Journey: Batang Nangangalakal Noon; Assistant Sponsorship Program Coordinator Na Ngayon!

I started  writing this blog during my first day here @ Volunteer for the Visayans (VFV), a registered non-profit, non-organization based in Tacloban City. A registered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to distribute planned and professional services to assist underprivileged and undeserved local communities.The very reason why I wrote this article was not about me how I got into but to share with how I got inspired on the very first day of my job here @VFV and how they help this young kid  before and now my  onecolleague made his life souped up and his journey towards perseverance after a roller coaster.

                          A STORY OF  PERSEVERANCE AND TRIUMPHANT

Jeremy B. Picardal, Assistant Sponsorship Program Coordinator

"Bringing hope to children is a trite phrase but it actually may be a profound and little researched aspect of development". 

Dr Bruce Wydick, Professor of Economics University of San Francisco.Worked as Consultant, World Vision & Compassion

His name is Jeremy B. Picardal, one of the Sponsored Children under the Dumpsite Project of the Volunteer for the Visayans and  currently working at the organization as an Assistant Sponsorship Program Coordinator assisting the lead coordinator in providing social welfare support to the sponsored children from the neighboring towns of Tacloban City. He also assist with the activities of the children and as well as helping the subsidy distribution. But his life before the organization  helps him was far more different . He was a former sponsored child for 11 years, a former VFV college scholar and a former scavenger or (batang nangangalakal) who worked day and night at Tacloban City Open Dumpsite for almost 9 years.The first time VFV went   to the landfill, Jeremy and his younger sister were collecting trashes and when they saw that the VFV were approaching , they ran over the landfill and hide because they were afraid to be caught and be scolded but only to find out they were just there to look for dumpsite children to help or be part in the sponsorship program.

Tacloban City Open Dumpsite: Finding a Hidden Treasure
Photo Courtesy: http://www.visayans.org/community-center/dumpsite-project

Then, after two (2) days, the VFV went to their school and have some ran domed interview and he was one of the pupils who got interviewed by one of the Volunteers and the brand new start of the many good things happened in thier life .

Every month they received subsidy from the Dumpsite Project in the form of groceries like canned goods, noodles, toiletries , biscuits and including rice. Then  they also  received clothes, toys, pairsof shoes, schools supplies and uniform and not only that, they also received cash for school contributions, projects and other school concerned. Every Saturday,the VFV always conducted community feeding and let the children eat some delicious and nutritious food but actually this is to fight hunger and improved food security. Helena Claire A. Canayong, the current Director of VFV or Ate Wim as  we called her was  the former coordinator of the Dumpsite Project who faced challenges, impediments and success. They even started on the waiting shed conducting meetings and later on, transferred to one of the classrooms in the school  but unfortunately they did not stay there for so long because it was used. Few months after, the VFV was able to built a Community Center where it  serves an area for  feeding,meetings and other activities but for Ate Wim, its more than that, it serves as a testament to what can be achieved through the long periods of time of devotion  and hard work.

Reminiscing  his good old days! #playground #nostalgic

The VFV believes that through  flourishing the education of their Sponsored Children particularly in their Project Area can break the cycle of poverty and can make impact in the lives of its people. They continues to provide varied services and takes pride on its unique multi-faceted structure providing children and families receive many additional benefits.

Thus, the VFV continued support helps Jeremy finished his studies in college with a Degree Program in Bachelor Science in Secondary Education-Major in Filipino and through the Child Sponsorship Program, his younger brother is already in college taking up Hotel and Restaurant Management in Leyte Normal University.

And now, Jeremy is very much happy of the many good things happened in his life and  he is currently working at the organization as an Assistant Sponsorship Program Coordinator and soon to be a licensed teacher.. He wants to teach someday in his  hometown and wants to impart his knowledge and share the importance of education in our lives especially to the young kids. According to him, if not the help of VFV , he wa not sure his future and maybe he's still @ the dumpsite area as a scavenger but now that he has given the opportunity, he will strives to do his best in reaching out the poor and achieve his dreams in life.

Jeremy flashes his most winning smile after his  testimonial interview.

The VFV was able to built Two (2) Community Centers and Two  (2) On-going Build-A-Home Project for the beneficiaries   (renovates and securing good foundations for a safer structure) of the Child Sponsorship Program through the Dumpsite Project. Moreover, the VFV has also Community Program under which was a Adapt-A-School Project  which renovates or build school facilities  in a disaster free and provide school supplies both for the pupils and teachers.

On behalf of Volunteer for the Visayans(VFV),he would like to say thank you for all the undying support and  endless help that the organization extends to him and to his family. It was the best thing that happened to his life which he always treasured. It was fun and inspirational working with him in the organization  and  right now we're just laughing at it  , I mean talking about his life. On the back of mind, I can't keep my self from imagining his situation before getting food from the landfill like chicken, hot dogs and even a box of  ice creams."How can you possibly eat those food if it was already threw at he landfill?"Truly, a man with perseverance through the rough and tumble of life. And finally, being with the organization for few days or one week to be exact ,I felt the fulfillment and satisfaction working with the community and be able to witnessed their lovely smiles at their lovely  faces are enough for me stay longer in the organization and be part in making a difference in the lives of our beneficiaries.

"To be able to touch the lives of the community especially  the young kids not maybe directly but fair enough to touch their future is gonna be the best feeling  that you will ever experience in changing and transforming  their  lives in a more sustainable and more  resilient way". BE A SPONSOR NOW and MAKE A DIFFERENCE!"

-Fritz

 Volunteer Program Coordinator

  

 Click here for more information: http://www.visayans.org/

Source: http://www.visayans.org/

Credits: Jeremy B. Picardal

Want to Sponsor a Child? APPLY NOW

Kalanggaman Island: Best Sandbar In the Philippines

KALANGGAMAN ISLAND: BEST SANDBAR IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Stunning Kalanggaman Island

A sandbar, or a shoal is a landform which is in or partly in a body of water. Usually, it is made of sand, silt or small pebbles. Moreover, it is a deposit of tiny pebbles and sand built up by coastal currents, and are usually located a few hundred feet from the beach or shoreline.

Birds Eye View

KalanggamanIsland in Palompon,Leyte is a virgin island with pure white side. It has two perfect long sandbars. The ecological atmosphere of the island had been preserved by the municipality. The island is a hidden gem that is fast becoming a major tourist attraction or destination not only in the Province of Leyte but also across the regions. An island blessed with crystal clear water and white long sandbar is a dream spot for every traveler or tourist that is exactly looking for. Proudly say, that KALANGGAMAN ISLAND is the BEST SANDBAR IN THE PHILIPPINES and by far one of the most beautiful islands I'be visited not only the Visayas Region but across thew country.

TARA NA KALAKAT! YOU ADVENTURE STARTS HERE!

This island is a little Boracay and what's best to it is the magnificent view of the so called "sandbars" both lying at the end of the island.Unlike other islands, it's not always crowded but there are times specially summer that this is fully occupied by some foreign and local tourists. If you gonna be here, you'll be move in a magnificent way that you can own this island (if not crowded) in way that this will serve as your home in single day or days. You can also enjoy doing everything you want like swimming in a clear crystal water,tour around the island barefoot,snorkeling to see its underwater majestic treasure, nature appreciation, kayaking and a lot more.

THINGS TO DO:

1. Set up your hammock in a sturdy trees. Once done, lay down, close your eyes, feel the cool sea breeze, listen to the soothing sound of ocean waves and chirping of migratory birds, and doze off to sleep for a few minutes to rejuvenate your senses. Alternatively, you can get your favorite book and read with the sea breeze on your face. Or, you can just lay down and look at the beautiful surrounding — different types of tree species, clear turquoise water, sparkling white sand, warm skies, rare cloud formation, and so much more or you can sleep as well.

2. Tour and the island barefoot. Kalanggaman is one of the islands in the Philippines with the finest white sand and so far the best sandbar in Pinas. On the way,you'll see awesome sand and rock formations, variety of plants (flowering or not), endangered tropical and subtropical trees (fruit-bearing or not), different types of shells, migratory birds, fisherfolk waving their hands to say "Hi", friendly and generous locals and more .3. Swim pa More. Most of the tourists immediately  go and take a swim once they arrive on the island. They just can't resist the inviting sparkling crystal clear and  cool water. It's amazing because you can see the sun beating down hard but when you you come up, it's very cold because of the strong sea breeze especially in the afternoon. You will captivated and your eyes  fill filled with excitement too as colorful fishes swim along with you.  4. Kayaking,Snorkeling and Banana Boat Riding. These are two perfect activities that you can do on the island for its perfect crystal water that invites you and of course  the exciting part is when variety of fish swim along with you whole snorkeling. Tips: The best way to go there as a group but solo traveler or joiners are also encourage. Don't forget to bring your cameras (Go Pro) and cellphones to captured best moments to treasure. Drag a dry bag where you can put all  your valuable things and also as not to get wet.Leave no trace behind and secure all your trashes. Enjoy the beauty of Nature. How to get there:A trip to Palompon, Leyte and 5-8 kilometer boat which would take about (1) one hour drive.Coming from Manila or Cebu, you may ride a plane to Tacloban. From Tacloban to New Transport Terminal or you can ride Vans in going to Palompon which will take about 2 and half hour drive. The pump boats are just anchored at the back of Eco-tours office. The rates for pump boats (round trip) are the following: Php 3,000-  for 15 people and below Php 3,500- for 25 people and below Php 4,000 for 30 people and below You will also be paying fees for entrance or conservation fee at the Eco-tours Office. The following are the different entrance fees for different types of tourists.For more information: Please  call:09150587598 (surfriztatravels)  BOOK NOW!  TARA KALAKAT!  YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE!

2. Tour and the island barefoot. Kalanggaman is one of the islands in the Philippines with the finest white sand and so far the best sandbar in Pinas. On the way,you'll see awesome sand and rock formations, variety of plants (flowering or not), endangered tropical and subtropical trees (fruit-bearing or not), different types of shells, migratory birds, fisherfolk waving their hands to say "Hi", friendly and generous locals and more
.3. Swim pa More. Most of the tourists immediately  go and take a swim once they arrive on the island. They just can't resist the inviting sparkling crystal clear and  cool water. It's amazing because you can see the sun beating down hard but when you you come up, it's very cold because of the strong sea breeze especially in the afternoon. You will captivated and your eyes  fill filled with excitement too as colorful fishes swim along with you. 
4. Kayaking,Snorkeling and Banana Boat Riding. These are two perfect activities that you can do on the island for its perfect crystal water that invites you and of course  the exciting part is when variety of fish swim along with you whole snorkeling.
Tips:
The best way to go there as a group but solo traveler or joiners are also encourage.
Don't forget to bring your cameras (Go Pro) and cellphones to captured best moments to treasure.
Drag a dry bag where you can put all  your valuable things and also as not to get wet.Leave no trace behind and secure all your trashes.
Enjoy the beauty of Nature.

How to get there:A trip to Palompon, Leyte and 5-8 kilometer boat which would take about (1) one hour drive.Coming from Manila or Cebu, you may ride a plane to Tacloban. From Tacloban to New Transport Terminal or you can ride Vans in going to Palompon which will take about 2 and half hour drive.

The pump boats are just anchored at the back of Eco-tours office.
The rates for pump boats (round trip) are the following:
Php 3,000-  for 15 people and below
Php 3,500- for 25 people and below
Php 4,000 for 30 people and below

You will also be paying fees for entrance or conservation fee at the Eco-tours Office. The following are the different entrance fees for different types of tourists.For more information: Please  call:09150587598 (surfriztatravels) 

BOOK NOW!  TARA KALAKAT!  YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE!

CANIGAO: AN ISLAND OF PARADISE IN LEYTE

Summer never ends, it's just changes places especially for those working people who just have a time if they gonna leave or mostly weekends. It's never too late to be what you might  have been. And by now, many are eager for their travel escapade.

Shining and shimmering crystals with powdery white sand, warm blue skies, uninhabited island and sibilant breezes caressed the morning grass that danced in appreciation for the morning celestial hues (sunrise). These are the qualities of an island or beach getaway you always wanted. And definitely, the word "cheap", I guess there's nothing more you can ask for it. Located about 5 kilometers off the shores  from its town center.

HELLO EVERYONE! INTRODUCING- AN ISLAND OF PARADISE IN THE PROVINCE OF LEYTE.

Canigao Island is an elliptical islet no more than 480 meters across its longest side. All of its sides are powdery white sand and its center is filled with tree of life. It is situated along Matalom sea and is midway between mainland island of province of Leyte and northern coral reefs of Bohol.

Its western side is facing the wide sea between the island of Leyte and Cebu giving a perfect scene for the sunset while its eastern side is facing the mountains of Southern Leyte.

Once known as the fishermen’s sanctuary in the Municipality of Matalom Canigao Island has become a major tourist destination in Eastern Visayas since 2005 and has gained overwhelming popularity recently.

True to its name as cheap, the boat fee to get to the island is only Php 95.00 but they require that at least the boat gets to be at least at full capacity of 25 before leaving. So the more you get there, the cheaper way. Good for us because we get there by group so we just pay  the regular fee and also we pay the rent for the cottage of Php 700 since its an overnight.

GREAT THINGS TO DO:

IT'S A BIG WORLD OUT THERE.GO.EXPLORE.

Believe it or not, there is so much great things you can do in Canigao Island that will truly test your passion being a traveler. But the question is, are you a certified traveler or simply a tourist?

Well,  traveler or not is not an issue but becoming a traveler is not just about setting foot in a new place and taking selfies, but discovering, experiencing and appreciating the beauty of nature — the essence of travelling, as they say.

In Canigao, you can:

1. Set up your hammock in a sturdy trees. Once done, lay down, close your eyes, feel the cool sea breeze, listen to the soothing sound of ocean waves and chirping of migratory birds, and doze off to sleep for a few minutes to rejuvenate your senses. Alternatively, you can get your favorite book and read with the sea breeze on your face. Or, you can just lay down and look at the beautiful surrounding — different types of tree species, clear turquoise water, sparkling white sand, warm skies, rare cloud formation, and so much more or you can sleep as well.

2. Tour around the island barefoot. Canigao is one of the islands in the Philippines with the finest white sand. On the way, you’ll see awesome sand and rock formations, variety of plants (flowering or not), endangered tropical and subtropical trees (fruit-bearing or not), different types of shells, migratory birds, fisherfolk waving their hands to say hi, friendly and generous locals, and more.

3. Swim pa More. Actually, most of the tourists immediately go and take a swim once they arrive in the island. They just can’t resist the inviting sparkling crystal clear and cool water. It’s amazing because you can see the sun beating down hard but when you dip into its waters, it’s very cool. And when you come up, it’s very cold because of the strong sea breeze. Your eyes will be filled with excitement too as colorful fishes swim along.

 4. Visit the lighthouse and other landmarks. In the middle of the island, you can see one of the oldest lighthouses in Leyte. You can go up there just ask permission and they allow tourists to climb and have a panoramic view of its island and other nearby islands or provinces like Camotes, Cebu, Cagayan, Limasawa, and more. It’s magnificent!

How to get there:

A trip to Matalom ,Leyte and a 5-Kilometer boat ride to Canigao which would take about 20 -25 minutes.

Coming from Manila, you may ride a plane to Tacloban. From Tacloban to New Transport Terminal and it is about a 3 hour ride via vans called Duptours or Van-vans heading to Maasin, Southern Leyte for Php 220.00. Drop-ff at Matalom Town Center.

Right now, the transport to Canigao has been centralized and controlled already by the local government after the Typhoon Haiyan. Now it is located at the town by the back of the public market.

Tips:

• The best way to go there as a group and as much as possible in a group of 25 so that ride will be as cheap as Php 95 per pax.

• Don't forget to bring your cameras and cellphones to captured best moments  to treasure.

• Drag bag where you can put all your valuable things and of course so it will not get wet.

• Leave no trace behind and secure all your trashes.

• Enjoy the beauty of Nature

Cost for staying overnight in the island:

• You can bring your own tent but you gonna pay for Php 100 or you can rent a tent for Php 250.Cottages are available for Php 700 or a room for Php 1500.

Spotless and Dazzling Shore