Year 10

VBA goes to Banahaw; explores 3 stations

The Class of 10-VBA. 2012-2013 The class of 10-VBA is pictured at the cross on Calvary Hill during on their field trip to Mt. Banahaw. The trip involved numerous sites along the Banahaw area and was held last September 28, 2012.

The class of Year 10 Venerable Brother Alfano went on their field trip to Mt. Banahaw and the surrounding area last September 28, Friday. The students of the class went to the dormant volcano as part of their EOP or Educational Outbound Program.

The trip was held from 5:30 in the morning up until 10:00 at night. Assembly was held at the high school covered court; after departing, the bus took the SLEX up to the Quezon province. The trip covered the area of Mt. Banahaw, and the various puwestos or stations that outline the mountain. Believers consider the areas as their equivalent to the stations of the cross.

Upon arrival, the students first had warm-up exercises. "It was a very good thing to do, especially since I know that the journey will be difficult and tiring, so it's necessary so we don't get cramps and stuff," one student shared.

The students imemdiately proceeded to the Husgado cave, their first station. Students went through the cave one by one, while the guides assisted them in making the correct steps. Locals believe that the cave judges those who pass through it by deciding to give or refuse them wounds; the majority of the class was reported to have made it through with minimal injuries.

Trekking through the Calvary The members of VBA trekked and hiked up Calvary Hill as part of their  EOP or Educational Outbound Program. Students were told that going up the mountain symbolizes the suffering undergone by Jesus Christ.

Following the short lunch, students then went up the calvary: a hill formation made to replicate the mountain Jesus hiked up to. Students were faced with a tiring journey up and down. Kuya Jansel, the troop leader, explained the various rock formations and historical events that occured at Mt. Banahaw when the entire class arrived at the top of the mountain.

"It was very tiring. It was also difficult since the rocks were dangerous sometimes and hard to climb. It was very fun though," a student said. The students had a rest period before proceeding the next station.

The students proceeded through a set of stairs with nearly 300 steps to get to the lake, a symbolic representation of the Jordan river. Students bathed in ice cold water that flowed from the top of the mountain, a symbol of new rebirth for the devotees. Shortly after, they returned to the bus and returned, by SLEX, to Manila.

The majority of the students finished the trip contentedly and with smiles on their faces. "It was very fulfilling. It was a great way to spend our very last field trip," Emmanuel Vitangcol of 10-VBA said.