Me and my officemates took part in a charity work recently. It was called Lapis@Papel Project, with an aim to equip the less fortunate kids of Mindoro with school supplies. It was my first of many things. My first time to board a Roro for more than an hour, my first time to board a dizzy fastcraft, my first time to finish a full vegetable meal, and of course, my first time to take part in a charity work for kids. 😀
BRGY. QUINOMAY, ORIENTAL MINDORO
SALAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
It was an unforgettable experience. The cheers and claps from the kids were like fuel to my body as I rounded up the last curb after almost an hour of trekking mountain trails and river crossings.
QUINOMAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Speaking of trekking…. Props to our group of selfless volunteers who braved the harsh trails up the mountains just to reach those dear children. All the love also to all those who donated for all the supplies that we gave out. As expected. The world still has its fair share of good hearts. ❤
WOODFIELDS REPRESENT! HAHA. WITH THE SCHOOL TEACHERS
LAPIS AT PAPEL 2015 VOLUNTEERS
HUWAG NYO PONG KALILIMUTAN SA SUSUNOD NA ELEKSYON..
SAMPLE BALLOT ATA YUN AH! JK.
The kids’ smiles were beyond priceless. I wanted to snatch a particular child away and keep him in my pocket for emergency energy boosts. Kidinggg! Haha.
HEY YOU, CUTIE PIE YOU!
They were so grateful for the things that they received. The supplies we brought will only last for a while, but their thankfulness came without complain. They even prepared song and dance numbers with an aim to introduce us to their colorful Mangyan culture. Medyo na-LSS pa nga ako sa “Kaming mga Mangyan.. May simpleng pamumuhay… Lalala”.
MANGYAN ETHNIC DANCE
MANGYAN ETHNIC DANCE
And and and, they prepared food! Honestly, I am not a vegetable person. It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s because I can’t. We were literally in the vicinity of Mother Nature so dishes were all veggies. I am so proud of myself for finishing my meal. 😀
Even the parents were dynamic. They readily participated in the games notwithstanding the infants they were carrying around their sarabibian.
This was truly an eye-opener for me. It made me desire to help these kids somehow manage to get through every day. It made me want to look around and find out if maybe, I can make this happen to kids back in my hometown too. Made me realize how crazy blessed I was. Thank you, Lapis @ Papel. Thank you, Jesus.
You can help too! You can donate school supplies, or volunteer to come to Mindoro (at your own expense) and give them out, OR BETTER YET, you can do both!
Get in touch with the beautiful-inside-and-out Madam Liz Macuja 🙂 through their official Facebook Page Lapis@papel Project 🙂
EATTTTT…..
BULAGA! 😀
Helping the less fortunate made me realize how fortunate I am. I may not have the luxury to do and to have all the things that I want, but I have more than enough to survive. And that is what’s important. To survive. But these kids do not have a clear shot to that. Most (if not all) of them are malnourished. They may be getting by one day at a time, but surely time will take its toll on their bodies. A kid in the sixth grade is no taller than my pre-schooler inaanak. It is heartbreaking.
Emo stuff aside, we had tons of fun and would not think twice of doing it again!
Over and out!
in love with fireworks 