Day 1 – Departing T.O. and arrving in P.H. – Catholic Student Leadership

Our group of leaders meet at Toronto Pearson Airport at 9:30 pm on Boxing Day, Dec. 26.

Prior to leaving, Greg Rogers told us a story of Blessed Mother Teresa as we all took the Vow of Pleasant Disposition.

"I vow never to complain about traffic in the Philippines." — “I vow never to complain about traffic in the Philippines.”

One last group shot before saying bye to our parents

Our 1:30am flight was delayed because of snow, but sure enough, we took off ready to embark on a 14.5 hour flight to Hong Kong for our first stop over! Here are some beautiful shots of the sunrise from the airplane window.

We arrived in Hong Kong and had an hour to chill out, look around, and pray.

Although you can’t see them, there are beautiful mountains outside 🙂

We’re anxious to board the plane… only 1.5 hours from Hong Kong to Manila

Landing in Manila you can feel the hot tropical air… huge difference from the snow storm we just left in Toronto.

Posing in front of one of Philippines most famous landmark - Mayon Volcano — Posing in front of one of Philippines’ most famous landmarks – Mayon Volcano

The Christmas season in the Philippines doesn’t officially end until January!!

ANCOP our charity partner has us riding in style!

We’re smiling now, wait until we hit the traffic!

Filipinos are known as the friendliest people in the world. Even after a 10hr shift, the toll booth guys are still smiling!

After going to the mall to have dinner, we organized all our gifts and donations to prepare for tomorrow’s orphanage visit.

Toronto leaders spreading the gift of Christmas to the children in the Philippines

So much to choose from… simply awesome!!!

We bagged 50+ gifts for the St. Martin Orphanage and 300+ gifts for El Dorado…

…and we still had a ton left over to give away at the ANCOP Build site and the children of San Mateo

Teacher Diane Ignoto trying to find just the right gift

Santa would be proud.....and so would Jesus :) — Santa would be proud… and so would Jesus 🙂

Hi-fives all around… it feels good to give!!

Tomorrow we go to St. Martin Orphange… but right now we need SLEEP!!!

6 thoughts on “Day 1 – Departing T.O. and arrving in P.H.”

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De Quintal, Steve (Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton) says:

December 28, 2012 at 7:21 pm

I really like the idea of the vow of pleasant disposition! Sounds like so far so good! Thanks for sharing!

1. Michael Consul says:
  
  December 30, 2012 at 1:35 pm
  
  Thanks Steve for commenting and donating to the trip! You’re a saint!
  
Marnie Manalo says:

December 30, 2012 at 11:16 am

Hi Mike!

Could you maybe ask Mearah to call or email me please thank you!

Marnie
(Mearah’s mom)

1. Michael Consul says:
  
  December 30, 2012 at 1:34 pm
  
  Ok…I’ll ask her to call you tomorrow before we leave for El Dorado
  
Angelie says:

January 10, 2013 at 1:01 am

Wow this feels so long ago! Totally missing everyone and all the good times we shared.

1. Michael Consul says:
  
  January 10, 2013 at 9:47 am
  
  Like just isn’t the same anymore huh?!