Feature: Global Help Swap

This is the first time that I am featuring authors of a travel site. You see, traveling and community service are some of the passions I have. Browsing through the worldwide web for leads that can somehow help me fulfill these passions, I chanced upon the site Global Help Swap, which shares stories and tips …

Tacloban

Volunteer Vacation in Tacloban & Basey

It was March of last year when I received a message from a fellow volunteer of Hands On Manila about a plan to go on a trip to Tacloban, Leyte in January 2014 through a seat sale promo by an airline. Tacloban is known for landmarks, such as the MacArthur landing site and San Juanico …

Bantayan, Cebu

The road to Bantayan Island, Cebu

Pristine white-sand beaches, clear blue-green waters, fresh air, friendly ambiance — all these spell the beautiful island of Bantayan, a paradise found in the northern part of the Cebu province in the Philippines. Seeing photos of friends who have spent their vacation in this wonderful part of our archipelago, I have long yearned to visit …

Free Freedom Island

…from trash and other ecological threats. Freedom.  Such a powerful word, and something that is close to a traveler’s heart. For instance, I relate traveling to freedom – going beyond boundaries and being able to explore places, things and cultures. And, yes, traveling is getting free from the constricting space of my cubicle. For two Saturdays …

Traveling to help Rebuild Cagayan de Oro

In December 2011, amid the holiday frenzy, the Philippines was struck with a challenge when typhoon Sendong (international name: Washi) suddenly took everyone by surprise as it caused severe flooding in the southern region of the country. The cities that were heavily hit were Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental and Cagayan de Oro and Iligan …

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 …

Danao, Cebu

First-time in Danao, Cebu

There I was again traveling alone. It usually happens whenever I travel for business wherein I would be left to my own devices. Having been used to working with non-profits, I often visited new and unfamiliar places without any welcoming party at the airport or a transport service. Sometimes it sounded scary but I always …