Tindog Eastern Visayas, Kaya Pa Yan

I am currently a volunteer writer for a humanitarian organization. People ask me why I chose this kind of work, they don't really know me, because this is me, this is what I like, this is what I love to do.

I never thought volunteerism can be this tiring, but worth it, and amazing. This is not my first time giving service to humanity, because I have been to places where I worked my heart out to extend aid to the people of the community.

This is my first time in Visayas, because as the geography bobo-side in me, I learned that Palawan and Naga City is still in Luzon, which made me think that I am a Luzon lady, forever. I packed my clothes for two weeks, ringing with me my Canon, laptop and of course my now-favorite pair of Chucks.

Bum life, I said. But no, Wednesday, May 21, 2014- I woke up at four in the morning, my usual waking up time whenever I need, which is obligatory, to go somewhere.

Being the supportive and understanding Tito and Tita that they were, and yes, my “bakit ang ganda ko” cousin, they were the ones who drove me to the airport. Terminal 4. My most hated airport terminal in Pasay.

As usual, as the Tiger Philippines flow is, the flight was delayed.

To Tacloban

My birthday wish was to go to this place after I came back here from Hawaii. But being the brat that I was, I spent my money on gadgets and, whatever you call it happenings and foods that make me feel alive, so it did not happen.

So, I thank this opportunity.

I never expected the airport to be near the coastal area. By near I mean, the railway is 100-150 steps away from the sea. The baggage cart is not working so we needed to shout at the porter in front of us if they have already found our luggage.

So, I was with Jord, and an Agriculture Technology fresh graduate of Southern Luzon State University, and I would have died travelling in the Visayas if not because of his taunts and his company. 

That was Tacloban. Six months after the storm, leaves are still growing from the branches of the trees, tall grasses were slowly filling up the area, most buildings and houses are still roofless, military and humanitarian organization bases are everywhere- but there is hope. I see hope in the laugh of the children playing in the streets, in the strength of the men and women still struggling in building their houses, I see individuals helping each other in many simple ways. 

In Pagnamitan, Guian, Eastern Samar

Two to three hours travel (by Van) from Tacloban City. So, we traveled along the famous San Juanico bridge.

Brgy, Pagnamitan is he community where the organization I volunteered at built houses, grant livelihood projects, and administered medical mission for the Yolanda Survivors, It is not just a place where you can find happy and approachable people, it is where I saw the best sunset in my life, for now. Let the photos speak.

Bonus trip to Homonhon Island

Homonhon Island is where Magellan first landed, history's backlog, told us otherwise. You can go to Homonhon by riding a bangka, FOR TWO HOURS from Pagnamitan. I have learned during the entire boat ride that the ocean has different shades of blue, of which I was so fascinated that if was possible, I would have swam there.

 I also went to Palo, Sta.Fe, and Alang-alang in Leyte. Should I've known that there is a tourist spot in Palo, maybe I asked Ate Jocelyn to accompany me there.

More photos:

Wander Keeper

You're not a human if you didn't cringe seeing this. This is where school children of Badjangay Elementary School in Sta. Fe Leyte study. Six months after Yolanda's wrath.

A must-try delicacy, Moron (You can find this on stalls in front of Daniel Z. Romualdez airport in Tacloban)

Shell crafts: I GOT IT FREE from my interviewee :)