PHILIPPINES—Twenty-six members of the Philadelphia Church of God Davao and General Santos congregations boated across a mile-wide stretch of Davao Bay to Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort on Samal Island on February 22 for their fourth annual beach outing.

Surrounded by palm trees and a variety of plants and flowers, the members played beach volleyball and toured a miniature zoo, which included a herd of deer and an albino boa constrictor. The island resort also featured an aviary filled with brightly colored birds such as peacocks, parrots, pheasants and pigeons.

Crystal blue waters and matching blue skies provided the backdrop for several water activities. Most, including the seniors, tried kayaking and paddleboats. Others tried snorkeling.

“At first I was afraid to try snorkeling,” 6-year-old Zophia Marquez said, “but when I did, I loved it. I enjoyed watching the fishes and starfish under the water.”

During a potluck lunch, the group listened to live acoustic music and watched an acrobatic show. Some played table tennis or chess on a giant chessboard.

Singles Jolly Guinto and Genalin Melendres organized several beach parlor games, including a relay race where members scrambled along the beach using straws to blow Ping-Pong balls across the sand as fast as they could.

“I and my wife were really happy when we transferred here in Davao,” member Alfredo Arceo said, adding that he enjoyed the informal nature of the annual congregational outing. “It gives us more time to be close with the minister and the brethren.”

“God has provided us varied activities that will help us to be closer to each other,” member Jelly Obregon said, “and to hold on to while developing godly character God wants us to develop.”