IT'S an annual thing for these Ateneo de Manila University Batch '76 alumni, as they gather in a pre-selected destination and explore.
This year, it's Davao City with SunStar Davao president Gina Marie G. Atienza as their host.
The list reads like a who's who of decisionmakers: Joseph Ang, Raoul Angangco, Rafael Cruz, Ed Cua, Alfonso Garcia, Ramon Go, Jesus Alfonso Hofilena, Carlos Renato Javier, Ramon Lim, Robert Panlilio, Filomena Legaspi Rosales, Leighton and Neriza Siazon, and Jobel Solano.
First on their itinerary was at The Villages at the Prayer Mountain in Tamayong topped with a visit to the private sanctuary of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy. The Kingdom of Jesus Christ graciously welcomed the group of topnotch business executives into these garden properties that are bursting with nature's colors, and the durian trees that were heavy with fruits. For many, it was their first time to see durian on trees.
Lunch was at Malagos Garden Resort followed by a tour at its Chocolate Museum and a mid-afternoon wine and cheese at the resort's Music Lounge. Mr. Hofilena had the time of his life trying his hand on making his own chocolate candies and be interviewed and videoed by a crew for a nationwide TV news magazine feature that just happened to be there.
The group had a chance to gawk at the facilities of the Public Safety and Security Command Center, but was most impressed by the Central 911's the amphibian rescue vehicle, the Pediatric ambulance, and the bus ambulance. The top favorite, however, was the brand-new urban search and rescue Toyota Hilux pickup, which was so “pogi,” it was every man's dream vehicle. Central 911 has two of these pickups that come equipped with state of the art equipment for all types of urban rescue. It recently arrived, we were told.
The day slowed down with a dinner at The White House where they were joined for a bottle by Boyet Lim.
Sunday's itinerary included a trip and lunch at Lubi Plantation on Kopiat Island and a rowdy gathering at Marco Polo's Eagles Bar for the UAAP Ateneo-La Salle basketball game, as no blue-blooded Atenean would want to miss.
The short visit highlighted the city's unique attributes and refreshing sites, a tour fit for the top executives that they are.