iguig.
The Escolarinas were so captivated with the robust meaningful moments in their short stay in the province. Every experience is gleaned in the corners of their smile speaking of unfathomable joy and excitements. This is the experience of their life that shall be remembered wherever they go. The visit was fast-paced and rewarding journey written in the pages of their lives. Every tick of the clock meant a lot as they stayed in the soils of Cagayan. They even vowed to come back with their families and friends so that same experience shall theirs to make.
Mayor Florante C. Pascual of the Municipality of Lal-lo and the husband of BM Olive is equally supportive of the Escolarinas’ tour around the province. He also spared some time with the visitors to personally introduce some of the places they should never miss.
BM Olive Pascual thanked all her batch mates for visiting the province because it is not only another get together for all of them, it is also one way of doing her duties as a Board Member of the First District of the Province. As a leader BM Olive feels the responsibility of promoting the province to everyone who deserves to see and experience the beauty and wonders of Cagayan. This is the responsibility of everyone to be proud of the smiling land of beauty in his/ her own ways. This is the way of the Board Member. This is the vision all of us should see – to make no stranger to the province. This is the Cagayano dream.
Maria Olivia B. Pascual 