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Five: Mission Possible

Today, we've gone to one of our dream "mission destinations": Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija. :)

Since 2010 we have been going on mission together and we've already gone to several towns in Bulacan, Laguna, and Zambales. When we went to Isabela last year for Kuya Leo & Shezha's wedding, we thought of a crazy dream - to proclaim God's word to every province. And the first province that came to our minds? Nueva Ecija. :) During the 4th session of the Great God ICon in Bohol, Kuya Shok Arriola rallied the delegates to go on mission and in fact, encouraged them to write the areas they want to visit and drop the info card at the designated drop boxes per mission area (Metro Manila, Philippines, International). He assured them that they will receive a call within the year inviting them to go to their chosen areas. Lawrence and I were not able to participate in that activity for we were busy doing our respective tasks. But God really knows the desires of our hearts, and in His time, He grants them one by one. :)

Our dream was made possible through Kuya Richard Española, fulltime pastoral worker for Central Luzon. When I got that call from him, I excitedly shared the good news to Lawrence and we agreed that he'll deliver the sixth talk (Financial Stewardship) and I'll take the seventh (Loving and Serving the Poor). And so, this morning, we traveled to Cabanatuan to finally live one of our dreams. :)

Tito Hermie Cabalang, the provincial couple coordinator for Nueva Ecija fetched us from the Central Terminal and when we got to the venue, we were surprised that they actually have their own "home office". And the participants, well, they are a good audience. Most of them are new to the community and you can really notice their eagerness to learn. It's just inspiring to see a new generation of servant leaders ready to win the world for Christ. :)

The Covenant Orientation Weekend ended with a powerful praisefest led by Edu of Aurora. And we all shared a sumptuous lunch prepared by the titos and titas. :) After lunch, the core group had an initial meeting for their upcoming Regional Conference. They finished at around 2:30PM and we all headed to the Central Terminal. Lawrence and I boarded the Five Star bus for Manila with our delicious "baon" from Nueva Ecija: Puno ice cream and Five Mamas pandesal courtesy of Tito Hermie and Tita Liza. :)

We arrived in Manila a little past 6PM, just in time for the mass in Rosario. We then headed to their home in VVEV, had dinner, and spent quality time with Dada Beeya and the rest of the members of the family who were still awake. :D

It was indeed a long day, but it was one great adventure! :) And it was a dream come true! Truly, with a GREAT GOD, EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE! :)

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Known as the 'Tricycle Capital of the Philippines", Cabanatuan City is the capital and the largest city of Nueva Ecija. We were not able to tour around the city, but according to the SFCs there, there's not much to see but there's a lot to taste. :) We only got to experience two, Puno Ice Cream and Five Mamas and we're more than satisfied. :)

Cabanatuan is just one ride away from Manila. If you want to get there fast, ride a Five Star bus bound for Cabanatuan via SCTEX. Travel time is around 3 hours with a stopover at Lapaz, Tarlac. Fare from Cubao to Cabanatuan is P185 (Cabanatuan to Ortigas is P196). But if you have the luxury of time, then take the Baliwag bus route passing through several municipalities of Bulacan. I'm not just sure about the fare and the travel time but I think it's a fun experience too. :)

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  1. markOctober 19, 2012 at 10:07 PM

    Thank you for sharing with us your wonderful experience in Cabanatuan. I just want to add some information regarding the place. It is a historic place, too. At the heart of the city near the cathedral, you can see the monument of General Antonio Luna astride a horse. It is the exact spot where he was assassinated. About 10 kilometers away from the city proper, the Camp Pangatian Shrine is located. It was a prisoner of war camp during the Japanese occupation and it is where the historic successful rescue of the american prisoners of war took place. The historic event was immortalized in the hollywood movie "The Great Raid". President Aquino declared the City as a Highly Urbanized City last July 2012 and ratification of his declaration will be done through a plebiscite which is about to take place this month (October 27, 2012).
    Never forget to try Cabanatuan Longganisa especially their delicious "Batutay", beef longganisa.
    I hope you could explore more and discover Cabanatuan in your next visit.

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