Back to School Outreach Project Goes to San Jose, Romblon Thursday, June 23, 2016

It's been a month since we sailed the sea on a gloomy weather with our boxes of school supplies to get to this small island in Romblon, for us to be able to reach the local children in the community. It was my third outreach project with the outdoor cluband like the usual, I felt so blessed being part of it. The event fell on the day before my birthday, so it was celebrated with these wonderful children, and kind-hearted volunteers. I always believe even as a child that my higher purpose in life is to change the world. I would actively try to do so by spending my own time active in causes and charities. We do not have a lot but my father always reminds us the virtue of giving, being grateful and living for others. As a child, he would let us volunteer and participate when the brotherhood he was part of organizes activities like this. And in college this purpose was fueled more when I studied in a Jesuit institution that encourage us to be a man and woman for others.

Carabao Island is the southernmost island of the province and is where we stayed overnight. This side of the island is the uncrowded part and non-commercialized. And because there were no resorts, we rented a house that accommodates us, a house good for 30 people.  However because in the evening there were no source of electricity, most of us decided to pitch our tent and sleep under the stars instead.

Palm-fringed beach, tropical blue waters, natural debris everywhere like dry leaves and the silence of nature, it is exactly what a real virgin paradise for me. I know my photos are not giving any justice! But coming to this tropical island felt like we made it to the movie, Castaway.

The white pristine sand of Carabao Island is comparable to the white sand of Boracay. I can tell because the next day, on my birthday we hopped in a boat and went there as well as part of the itinerary. Carabao Island is just an hour away from Boracay which is going to be on a different post.

I know I have a very long way to go with my passion and idealism, and a truckload of dreams to chase after, but the things I have been learning about life and about humanity are so much valuable than anything else I see in the world. For the meantime, let these photographs and film be a tool to communicate what words cannot, let it brings you inside the most tender moments of these people's lives.

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