A Journey of Faith and Friendship in Negros Oriental

Mary Ellen J. Reyes 

Grade 12 - Sartre

When I visited Negros Oriental again, the trip was long but really worth it. From RTR we traveled for hours just to reach Dapitan, and by that time I was already used to this kind of journey since I’ve been to Negros before. But still, every trip feels new in its own way. The moment we left RTR, I felt a mix of excitement and curiosity about what the week would bring.

From Dapitan, we took a boat going to Dumaguete. The ride took about four hours. Even though boat rides weren’t new to me, I still enjoyed them every time. I liked watching the waves shimmer under the sun, hearing the steady splash of water against the boat, and feeling the cool breeze brushing my face. Sometimes, I would just close my eyes and let the wind surround me—it was the kind of moment that makes you think deeply, like you’re leaving something behind but at the same time moving closer to something new.

When we finally reached Dumaguete, the city greeted us with its familiar charm. The streets were alive with the sound of tricycles honking, vendors calling out their goods, and people chatting along sidewalks. I noticed the smell of roasted peanuts and street food filling the air, making me even hungrier after the trip. Dumaguete always felt welcoming, not just because of the place but also because of the people.

From there, we traveled to Tanjay, Negros Oriental, where our church’s youth camp was held. The camp lasted for seven days, and during that time I met so many new people who soon became my friends. Every day was full of activities—from games to group devotions, from worship services to late-night talks under the stars. There were times when the challenges tested us, like when we had to perform in front of everyone or when the schedule was packed and tiring, but those moments also brought us closer together. The laughter we shared, the songs we sang, and even the quiet prayers in between all left a mark on me.

But what stood out the most wasn’t just the fun—it was how I grew closer to Jesus. The way the camp leaders guided us in worship, the lessons that spoke directly to my heart, and the genuine kindness of fellow campers made me feel connected in a deeper way. It wasn’t just about making friends; it was about building my faith.

The last day of camp was the hardest. Everyone was busy packing their bags, but there was a heaviness in the air. Some campers were quietly wiping tears, others were hugging their friends tightly, promising to meet again someday. I felt torn between happiness and sadness. Happy, because I was grateful for everything that happened, but sad, because saying goodbye to people who became like family wasn’t easy. I remember standing there, just trying to memorize every smile, every laugh, and every face, as if I could carry them all home with me.

Looking back, the long hours on the road and the boat ride felt small compared to what I experienced in Tanjay. The week was a mix of joy, learning, laughter, and little challenges, but all of it made the trip unforgettable. I realized that traveling isn’t just about the places you go—it’s also about the people you meet, the lessons you learn, and the way those moments change you.

For me, Negros Oriental will always be more than just a destination. It became a journey of faith, friendship, and memories I’ll carry with me for a long time. If there’s one thing I learned, it’s that sometimes the best trips are not just about seeing new places, but about discovering something new in yourself.