At the conclusion of the 7th Medical Mission of Love, 55 missioners from US, Canada and Marinduque treated themselves with an overnight stay at the world famous 5 star Bellarocca Resort and Spa at the southern end of Marinduque island. Our day started with assembly at the Masiga Airport in Gasan. We were then transported by van and after one hour we reached Lipata, Buenavista. Then we were transported by a rubber speed boat and in three minutes were in the island- felt like I was in Santorini Island in Greece. We were greeted with singing/dancing welcoming our arrival and given a lei of bougainvillas. We proceeded to the orientation room where we had a refreshing drink. At 9:00AM MI,Inc had a "recap" meeting discussing the pros and cons of the whole week of humanitarian work to the poor and needy in this 4th class province of the Philippines. Then we were free to do anything we want until 4:00PM. Some avail themselves with the aqua sports, others play golf, most of us just relax and enjoy the magnificent view of Mt Malindig and the mainland from the balcony of our rooms. In my case, I spent the whole morning updating my blogs, reading my 500 e-mails that accumulated the whole week. The previous week we spent giving free medicines in the public courts in the six towns of Marinduque. It was very hectic and exhausting and I wished we had a one day break. A few of our missioners got sick. At 4:00PM, the bishop of Boac, Most Reverend Rey Evangelista officiated a catholic mass just for us. At 6:00PM we had a our buffet dinner and Valentine dance also attended by the bishop and his assistant. The food was excellent as usual specially the salads and dessert. At 10:00PM, the evening ended with attendees saying thank you to the officers of MI, Inc for a successful mission of Love and to all non-Marinduqueno guests. I personally acknowledged the staff and employees of Bellarocca for their excellent service and for the 50% discount the resort gave us. Again, thank you to the doctors, nurses, dentists. pharmacists and all non-medical support missioners who contributed to the success of this mission of Love, 2011. I looked forward to see most of you in Chicago in August 4 to 7, for our election of officers and reunion. Thank you MACUSA and Ms Ching Jao Manalo for inviting us to your event this August. Pictures of this one day affair in Bellarocca can be found in my FaceBook account. The time of your life that you have touch the lives of others is the time that you have really live.
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