Build in Alabat

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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...