San Remigio Relief Operation

November 16, 2013. I was with Badz and six more SK people - Arthur, Jay-R, Arbie, Janine, Johala and Moie. We went to Moie's place in San Remigio. They were badly affected by super typhoon Yolanda.

Days  before coming at the place, we asked people for donations of clothes, money, foods and whatever things that can still be used by the typhoon victims. We also gave usable clothes from our own closets.

The night before, everyone slept at Moie's house so they can leave early. I still wasn't sure if I can come with them so I still went home. I was confused if I should go or not. I know my parents wouldn't allow me because it's too far but I really wanna help. So I came up with an excuse and I won't tell you how I made them agree (haha!). So on 4am that day, Papa was with me 'til they pick me up at the highway. And so they came. The multicab was filled with sacks of clothes and foods. It doesn't matter if we can't sit properly as long as we know that we'll be able to help more people with the things we're bringing.

At about 6am, we stopped over at Catmon (or Carmen, not sure) to have a morning 'painit', at least. So we bought bread and the Php5.00 coffee.

Might as well take pictures while on break.

 

After eating, we continue travelling. Even before reaching San Remigio, there were already kids and people from another municipalities who were also affected. We gave them our packed goods  as well.

The smiles were very rewarding. And most of all, they never forget to say their 'thank you's'. As we go on, we saw more and more people needing help, we wished we could give relief goods to everyone of them. We've seen as well the damaged places, churches and shelters.

These sights were very heartbreaking. You couldn't imagine how hard will it be for the locals to rebuild what has been damaged . But, Filipinos are Filipinos, We know we can and we will be able to stand up once again.

After hours on the road, we finally reached Moie's place. Not long, kids gathered and we made them line up so we could give them the packed goods.

After distributing foods and clothes for the kids, we went further. We went to the roads.

There were too many people. We were bringing big bags so it was real obvious that we will be giving something. But they were too many, we we're afraid what we're bringing wasn't enough. When we started giving out, everyone circled around. And as more people gathered, they started behaving unaccordingly. Some were pushing around and just grabbing. We stopped and made them understand that it wasn't really enough and that we had to prioritize the senior citizens. It went fine after that.

After all the goods have been distributed, we had time to talk to the locals and some barangay officials as well. That time, they said they were really just dependent of the donations and relief operations coming from the government and some private sectors.

We went back to Moie's house. We gathered some coconuts and cacaos and ate it. We had some exotic food for lunch :D

We didn't stay long. We should be on the way home early. We don't want to be in the middle of the road when it's already dark. On our way home, we found these.

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Good thing we still have bread and water we saved for ourselves. We whole-heartedly offered it to people who need it more.

And so we went on our way. Stopped over at some beach to eat a little. When I've finally reached home, I felt tired but nothing is really as rewarding as helping other people, making them smile even just for a while, and to be able to provide them with the things they really need most. It really is an eye-opener. 

Help when you can. Share what you have - not just the material things but also the prayers and the faith. I realized how amazing Filipinos really are. We'll never forget how to smile in times of disaster. 

And of course, I'll never forget, this journey wouldn't be possible without these amazing people.

No matter how 'bugoy' we are, we still have that passion of helping those in need. I'll always be grateful I met you in SK and I'll always be proud of what we are now and what we'll become.

Much love, Bam :)

ALL PHOTOS courtesy of BADZ

PRINCESS FOR A NIGHT

October has finally came and this month will forever be special for me. It's that time of the year again when friends would give me long letters at 12am and I'll be blowing my candle at the end of the day. I'm always grateful of every brand new year given to me but I guess we all have favorites. And mine was last year - when I turned 18. That's always the age every girl looks forward to because that's when we have our debuts. Most of the time, program consists of 18 dances, 18 candles, 18 treasures and any 18 whatevers you can think. And last year, I was really really happy because special people who became significant pieces of my 18 years of existence gathered and came for my night :)

My co-councilors at Sangguniang Kabataan (Ibabao),  though not complete, still came :)

And of course, my blockmates and my Ate's and Kuya's in Chem were there too! :>

CAS Soccerbaseball Friends

Family Friends who are my 2nd Ate's and Kuya's as well :))

The most awesome extended High School Barkada - People I'll always be proud of. Nothing beats both intelligence and humor :)))

#TeamGoodIntentions - who always give me the best laags and adventures. YOLO!

Zarate's and Lumbab's - who made this possible, with all the little efforts combined.

And, of course, I won't forget the pinakasupportive one who was there during the photoshoot (char!), choosing the dress, getting the tarp, tables and chairs preparation and being the photographer that night as well. I think you deserve a dance baby :) HAHAHA.

But, behind this is one person who promised me she'll give me this night. I know I haven't thank her enough. I know I've had more expensive plans and dreams for the celebration but as it drew nearer, there  were things you had to prioritize more. And I understand that. I know what struggles you need to overcome and how much effort  you've put into this night just to make your promise happen. Thank you so much, Ate Gat. No one else knows all my dramas, my dreams, my relationships and my escapes better than you do. Although we're not the kind who talks about it every time, I LOVE YOU TE! I've always admired how positive you are with life amidst all the problems that are pulling you down. You'll always be my favorite sister, you know.

And in the middle of this night, I realized, the most important thing is not me walking through nice halls with the reddest carpet in an expensive gown. What would matter is the people you spend your special day with. 'Coz at the end, they're the ones who made your life memorable. I'm celebrating not just because I'm 18. I am celebrating because you guys have been there for me through those years.