It’s not every weekend that we get to slow down, breathe fresh air, and just be with the people we love most. But last weekend, that’s exactly what we did—and it was beautiful in the simplest way.
Our clan decided to gather at a small mini-farm in town. It’s nothing grand—just around 300 square meters—but it’s a cozy place tucked near the fields, designed for private events like birthdays, reunions, anniversaries, and all kinds of small celebrations.
When we arrived, you could already feel the calmness of the place. The air was cooler, the surroundings green and quiet, and the sound of rustling leaves made it feel like we were far away from stress—even though we were just a few minutes from home. It felt like a little escape.
Before anything else, we started with a prayer. That moment of quiet, of thanking God for allowing us to be together again after everything we’ve all been through—it felt grounding. After the prayer, we had a little introduction. Some faces were familiar, some had grown taller, and some were new additions to the family. We smiled, laughed, and waved shyly as names were shared and stories started flowing.
The organizers did a great job putting together a program. They had games ready for us, and one of the best ones was Bingo! Everyone from the lolos’ and lolas’ down to the youngest ones—joined in. You’d think it was a major competition the way people were concentrating on their cards and cheering whenever someone shouted “BINGO!”
While others were busy hoping for lucky numbers, some couldn’t resist the pool.
The buffet table was a sight to behold—sugpo (prawns), igado, menudo, laing, and so many other home-cooked favorites. Everyone had their plates full and their hearts fuller. There’s something about eating together, sharing stories between bites, and offering someone the last piece of sugpo that makes moments like these extra special.
What I loved most about the day wasn’t just the food, the games, or the singing. It was the little moments—the quiet conversations, the group photos where no one could stay still, the teasing between cousins who grew up together, and the warm hugs from titas who hadn’t seen you in a while. It was the feeling of being seen, being part of something bigger—something rooted in love, history, and shared stories.
Some of us sat down, watching the view in silence. Others were still chatting or making the most of the pool. But we were all just... happy. Content. Recharged.
Before we packed up, we took group photos—ones that we’ll look back on and smile about years from now. We said our goodbyes with full tummies and even fuller hearts.
This mini-farm wasn’t just a venue. It became a space where we reconnected, laughed like kids, and reminded ourselves of what truly matters. It didn’t need to be fancy or far. It just needed to bring us together.
If I could bottle up that day—the laughter, the breeze, the food, and the love—I would. But for now, I’m holding on to the memories, and hoping the next clan gathering comes soon.
Because days like these? They’re the ones we live for.