my "pensive-ness" is somehow drained because of the frustrations caused by the lag. there were instances when i tried to blog an entire post then i click post, an error page shown then i click back, everything's gone. anyway, footprints expedition'06 will definitely hold a significant place in my heart.
read an interesting poem on the forums... hhmm
The greatest irony of love
Loving the right person at the wrong time,
Having the wrong person when the time is right,
And finding out you love someone right after
That person walks out of your life.
And sometimes, you think you're already over a person,
Until you see them smile at you again,
You'll suddenly realize that you're really not.
For some, they think that letting go is one way
Of expressing how much you love the person,
By sacrificing your happiness for theirs,
Without realizing that the other person's
Doing the same thing for them.
Most relationships tend to fail
Not because of the absence of love;
Love is always present,
It's just that one is being loved too much
And the other was being loved too little.
We always fall in love with the person we think we love,
Only to discover that what we loved about them fades.
Bad experiences are always remembered,
But it's the wonderful memories that are captured
To remind us that there are brighter days ahead
And that happiness exists.
You need to learn to let go when you're hurting too much,
Realize that sometimes love just isn't enough
And accept the fact that things aren't always gonna be the same.
There is someone out there who will love you more.
It's all the thought you put into your decisions
That impairs your judgement
When your heart already knows what you need to do.
Listen to your heart. Even though it's on the left side, it's always right.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
day 4,5
Day 4,5 (Garing National High School) "The warmth and hospitality in a familiar setting"
From the slums to a high school, it was as if we endured the tough times and here we are at an environment that could shower us with more hospitality. The first programme was sort of an opening ceremony to welcome the REACH team. The high school students put up many entertaining performances for us. Indeed, I don't think they will pale in comparison with us. Duets, monologues, songs and dances. In fact, the grade1 class i took for Mathematics later in the day had one multi-talented student! She was the top grade one student, school monologue representative and in the dance team. The latest news i heard on the second day was that she was taking entrance examinations for a scholarship to college.
We were received like VIPs and our resting quarters was actually the Principal's Office. She was one very motherly figure and we can really see her genuine care and concern for the school population, teachers and students alike. In the office, we were inundated by the endless supply of food and tibits. And there were student leaders to help us. More interestingly, I made a new friend with one of them, Kim! She was like carrying the plates in and out of the office every now and then, yet with a smile on her face always. We promised to keep in contact through writing! There, a new friend found :)
I taught a grade one class mathematics, specifically the concepts of gradient and graphs. Fortunately, they were quite keen on learning. After that, we played 7-up with them. And i made them perform for us as a form of forfeit. Interaction with them was great and they were not in the least bit bashful or reluctant.
And we all had a souvenir to remind us of the days at Garing. A personalised tee shirt with our names printed on it. Will always remember Garing National High School for their warmth and hospitality. :)
From the slums to a high school, it was as if we endured the tough times and here we are at an environment that could shower us with more hospitality. The first programme was sort of an opening ceremony to welcome the REACH team. The high school students put up many entertaining performances for us. Indeed, I don't think they will pale in comparison with us. Duets, monologues, songs and dances. In fact, the grade1 class i took for Mathematics later in the day had one multi-talented student! She was the top grade one student, school monologue representative and in the dance team. The latest news i heard on the second day was that she was taking entrance examinations for a scholarship to college.
We were received like VIPs and our resting quarters was actually the Principal's Office. She was one very motherly figure and we can really see her genuine care and concern for the school population, teachers and students alike. In the office, we were inundated by the endless supply of food and tibits. And there were student leaders to help us. More interestingly, I made a new friend with one of them, Kim! She was like carrying the plates in and out of the office every now and then, yet with a smile on her face always. We promised to keep in contact through writing! There, a new friend found :)
I taught a grade one class mathematics, specifically the concepts of gradient and graphs. Fortunately, they were quite keen on learning. After that, we played 7-up with them. And i made them perform for us as a form of forfeit. Interaction with them was great and they were not in the least bit bashful or reluctant.
And we all had a souvenir to remind us of the days at Garing. A personalised tee shirt with our names printed on it. Will always remember Garing National High School for their warmth and hospitality. :)
day 2,3
Day 2,3 (Lapu Lapu City, Canjulao) "Deep into the slums, in the face of stark reality"
The day commenced with grey skies and light drizzle. And the news of the impending Typhoon Seniang (Durian) in Cebu, Philippines made many parents of the trippers worry about their safety. Fortunately, the progress of our construction projects were not hindered. So we arrived at Lapu Lapu Slum and the first task on hand was to carry hollow blocks from the alley all the way to our toilet site. For the many girls in my group, they were rather unaccustomed to the terrain and the heavy load. To make things worse, the rocks were slippery and many of them slipped and fell. Meanwhile, i tried to slow the pace down hoping this will keep spirits up.
In the afternoon, we mingled with the kids and taught them simple english. What hit me deeply were that the kids there can be really easily contented. When we started to give out sweets, all of them and i really mean ALL of them will rush in a horde towards you for the sweets as if it was a forbidden fruit or something. After Pastor Alex led the children in grace, we started the feeding programme of Day1 and we fed around 100 children a simple meal of chicken porridge and banana. Joe said his eyes were teary when he saw the look on the childrens' face, the look of sheer gratefulness and joy. At that moment, I thought to myself "With only SGD $20, we can run a feeding programme to feed 100 children and they are truly thankful" In retrospect, I can't imagine that materialising in Singapore, not in that magnitude or even the way that the children here will receive of it.
We wrapped up day 1 in a debrief at a "seafood restaurant" And during my debrief, I i stepped on the toes of the younger mentees. Sometimes, the way you relate your thoughts and views may not be as what intended. This made me learnt that I'm still really raw in the department of communication and more generally, soft skills. Like what I was sharing with Joe and Edmond, I believe i can lead my team to achieve the objectives but when it comes to managing the team dynamics and getting them to gel together, i still need alot of honing.
Day2 was almost about a mirror of Day1's programme just that we were more involved in the construction of the toilet cubicles. We were led real deep into the slums this time by Pastor Robin. Because of the rainfall the previous day, the slums became like a kampung. I had a short talk with Pastor Robin and he told me that the slums had no proper drainage system because there are no proper channels to dispose of the waste water. Petitions to the government are also ineffective because of red tape. How could the children live in such conditions? Yet, i saw the children having fun trying to hop precariously on the stones and even enjoying themselves when they step into the muddy waters.
After our feeding and food giveaway programme in the afternoon, my group people played basketball with the teens over there. They were aggressive but real good at the game. When we were walking to our van to depart from the slums. The teens came up to us and asked us for our mailing address and mobile phone numbers. Deep down, we had really built a emotional rapport with them. For me, it was with Amid and JanJan! Two days of brief contact with the people in Lapu Lapu Slums made us realise how fortunate yet uncontented we are. Maybe it's time we start redefining how we view genuine happiness.
The day commenced with grey skies and light drizzle. And the news of the impending Typhoon Seniang (Durian) in Cebu, Philippines made many parents of the trippers worry about their safety. Fortunately, the progress of our construction projects were not hindered. So we arrived at Lapu Lapu Slum and the first task on hand was to carry hollow blocks from the alley all the way to our toilet site. For the many girls in my group, they were rather unaccustomed to the terrain and the heavy load. To make things worse, the rocks were slippery and many of them slipped and fell. Meanwhile, i tried to slow the pace down hoping this will keep spirits up.
In the afternoon, we mingled with the kids and taught them simple english. What hit me deeply were that the kids there can be really easily contented. When we started to give out sweets, all of them and i really mean ALL of them will rush in a horde towards you for the sweets as if it was a forbidden fruit or something. After Pastor Alex led the children in grace, we started the feeding programme of Day1 and we fed around 100 children a simple meal of chicken porridge and banana. Joe said his eyes were teary when he saw the look on the childrens' face, the look of sheer gratefulness and joy. At that moment, I thought to myself "With only SGD $20, we can run a feeding programme to feed 100 children and they are truly thankful" In retrospect, I can't imagine that materialising in Singapore, not in that magnitude or even the way that the children here will receive of it.
We wrapped up day 1 in a debrief at a "seafood restaurant" And during my debrief, I i stepped on the toes of the younger mentees. Sometimes, the way you relate your thoughts and views may not be as what intended. This made me learnt that I'm still really raw in the department of communication and more generally, soft skills. Like what I was sharing with Joe and Edmond, I believe i can lead my team to achieve the objectives but when it comes to managing the team dynamics and getting them to gel together, i still need alot of honing.
Day2 was almost about a mirror of Day1's programme just that we were more involved in the construction of the toilet cubicles. We were led real deep into the slums this time by Pastor Robin. Because of the rainfall the previous day, the slums became like a kampung. I had a short talk with Pastor Robin and he told me that the slums had no proper drainage system because there are no proper channels to dispose of the waste water. Petitions to the government are also ineffective because of red tape. How could the children live in such conditions? Yet, i saw the children having fun trying to hop precariously on the stones and even enjoying themselves when they step into the muddy waters.
After our feeding and food giveaway programme in the afternoon, my group people played basketball with the teens over there. They were aggressive but real good at the game. When we were walking to our van to depart from the slums. The teens came up to us and asked us for our mailing address and mobile phone numbers. Deep down, we had really built a emotional rapport with them. For me, it was with Amid and JanJan! Two days of brief contact with the people in Lapu Lapu Slums made us realise how fortunate yet uncontented we are. Maybe it's time we start redefining how we view genuine happiness.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
day 1
Day 1 (YMCA hostel, Cebu City) "Checking in"
When we touched down at Mactan International Airport, we were welcomed with a banner and the warm locals. We checked in at a budget tourist inn - YMCA Hostel. I guessed many of the footprinters were aghast at the living conditions in the hostel. The extremely cramped living quarters, the dim ceiling lights and the whole overall feel of the hostel as if, a remnant of the world war proved to be the first shock to the footprinters.
Pace of things picked up very quickly as the respective project I/Cs were tasked to discuss the project details over breakfast. I met my pastor in charge of the Lapu Lapu project - Pastor Alex. To be frank, until now I still have not a clear character judge of him. However throughout the whole trip, he was like a mentor to me guiding and watching every single detail that can possibly go awry. On the other hand, the other trippers have an impression that PA is taking advantage of us. Whatever is the case, I guess as long as our primary objective is fufilled - to feed the people on hand and assist in the construction, everything has worked through.
Sitting in the rear of the mini cab was as though sitting in a lorry in Singapore just that i felt the air in Cebu was more polluted. In the afternoon, we proceeded to purchase the raw materials required for our feeding programme and construction project. Everything was falling into place from the planning that started about a month ago and i was glad no major hiccups occured thus far. My other team members and i went to the actual site to do a reccee. The undulating terrain, the slippery descendings from rocks and what not - all were part of the path that my entire team had to trek through for the construction project tomorrow.
Sunset in Cebu was something that took us a while to get used. At around 1730h, the sun was already setting. And at 1800h, the skies were as dark as what we have at 2000h in Singapore. After clarifying any other doubts with PA with regards to the construction project, we dragged our fatigue selves back to YMCA Hostel. Following which, i did a project briefing to my group members on what to expect the following day. An early rest for two days of toiling was certainly warranted.
When we touched down at Mactan International Airport, we were welcomed with a banner and the warm locals. We checked in at a budget tourist inn - YMCA Hostel. I guessed many of the footprinters were aghast at the living conditions in the hostel. The extremely cramped living quarters, the dim ceiling lights and the whole overall feel of the hostel as if, a remnant of the world war proved to be the first shock to the footprinters.
Pace of things picked up very quickly as the respective project I/Cs were tasked to discuss the project details over breakfast. I met my pastor in charge of the Lapu Lapu project - Pastor Alex. To be frank, until now I still have not a clear character judge of him. However throughout the whole trip, he was like a mentor to me guiding and watching every single detail that can possibly go awry. On the other hand, the other trippers have an impression that PA is taking advantage of us. Whatever is the case, I guess as long as our primary objective is fufilled - to feed the people on hand and assist in the construction, everything has worked through.
Sitting in the rear of the mini cab was as though sitting in a lorry in Singapore just that i felt the air in Cebu was more polluted. In the afternoon, we proceeded to purchase the raw materials required for our feeding programme and construction project. Everything was falling into place from the planning that started about a month ago and i was glad no major hiccups occured thus far. My other team members and i went to the actual site to do a reccee. The undulating terrain, the slippery descendings from rocks and what not - all were part of the path that my entire team had to trek through for the construction project tomorrow.
Sunset in Cebu was something that took us a while to get used. At around 1730h, the sun was already setting. And at 1800h, the skies were as dark as what we have at 2000h in Singapore. After clarifying any other doubts with PA with regards to the construction project, we dragged our fatigue selves back to YMCA Hostel. Following which, i did a project briefing to my group members on what to expect the following day. An early rest for two days of toiling was certainly warranted.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Phil trip - prologue
Footprints '06 Expedition in Cebu, Philippines
(The Prologue)
Maayong Buntag! (Good Afternoon in Cebuano).
I have just returned from a 10 days, 9 nights expedition cum community service trip in Cebu, Philippines. This short trip was more than just a blue sky holiday for me, it was a trip of personal growth, thoughts and reflections. Indeed, i feel extremely fufilled and rewarded both in tangible and intangible terms. If i were to blog my entire Cebu experience in a single entry in one single attempt, it will be less than complete and certainly too lengthy for me and you yah. So i've decided to blog this wonderful experience as if i'm writing a novel. As of now, we are consolidating the pictures from the trip and i'll start posting entries in chronological order for you to sneak a peek at what i did in Cebu and for myself so that down the road one day when i am reading these entries, the memories i had in Cebu will still be fresh and vivid!
Contents
Day 1 (YMCA hostel, Cebu City) "Checking in"
a) Touched down in Philipines at around 5.30 am. Travelled to our living quarters at YMCA and project I/Cs started to discuss with their respective pastors about the greater details of their project.
b) Went to Lapu Lapu Slum to do a site recce after purchasing the raw materials required for the programme the following days.
Day 2,3 (Lapu Lapu City, Canjulao) "Deep into the slums, in the face of stark reality"
Led a team of 9 other mentors and mentees to
a) Assist in the construction of two toilet cubicles and two toilet pumps. These infrastructure will serve the 300 families living in the slums.
b) Run a feeding programme to feed 100 children for two days and a give-away programme on the second day. Feeding programme on Day 2 consisted of a bowl of chicken porridge and a banana each while Day 3's was a bowl of chocolate porridge with banana. The give-away programme for 100 pax consisted of a food pack of 2kg rice, 2 packets of instant noodles and a can of sardines.
c) Played simple games, sang songs like "london bridge", "twinkle" and taught them simple English songs. Not forgetting playing basketball with my buddies over there at Lapu Lapu - Amid and Jan Jan!
d) Home visit
Day 4,5 (Garing National High School) "The warmth and hospitality in a familiar setting"
a) Assisted in the construction of an extension of a school shelter and school clinic.
b) Taught grade one students (equivalent of Secondary 1) Mathematics, more specifically gradients and graphs. After that, we played with them games like '7-up', 'charades' and musical chairs
c) Shared with 100 over students about my dreams and aspirations.
d) Home visit to a grade one student's house. Communication was all thanks to my favourite and trusted fourth year student leader, KIM! She was really nice in telling me more about the school and being our translator during the home visit! Fret not, you'll always be remembered and contacted by me! :)
Day 6 (Jesus Healer's Fellowship Church) "Sunday Service"
a) Attended service but more as of an observer. Tears welled up in my eyes as Joe was praying for those Christians that went up to him.
b) Watched 'Casino Royale' with Joe and some other mentors.
Day 7, 8 (Cantipla Mountains) "Where sheer grit and determination overcame the chills"
a) Assisted in the construction of a water tank and laying of ridiculously long water hoses. Undoubtedly, the most physically demanding project of all. Had to help in the moving of hollow blocks, sand and gravel. Then we helped to fill the embankment with soil for what lasted like 3-4 hours.
b) Ran a Christmas party for the 100 kids and their families. Crowd control for me was a nerve wrecking task in face of these kids!
Day 9 (On the sea) "The getaway on a yatch"
a) Sightseeing along the Coast of Manila (not too sure about the name)
b) Snorkelling in the sparkling clear waters and saw the spectacular starfishes and corals. As though i tuned into Discovery Channel!
c) Jetski with a close friend that i made during the trip. The reflections of the rainbows on the water surface and the feeling of having wind blow into our faces at high speed - all etched deeply in my memories. Second jetski attempt with Guiquan was nerve wrecking and horrendous. We overturned three times and the instructor was even laughing at us. Worst thing was we got stung by jellyfishes!
Day 10 (Cebu Shalom Centre, Lapu Lapu Slums) "Departure day, of tears and unwillingness"
a) Did a final site visit to both project sites of which one i was taking charge of. Saw the constructed toilet cubicles and water pumps and was showered with words of thanks and gifts.
Indeed, the impact i left in the lives of the people i've touched in this short stint at Cebu was far greater than i had expected. Apart from the gifts i had bought for myself, friends and familiy in Singapore, I brought a big pack of gifts. From the well thought-of letters, intricate gifts and warm smiles and handshake from the people alike, we were not just mere volunteers from Singapore. But we became their "special friend" and "best friend" and they even promised "they will await our return to Philippines one day"
As a matter of fact, I've heard many quote worthy statements during this trip. Perhaps i'll share one to close this prologue of mine. This was from my social worker in charge, Joe. He said,
" the greatest gift you can give to the people is yourself, not the bowls of porridge, food packs or even the presents you brought for the kids. "
In this aspect, i certainly believe we have all succeeded. We gave them our heart, love and attention and we were duly reciprocated with the warm handshakes, grateful words of thanks and the loads of gifts. Touched and grateful we are for our efforts in the physical work and attempts in human interaction paid of!
Footprints' 06 Expedition at Cebu has made me realise and know of Philippines not only as a land where domestic helpers in Singapore hail from but more so; a land of smiles and hospitality, cherished experiences and fond memories.
(To be continued!)
(The Prologue)
Maayong Buntag! (Good Afternoon in Cebuano).
I have just returned from a 10 days, 9 nights expedition cum community service trip in Cebu, Philippines. This short trip was more than just a blue sky holiday for me, it was a trip of personal growth, thoughts and reflections. Indeed, i feel extremely fufilled and rewarded both in tangible and intangible terms. If i were to blog my entire Cebu experience in a single entry in one single attempt, it will be less than complete and certainly too lengthy for me and you yah. So i've decided to blog this wonderful experience as if i'm writing a novel. As of now, we are consolidating the pictures from the trip and i'll start posting entries in chronological order for you to sneak a peek at what i did in Cebu and for myself so that down the road one day when i am reading these entries, the memories i had in Cebu will still be fresh and vivid!
Contents
Day 1 (YMCA hostel, Cebu City) "Checking in"
a) Touched down in Philipines at around 5.30 am. Travelled to our living quarters at YMCA and project I/Cs started to discuss with their respective pastors about the greater details of their project.
b) Went to Lapu Lapu Slum to do a site recce after purchasing the raw materials required for the programme the following days.
Day 2,3 (Lapu Lapu City, Canjulao) "Deep into the slums, in the face of stark reality"
Led a team of 9 other mentors and mentees to
a) Assist in the construction of two toilet cubicles and two toilet pumps. These infrastructure will serve the 300 families living in the slums.
b) Run a feeding programme to feed 100 children for two days and a give-away programme on the second day. Feeding programme on Day 2 consisted of a bowl of chicken porridge and a banana each while Day 3's was a bowl of chocolate porridge with banana. The give-away programme for 100 pax consisted of a food pack of 2kg rice, 2 packets of instant noodles and a can of sardines.
c) Played simple games, sang songs like "london bridge", "twinkle" and taught them simple English songs. Not forgetting playing basketball with my buddies over there at Lapu Lapu - Amid and Jan Jan!
d) Home visit
Day 4,5 (Garing National High School) "The warmth and hospitality in a familiar setting"
a) Assisted in the construction of an extension of a school shelter and school clinic.
b) Taught grade one students (equivalent of Secondary 1) Mathematics, more specifically gradients and graphs. After that, we played with them games like '7-up', 'charades' and musical chairs
c) Shared with 100 over students about my dreams and aspirations.
d) Home visit to a grade one student's house. Communication was all thanks to my favourite and trusted fourth year student leader, KIM! She was really nice in telling me more about the school and being our translator during the home visit! Fret not, you'll always be remembered and contacted by me! :)
Day 6 (Jesus Healer's Fellowship Church) "Sunday Service"
a) Attended service but more as of an observer. Tears welled up in my eyes as Joe was praying for those Christians that went up to him.
b) Watched 'Casino Royale' with Joe and some other mentors.
Day 7, 8 (Cantipla Mountains) "Where sheer grit and determination overcame the chills"
a) Assisted in the construction of a water tank and laying of ridiculously long water hoses. Undoubtedly, the most physically demanding project of all. Had to help in the moving of hollow blocks, sand and gravel. Then we helped to fill the embankment with soil for what lasted like 3-4 hours.
b) Ran a Christmas party for the 100 kids and their families. Crowd control for me was a nerve wrecking task in face of these kids!
Day 9 (On the sea) "The getaway on a yatch"
a) Sightseeing along the Coast of Manila (not too sure about the name)
b) Snorkelling in the sparkling clear waters and saw the spectacular starfishes and corals. As though i tuned into Discovery Channel!
c) Jetski with a close friend that i made during the trip. The reflections of the rainbows on the water surface and the feeling of having wind blow into our faces at high speed - all etched deeply in my memories. Second jetski attempt with Guiquan was nerve wrecking and horrendous. We overturned three times and the instructor was even laughing at us. Worst thing was we got stung by jellyfishes!
Day 10 (Cebu Shalom Centre, Lapu Lapu Slums) "Departure day, of tears and unwillingness"
a) Did a final site visit to both project sites of which one i was taking charge of. Saw the constructed toilet cubicles and water pumps and was showered with words of thanks and gifts.
Indeed, the impact i left in the lives of the people i've touched in this short stint at Cebu was far greater than i had expected. Apart from the gifts i had bought for myself, friends and familiy in Singapore, I brought a big pack of gifts. From the well thought-of letters, intricate gifts and warm smiles and handshake from the people alike, we were not just mere volunteers from Singapore. But we became their "special friend" and "best friend" and they even promised "they will await our return to Philippines one day"
As a matter of fact, I've heard many quote worthy statements during this trip. Perhaps i'll share one to close this prologue of mine. This was from my social worker in charge, Joe. He said,
" the greatest gift you can give to the people is yourself, not the bowls of porridge, food packs or even the presents you brought for the kids. "
In this aspect, i certainly believe we have all succeeded. We gave them our heart, love and attention and we were duly reciprocated with the warm handshakes, grateful words of thanks and the loads of gifts. Touched and grateful we are for our efforts in the physical work and attempts in human interaction paid of!
Footprints' 06 Expedition at Cebu has made me realise and know of Philippines not only as a land where domestic helpers in Singapore hail from but more so; a land of smiles and hospitality, cherished experiences and fond memories.
(To be continued!)
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