PPCO holds picnic in Lake Scucog cottage

PPCO holds picnic in Lake Scucog cottage

PPCO members, family and hosts gather by the lake for the blowing of birthday candles of 2-year old Skyea D’Aoust. The birthday of Justin Perada was marked with a rousing happy birthday song.

TORONTO — The Philippine Press Club of Ontario held its first outdoor trip last Sunday, June 9 in a beautiful cottage in scenic Lake Scucog, Little Britain, Ontario.

Attended by PPCO officers and members led by PPCO president Hermie Garcia, and joined by family and friends, the summer trip was organized by Noel Perada, PPCO Treasurer.  The event was made possible by the hospitality of the cottage owners, Ezekiel and Lyn Lucrida, who made their property spanning one hectare of idyllic green surroundings beside the lake available for the PPCO’s first out of town trip this year.

Not only did the generous Lucrida couple – long-time family friends of the Peradas –join in the various fun activities, but they also graciously made available their sports equipment and facilities.  With the help of the PPCO members and their kids, the hosts set up right on their freshly mowed lawn, the trampoline for the kids, and the table tennis, and volleyball net for the adults and the teens, allowing for a wonderful sports experience of games and fun for everyone.

In addition, the hosts set out their motor boat for an enjoyable lake cruising by the kids; as well as fishing, with Ezekiel even demonstrating how to catch fishes right on the water fronting their cottage. Guests also took turns on a fun motorcycle ride around the grounds which turned out to be an exhilarating experience for everyone who tried it.

Food was abundant as both guests and hosts generously shared a potluck lunch and dinner, featuring grilled fish, turkey, beef steak, hamburgers, chicken, rice and quinoa, vegetarian dishes, and fruits.

PCCO cottage picnic ladies: From left: Shirley Perada, Rose Tijam, Elena Tijam, Eva Agpaoa, Joy Sariemto, Mila Astorga-Garcia, Imelda Suzara and Lyn Lucrida (host).PHOTO: ARIEL RAMOS

One memorable highlight was the advanced birthday cheers given to two celebrants with the same birthdays (June 10) – the cake candle-blowing by the lake by Skyea, the two-year old daughter of Joy Sarmiento and Warren D’Aoust; and the birthday songs both for her and Justin, the 13-year old son of Noel and Shirley Perada.

The trip allowed those in attendance a refreshing time to unwind from hectic news coverage and deadlines, to bond and enjoy old and new friends, and plan the next fun activities. One participant who confided it was her very first time to experience going to a cottage said: “This is so relaxing and enjoyable for me.” Another exclaimed, after a good game of volleyball, “You can’t put a price on this (kind of fun)!”

Participants in the first cottage country trip by the PPCO were: Noel and Shirley Perada and their three children, Jed, Justyn, and Krisha; Lowelle, Shirley’s brother; Rose Tijam and sister Nene; Ariel Ramos; Imelda Suzara; Eva Agpaoa and Peter Cole, Joy Sarmiento and her two daughters, Oceana and Skyea; Hermie and Mila Garcia; Glenda Tulod and her children Behm, Jeremiah and Jared; and the generous hosts themselves, Lyn and Ezekiel Lucrida.  Adding to the fun were the playful presence of Sunday, the Shih Tzu pet of the Lucridas; and Simba (Papok), the pet Dachshund of the Peradas.

Overall, it was a lot of sharing, camaraderie, good vibes, and pleasant conversation, making for a wholesome experience and a welcome respite from the hectic routine in Toronto, that already, another similar PPCO out-of-town trip is being planned for July.  (MAG)

Table tennis and volleyball were games they played with much excitement.

Noel and Shirley Perada with their children. 2 PHOTOS: ARIEL RAMOS