It's still Jan. 7. We've spent our whole day at the build site but our time there is coming to and end. We went back to the hotel to freshen up and get all our departing gifts for the village. Here's the plan: 5:30-6:30 Play games and give gifts to the kids 6:30-7:30 Dinner 7:30-8:30... Continue Reading →
Day 11 – The Build (Day 5 – Daytime)
On Jan 7, one day prior to our departure and our last day at the build site, we had so many mixed emotions. One thing was for sure though, none of us wanted to leave. Before heading to the build site, we were invited to the classroom located on top of the multi-purpose room where... Continue Reading →
Day 10 – The Build (Day 4)
On Jan. 6, we returned to the build site from a one day hiatus. We were eager to continue our work. Prior to leaving though, we had some time to create cards for all the kids in the village. The kids really missed us an were waiting anxiously for our return as they waited for... Continue Reading →
Day 9 – San Mateo
On Jan 5th, we went to another ANCOP site in the rural region of San Mateo. Here we had the opportunity to plant trees. Next job: trek through the forest get some water. Now time to play with a whole new bunch of kids. It's was so hot up in the mountains on the hard... Continue Reading →
Day 8 – The Build (Day 3)
Jan. 4 is our 3rd day on the build site. We're excited to get a lot of work done today. Here's pictures of some scenery as we approach the ANCOP build site. After a morning of hard work we're ready for lunch! Look at the serious contrast between the shanty on the left and... Continue Reading →
Day 7 – The Build (Day 2)
Jan. 3rd was our 2nd day at the ANCOP build site. After yesterday, we were eager to get rolling. Like yesterday, we were greeted by a crowd as we entered the build site and the kids performed another dance for us......sooooo cute!! Our work yesterday allows us to paint the concrete walls today. This is... Continue Reading →
Day 6 – The Build (Day 1)
Today is Jan 2nd, 2013 and it's our first day at the ANCOP Avanai build site. First stop is the ANCOP head office for a brief orientation. Now back to work in the PM as we prep (scrape, sand, neutralize) the outside of each home for painting tomorrow. In the afternoon, we also got... Continue Reading →
Day 5 – Sightseeing in Manila
Today is the first day of 2013! A perfect day to go sight-seeing since the roads are clear of any traffic. It kinda felt weird driving around. We've grown so accustomed to bumper to bumper traffic with constant horn honking but today it literally felt like a ghost town - no cars, no people, no... Continue Reading →
Day 4 – El Dorado Community Clean Up
Today we were super excited to get back into service mode by visiting a community called El Dorado. The plan is scheduled as follows. 10:00 am - Arrive at El Dorado GK village 10:30 am - Opening Ceremonies & large group activities 11:00 am - Small group games and distribution of Christmas gifts 12:00 pm... Continue Reading →
Day 3 – Adventures in Tagaytay
On this day we met for breakfast @ 6:15 am and journeyed on a 2 hour drive to the beautiful Tagaytay. First stop was the Mary Mother of God church. People from everywhere come here to pray and show their devotion. Before heading to Picnic Grove Park, students tried taho, a traditional Filipino snack made... Continue Reading →
