May 24 - June 2, 2008


May 23

Arrival of Delegates to the 9th Provincial Chapter
Maryridge, Tagaytay City

Friday, May 23 dawned bright and sunny after days of fog and mist. Inside Maryridge, the Sisters and staff had made everything as ready as possible to welcome the 2008 Provincial Chapter participants. "Tuloy po kayo... atin ito!" the welcome sign read! The PrepCom had lovingly labeled the participants' abaca bags and distributed them in their (the delegates' and observers') rooms. This was the day of ARRIVAL and the mood was of excitement and anticipation.  The Sisters from Cebu came in the morning straight from the airport and that signaled the expectation for the big group in the afternoon. A little past 5:00 p.m., bursts of laughter and happy voices erupted in the gardens and echoed through the house.  They have come -- by car and van and school bus service! Photos taken to record the event for posterity will share the details of the glorious start of this "first" in the history of the Philippine Province-- the first Open Chapter!