August 2007
They sat in reflection, as pinkish, orange swaths broke through the foggy horizon. It has been an adventurous evening: knives had been brandished, the clanging of swords could be heard, and the unmistakable sound of snoring brought those still awake to giggles. This was not your momma’s kinda of retreat.
The youth spent the evening-into-the-night-and-into-the-morning bonding while learning about each other, their community, their heritage and themselves. Judy Sorio-Jeffers and the participants brainstormed on what the Filipino Association meant to them and how they could contribute to its success. They designed t-shirts donated by the Drs. Edgar and Filipinas Franciso. They cooked turon and made siomai for the first time - thanks to the cooking insights of Filipino teachers Sheila Velasco, Marcelina Lerios and Johanna Mata. They even learned how to play "Chinese garter!" Our retreatants also scrapbooked and answered several interesting "self discovery-self improvement" worksheets. Sharing activities followed and Cory Sorio helped them process their thoughts. Finally, they watched movies, ate (and ate and ate), talked, and danced until the sun came up.
Thanks to the Senior Group for providing the delicious dinner and to all those who help make this annual activity a success.
