Child of God
a fun-loving cheerful group of L9s
from the Church of Holy Spirit
a Catholic parish in Singapore
This blog journals our mission trip
to Bicol in the Philippines
pervious posts
Bicol's Turn To Help
BICOL READY FOR H1N1
HOLY SPIRIT L9-09 CANCELLED
hahaha. i'm a L10-er
Chicken A La Carte
L908 Mission Trip Videos
PHOTOS!
The Wrap Up
Last Blog From Bicol
Thanks Be To God
November 2008
December 2008
May 2009
June 2009
July 2009
October 2009
Mission Formation
Mission from Glen Koh's Blog
Mission from Kelly Tseng's Blog
Catholic Church in Singapore
Mission from Mark Lee's Blog
BICOL READY FOR H1N1
HOLY SPIRIT L9-09 CANCELLED
hahaha. i'm a L10-er
Chicken A La Carte
L908 Mission Trip Videos
PHOTOS!
The Wrap Up
Last Blog From Bicol
Thanks Be To God
in his time
October 2008November 2008
December 2008
May 2009
June 2009
July 2009
October 2009
links
Mission InformationMission Formation
Mission from Glen Koh's Blog
Mission from Kelly Tseng's Blog
Catholic Church in Singapore
Mission from Mark Lee's Blog
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credits
By EliesBase Code & Inspiration nostalgia.
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celestial-star
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
3:35 PM
More pictures ! (:
This is the resettlement area for disaster victims at Tagaytay in Camalig town... People here are trying to rebuild their lives, but they have no schools yet, nor churches.
"so many kids everywhere!!!"
This is The Nuestra Senora del Carmen chapel at Dona Mercedes which badly needs maintenance.
And again,the mission t-shirt as modeled by the internationally acclaimed model La Nozid.
haha !
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More pictures ! (:
"so many kids everywhere!!!"
Guinobatan East Central School !
Masarawag Elementary School students saying "Good Morning, visitors!"
This is The Nuestra Senora del Carmen chapel at Dona Mercedes which badly needs maintenance.
haha !
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12:01 AM
left to right: Justin, Daniel Seow, Andrea, Melissa, Samantha Pang
Left to right: Andrea, Victoria Goh, Gerald
the T-shirt with uncle Al as the model
the taxi
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0 comments
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
11:47 PM
Final Recce Report (Sorry for posting this late; Uncle Al is already back from Bicol)
To sum up his report:
a) That the food is safe, and that the health conditions are safe. There are no current advisories affecting this town.
b) That water served in various eating places is actually spring water; but he recommends that everybody stick to mineral water to be doubly sure.
c) That the areas we will be visiting are safe and secure.
d) He noticed the absence of mosquitoes everywhere. But we must bring insect repellant, anyway. There are other insects.
e) Of greater concern is the chance of sun burn and heat stroke, especially when we go to Masarawag, Tagaytay and Dona Mercedes. Everyone must be equipped with sunburn lotion and should be prepared to drink more water.
f) Friendly people will overwhelm us. Get ready to be overwhelmed.
g) If you get lost in Guinobatan town - it shows that you have no sense of direction as you have a map lol sorry that was kinda lame
h) Everythinghas been settled.
Uncle Al's final report:
Hi all,
I am now safe and sound in a Manila internet cafe after having arrived from Bicol about 4 hours ago via a comfortable 10-hour deluxe bus ride from Guinobatan. But we were greeted by a heavy thunderstorm on our arrival. After all, I am in the middle of the rainy season in this rain-soaked country.
I picked up the daily papers (after five days of no papers!!!) only to be dismayed by the bloodbath engulfing the world economy. Let us pray for each other and our parents and the people around us that we may last through this economic storm.
Anyway, Monday was another mad rush for Uncle Al and volunteers. Several tasks needed to be completed: had a short meeting with the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Forestry, the survey of Dona Mercedes and the finalisation of our activities there (we're going to be at Dona Mercedes for 3 days), and the completion of the mapping of Guinobatan town. On top of this, we needed to wrap up things quickly on Monday as we needed to be in Legaspi by 6.00pm to catch the 6.30 bus to Manila (we pre-purchased the tickets).
I met the Dean of the University's College of Agrculture and Forestry-- Dr Luis Amano -- who will readily make the Campus' wifi facility available to us (after its installation in December). He has also given his full support to our Mission through the institution's FITS (Farmers' Improvement Training Centre), where our Mission HQ will also be located. Dr Amano also made a vehicle available for our use, especially for our visits to the far flung mission areas of Tagaytay and Dona Mercedes. Also at our disposal is the university hall which we can use for our meetings, praise and worship sessions and meals.
Then it was off to Dona Mercedes at about 9am. After haggling with tricycle drivers at the Guinobatan market, we agreed on 240 pesos as the group's two-way fare. It was a bumpy 45 minute tricycle ride. On arrival the village officials welcomed us. The village is a small commmunity of simple and humble farmers who are being trained in more advanced farming technologies by the university. They have a small elementary school - about 200 pupils, a day care centre for 56 children below school going age. They also have a chapel where mass is celebrated only once in four weeks. But there is a weekly communion service rendered by some lay ministers from Assumption every week.
The village will be welcoming us with a cultural programme on Dec 15th, which will be followed by our school outreach (the usual stuff, minus the and home outreach), visiting farms (helping out in the chores in selected farms and homes). We will also be doing an outreach at the daycare centre, as well as getting the chapel and training hall painted. We may also be organising a carolling session which may be held during one of the nights. The officials also welcomed the idea of some missionary teens staying back in the village during one of the nights. The village officials treated us to a simple two-dish lunch after that (vegetable curry and stewed pork) and Pepsi. It was 1pm by the time we got back to the hostel. And I left my Milwaukee Brewers cap behind!!!! I must get it back when we return.
Meanwhile the other team managed to complete the mapping of Guinobatan town so that no one would get lost.
Reflecting on the last past few days in Bicol, the following were apparent to me:
a) That the food is safe, and that the health conditions are safe. The municipal health officer has assured me that there are no current advisories affecting this town.
b) That water served in various eating places is actually spring water; but I'd recommend that everybody stick to mineral water to be doubly sure.
c) That the areas we will be visiting are safe and secure.
d) I noticed the absence of mosquitoes everywhere. But we must bring insect repellant, anyway.
e) Of greater concern I think is the chance of sun burn and heat stroke, especially when we go to Masarawag, tagytay and Dona Mercedes. Everyone must be equipped with sunburn lotion and should be prepared to drink more water.
f) Friendly people will overwhelm us. Get ready to be overwhelmed.
And so, this wraps up my reports from the mission area. Regretfully I am not able to download pictures due to lack of time, but I will more than make up for it when I make my presentation on Nov. 2.
From Manila, and out of Bicol, this is Uncle Al signing off. Arriving in Singapore via SQ 919 tonight.
Well uncle al is in Singapore now haha!
0 comments
Final Recce Report (Sorry for posting this late; Uncle Al is already back from Bicol)
To sum up his report:
a) That the food is safe, and that the health conditions are safe. There are no current advisories affecting this town.
b) That water served in various eating places is actually spring water; but he recommends that everybody stick to mineral water to be doubly sure.
c) That the areas we will be visiting are safe and secure.
d) He noticed the absence of mosquitoes everywhere. But we must bring insect repellant, anyway. There are other insects.
e) Of greater concern is the chance of sun burn and heat stroke, especially when we go to Masarawag, Tagaytay and Dona Mercedes. Everyone must be equipped with sunburn lotion and should be prepared to drink more water.
f) Friendly people will overwhelm us. Get ready to be overwhelmed.
g) If you get lost in Guinobatan town - it shows that you have no sense of direction as you have a map lol sorry that was kinda lame
h) Everythinghas been settled.
Uncle Al's final report:
Hi all,
I am now safe and sound in a Manila internet cafe after having arrived from Bicol about 4 hours ago via a comfortable 10-hour deluxe bus ride from Guinobatan. But we were greeted by a heavy thunderstorm on our arrival. After all, I am in the middle of the rainy season in this rain-soaked country.
I picked up the daily papers (after five days of no papers!!!) only to be dismayed by the bloodbath engulfing the world economy. Let us pray for each other and our parents and the people around us that we may last through this economic storm.
Anyway, Monday was another mad rush for Uncle Al and volunteers. Several tasks needed to be completed: had a short meeting with the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Forestry, the survey of Dona Mercedes and the finalisation of our activities there (we're going to be at Dona Mercedes for 3 days), and the completion of the mapping of Guinobatan town. On top of this, we needed to wrap up things quickly on Monday as we needed to be in Legaspi by 6.00pm to catch the 6.30 bus to Manila (we pre-purchased the tickets).
I met the Dean of the University's College of Agrculture and Forestry-- Dr Luis Amano -- who will readily make the Campus' wifi facility available to us (after its installation in December). He has also given his full support to our Mission through the institution's FITS (Farmers' Improvement Training Centre), where our Mission HQ will also be located. Dr Amano also made a vehicle available for our use, especially for our visits to the far flung mission areas of Tagaytay and Dona Mercedes. Also at our disposal is the university hall which we can use for our meetings, praise and worship sessions and meals.
Then it was off to Dona Mercedes at about 9am. After haggling with tricycle drivers at the Guinobatan market, we agreed on 240 pesos as the group's two-way fare. It was a bumpy 45 minute tricycle ride. On arrival the village officials welcomed us. The village is a small commmunity of simple and humble farmers who are being trained in more advanced farming technologies by the university. They have a small elementary school - about 200 pupils, a day care centre for 56 children below school going age. They also have a chapel where mass is celebrated only once in four weeks. But there is a weekly communion service rendered by some lay ministers from Assumption every week.
The village will be welcoming us with a cultural programme on Dec 15th, which will be followed by our school outreach (the usual stuff, minus the and home outreach), visiting farms (helping out in the chores in selected farms and homes). We will also be doing an outreach at the daycare centre, as well as getting the chapel and training hall painted. We may also be organising a carolling session which may be held during one of the nights. The officials also welcomed the idea of some missionary teens staying back in the village during one of the nights. The village officials treated us to a simple two-dish lunch after that (vegetable curry and stewed pork) and Pepsi. It was 1pm by the time we got back to the hostel. And I left my Milwaukee Brewers cap behind!!!! I must get it back when we return.
Meanwhile the other team managed to complete the mapping of Guinobatan town so that no one would get lost.
Reflecting on the last past few days in Bicol, the following were apparent to me:
a) That the food is safe, and that the health conditions are safe. The municipal health officer has assured me that there are no current advisories affecting this town.
b) That water served in various eating places is actually spring water; but I'd recommend that everybody stick to mineral water to be doubly sure.
c) That the areas we will be visiting are safe and secure.
d) I noticed the absence of mosquitoes everywhere. But we must bring insect repellant, anyway.
e) Of greater concern I think is the chance of sun burn and heat stroke, especially when we go to Masarawag, tagytay and Dona Mercedes. Everyone must be equipped with sunburn lotion and should be prepared to drink more water.
f) Friendly people will overwhelm us. Get ready to be overwhelmed.
And so, this wraps up my reports from the mission area. Regretfully I am not able to download pictures due to lack of time, but I will more than make up for it when I make my presentation on Nov. 2.
From Manila, and out of Bicol, this is Uncle Al signing off. Arriving in Singapore via SQ 919 tonight.
Well uncle al is in Singapore now haha!
0 comments
Monday, October 27, 2008
8:33 AM
Hi everyone
Summary of Uncle Al's letter: everyone please dress decently when we are serving mass very; decently, well be extremely decent, and the extent cannot be put into words. Well, sorry now I have no idea what I myself am saying. And dun worry we are on budget still!!
Original Message:
This is my update for Sunday.
I could have gone for the regular Bicol mass at 5.00am but I thought of going for the 9.00am mass in English. This is the Mass that we are going to serve in on Dec 14.
They have pre-mass prayers led by a commentator. Yes - there is a commentator who introduces every reading with a little summary, and generally tells people when to sit and stand. This person is the most prominent lay person during Mass as she occupies the ambo on the left (facin congregation) the whole time, while the priest, readers and psalmist take up the other ambo.
The sound is good as the church was built in the 1811. But if you are seated at the back, you would hear a bit of the echo. It is better to sit in front.
All those serving in the Mass are in white dresses, while the boys are in their formal black and white, and are students from the St Benedict Academy. They are supervised and trained by the nuns.
The songs -- they were all in English and I didn't know any. Only the Mass parts sounded familiar. One thing strange: they used the first verse from "We Remember" to replace "Christ has died... has is risen...".
Anyway, our team went around town after that to see how Sunday is like at Assumption parish. After lunch, we checked out food prices at the town's only supermarket, and finalised our meal arrangements with our caterer. We are pretty much on target as far as budget is concerned. Lunches and dinners would cost 110 pesos each. And we will be making our own breakfast.
Settled everything by sundown.
Monday we are going to Dona Mercedes, where we would be serving for three days during the Mission. And at 6.30 we will be able move back to Manila on a more comfortable night trip.
0 comments
Hi everyone
Summary of Uncle Al's letter: everyone please dress decently when we are serving mass very; decently, well be extremely decent, and the extent cannot be put into words. Well, sorry now I have no idea what I myself am saying. And dun worry we are on budget still!!
Original Message:
This is my update for Sunday.
I could have gone for the regular Bicol mass at 5.00am but I thought of going for the 9.00am mass in English. This is the Mass that we are going to serve in on Dec 14.
They have pre-mass prayers led by a commentator. Yes - there is a commentator who introduces every reading with a little summary, and generally tells people when to sit and stand. This person is the most prominent lay person during Mass as she occupies the ambo on the left (facin congregation) the whole time, while the priest, readers and psalmist take up the other ambo.
The sound is good as the church was built in the 1811. But if you are seated at the back, you would hear a bit of the echo. It is better to sit in front.
All those serving in the Mass are in white dresses, while the boys are in their formal black and white, and are students from the St Benedict Academy. They are supervised and trained by the nuns.
The songs -- they were all in English and I didn't know any. Only the Mass parts sounded familiar. One thing strange: they used the first verse from "We Remember" to replace "Christ has died... has is risen...".
Anyway, our team went around town after that to see how Sunday is like at Assumption parish. After lunch, we checked out food prices at the town's only supermarket, and finalised our meal arrangements with our caterer. We are pretty much on target as far as budget is concerned. Lunches and dinners would cost 110 pesos each. And we will be making our own breakfast.
Settled everything by sundown.
Monday we are going to Dona Mercedes, where we would be serving for three days during the Mission. And at 6.30 we will be able move back to Manila on a more comfortable night trip.
0 comments
Saturday, October 25, 2008
10:14 PM
Details on Tagaytay in Camalig Town
Was up and about at 4am to await the arrival of our two volunteers from Manila
Went to the town of Camalig, just beside Guinobatan, by jeep, and transferred by motorised tricyce to the mountain resettlement area of Tagaytay, where over 900 families affected by the disasters in the lowlands are being resettled by the local government units with the help of several international organisations. It wasn't an easy ride, as the low-powered tricyle had to negotiate steep inclines and rough roads up the mountain. But it was worth it because of the lush mountain scenery and the majestic Mayon volcano lurking in the background. There, I met the head of the homeowners' association of the resettlement area being built by the International Organisation of Migrants (IOM). Each house at the IOM-run area is about 4m x 4m - as big as the average bedroom of an HDB flat. This part of the resettlement area has 295 families who are trying to start a new life, and are now participating in self-help projects so they can begin leading normal lives. The spiritual aspect is lacking though as the huge community (including those run by USAID and the Italian Government) has no church or house of worship, or schools of any kind. Our visit there in December, which will involve games and catechism, will make a huge difference to the lives of the children.
Heavy rains disrupted our visits, but we managed to make our way back to Guinobatan by 3pm, after which I managed to join the group which had already begun mapping Guinobatan town for the benefit of our teen mission, as well as canvassed prices of some food items that we may use during our mission.
The day ended with dinner, and we're now all back at the hostel. (I am at the internet cafe though).
Sunday would be an early day starting with 9.30 mass for us, after which we will be going to another resettlement site in the barrio of Mauraro after the service. In the afternoon, we will be talking to the caterers and finalising our food arrangements. I should be able to send some pictures by tomorrow.
The weather has been hampering our recce team's progress everywhere. One moment it would rain lighlty, followed by burning hot sun, then heavy rain accompanied with winds. Exciting, you might say.
Meanwhile, I discovered that there are ironing facilities and very basic kitchen amenities (including a fridge) in the dormitory, and which we may want to take advantage of.
0 comments
Details on Tagaytay in Camalig Town
- Resettlement area for ~300 families
- Lacking spiritual aspect
- No worship place/school
- Catechism lessons and games to help the children
- weather can be unpredictable and might hinder progress
- dorm has more facilities
Was up and about at 4am to await the arrival of our two volunteers from Manila
Went to the town of Camalig, just beside Guinobatan, by jeep, and transferred by motorised tricyce to the mountain resettlement area of Tagaytay, where over 900 families affected by the disasters in the lowlands are being resettled by the local government units with the help of several international organisations. It wasn't an easy ride, as the low-powered tricyle had to negotiate steep inclines and rough roads up the mountain. But it was worth it because of the lush mountain scenery and the majestic Mayon volcano lurking in the background. There, I met the head of the homeowners' association of the resettlement area being built by the International Organisation of Migrants (IOM). Each house at the IOM-run area is about 4m x 4m - as big as the average bedroom of an HDB flat. This part of the resettlement area has 295 families who are trying to start a new life, and are now participating in self-help projects so they can begin leading normal lives. The spiritual aspect is lacking though as the huge community (including those run by USAID and the Italian Government) has no church or house of worship, or schools of any kind. Our visit there in December, which will involve games and catechism, will make a huge difference to the lives of the children.
Heavy rains disrupted our visits, but we managed to make our way back to Guinobatan by 3pm, after which I managed to join the group which had already begun mapping Guinobatan town for the benefit of our teen mission, as well as canvassed prices of some food items that we may use during our mission.
The day ended with dinner, and we're now all back at the hostel. (I am at the internet cafe though).
Sunday would be an early day starting with 9.30 mass for us, after which we will be going to another resettlement site in the barrio of Mauraro after the service. In the afternoon, we will be talking to the caterers and finalising our food arrangements. I should be able to send some pictures by tomorrow.
The weather has been hampering our recce team's progress everywhere. One moment it would rain lighlty, followed by burning hot sun, then heavy rain accompanied with winds. Exciting, you might say.
Meanwhile, I discovered that there are ironing facilities and very basic kitchen amenities (including a fridge) in the dormitory, and which we may want to take advantage of.
0 comments
Friday, October 24, 2008
9:36 PM
Hi everyone,
Sorry for the delay regarding the Recce Trip. Uncle Al arrived in Bicol late last night after a 12-hour bus ride from Manila. There were no email facilities along the 450km journey, so he could not email us. Well to sum up what was in the letter:
I'm OK. Arrived late in Bicol late Thursday night after a long 12 hour bus trip from Manila. Actually it was longer than 12 hrs as I left Manila at 7.30 AM, but reached Guinobatan in Bicol about 9pm. My bus missed my stop because it was very dark, and I have to walk quite a bit to the University entrance.
I had a quick meeting with our host organisers (Prof Pavilando and Ms Bing Herrera) and one of the volunteers, Riza Mijarez), had supper with them, before finally resting for the night.
Then slept by midnight, I was up and about early Friday morning to visit some of the mission areas together with our mission host. We went to the East Central School, West Central School, Masarawag Elementary School, and was honoured with an "audience" with the Assumption Parish vicar, Fr Dave Ramoso. He has booked us to serve in the English Mass on 14 December - Full liturgy and all (choir, readers, altar servers, collections, psalms, readings etc). Plus a bit of sharing with their confirmation candidates due for confirmation on Dec 22... I have yet to meet the youth groups here. Our travles for the day was peppered with a mixture of hot scorching sun and heavy but intermittent rain throughout.
The hostel is OK, and I think everyone is going to have a good time staying there (no hot water though).
Tomorrow (Saturday) we're going to try to settle our food, visit a resettlement area (Tagaytay) to finalise our arrangements there. Etc etc etc...
The leg is a bit sore from walking around and the bones are aching from clambering up and down tricycles. Anyway I'm OK.
My visit to the East Central School was special because the school was having a UN Day celebration. Saw some kids gleefully flying the Singapore flag. Mighty proud...
Our main achievement today is this: We managed to get in touch with the principals of the three schools and finalised the arrangements for these when we come.Will let you all know in great detail during our Formation meeting on 2 November.
Tomorrow, two more volunteers from Manila are coming down to help us map the town.
This is all for now, and I hope all is well over at your end.
0 comments
Hi everyone,
Sorry for the delay regarding the Recce Trip. Uncle Al arrived in Bicol late last night after a 12-hour bus ride from Manila. There were no email facilities along the 450km journey, so he could not email us. Well to sum up what was in the letter:
- Weather is a mixture of hot scorching sun and heavy but intermittent rain throughout.
- Mission host/ host organisers are Prof Pavilando and Ms Bing Herrera
- Dorms are in good condition but no HOT water (So good luck; Hope you like cold water, or remember to bring a kettle)
- The 3 schools that we will be visiting are East Central School, West Central School, Masarawag Elementary School
- On 14 Dec, we will serve in the Gaudete Sunday mass; We will need to organise choir, readers, altar servers, collections, psalms, readings etc (hint hint I wonder who Uncle Al is referring to )
- Remember to go for the formation session on the 2nd November and it is compulsory
I'm OK. Arrived late in Bicol late Thursday night after a long 12 hour bus trip from Manila. Actually it was longer than 12 hrs as I left Manila at 7.30 AM, but reached Guinobatan in Bicol about 9pm. My bus missed my stop because it was very dark, and I have to walk quite a bit to the University entrance.
I had a quick meeting with our host organisers (Prof Pavilando and Ms Bing Herrera) and one of the volunteers, Riza Mijarez), had supper with them, before finally resting for the night.
Then slept by midnight, I was up and about early Friday morning to visit some of the mission areas together with our mission host. We went to the East Central School, West Central School, Masarawag Elementary School, and was honoured with an "audience" with the Assumption Parish vicar, Fr Dave Ramoso. He has booked us to serve in the English Mass on 14 December - Full liturgy and all (choir, readers, altar servers, collections, psalms, readings etc). Plus a bit of sharing with their confirmation candidates due for confirmation on Dec 22... I have yet to meet the youth groups here. Our travles for the day was peppered with a mixture of hot scorching sun and heavy but intermittent rain throughout.
The hostel is OK, and I think everyone is going to have a good time staying there (no hot water though).
Tomorrow (Saturday) we're going to try to settle our food, visit a resettlement area (Tagaytay) to finalise our arrangements there. Etc etc etc...
The leg is a bit sore from walking around and the bones are aching from clambering up and down tricycles. Anyway I'm OK.
My visit to the East Central School was special because the school was having a UN Day celebration. Saw some kids gleefully flying the Singapore flag. Mighty proud...
Our main achievement today is this: We managed to get in touch with the principals of the three schools and finalised the arrangements for these when we come.Will let you all know in great detail during our Formation meeting on 2 November.
Tomorrow, two more volunteers from Manila are coming down to help us map the town.
This is all for now, and I hope all is well over at your end.
0 comments
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
5:49 PM
Hi everyone, the next formation session is on the 2nd November from 9.30am to 4pm in the auditorium! Well, as usual, lunch will not be provided and its from 12.30pm to 1.30pm if any one wants to know. Oh and it is
COMPULSORY FOR EVERYONE!!! and yes this includes all adult companions so everyone please turn up and please do not use the excuse of not checking your email.
What will be covered:
0 comments
Hi everyone, the next formation session is on the 2nd November from 9.30am to 4pm in the auditorium! Well, as usual, lunch will not be provided and its from 12.30pm to 1.30pm if any one wants to know. Oh and it is
COMPULSORY FOR EVERYONE!!! and yes this includes all adult companions so everyone please turn up and please do not use the excuse of not checking your email.
What will be covered:
- Uncle Al's recce trip
- Sister Angeline spiritual output on mission
- Sister Angeline mission experience
- Finalise the groupings
- Plan of action until departure for Bicol.
Remember to turn up!! And Good Luck uncle Al!!!
0 comments
Sunday, October 19, 2008
10:37 PM
Hi everyone,
0 comments
Hi everyone,
Welcome to L9 bicol mission trip blog. The purpose of this blog is for our L9 missionaries, their families and friends to learn more about bicol and it is also a blog for the missionaires and their families to communicate with each other during the trip. This blog will be updated daily throughtout the entire trip for any enquires please email us at missionariesinbicol@gmail.com .
L9 please remember to look at this blog for further details on uncle al's trip and do not worry, we will try our best to update it as regularly as possible. :)
0 comments