Family.Friends.Long trip home.

When we were told that Sangkan 1 & 2 will be in Mary Help of Christians Seminary in Binmaley, Pangasinan, we couldn't contain our excitement. Sangkan is what BULPRISA is for private schools in Bulacan and NCAA for colleges. 

Ian Mangune serving with Sister Chona cheering
in the sidelines :)

Different seminaries all over Luzon participate in this annual event. The seminaries play outdoor and indoor games. First years and fourth years play basketball while second and third years play volleyball. Can you imagine cheering your brother side by side with his Rector and a Nun-principal? I can. I did. 

The thing with Sangkan is that it's not only a sporting event, but a family event. Every parent was there including brothers and sisters who missed class or called in sick for work. I don't know if any of you guys can relate to the value of Sangkan is to us until you have your brother or future sons enrolled in a seminary. When my boyfriend Pot used to tell me stories about his life as a high school seminarian, I got bored because I couldn't relate. Now that my brother has been studying in the same unorthodox kind of school, I get the pride he felt. I understand how proud he was because I am beyond proud of my brother for having passed the exam and surviving life inside with flying colors. 

I know I shared the same emotion with the families present. Pangasinan was a long way from Bulacan (approx. 5hrs) and some even came from Cabanatuan. But it was worth it. It will always be worth it. :) My brother's school, Immaculate Concepcion Seminary place 1st runner up in volleyball. Their first years need mooooore practice. hehe

Being it a long way home, the ates and kuyas of the seminarians were able to bond. We shared stories. We cheered and jeered. We were very protective of our "babies". We ate a lot of Dagupan Bangus and putos from Calasiao. We made fun of those kids who bully our brothers. We all had fun. Especially me. :) I was able to go to Pot's high school seminary; got to talk to Tita Marlyn longer; got to see Abe and toured the whole place.

We may not have won this year. But we will be back on November. It will not matter if I have to cut class yet again. It will not matter if our butts will burn the seats. It will not matter if lose (but we won't. haha!). Because at the end of the day, it's family and how can you say no to them? :)

2nd year HS kids of ICS

Kuya. Je. Abe. Pot. Tyna. Isay.

Sam, Mela, Isay, Me and Pot @ MHCS Binmaley, Pangasinan

Thank you Sam and Mela, Pot and Abe, and for my brothers and sister for making this Sangkan beyond memorable. See you in the seminary! :) We'll get them back in November!