VOLUNTOURISM. Going to places not
only to delight one’s senses, but to share happiness with others. I am proud
that once in a while, I could travel and at the same time, volunteer and be of
help to others. It's like hitting two birds with one stone.
Last November 28-29, 2015, together with my friends from Mars
and Friends In Action (M.A.F.I.A.), I was able to visit Mt. Timbak and volunteered
as a storyteller for Mt. Timbak kids. M.A.F.I.A. has been doing this project
for the fourth time this year. In the past, I just gave donations to the group,
but this year, I decided to become an “active participant” of this year's initiative, titled Project Gitara.
 |
Mars and Friends In Action (MAFIA) |
What made this trip memorable?
It had my share of first times.
·
From Baguio going to Atok, it took us around
three to four hours. In between, we’re able to ride atop the jeepney that we
hired, while enjoying the view of mountain ranges.
 |
Atop the jeepney going to Atok, Benguet. (C) Mars Mercado |
·
We slept at Ate Josie’s house. The temperature
was freezing that despite the jacket, socks, and bonnet that I was wearing, I
had to cover myself with my bath towel!
 |
Drinking coffee to keep myself warm. |
I met wonderful people.
·
I was very fortunate to be with 16 fun-loving,
selfless individuals who chose to devote time and share their blessing to the
mountaintop community of Timbak.
These people collected from several sources the school
supplies, books, guitars, raincoats, umbrellas, chocolates, and cookies, among
others that we would donate to the kids.
 |
School supplies for kids |
 |
The MAFIA packing the gifts for the kids |
·
I got to share stories with lovely kids who were
very participative. I read the story “Ang Alamat ng Matsing” to them, with the
support of other story tellers, Ms. Reg who acted as the “diwata” (fairy) and
Mars who acted as the “matsing” (monkey).
 |
Ms. Reg (in fairy costume), me (storyteller with green cape), and Mars (wearing monkey hat/mask) |
 |
Guitar sessions with Nay Azee at Tay Juan. We donated the guitars to the community. |
 |
Art session with the kids led by Poveda teachers |
To see and hear them laughing and enjoying my performance
made this experience really worth it.
I visited new places worth
blogging about.
·
We visited the Mummy Cave. However, we did not
take photos of the “cave” itself because it was prohibited, as a sign of
respect to the cultural integrity of the place.
·
I had my fourth summit and got to see the
breathtaking view of the sea of clouds at Mt. Timbak. No doubt, people would
mistake it for Mt. Pulag!
·
Finally,
I was able to dine at Café by the Ruins, the restaurant featured in several
magazines, and even in the movie “That Thing Called Tadhana”. I ordered their
version of Pumpkin Soup (Kalabasa)
and Suman at Tsokolate.
 |
Viewed from the top (c) Mars Mercado |
 |
Suman at Tsokolate |
 |
"Pumpkin Soup" (Kalabasa) |
The joys of voluntourism. We will
definitely back in MT. Timbak. I hope that other people would also follow and
share their blessings with our less fortunate brothers and sisters.
 |
Thank you, Mt. Timbak kids! See you again! |