TAO PO at Ateneo de Manila University *a special Christmas celebration*

Join us for this unique Christmas celebration!

SUNDAY DECEMBER 23, 2007
Bellarmine Field, Ateneo de Manila University
6:00pm right before 8:00pm simbang gabi at Jesu

Tao Po is an original production born from the collaboration between Gawad Kalinga and TeatroFilipino Integrated. It showcases an insightful script, moving musical scoring, dynamic choreography and remarkable performances from the SIGA of GK Villages in Metro Manila: Bagong Silang, Payatas, Baseco, and Paranaque.

Tao Po tells the journey of the Filipino people moving from the harmony of God’s creation to the agony and misery of poverty and ending with stories of hope from ordinary people who have found a concrete vehicle for change in Gawad Kalinga. In the spirit of Christmas, we would like to share this promise of hope to all who believe in inspiring a new culture for our people.

Hopefully, more successful shows like this will enrich art programs for GK communities.

"TAO PO" PLANNING TO GO ON TOUR!!!

It was such a hit that Tao Po are planning on touring locally and internationally! Wow, Im so happy for them!! Hopefully some of you who didn't see it will get a chance to see it. It will be showing again next month at the Ateneo de Manila University most likely on Dec 23,2007 but it's not yet finalized. Preparations are also being made for it's first international show to be in Jakarta, Indonesia!! ...as GK is also located there. Praise GOD! =) Please keep them in your prayers for these plans to follow through, for safe travels, and more fantastic shows... they deserve it! GK deserves it. we deserve it. the world deserves it LOL. thank you!!!

"Tao Po" (Street Theatre Production)

Hello everyone! Kumusta kayo?!

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted anything, I was pretty busy with the Tao Po show for the GK1World Expo event. I am happy to say Tao Po was a hit! And so was the Expo. I have never been more proud of a performance/production before in my life! The youth from GK Bagong Silang, Payatas, Baseco, and Paranaque did an amazing job!!! These are not professional performers with much training before this show, but they really did perform like professionals and I'm not just saying that.

Tao Po means: someone is knocking, someone is outside, is anybody home?. The show was made up of 3 vignettes. (check the flier above) It was beautiful. And Tao Po is all original works!

I am so honored and lucky to be a witness to the youth's transformation during the workshops & rehearsals that went on for about 2 months. Many of them were shy and unsure of themselves in the beginning, but I saw how they really just blossomed through this process. They became confident, their acting, dancing, and vocal skills developed immensely. Their dynamics were wonderful and they really became receptive to direction taking and flexible to making many adjustments. They became professional performers really. Many who saw the rehearsals were unsure if it was going to be a successful show because there was much practice and polishing needed. But in the end, when it mattered the most, these youth were on point and SHINED LIKE BRIGHT BEAUTIFUL STARS. It was magic. You could tell the youth loved performing! They were proud of their work and their story. It was amazing.

It is especially deep because I grew close to the youth and I got to see them blossom. And the show is about their lives. Some of the youth even wrote their own monologues about true stories they experienced or witnessed in the slums. It was very moving. I even cried in one of the shows.

These are the powerful creative records of GK's history and it is even educational for Filipino History. All performed by the real characters: the precious people GK is working so hard to uplift and transform.

***This to me, is the beautiful & powerful essence of what it means -to give voice to the voiceless and celebrate heritage, culture, heroism, and a new Philippines.***

This was one of my main driving forces coming to the Philippines and GK. I am soo blessed to be a part of it (by helping stage & prod manage) and see it manifest in such a beautiful way, especially being a Theatre Arts major, having a passion to serve the poor, and being a Filipino-American!

I will forever hold this experience close to my heart. And I pray that GK continues to share these valuable Filipino stories for the rest of the world to embrace, and hopefully be moved to serve to poor!

CONGRATULATIONS & THANKS to: Gawad Kalinga, Ancopusa, & partners. Tita Maria Montelibano, Gkom, Ate Eena Meloto, Ate Michelle Montano (Congrats on her & Kuya Paul's newborn baby boy!), Emong (Raymond) Dimaiwat, Mabuhay

And the brilliant creators of Tao Po -->Teatro Filipino Integrated (TFI): Ron Capinding (Director), Wincy Ong (Music Composer) Ina Luna (Dance mentor), Maris Dimayuga (Acting & singing mentor), Reamur David (Prod manager)

Special thanks to: Emong Dimaiwat, Leana Go, K Calubaquib & Omar Regalado for helping stage manage. And Jj Ignacio, Trency Caga-Anan, & Jean Pierre Reniva for the great costumes and managing them backstage. (And anyone I may have left out, but hopefully I didn't!)

AND OF COURSE THE ***GK YOUTH STAR PERFORMERS FROM GK BAGONG SILANG, PAYATAS, BASECO, AND PARANAQUE***

BAGONG SILANG:

Aljon V. Jimenez
Aris Phoeonix Sangalang
John Matthew D. Lugue
Julius Angelo D.C. Ordonio
Mark Aeron D. Gomez
Raymond Dimaiwat
Trixie Ann D. Gomez
Aljoies M. Quintana
Ched Gimenez Dulay
Jeanette Tolosa Fababier
Nina Mae Gomez

PAYATAS:

Bryan Joe Trapani
Florence Mark Farrales
Julius F. Gundran
Mark Fernando P. Mamaril
Patrick John G. Peñaflor
Carren Austin T. Palomar
Keelin Espera

BASECO:

Alvin H. Monto
Dennis Celero
El John G. Retulin
Mark Joseph M. Regalario
Marvin P. Lasquite
Anna Luna P. Peñas

PARAÑAQUE:

Carlo Ala
Edmond Alarcon Paronda
Jose B. Sanjose
Mark Anthony P. Banaag
Emily Chen Jane G Cabuqnasan


AND THE WHOLE GK & TAO PO PRODUCTION FAMILY ON A SUCCESSFUL AND JOYOUS GK1WORLD EXPO AND THE FIRST OF HOPEFULLY MANY TAO PO SHOWCASES TO COME!

GODBLESS!

Build in Alabat

alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115148691948334146" />
Last week I got to travel to the peaceful and beautiful island of Alabat in Quezon for a local Bayani Challenge. It was soo much fun and a nice break from the city life of Manila. The people were super friendly and of course super hospitable there. We must have been fed every 3 hrs! Yeah.. I really enjoy these builds. lol just kidding!

I've learned that the most important thing is to give love in all that you do. In the states its normal to be anti-social and to be to yourself, but being in GK has taught me how to connect with people more. And that's really what life is about. I was flipping thru a fashion magazine the other day waiting for my coffee at a cafe (its been a long time since I actually looked at a fashion mag) and I remembered how I use to think those rich good-looking people and their possessions, their comforts, big houses, cars, and parties were really what success was all about. And how even if your middle class that is what you work towards and is most respected. I use to look at those pictures and think, "wow wouldn't that be nice?" But as I was looking at it that Thursday in the Mocha Blends cafe next to the Philippine Immigrations Bureau (cause I was working on my visa), all I could feel was this painful emptiness of vainity through those pages. I mean it seemed like I could see it in their eyes and thru their make up and smiles, and all that nice 'stuff' seemed lifeless on those pages. I had never seen it that apparent before.

And I thought to myself, "wow... I'm so grateful to be experiencing life through GK right now. To be in the presence of such beautiful & loving people who care about The People soo much..To be on the ground with poor Fiipinos, sharing food, life, laughter, and sweat with them.. and to know this work is really transforming lives and rebuilding the Nation."

And then I thanked God for how Rich I truly am.

"TAO PO" Street Theatre in the GK Expo in October!

Last weekend I just attended my first two rehersals for the street theatre that is to be put up for the Expo in October. I am overseeing the project with Ate Eena and Ate Michelle (my lovely mentors in Mabuhay). And I am part of the production team.

I think this performance is gonna be great. The last two rehearsals I saw were awsome! The performers are some of the Siga Youth from four different sites: Bagong Silang (including some from the Bagong Silang Musical), Payatas Trece, Baseco, and Paranaque. There are about 20 youth performers all together. They are an excellent and dynamic group of performers, really. I have seen them rehearse songs and dances. And the team of mentors (directors and instructors) are graduates from Ateneo University Theatre and are AWSOME. That'd be Ron, Ina, Marris, and Rhem. The youth have a great support team.

I am excited to see how the youth continues to grow and how the show comes together. I love how the youth just blossom through this medium. And none of them are trained performers! There are a few who have some experience from the Bagong Silang Musical, but thats it. It is amazing to see them shine so early in the rehearsals, especially since Gk's educational programs are still in it's early stages. I think one of the best ways to build confidence and self-esteem within the youth is in the arts -particularly *The Performing Arts*

It's golden =)

recap

Greetings everyone! I hope everyone is doing well. Thank you for all those who have been reading my posts =)

I've been doing well. Just moved into my fourth host family, Tito Lito's family's home. I think this may be the last transfer.

Just to recap, after 3 months of being here I feel like I finally have found my bearings somewhat. As inspiring as this journey is, it has also been very challenging. God is Good though and never gives you what you can't handle, but of course tests your limits. And I know He has been testing me plenty and has carried me plenty. I feel I am an even stronger person, more hopeful and grounded, and yet still tender.

As the blessed journey continues I pray for His guidance and love...

How I got into Gawad Kalinga

I thought I would share how I got involved with GK.

I went to school for Theatre Arts at San Francisco State University and then went to LA to persue an acting career. I experienced my first taste of show biz in Hollywood. As a small fish with basically no connections, I learned quickly how easy it could be to lose yourself and get eaten alive just to get ahead. As a woman of color, I also became bitter towards the lack of decent roles offered to us. Compromising my values had tempted me much more than I wanted. Unfortunately, that's how much of the business is and I was not ready for it at that time. I am the kind of person that needs time to fully digest the pros and cons, what experiences mean to me as a changing, growing woman. Because of this, coupled with the lack of inspiring work/art I was groomed with in college, I lost the fire to continue the path as a "struggling actress". Ironically I'm volunteering six months for the poor.

So, I thought what do I do now if Im not gonna act? I initially went into acting to use it as a medium for social awarness and to inspire change. So I decided I would do just that, seek how to directly change peoples lives. After I became more aware about world issues, I passionately dove into activism in the States, during Bush Jr.'s term. After about a year of heartache, I grew an even bigger passion to travel to the Motherland and help the poor.

Born and raised in Orange County, California, I had never been to the Philippines so I wanted to connect with my roots as well. I wasn't sure who to work with though. And then a friend of mine told me he had an aunt that did missions with the poor in the Philippines and that I should talk to her. So I did. She introduced me to Gawad Kalinga and explained how they work to strengthen communities on all levels, in very experimental, radical, and holistic ways. Never hearing of anything like it, I was overjoyed and very curious to learn the ways of how they address the roots of poverty. I thought it was the perfect vehicle to journey through the Motherland for the first time and satisfy a strong longing to make a lasting, revolutionary difference.

And what a difference it has made! GK has made all the difference. It is the most amazing, most fulfilling, life changing ride I have ever experienced. Seeing and sharing the dramatic changes they have made in people's lives inevitably changes you in more ways you can imagine. I never had any idea that when I walked into GK that I was going to be in the first batch of this crazy six month BUILDER'S CORPS program! It was definitely meant to be though. GK just started the program when I decided to volunteer. As a young lady, taking this huge leap all by myself, has been extremely empowering. It is also very challenging and lonely many times, but that is where you discover so much of yourself.

Every day I reflect on what God's plan is for me.... And I pray to fulfill what ever it is one day at a time. I am humbled and blessed to be here as Gawad Kalinga's first official "guinea pig" of the BUILDER'S CORPS.

I have to admit, it is quite a historical role!



“The times in your life you’ll regret the most won’t be when you looked foolish, but when you didn’t take action at all.”
— Denise Marek

Re-energized!

Today was so inspiring and exciting, a brand new experience to add to my life. We all went to UP for a builder's corps meeting on the begining of the Builder's Institute's studies to community developement with Tito Tony and Kuya Mark. This guy Pierre is only 18 yrs old and was amazingly advanced in his studies! He was sharing his rough draft on a development report he did with 2 other girls (I will get their names) on the quantative measures of community developement. This study was soo energizing to my senses... It was excellent. It had studies on the economic development and the social developement of the different programs in GK Brookside Village. This study is still in its early stages and isn't ready to be shared publicly yet, but can you imagine that GK has quantative measures for the progress of values and human dignity?! Aside from the excitement, I felt more grounded, that I had concrete studies & knowledge of GK's brilliance and mystery in a hardcopy in my hands! lol! I absolutly love and appreaciate GK's hands on approach to things and now there is an acedemic aspect begining to form! I love acedemic learning as well, and combined with GK's abundance with hands on experience is something incredible and very exciting!

We also went to a weekly session of local govermental learning with about 20 Philippine mayors present. Tito Tony gave a speech and had personal question/answer interaction with the different mayors and then we all "broke bread together" and conversed with the mayors ourselves! Now, if you dont know.. I use to be an activist who looked at the gov as "the enemy". You can imagine how this experience was for me. I mean I am aware that not all politicians, especially local, are 'bad' but this was a pleasant surprise. To see that many mayors (especially at the GK 'Township Development' event! over 100 gov. officials) who were honestly concerned with the issue of poverty and making a difference with GK, AND THEN talking to us young folk from the States like we were their equals, with honor and genuine interest to learn about us, share, and work with us was revitalizing and brand new!! I guenuinely enjoyed sharing and conversing with them! We rode home with mayor Eric Saratan, and what a great guy he was. He has an amazing story.

I was soo inspired with how GK was making change on a political level, and really pushing the younger generation to practice leadership is such a way. It really showed me how GK is becoming a convergence point for many sectors of society. What an exciting time to be a part of GK indeed.

Amazing.

Thank You

The whole builder's corps team has arrived and I feel like my builder's corp experience has officially started! I am so happy about it. I was begining to feel really confused about what role I am suppose to play here in GK. I still am learning what that is, but I feel much more secure and focused now that the rest of the BC family is here. So Thank you to all of them for coming and commiting to 6 months volunteer work! All of our presence together makes a huge difference in this process.

I also want to begin this journey thanking the host families that have been so generous, loving, and hospitable to me. Thank you for letting me live in your homes and become "part of your family"! I am blessed and honored to have been hosted by such lovely, beautiful, and outstanding families!

Thank you, Tito Eddison, Tita Tina, Ate Rose, & Kuya Bong and the whole family (they have a large one!) for sharing your home and time with me for my first journey home to the Philippines. Rye and Cha (Ate Rose's nephew & niece) were like my brother & sister, I developed good friendships with them. Rye was so helpful showing me the malls & restaurants around Manila. I was fortunate enough to experience my first build with them too. It was the perfect welcoming.

And thank you to my 2nd host family, Ate Issa, Kuya Manny, Arron, and Reina. They were also a wonderfully loving hospitable beautiful and outstanding family. Thank you for inviting me into your home and putting up with me for 2 months! It's amazing how they shared their space... I was there for a pretty long time and I can't believe they didn't mind and were always welcoming me. Thank You!

I really felt at home with all of you. You have made my journey here so pleasant I don't want to leave! haha

(I am currently staying with Greg Mercado's family.)

I shared wonderful space and memories with all of you. You are the definitions of true filipinos with beautiful families and I will treasure you always. I pray for God to bless, protect, and guide your families always. I hope to have families like you some day!

SALAMAT PO & GOD BLESS!

I was in the Inquirer (A Philippine Newspaper)

The online story doesn't have the pic that was in the newspaper so I took it off my laptop camera lol!

You can check out the story here...

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view_article.php?article_id=80048

God Bless

Jay & Eena's Meloto's wedding in Bicol

Just to let yall know this wedding was on 7/7/07. I wrote this a while ago...

Magandang Gabi!

This weekend I had the honor of attending Jay & Eena's wedding in Bicol at the GK Panganiban Village. Jay is Tito Tony's son and Eena is a full time GK worker in charge of Tito Tony's daily itinerary and the Cultural program. Bicol is a beautiful lush province about 9hrs drive from Manila. You see endless hills of green tropical trees and plants and the weather is much cooler from Manila. The wedding was so beautiful. Their marriage was on such a strong foundation and expression of Love in its purest form, seeing love for country and people reflected everywhere in one of the highest events of Love. It was in the whole experience.

When we arrived to the village we were in awe at its beauty, it’s the nicest village I've been to yet. It has a beautiful church, a huge amphitheatre, and a big hut where tons of people ate during the reception. The homes are gorgeous and surrounded by green trees everywhere. The village is also environment conscious, not one tree was cut down for the build and they are building an Environmental Institution here as well!

All the beneficiaries were dressed in simple yet nice Filipino garments of orange. (orange was the theme color.) They were very friendly, helpful, and joyful in the event. Their homes were decorated for the special day, and we found out they never decorate their homes. They cooked an extravagant meal that covered one long table and three smaller ones. Get use to being feed til your busog (full)! And what’s funny is that people wanted to go to the wedding just to experience it, people were there that were not even invited! lol

It was amazingly beautiful to see a marriage in such a setting, especially because they share a love that extends to the dedication to uplift the poor and change the Philippines for the better. It was in the setting that is the manifestation of that change in the Motherland. It also adds to this impact, being that Jay is Tito Tony's son and Eena now his daughter. There was a beautiful pray-over for the newly weds led by Tito Tony, which was a great affirmation to all of our presence in GK and a blessed experience of a true Love Story of GK, within the Love Story of GK itself.

Bagong Silang Musical

History
Located in Metro Manila, Philippines, the slums of Bagong Silang, is where Gawad Kalinga was first inspired to build homes. In 1995, as missionaries of the “Couples for Christ” community, they were working with the youth through empowerment programs in a youth camp. They created successful programs, but at the end of the day the youth had to go back to the environment that perpetuated the negative behaviors of theft, drugs, gangs and violence. By the year 2000, the CFC members realized they had to change the environment to one that reflects dignity, so as to begin a process of transformation in its entirety. This movement is now known as Gawad Kalinga, which means “to give care”.

During this process, GK had the idea of making the true story of the Bagong Silang villagers into a musical. They found that theatre provided rehabilitation and therapy to the people, while allowing them to develop their creative talents. The people found out that they were talented performers, which made them stronger and gave them more confidence and joy. The Bagong Silang Musical was an activity that inspired productivity and creativity, taking them away from negative habitual behaviors. The musical turned out to be one of GK’s great successes and a strong voice of the village life to share with the world.
-----------------------------------------------------------

I was so inspired and moved by this story! you have to see it if you get a chance!

My first Build =))

Magandang Umaga! I just got back from my build in Batangas last Friday. And I thought it was so much fun and truly inspiring. The group of builders were younger, mainly in their mid 20s. They were from the US, mostly Fil-Ams, some locals, but there were also 2 non-Filipinos. Matt was Chinese-American and served Iraq. Tom was white from Chicago. Matt also gave a great sharing after the build about getting out of your comfort zone and his experience of how friendly and loving the Filipionos are. He expressed that its that kind of selfless giving amougst everyone that makes the difference. And GK is laying the foundation for that culture. Its so true. We all got along so well, had many laughs, and had a great time. During our down time we bonded playing games like, Charades and some card games. I really think we were the best group in the history of GK builds... haha just kidding. But seriously we were great. To work with them on such a mission was an honor and will always be treasured in my heart. And the Titos & Titas, ates and kuyas are the bomb! Shout outs to Tito Bert, Tita Ciony, Tita Lydia, Tito Raul, Ate Ning, and Kuya Dondi. You all made this experience that much richer and fun.

Just a little background… We stayed at the Reunion Village, which is the most progressed GK village, and we did our building at a nearby village called Gloria Village. The Reunion Village is a village GK wants to use as a template for other villages. The concept is that it is a hotel/resort and also home to the beneficiaries. It wants to attract wealthier people to visit and help generate money into the community. They will build a restaurant, pool, café, and other things for the visitors, which will also employ many beneficiaries, while marketing GK at the same time. It also has a pretty large farm for the productivity as well. We planted trees and dug ditches here as part of our building activities. There is also a small theatre stage where the youth can perform. It also is building retirement homes there for those who want to retire in the Philippines. So it will bridge together the poor community with the middle class and the rich, including foreigners. Tito Raul, also a caretaker, has a retirement home here. (The actual build took place at the Gloria Village not The Reunion.)

My homecoming experience this far has been very refreshing, inspiring, moving, knowledgeable, and confusing too. Sometimes I wonder if I’ll go back to the States lol! It is amazing to interact with the beneficiaries, who have been very inspiring, happy, friendly, open, hardworking, and amazingly hospitable. Their humility is extremely humbling. The beneficiaries are soo beautiful it hurts. (If that makes any sense.) You can see how much joy GK has been for them and especially the kids! They are so cute, playful, and helpful workers too! When we were digging and carrying pretty heavy buckets of dirt, it was inspiring to see some of the beneficiary children just picking up buckets and working. They didn’t have to and no one told them to, they just wanted to and did it with smiles. Enarly, the girl to the left was especially hardworking. And there were 2 kids, Kim and Zach, who were part of the build crew from Chicago, who were carrying these buckets too. I mean they were pretty young to be carrying such heavy buckets, so to see them so involved too was really energizing. Many of the beneficiary kids kept calling out to me with huge smiles and laughter “Ate Dianne! Ate Dianne!” any time I passed them or they passed me. You could really feel how happy they were that we there. I saw how it was true that our mere presence brings them hope and makes them feel they are special enough for well off people, from the states especially, to come and help build homes or just even spend time with them in their community. They are even sung for us as a farewell send off, and you could feel the gratitude and joy coming from their soul. When we were leaving some of the adult beneficiaries gave a sharing of their gratitude and it was truly heartfelt. There was one lady who was very social, hardworking and helpful in the build. She was always smiling and laughing and even danced with us when we were dancing to the music while we were waiting for the dirt buckets, her and her friend were center stage at one point, they danced really well! Upon our leave she started crying, not in a hurt way, but more in a bittersweet joyful way, because we were leaving and she just had so much fun and built sincere relationships. I was so touched I had to hug and thank her. I defiantly had that “golf ball feeling” emerge in my throat, from an emotional surge. It was truly beautiful. I'm confident that many of us will return, I know I’ll be back to this village to visit soon enough. And it feels good to know there are always GK “caretakers”, teachers, volunteers, and workers at these sites that are there to stay, committed to transforming and revolutionizing the way of life for these beneficiaries, committed to the manifestation of their true potential and selves.

God Bless GK, the Philippines, and the Filipinos. GOD BLESS THE WORLD!!!

(There are much more pics from the build but I haven't been able to track down the CD, but I'm working on it. Also I have added some pics of what some sites look like in the building process. (first 4 pics from the top) The sites in Manila have an urban style. You can tell because they are apt style due to the amount of space in the city. The sites in the provinces are much larger, so they have more space for a house. The province pic is in Marinduque. (top most pic) And the farms in the Manila, such as "Selecta Village" is a much smaller scale of course than the farms in the province. The province farm is the sixth pic down. This is actually the farm at The Reunion Village)

P.S. Thank you for all the words of encouragement and prayers. I am looking forward to your arrival here in Aug. and for Joanne in Nov. It will be exciting to start our journey together! I love you all! =)

My internet time is limited!

I'm at an internet shop right now and of course time is limited, I've been moving around non-stop. Wow the Builder's Corps page looks great! It's great to see how much your all putting into it. (Good luck finding the time to do the same once you get here! lol) I've been having an amazing experience thus far! I've been trying to absorb everything as much as possible, there is soo much to take in. I've visited several GK sites in Manila and in the provinces. So far I've been to Quezon & Marinduque outside of Manila, wow it's been great! I did a build (Bayani Challenge) in Lucena, Quezon for 2 days. Oh and you can add face towels to your check list! It's soo hot out here you drip sweat, especially on the builds. I'll be going to a build tomorrow morning in Batangas, I have plenty of pictures & stories to share but I'll need to do that from my lap top since I can't transfer them from my camera to this computer at this store. And it's not recomended to take my lap top to the sites and builds. (But I was told they have internet cafe in Batangas so we'll see...) I got my phone stolen about 5 days ago in Quezon, but thankfully they didn't steal anything else. I was bummed at first but got over it quickly. I realized I didn't really need it that bad. It taught me to let go of attachments even more, it was kinda freeing actually! well it does help that I have insurance on the phone lol (Thank God) Anyway I hope all of you are well. I wish I could post more!!! I will be in touch soon with more pictures & stories hopefully! Love & God Bless

Yay I finally have a profile!

First, thank you for your patience. It's taken me a while to settle in out here. I've been on the move alot and Internet hasn't been that accessible. But I'm online now and writting =)

I have been looking forward to going to the Philippines for a long time. I have finally arrived in the Motherland for the first time!! To be able to experience the Philippines through GK is a dream come true. Being a Fil-Am, I have wanted to get in tune with my roots and culture, not just through books, but through experience. Being an activist, I have wanted to learn more about the solutions to eradicating poverty, where exactly my services will be most needed, and how I can best serve.

GK is allowing me to do both on ground with direct interaction with other volunteers & workers, and especially poor Filipinos. I am soo blessed & proud to be a part of the new Builder's Corps program in GK, and the first in the group to arrive in the Philippines! It is really exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Thank you for sharing this spiritual journey, thats close to my heart. Lets Go!!!

Love & God Bless,
Dianne