The closing activity and finale of the Accountancy week celebration was the fellowship gathering at Palmas Beach Resort in Umm Al Quain that started in the early evening of July 11th and ended in the afternoon of July 12th. It was an overnight activity! PICPANs, Associate Members and families temporarily escaped from the fast-paced atmosphere of Dubai and spend the weekend quietly in the laidback and relaxed surrounding of Umm Al Quain. The way to Palmas seemed easy to find, but still almost everyone spent longer time locating the place - an experience that added more excitement and fun to the out-of-town activity.

While waiting for the arrival of the rest, some kept themselves busy preparing the food for dinner while others engaged in relaxation activities - playing cards, singing or simply having conversations with everyone around. Everybody gathered for dinner when all the expected participants had finally checked-in. The president of PICPA Abu Dhabi chapter, Arnie Arboleda also came along with her husband and son.

A very short program was held after dinner. Vicvic Tiangha and I were the emcees. Rhai Constantino led the singing of the national anthem while Evelyn Jaboni did the invocation. Redd Valdehueza delivered his welcome address while Arnie Arboleda gave an inspirational talk. She openly expressed her admiration for the unity and camaraderie among the members of PICPA Dubai Chapter. The sole entertainment number of the program was the song number of Rhai Constantino. I formally ended the program through my closing remarks. After the program, some went swimming while the others stayed indoors - singing, playing mahjong, tong-its, pusoy, or simply exchanging stories with the rest.

Jogging on the beach was supposed to be the first activity for the following day, but many of the participants were not able to get up early because they stayed awake till the early morning hours. There were parlor games - Hula Bira and Duck Race - which delighted and elicited hearty laughter from everyone around. As usual, there were raffle draws, too.

It was indeed a different experience for those who made it to the overnight gathering. Being together in one place during the whole night really made them closer to one another. It was one of very rare occasions, that the people whom we said good night before going to bed, and the people whom we greeted good morning when we woke up the morning after, are our co-PICPANs and Associates.

Jerry Lorilla and Wilma Masigon donated the prizes and gifts while the foods and drinks were partly sponsored and provided by Mercy Bonachita, Oda Alvar, Jerry and Al Rawabi through Ka Emil Dungca.