The long awaited XUNICEF Reunion, organised by Mary Racelis, Ces Adorno and other colleagues, was a grand success. Beautiful natural wonders, historic museums and interesting sight seeing kept the participants busy and engaged, eager to see and do more. The XUNICEF group of around sixty colleagues enjoyed the Philippines savouring the culinary delights and witnessing the cultural diversity from Metro Manila to Bohol. Gautam's brief report gives us the highlights and some pictures as we wait for longer reports and more from others. The photos are plenty and can be viewed in the photo gallery if you follow this (Manila) and this (Bohol) link to the two albums. We also invite you to add to the albums your contributions of memories from the Reunion.
The Manila 2025 XUNICEF Reunion was a wonder of wonders! We learnt, both Madhu and I, that the waters of an archipelago do not divide but unite to bridge the gap. We learnt of the rich diversity the islands hold and yet remain bound together in harmony like the melody that travels through the waves and the breeze. We learnt of its legacy, stretching back to prehistoric times.
Manila was enchanting, like any other city of an emerging economy, proud to assert and relive its rich heritage. We learnt of the struggles the people faced through its chequered history. We learnt of the vagaries of nature and natural calamities, which in turn gave the people their resilience. They still smile through their adversities.
If you ask for the "wow" it was on arrival in Bohol and it stayed with us through each adventure we experienced. Be it the tropical jungles tracing the Bohol Tersier in the bushes, the enchanting visit to the "chocolate hills" or the river cruise in the dark to track the fire fies, each was a unique experience.
To crown it all, it was the children of the local school with their music and melody that stole our hearts.
It was hard to say a hurried goodbye. On reflection, the absence makes the heart grow fonder and hence we say: "Isle of beauty, fare thee well!"
The Manila 2025 XUNICEF Reunion was a wonder of wonders! We learnt, both Madhu and I, that the waters of an archipelago do not divide but unite to bridge the gap. We learnt of the rich diversity the islands hold and yet remain bound together in harmony like the melody that travels through the waves and the breeze. We learnt of its legacy, stretching back to prehistoric times.
Manila was enchanting, like any other city of an emerging economy, proud to assert and relive its rich heritage. We learnt of the struggles the people faced through its chequered history. We learnt of the vagaries of nature and natural calamities, which in turn gave the people their resilience. They still smile through their adversities.
If you ask for the "wow" it was on arrival in Bohol and it stayed with us through each adventure we experienced. Be it the tropical jungles tracing the Bohol Tersier in the bushes, the enchanting visit to the "chocolate hills" or the river cruise in the dark to track the fire fies, each was a unique experience.
To crown it all, it was the children of the local school with their music and melody that stole our hearts.
It was hard to say a hurried goodbye. On reflection, the absence makes the heart grow fonder and hence we say: "Isle of beauty, fare thee well!"
The Isle of Beauty we left behind
At Casa Manila: part of the Spanish legacy
The "chocolate hills" of Bohol turned green with the rain.
At the musical extravaganza in Bohol
San Augustin Church in Metro Manila
These are a sample of the memories we brought back to cherish. More are uploaded on the Blog albums. You will find them if you follow the links provided. Do please add your memories to them.
Lovely story and beautiful photos. Happy to to know the reunion was so exciting.
ReplyDeleteWe missed you at the Reunion, Horst! Many happy returns of your special day, which you celebrated recently!
DeleteVery nice photos, Gautam! I am sure it was a great reunion.
ReplyDeleteMissed you, too, Nuzhat! Bhalo theko!
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