By Michael Chad Visca

ICS’ gates were still closed as the early arrivers started coming. It was 6:15am, Monday, October 29 and school’s out. They were there for the one-day CROSSLinC youth outing to 8 Waves Water Resort in Bulacan. Some opted to sleep at Ptr. Chad’s residence to make sure they weren’t left behind. It was semester break and we were going to make sure we took a break!

The rest of the gang trickled in before 7:00am. After checking attendance and praying, we were off. Two AUV’s were filled with twenty people, with their daypacks on their laps. We weren’t sure how long the trip would take since it was new territory for us. Noisy chatter filled the packed cars as we zoomed through EDSA and onto the North Luzon Express Way (NLEX). Traffic was light since it was a national holiday. Exiting at Sta. Rita, we passed by three towns, namely, Plaridel, Pulilan and Baliuag until finally reaching San Rafael where the resort was. The highway was sandwiched by rice paddies that we actually missed the resort by a few meters.

The parking lot was almost empty which told us either of two things - the resort was closed or it wasn’t that good. We found out neither was true. We were the first group to enter. After securing our cottage, no time was wasted as everyone dashed to change into his or her wet gear. Some dove straight into the water while others chose to explore the rest of the resort.

The most popular pool had to be the wave pool. Others included the kiddies’ pool with a Noah’s Ark, a water slide pool and a bubbles pool, to name a few. Food wasn’t allowed from outside but tables were available in the parking lot for those who did bring their own. Otherwise, a reasonably priced budget meal could be bought from the food-court. There was even a Pancake House^® franchise in the resort’s hotel.

The group stayed together most of the time, enjoying each other’s company through the various corners of the resort. The Mercados (kuya Mar, ate Emily and their daughter Donna) arrived around lunchtime and enjoyed the day with us.

By 4:00pm, we were on the way back to the city. Many opted to ride in the church’s L300. Mas masaya kapag madami at sama-sama. All in all the day filled us with joy and served as a good break from the school routine everyone was used to. We arrived at ICS by 6pm, as promised. Praise God for His protection and the joy we had together! Many reported diving straight to bed after getting home. You can probably guess by the skin tones of those who came and enjoyed the breaker at 8 waves! =D

www.crosslinc.ics.org.ph

www.8waveswaterpark.com.ph

Trivia: 8 Waves waterpark has been called “8 Waves” for two (2) reasons: (1) the Owner has 8 children, and, (2) the Main Attraction - The Wave Pool - creates “8 Kinds of Waves” namely:

• Diamond Waves
• Vertical Waves
• Single Rolling Waves
• Double Rolling Waves
• Inverted Waves
• V-Waves
• Right Diagonal Waves
• Left Diagonal Waves