Jala-Jala

First-time in Jala-Jala, Rizal

Jala-jala is the local’s term for paradise and for those living in the province of Rizal in the Philippines, they regard Jala-Jala as the paradise tucked away in their province. Our office organized a volunteer activity that would take us to this little paradise. We had to meet up early morning last Saturday to embark …

CADP Batangas

First-time in Central Azucarera Don Pedro, Nasugbu

This was the third weekend that I was getting out of the capital, Manila. This time we were to hold a workshop in the province of Batangas. We traveled before sundown of Friday to get to our venue, the Central Azucarera Don Pedro (CADP) in Nasugbu, Batangas. The guest house was readied for us, including …

NCVS

NCVS 2009 with Michelle Obama and some Hollywood stars

Forty-five hundred people. Thirty-something new friends. A grand opening session. This has been the biggest conference I have attended so far. This was the National Conference on Volunteering and Service (NCVS) 2009. It was a gathering of various non-profits, government agencies, and corporations all over the United States. So, why was Hands On Manila part of …

San Francisco

First-time in San Francisco

It was my first time in San Francisco, California. In fact, it was my first time in the US. On a bigger scale, it was my first time across the Pacific. I went to the US to attend the 2009 National Conference on Volunteering and Service as a representative of Hands On Manila Foundation, an …

First-time to volunteer vacation in Oriental Mindoro

The eastern side of the Mindoro Island—Oriental Mindoro—is known for the white sand beach at Puerto Galera. Apart from Boracay, it is one of the most sought-after beach destinations in the Philippines because of its proximity to the main island of Luzon. Despite its popularity, this writer, unfortunately, has not ventured anywhere this famous beach. …

Jakarta

First-time in Jakarta: A Dynamic Megacity of Southeast Asia

“Selamat datang.” Welcome to Jakarta, the vibrant and bustling capital city of Indonesia! Situated on the northwest coast of the island of Java, Jakarta is not only the largest city in Indonesia but also one of the most populous cities in the world. Known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse population, and thriving economy, Jakarta …