We left home at around 5:00 am last July 21, 2004. Our two kids, Kei and Vhi, were still asleep as we went. The destination was Tabaco City, Albay (Bicol Province) and I was leaving with my one and only wife - Evelyn. It was no pleasure trip. We were going to Albay as part of a team of 15 people. Our mission, rekindle the fire for God within the hearts of our fellow Christians through a seminar called “Encounter God Retreat” or EGR as most call it. We left San Jose del Monte, Bulacan at around 6:30 am.

We had three major stop-overs on our way. We ate lunch at a so-called Grand Central Terminal in Quezon Province, then dinner at a sister church in Ragay, Camarines Sur, then we passed the night over at Nabua, Albay. We left Nabua at around 6:00 am the following day (July 22) to make our final stint to our destination - Tabaco Albay. All in all, the travel took a whopping 18 hours excluding stop-overs. By the way, we only used an extra-long jeepney for our journey so kindly imagine the discomfort we had to suffer just to reach our destination. However, these sufferings were for a good cause.

We passed by another sister-church in Tabaco, Albay before we reached our final destination - an abandoned school building which was converted to a church called “Saved by Grace Southern Baptist Church”. Our church by the way is called “I Am, Redeemer, and Master” or IRM - an evangelical church.

Another group of 6 people of Catanduanes met us to join our team. The entire team therefore was made up of 21 people.

The entire two-day retreat was a success - at least to my point of view. There were critics at first but all eventually crumbled to themselves when they experienced the awesome power and love of GOD as demonstrated by HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. There were deliverance sessions, lectures on how to maintain a powerful Christian life, and of course the empowerment of the HOLY SPIRIT.

The retreat was ended with a joyous praise and worship as everybody danced and sang with all their might. Indeed God was glorified! We then had the graduation ceremony and the delegates (25 in all) gave their own testimonies and of course, we had picture takings!. All were blessed but most of all, GOD was blessed!

Once more, satan was DEFEATED in the battle. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!