Who knew a batch reunion could go from morning chikahan over coffee to standing in front of giant red rock formations that made us all look like ants with better outfits?
That was exactly how the second day of the Southwestern University Class of 1994, College of Medical Technology reunion unfolded. One minute, we were enjoying fresh brewed coffee and Filipino food, swapping stories like no time had passed. The next minute, we were on the road, heading toward Mt. Zion and Bryce Canyon, ready for a day that felt equal parts field trip, pilgrimage, and barkada adventure.
And honestly? It was one of those days that reminds you why reunions matter. Not just for the photos. Not just for the itinerary. But for the feeling of being with people who knew you before life became all deadlines, bills, maintenance meds, and “Ano na dinner?” conversations.
The Morning Started the Best Filipino Way
There is something deeply comforting about waking up to the smell of fresh coffee and familiar Filipino food, especially when you’re far from home. Kahit saan ka pa dalhin ng buhay, that combo does something to the soul.
That morning, the vibe was relaxed and happy. No rush, no stress—just classmates turned lifelong friends gathering around breakfast, laughing over old memories and updating each other on where life had taken us. Some stories were hilarious. Some were heartwarming. Some made us all realize, grabe, we really survived a lot.
Give Filipinos coffee, good food, and old classmates, and we can turn any breakfast table into a three-hour talk show.
After the morning chat, everybody slowly got ready for the day’s trip. And you know how group travel goes—someone is always looking for sunglasses, someone needs a restroom break “real quick,” and someone is taking attendance like we’re back in college. Very reunion energy. Very saya.
Mt. Zion: Nature Showing Off
When we finally made our way to Mt. Zion, the excitement in the group was real. Photos started before we even fully stopped walking. Classic.
And then we saw the formations.
Honestly, pictures do not fully prepare you for that kind of landscape. The towering cliffs, the rich shades of red and brown, the rugged texture of the rocks, and the way the sunlight hit every curve and layer—it all felt almost unreal. Parang edited, but in real life.
Everyone was amazed. And I mean amazed-amazed. The kind where conversations pause because people are too busy staring. The kind where even the most talkative among us suddenly become quiet for a few seconds. That alone says a lot.
You could feel the wonder in the group. We were all taking it in differently. Some were busy snapping photos. Some just stood there, looking around like they were trying to memorize every angle. Some, of course, were trying to find the best pose without looking like their knees were already negotiating with gravity. I say this with love because I was one of them.
The Beauty of Seeing It Together
What made Mt. Zion even more special was not just the scenery. It was seeing it with people who shared a big part of our younger years.
There is something extra meaningful about experiencing a place like that with your college batchmates. These are people who once knew you as a student in the College of Medical Technology—probably sleepy, probably cramming, probably carrying notes and stress at the same time. Now here we were, decades later, standing together in front of one of nature’s masterpieces.
Life really has a way of surprising you, no?
By Noon, Off to Bryce Canyon
By lunchtime, we decided to proceed to Bryce Canyon. And if Mt. Zion felt majestic, Bryce Canyon felt like nature went full dramatic mode—in the best way possible.
The landscape there had a different kind of magic. The rock formations looked almost sculpted, like they had been carefully carved by an artist with unlimited time and zero back pain. The colors were stunning, especially under the daylight—warm oranges, rusty reds, soft creams, all layered in a way that made every viewpoint feel postcard-worthy.
Of course, no Filipino group trip is complete without a lot of reacting out loud.
“Ang ganda!” was probably said at least 47 times that day, and honestly, it still wasn’t enough.
There was this shared sense of gratitude in the air. We were tired, yes. A little windblown, definitely. But deeply happy.
Bryce Canyon gave us another round of unforgettable views, more group photos, more candid laughs, and more of those quiet little moments when you realize, This is one for the memory books.
Small Moments I’ll Remember
Sometimes, it’s not just the destination that stays with you. It’s the tiny scenes in between.
- The smell of coffee in the morning while everyone slowly woke up
- The comfort of Filipino food before a long day out
- The laughter during the morning chat, with stories jumping from college days to family life to retirement plans
- The collective awe when the rock formations came into view
- The group photos where somebody always blinked and somebody always gave unsolicited posing advice
- The feeling of togetherness that made the whole trip more meaningful
These are the things that make travel special. Not just the famous places, but the people beside you while you experience them.
Why This Day Meant So Much
A reunion is not only about looking back. It is also about celebrating where everyone is now.
For the Southwestern University Class of 1994 College of Medical Technology, this day was more than a stop on the itinerary. It was a reminder that friendships can survive time, distance, and all the plot twists of adult life.
We have all changed, of course. We have different stories now. Different responsibilities. Different aches and pains, if we’re being honest. But being together in Mt. Zion and Bryce Canyon brought back that familiar warmth—the kind that says, we may not see each other every day, but the connection is still there.
And maybe that is what made the experience so amazing. The views were breathtaking, yes. But the real gift was sharing them with people who are part of your history.
If You’re Planning a Reunion Trip, Here’s My Two Cents
If your batch, barkada, or family is planning a reunion itinerary with scenic stops like these, here are a few practical things that help:
- Start with a good breakfast. Nobody enjoys majestic views on an empty stomach.
- Bring water and comfy shoes. Cute photos are nice, but surviving the walk is nicer.
- Give people time to enjoy the view. Not everything has to be rushed.
- Take group photos, but also live in the moment. Minsan the best memories are the ones not fully captured on camera.
- Leave room for spontaneous laughter. It always becomes the best part.
Kayo, have you ever been on a reunion trip that turned out more emotional than expected? Yung akala mo simple gala lang, then suddenly you’re feeling all sentimental while staring at a beautiful view?
A Day Worth Remembering
Our second day—from fresh brewed coffee and Filipino breakfast to the stunning landscapes of Mt. Zion and Bryce Canyon—was truly an amazing experience. It gave us beautiful scenery, shared laughter, and the kind of memories that stay with you long after the trip ends.
Some days are just nice. Others quietly become part of your life story.
This was one of those days.
If you’ve ever had a reunion trip that gave you both sore legs and a full heart, tell me about it. Drop your most unforgettable batch reunion memory in the comments—I’d love to hear the places, the chaos, and the moments that made it special.
