Feeders Project: Balik Eskwela 2015

AREP Dumagat Settlement

I was very lucky to be part again of the Feeders Balik-Eskwela Outreach Program.  This time, we went to AREP Dumagat Settlement in Angat Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan. Because it was inside the vicinity of the National Power Corporation Compound, security and permit are necessary. You can’t just go there and visit. It was our officemate Erma who lives near the area arranged everything for the group. I really do admire her for being so active leading a charity group like this.

Stop over to secure passes and quick refreshment

We're almost there, securing id's first

On our way is such beauty

This is still on our way to the settlement area

I tag Hal and Yana along to this activity. I want my niece Yana to be exposed in a project like this to be aware and to be able to learn how to socialize and engage helping others. As we were getting near the vicinity, the view along really catches our attention. Angat Dam is a water reservoir hydroelectric dam. It supplies the Manila Metropolitan Water and is part of the the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa water system. It was surrounded by greens and nestled in the southern part of the vast Sierra Madre Mountain range. Only the native Dumagats are allowed to reside and roam around in these protected forested mountains.

Blessed with this kind of view

We are here

The green building is the school of the Dumagat

Learning Center

As we arrived to the location, we saw lots of children patiently waiting for us already. We did not expect that they will be there that early. Our plan was to cook our brunch first since we’re all hungry from the long drive while preparing the distribution of the supplies. Then after our brunch, some of us will cook the food for them during the program. However, we didn’t expect that they will gather that early that’s why eating first while letting them wait for us is not an option. So here’s what happened, we still did prepare our brunch and let them eat first. Luckily we brought plenty of rice and individual “baon”. Since we were not prepared having plates for two meals for them, we had the boodle fight style of eating. It was a bit chaotic but at least we had to let them eat as well. Then we started our small games and distribution of school supplies. We also had some clothes to distribute. After that, we finally allocated the portioned meal for everybody, this time all of them got their own plates.

It's a bit chaotic but at least they had both lunch and mirienda

Having fun I guess :)

It's time for some games

Luckily, we have Jessie to cheer them up

Now is mirienda time

We get their names in advance and provide bags and school supplies depending on their grade levels

We also brought other essentials

Distributed to every kids

It was tiring but fun. I guess they also had a good time. There were times that we noticed some were trying to cheat by removing their stamp and falling in line again. It was a bit frustrating. Maybe they just wanted more because they have none that’s why they are taking all the opportunities they’ve got. That saddened me a lot. It was late afternoon that we bid goodbye to them.

I pray in silence that despite their lack of needs they will be able to succeed, fulfill their dreams and still be happy and thankful in life that they currently have. It was such an experience especially for my niece Yana who is new to this activity.

Feeders Project: Bringing Happiness to Elders

Happiness is something that you will never be found. You will create it. We are in-charge to embrace the life that we have and be happy with it. I definitely agree, but how about those who live their lives on their own, old, feeling useless and just waiting so long enough for someone ABOVE to call them when they are ready. And wondering if the people from their past remembers them and give them a visit, or just a call maybe.

Sunset reminds me of life, my past and the time that flies fast in front of me. 

That was going on my mind on my way to the Feeder’s project. A project created by my kindhearted office mates who shares the same passion. I am glad that Sol invited us to join them. We save a few bucks of our salary every pay day and settled visiting the elders to give gifts and a day of happiness.

I remember how I got lost going there by myself, and I’ll never ever trust Jeepney drivers again in Pasay (no offense! I just had a very bad experience) Luckily, I still arrived safe, keeping my poise and calming myself down first. My mood changed immediately as we are about to start.

We organized games like singing and dancing, we were the one who prepared and served their lunch on that day. Everybody was happy and wanted to participate, some were already too old to join us and some were feeling young and kicking.

Lunch first before the program

Then they showcase their talents

Some gifts to share

We had few conversations and all had almost same ending, nobody can take care of them like the institution does. Actually, these elders are lucky as the facilities are very well equipped with their needs. Elevators, own rooms, decent meals everyday, entertainment room, prayer room and big space. I am thinking that they have all the materials they need; only their families are not around.

"Learn from the people who have walked the path before you… respect them. Because someday – and sooner than you could ever imagine – you’re going to be old too."

We Filipinos are used to living with our elders, we are not used to the culture of bringing elders to a nursing home like this, seeing them happy and contented makes me feel better, they are still being loved by the sister and by each other. At least they are being taken care of. But still I prefer having their last day spent to their love ones, but if you happen to know someone, living their own, no families to take care of them, on the streets, begging, no shelter and food. Maybe you can help bringing them to a nursing home like this.  So they will find a family that will love them until their last breath.

Thank you for the wonderful experience 

Little Sisters of the Poor 
                      
50B Lancaster Street, Pasay City Philippines                                                      
Contact Info:                              
Sr. Rosario                              
0939-3751362 • (02) 832-9689 • (02) 8322915        

Note: Overdue post

Gift Giving 2012 - Every Little Deed Can Do

December is the season for giving, sharing and remembering that there are people out there that need our help. I also believe that Christmas is for children; they should feel love, care and just be happy. I guess we have the same views of those who started this gift giving program. Even just for a day, those who are not being noticed will feel appreciated.

I personally do not give money to the beggar. Especially for those who looks like they are making business out of it. Looking so weak and hopeless when they are near you but then looking at them closely, with their body obviously fit for physical job, they can do better than asking for alms. Technically there are better ways to earn money aside from their monkey business. Really, they can be richer than you if in a day, they’ll be able to collect money to every concern citizen they pass by.

However, it’s a different scenario for children literally living in the street. The street is their teacher and molds them on how they become in the future. Whatever views they may have in life, eventually it will reflect once they grow old.

Kaye invited me to pledge just a few years back for their gift giving tradition. I usually just pledge a few amount and then they do the giving. I was able to join once before and now I was able to join them again with the grocery, packing and the distribution of gifts.

Just some from the first batch of goodies. 

And we are also the first batch to pack, some are still on their way to continue packing. 

After packing, we were the first batch who went to some streets in Manila to look for kids where we can share our gifts. We also decided to divide the group so we are less noticeable to the crowd. Though it was just a food for a night, the spirit and the feeling that they were recognized this season can be something for them.

He literally showed "Wowed" face

It was hard to keep them fall in line. 

For some,we really need to go their place to give their gifts.

We tried to disguise to avoid the commotion. 

I personally would like to give thanks to Kaye and her friends who started this program and for inviting hal and I to be part of this. Though it may be just a little deed, every little deed put together can be a big act.

Looking forward for a better and bigger gift giving next year. 

Share Love at Real Life

My mind was all over the place that day thinking on what to do that coming weekend. With no plans yet, I read my wish list and try to see if there’s something I can achieve to do. While doing my usual audit at work (and thinking something else) I am browsing for anything worth doing such as joining in an outreach or trying to organize my own. Torn with the idea of organizing as it needs more than a week to fully organize or at least create a team to help me. I focus on my search instead and was directed to this link.

Real life is a Christian non-profit NGO who are passionate to help young Filipinos by giving scholarships and moulding youngsters for their better future.

I send them an e-mail immediately after browsing their site and checking some of the fellow bloggers who joined their feeding program. I invited my friends and luckily Jess and Kate was all heartedly happy and excited to join me.

A response from Rhea, confirming that we can join that Saturday on their feeding program in Pasig was the gun start for us three.

By the way all photo credits to Kate. Thanks for letting me use your pics for this blog post. (Ayan, tinamad na naman kasi akong mag picture picture dahil hindi ko kayang mag multitask with the kids and all the picture picture session)

For the shirt, we paid 250, donations na rin for the food that's why volunteers are required for it. If you have your shirt already, no need for that, it's all up to you :)

Ang mga makukulit na bata outside

The kids are just residing nearby, most of the kids are not first timers so they know the routine. Fall in line upon entering the hall, wash their hands, then they can play and roam around. Next is the game and storytelling part.

And yes, they play hardcore

And after the story telling part, they need to fall in line to eat.

Yes it was fun and tiring, the kids are all of different kinds, may gusto na magpabuhat palagi, may nang aaway, may makulit at pasaway, may matabil at kung ano ano pa. It’s all because they are raised differently by their families and has their own needs na minsan nakukuha lang nila ang care and attention here at the foundation.

The goal is for them to learn on how to follow rules, share, respect, learn how to win and how to lose, how to listen and learn from it and how to socialize to other people that they will remember sa paglaki nila.

Those who are in a bigger group is in charge on preparing a game and a story for the kids. Usually they need to reserve months in advance since maraming volunteers. For less than 5 groups like us, if there's a slot for more volunteers, we can fill in. Maximum of 20 volunteers per session and the kids can be as many as 120 kids that are divided into 2 groups.

Our fellow volunteers

Yes, the kids needs to remember these


And for us; I really learn a lot from the activity. Especially realizing that we are fortunate enough and that these small little things that we could do could change the way the kids view and could change their future. They may be exposed to hard shifts of life but in their small little minds, they also want to live well by knowing God more and creating their future together with God’s guidance.

A great experience that I will not forget, we will go back and continue to help. Or, to dream big, why not we do more than this.

Sorry naman for my over outdated post,event was held Jan-last week.