Two Places, One Mission (An Extension Program of PE 104 Classes)

Bigaa Elementary School

Giving happiness doesn't have to be sumptuous yet it has to be appreciable. Such was proven when we had a recreational program. It was an exciting Tuesday morning when we, the P.E 104 classes, prepared everything-the games, the prizes and ourselves – because we would be visiting Bigaa Elementary School. It was almost 9 o'clock in the morning when we arrived so we could finish the games early. The moment we entered the gate, it was our surprise that all grade two (2) pupils, together with their teachers, blithely greeted us-although we didn't understand what they said, we knew that it was an expression of gratitude. We know it; the pupils already knew that after a few minutes they would be enjoying.

Immediately after our arrival, our P.E Professor, Mr. Sam Aguilar, briefly explained to the little people of how that day would be set fro. Of course, we, the students, had to be respectful, approachable and cooperative the moment we entered the school so we would be given compliment at the end of that day.

After the brief introduction, the first group started their first game: the boat is sinking. That instance, the pupil started to energize that they could almost burst. They wore smile in their cute faces while they were actively participating. Oh, how we reminisced our childhood experiences! When a winning team had been declared, our professor gave them the prizes: candies, biscuits and juice drinks.

In fact, the prizes were not intended only for the winners but for also for those who participated on the game. When the first group had their parts, they set aside themselves for we, for the second group, had to conduct the second game: ball pen relay. We first explained the mechanics of the game so the pupils could understand how the game was worth.

Ball pen relay has do with five-soft drink bottles and five bullpens in which case the pupils have to shoot the ballpen in it.

"Five, four, three, two, one, and go!" Our group yelled. The pupils ran off with their full speed so they could with the game. Indeed, at the first, they where of the same speed but towards the end of the game, the second team led. We were with I smile while we were watching the wining group hugged to each other. Of course, as expected, the prices were quickly given to the teams who played in the second game. The second game was over thus the third group had to conduct their own games, the sacks race.

Sack race is very familiar to the students so they didn't exert match effort of explaining its mechanics.

The game sack race was intended for the boys because they are tougher than girls. "Go!" the grouped leader yelled as to start the game. The pupils run as fast as they could for they wondering of one thing: the prizes. Also, as we observe, the teachers were so happy for their pupils that they were coaching them-we guessed, the teachers wanted to join, too or not. After the sack race, the game coir relay came after.

If the precious game was intended for boys, now, this time, for girls to show girl power.

Coin relay has to do (obviously) with coin. The pupils had to put the coin on their forehead without letting it fall as they walk two meters.

At first, we had a tough experience on giving instructions because all the girl pupils were fond of staring at their boy classmates who were dancing at that moment. "Okay, children listen up!" we said in a higher voice so they would-no, we were not trying to yell at them. Thank God, they listened to our please thus we started the game. Just like sack race, the pupils were at their best so they would get the top spot.

While our group was holding the coin relay, the other group was holding the "PGT" game. All of us including the teachers were having funny experiences due to the varieties of talent that had been showed and executed by those children. At the first part of the talent show, the children were those who forced themselves to show what they've got, but on the later part of that portion they were forced by the teachers. I'm not talking about the radical meaning of forcing. What I mean is, the teachers wanted only to show to us the different talents of their pupils. You know what, during that game there was a girl who presented herself to show her talent. It was a lovely and sweet voice that we heard. She felt the song very much. Suddenly, she forgot the later part of the lyrics and she begun to cry. And probably I went to her and tried to stop her; our professor gave her chocolate just to comfort the girl. What a cute experience!

As we were reaching the climax of this "communion", the last group held the banana-eating contests. We were at our best to serve water for those challengers. The game was executed and done without spurting. Right after the game, our Professor, Mr. Sam Aguilar gave the prize to the winner and gifts to the other challengers. Absolutely, we were happy of having fun with the children of Bigaa Elementary School. Sharing, not only the gifts that we brought to them but the love that should be given to them as one family and one follower of Christ and image of the Church.

After those activities Prof. Sam Aguilar at least asked us to make a personal reflection with regard to recreation activity that happened. All of us were happy and busy of writing our individuals reflection. Some of us were writing under the tree and some were writing under the heat of the sun, that's funny!

It's the time to say goodbye to the school and probably to the grade two pupils. Of course, the advisers and teachers of the pupils had given also a prize: a dictionary.

We left the Bigaa Elementary School, we said goodbye to them, but this goodbye doesn't mean forever because the community of Aquinas University especially the P.E 104 classes will return. They will bring again enjoyment and happiness to them. We were proud to be a part of this unforgettable and enjoyable apostolate headed by our inspiring and supportive professor, Mr. Sam Aguilar. We will treasure it forever.

Legazpi City Jail

Since we were not able to participate during the recreational activity held on March 8, 2011 at Bigaa Elementary School because we were needed at the same time at the year-end general assembly of CASE, we decided to join the PE 104 classes of professors Sam Aguilar and Loreto Barajas, whose activity was conducted the following day, March 9, at around 8:30AM at the Legazpi City Jail.

We rode the AQ bus on the way to the city jail. When we arrived, we were asked to leave our stuff, particularly our valuables like our cell phones, at the guardhouse. Though we were aware that we would be safe during this activity, some of us couldn't help but feel nervous, considering that we were in a place where criminals are imprisoned. We then proceeded to the basketball court were the games held. The students from the different departments (CNHS, PI, and CBMA) conducted a series of games, such as the sack race and the paint-me-a-picture, which the prisoners actively participated in. Though it was an incredibly hot day, they all look so delighted and energetic. They were also grateful for all the prices they won. It was an overwhelming and enjoyable experience for both the prisoners and the students.afteraward, Processor Aguilar presented tokens of appreciation (2 balls and a chess board) intended for the prisoners' entertainment. When the activity was over, we claimed our possession and rode the AQ bus once again back to Aquinas University.

Our group has concluded that the prisoners must be experiencing an awfully hard life in jail that's why they made the most out of their chance to have a little sunshine even just for a while. Also, whatever the prisoners are the consequences of their actions. Therefore, we should always think before making a decision. We should consider how our deeds would affect other people, because we might end up regretting what we have done.

Everything we do must be in accordance to God's will. If we put God at the center, it wouldn't be difficult for us to do good and avoid evil.

Posted on: 04.01.2011