Sunday, December 27, 2015

Christmas in Panti Jompo Budi Luhur (Home for the Aged) in Jambi



My initial plan for Christmas this year was actually to spend it with friends in Singapore. However, even after 4 months, we could not get a fixed answer as to when we are getting our KITAs (1 year Student Visa) from Immigration.

I have already spent a week on holiday, and I was feeling how much time I am losing rotting inside the dormitory in Kampus. So, even if that we already had a good sign that we are finally getting our Kitas in a few days, i decided to go ahead. The other thing that I thought was that I came to Indonesia to see it, hence i took this scholarship, and I better use the time in my scholarship visa to do as planned.

Nevertheless, I did not want to have an extraordinarily casual Christmas. Gladly, my couchsurfing host in Jambi know about the orphanages and homes for the aged around town.





I chose the home for the aged since we have just recently done a feeding session in an orphanage in Padang. Plus, I have been missing my grandma, and I thought that will help out a bit.
The morning after my arrival, Laser, my couchsurfing host's staff in his English Tutorial class accompanied me to the home for the aged. We were escorted to the kitchen and was asked to arrange with the kitchen head.

In fact, they have a steady menu of food to cook. I asked them though if it would be ok to serve something not the usual, and said it would be better. The seniors who were there asked for shrimps. When we asked the kitchen head, fortunately, it was manageable.



The next day, I came back early to help them a bit to prepare. Yet, the staff must have been so acquianted with their task already that I almost did not do anything.d enough not to be able to walk the distance anymore to the kitchen.

Each has his own room in a house of 5 rooms. Others, the stronger one, get the food for their peers, while some staff had to personally deliver the food to some others.
The seniors began coming around 11am, as I was told. There is no single place for them to eat lunch altogether, and also that some are age d enough not to be able to walk the distance anymore to the kitchen.
















 Have I had an institution like this, I would no doubt hire these 2 lady staffs. There was obviously more than just work in these people that keeping them in their job (later to find out that they are not even regular employees but as rather casuals in the institution even after several years of service). 


Thanks to friends Julie Tinio and Major Cruz for sharing in the expenses. We had an excess and so We bought books to be donated to a library in a remote village in Jambi.







My initial plan for Christmas this year was actually to spend it with friends in Singapore. However, even after 4 months, we could not get a fixed answer as to when we are getting our KITAs (1 year Student Visa) from Immigration.

I have already spent a week on holiday, and I was feeling how much time I am losing rotting inside the dormitory in Kampus. So, even if that we already had a good sign that we are finally getting our Kitas in a few days, i decided to go ahead. The other thing that I thought was that I came to Indonesia to see it, hence i took this scholarship, and I better use the time in my scholarship visa to do as planned.

Nevertheless, I did not want to have an extraordinarily casual Christmas. Gladly, my couchsurfing host in Jambi know about the orphanages and homes for the aged around town.





I chose the home for the aged since we have just recently done a feeding session in an orphanage in Padang. Plus, I have been missing my grandma, and I thought that will help out a bit.
The morning after my arrival, Laser, my couchsurfing host's staff in his English Tutorial class accompanied me to the home for the aged. We were escorted to the kitchen and was asked to arrange with the kitchen head.

In fact, they have a steady menu of food to cook. I asked them though if it would be ok to serve something not the usual, and said it would be better. The seniors who were there asked for shrimps. When we asked the kitchen head, fortunately, it was manageable.



The next day, I came back early to help them a bit to prepare. Yet, the staff must have been so acquianted with their task already that I almost did not do anything.d enough not to be able to walk the distance anymore to the kitchen.

Each has his own room in a house of 5 rooms. Others, the stronger one, get the food for their peers, while some staff had to personally deliver the food to some others.
The seniors began coming around 11am, as I was told. There is no single place for them to eat lunch altogether, and also that some are age d enough not to be able to walk the distance anymore to the kitchen.
















 Have I had an institution like this, I would no doubt hire these 2 lady staffs. There was obviously more than just work in these people that keeping them in their job (later to find out that they are not even regular employees but as rather casuals in the institution even after several years of service). 


Thanks to friends Julie Tinio and Major Cruz for sharing in the expenses. We had an excess and so We bought books to be donated to a library in a remote village in Jambi.





Read More »

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Pushing to Jump start a Taxi in Pekanbaru





The most memorable thing that happened in Riau: Today, i strolled around the city. I let myself rot in a resto around Jalan Sudirman. It was a comfortable, breezy, cozy and cheap restaurant by that. 
By the time I was about to go home (9pm) buses are off, and so as angkots. There are ojeks (motor taxis) who ask for the same rate as almost the taxi. Plus, with the offered discount on the GrabTaxi Indonesia app, it will be probably less.
Then i thought, if i'll have to take the cab anyway, i might as well take some walk around the city until late and tired, and take the taxi from that point where it will be closer and cheaper. 

After some 7kms walking continously in Jalan Sudirman, a taxi driver called my attention. His car need a push, and he has been attempting to push it lone, but wont work. Bapa calls me for help.

Adu! While he was comfortably but humbly embarrased sittin and steering in the driver's seat, I was pushing a car in the middle of the night, at a big highway. Ya'allaahhh! 

I loved it really! Strange, awkward bus certainly memorable travel moment. 




The most memorable thing that happened in Riau: Today, i strolled around the city. I let myself rot in a resto around Jalan Sudirman. It was a comfortable, breezy, cozy and cheap restaurant by that. 
By the time I was about to go home (9pm) buses are off, and so as angkots. There are ojeks (motor taxis) who ask for the same rate as almost the taxi. Plus, with the offered discount on the GrabTaxi Indonesia app, it will be probably less.
Then i thought, if i'll have to take the cab anyway, i might as well take some walk around the city until late and tired, and take the taxi from that point where it will be closer and cheaper. 

After some 7kms walking continously in Jalan Sudirman, a taxi driver called my attention. His car need a push, and he has been attempting to push it lone, but wont work. Bapa calls me for help.

Adu! While he was comfortably but humbly embarrased sittin and steering in the driver's seat, I was pushing a car in the middle of the night, at a big highway. Ya'allaahhh! 

I loved it really! Strange, awkward bus certainly memorable travel moment. 
Read More »

Monday, December 21, 2015

Malamang celebration in West Sumatra, Indonesia


I am not sure exactly what this celebration is, nor have i ever heard it before.

A friend who joined us in the recent Orphanage visit invited us to as she said as village festival in her hometown.

At first, i thought it was just about some dining, so was not really that keen in attending. Yet, their hometown in Pariaman is close to a jail which I have for long wanted to visit. Hence, I said yes under the assumption that I'll get to visit the jail too if I go.

We took the train from Padang. It left exactly on time at 7:15. After about an hour, we arrived in her hometown.


Kereta Api station in Paoeh Kambar, Pariaman


The women in her family have been midway cooking their malamang. As they said, they have started preparing it at 5:30am, and almost every household is doing the same. These lamang, they said, are not for personal consumption, and normally, this is not even an event where they invite people. They are preparing this for their relatives from other villages.

In the afternoon, we were brought to the mosque. Inside the mosque are plenty of stands, all topped with (several) cakes, fruits, chips, crackers, candies, and all other things. Our friend said, newly weds of the village have to setup and fill a stand with food, which, at about past 5 in the afternoon, everyone in the village will come together to consume. Unfortunately, we could not make it to the time of the ritual/festival as the train back to padang leaves before 5. :-(











I am not sure exactly what this celebration is, nor have i ever heard it before.

A friend who joined us in the recent Orphanage visit invited us to as she said as village festival in her hometown.

At first, i thought it was just about some dining, so was not really that keen in attending. Yet, their hometown in Pariaman is close to a jail which I have for long wanted to visit. Hence, I said yes under the assumption that I'll get to visit the jail too if I go.

We took the train from Padang. It left exactly on time at 7:15. After about an hour, we arrived in her hometown.


Kereta Api station in Paoeh Kambar, Pariaman


The women in her family have been midway cooking their malamang. As they said, they have started preparing it at 5:30am, and almost every household is doing the same. These lamang, they said, are not for personal consumption, and normally, this is not even an event where they invite people. They are preparing this for their relatives from other villages.

In the afternoon, we were brought to the mosque. Inside the mosque are plenty of stands, all topped with (several) cakes, fruits, chips, crackers, candies, and all other things. Our friend said, newly weds of the village have to setup and fill a stand with food, which, at about past 5 in the afternoon, everyone in the village will come together to consume. Unfortunately, we could not make it to the time of the ritual/festival as the train back to padang leaves before 5. :-(










Read More »

Monday, December 14, 2015

Harau Valley, Payakumbuh, West Sumatra, Indonesia: I wish i came earlier





It's been 3 weeks since I have seen a post on harau valley, and since then, I have made several attempts to visit the valley. Yet, my biological clock and the weather has not permitted me.

Nevertheless, I made it there. It was a butt aching 5 hour bus ride from Padang, to Padang Panjang, to Bukittinggi, to Payakumbuh, and finaly to Silamakan - the stop for harau valley.

From silamakan, it was a becak ride away to harau valley.


Before even getting to the valley itself, you could just fall in love with the place with numerous waterfalls visible altogether from afar.

I have made a booking with Abde Guesthouse and told our becak driver to get us there without me knowing exactly where it is.

From the main road, we could see a big waterfall, and indeed, as said on the blogs I've read, the homestay was just next to the waterfall.



Abde's Guesthouse in Harau Valley, Limah Pulu Kota, Payakumbuh, West Sumatra


Abde's Guesthouse in Harau Valley, Limah Pulu Kota, Payakumbuh, West Sumatra

Abde's Guesthouse in Harau Valley, Limah Pulu Kota, Payakumbuh, West Sumatra


Upon arrival, I have regret I can only stay 3 days max. Behind is a big waterfall with the sound of the waterdrop infinitely through day and night, and in front of our cottage is a wide ricefield. All you can hear are chicken, cows, goats, bird and the water.

There are trekking and other activities offered in the valley, but we were not as eager as much as the nature has called us to just relax. The moment where you don't regret being lazy and numb.

As I was told, there are about 10 waterfalls around the valley. The following day, somehow, we managed to visit yet another waterfall. It was about 20 minutes away from Abde's Guesthouse, but after that, we just went back again to bed. As for the rest, I'll just get back for them.





Fare from Padang to Sarilamak was 30,000 Rupiahs while on the way back I was charged only 25,000 rupiahs. Becak from Simpang (Intersection in Sarilamak) to Abde's Guesthouse was 10,000.00. There was no toilet stop in the whole 5 hours, so careful about drinkng too much fluids before taking the bus. Bring food as you will starve to death in the bus ride.

There are warungs within a 5 minute walk from Abde's guesthouse at standard prices around 12,000 rupiah a meal. Yes there is electricity, and Telkomsel Signal was ok though not as strong as the cities.


Contact Abdi’s homestay: +62085263781842.







It's been 3 weeks since I have seen a post on harau valley, and since then, I have made several attempts to visit the valley. Yet, my biological clock and the weather has not permitted me.

Nevertheless, I made it there. It was a butt aching 5 hour bus ride from Padang, to Padang Panjang, to Bukittinggi, to Payakumbuh, and finaly to Silamakan - the stop for harau valley.

From silamakan, it was a becak ride away to harau valley.


Before even getting to the valley itself, you could just fall in love with the place with numerous waterfalls visible altogether from afar.

I have made a booking with Abde Guesthouse and told our becak driver to get us there without me knowing exactly where it is.

From the main road, we could see a big waterfall, and indeed, as said on the blogs I've read, the homestay was just next to the waterfall.



Abde's Guesthouse in Harau Valley, Limah Pulu Kota, Payakumbuh, West Sumatra


Abde's Guesthouse in Harau Valley, Limah Pulu Kota, Payakumbuh, West Sumatra

Abde's Guesthouse in Harau Valley, Limah Pulu Kota, Payakumbuh, West Sumatra


Upon arrival, I have regret I can only stay 3 days max. Behind is a big waterfall with the sound of the waterdrop infinitely through day and night, and in front of our cottage is a wide ricefield. All you can hear are chicken, cows, goats, bird and the water.

There are trekking and other activities offered in the valley, but we were not as eager as much as the nature has called us to just relax. The moment where you don't regret being lazy and numb.

As I was told, there are about 10 waterfalls around the valley. The following day, somehow, we managed to visit yet another waterfall. It was about 20 minutes away from Abde's Guesthouse, but after that, we just went back again to bed. As for the rest, I'll just get back for them.





Fare from Padang to Sarilamak was 30,000 Rupiahs while on the way back I was charged only 25,000 rupiahs. Becak from Simpang (Intersection in Sarilamak) to Abde's Guesthouse was 10,000.00. There was no toilet stop in the whole 5 hours, so careful about drinkng too much fluids before taking the bus. Bring food as you will starve to death in the bus ride.

There are warungs within a 5 minute walk from Abde's guesthouse at standard prices around 12,000 rupiah a meal. Yes there is electricity, and Telkomsel Signal was ok though not as strong as the cities.


Contact Abdi’s homestay: +62085263781842.



Read More »

Monday, November 23, 2015

Cerebral Palsy Patient in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur needs help

A daughter of farmers who could only do so much, this 24 year old girl from Purok 2, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur needs attention. She contracted Cerebral Palsy 2 years ago and a friend's recent visit to Agusan, the family and concerned locals asked if we can help them source a wheelchair for the girl. Yet, we are not sure if she can use one. We have consulted a Cerebral Palsy NGO to check this, but still awaiting answer. Meanwhile, we also thought it's probably better to get her checked by a doctor as well, and take recommendations.

Right now, we are looking for anyone who can probably help us get her to and know a doctor nearby. 

Please let us know if you have any referral. 






update 01 December 2015
After some consultation with a few doctor friends, it seems a bed is more of what she needs rather than a wheelchair. Meantime, after some questions raised to some of her caretakers, it seems she has not been properly screened by a medical professional.

At the moment, we are trying to source a bed for her from local manufacturers, and if anyone knows a furniture shop with something similar to the picture below, please let me know.

Also, i am trying to see if any nurse or physical therapist around can visit her to check. We will appreciate volunteers, but if needed to be paid, let me know. If needed, as per recommendation from the nurse, we can arrange to bring her to a specialist.


picture taken online from a search of reclinable beds

Update January 22, 2016.
There was a friend from UAE who read the post and have pledged for the bed. We have been aiming to get it to her by christmas, but unfortunately, we were unable to find someone residing in the area to help us out. Then, we decided to advance the mattress and some clothes which we were able to deliver before new year.

As of this day though, brgy councilor from the area has helped source the bed and awaiting advice for the delivery. 




update as of January 29, 2016
the bed frame was finally delivered and exactly as requested. Thanks to the brgy Councilor Analyn who has helped us find a maker who would both custom make and deliver the bed. It was a lot of posting, a lot of chat to a lot of people, before finally getting to what we wanted for Rosemarie.




Again, thanks to the friend in Dubai, Mam Rowena Bulaon,a nd Councilor Analyn for all the help.




A daughter of farmers who could only do so much, this 24 year old girl from Purok 2, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur needs attention. She contracted Cerebral Palsy 2 years ago and a friend's recent visit to Agusan, the family and concerned locals asked if we can help them source a wheelchair for the girl. Yet, we are not sure if she can use one. We have consulted a Cerebral Palsy NGO to check this, but still awaiting answer. Meanwhile, we also thought it's probably better to get her checked by a doctor as well, and take recommendations.

Right now, we are looking for anyone who can probably help us get her to and know a doctor nearby. 

Please let us know if you have any referral. 






update 01 December 2015
After some consultation with a few doctor friends, it seems a bed is more of what she needs rather than a wheelchair. Meantime, after some questions raised to some of her caretakers, it seems she has not been properly screened by a medical professional.

At the moment, we are trying to source a bed for her from local manufacturers, and if anyone knows a furniture shop with something similar to the picture below, please let me know.

Also, i am trying to see if any nurse or physical therapist around can visit her to check. We will appreciate volunteers, but if needed to be paid, let me know. If needed, as per recommendation from the nurse, we can arrange to bring her to a specialist.


picture taken online from a search of reclinable beds

Update January 22, 2016.
There was a friend from UAE who read the post and have pledged for the bed. We have been aiming to get it to her by christmas, but unfortunately, we were unable to find someone residing in the area to help us out. Then, we decided to advance the mattress and some clothes which we were able to deliver before new year.

As of this day though, brgy councilor from the area has helped source the bed and awaiting advice for the delivery. 




update as of January 29, 2016
the bed frame was finally delivered and exactly as requested. Thanks to the brgy Councilor Analyn who has helped us find a maker who would both custom make and deliver the bed. It was a lot of posting, a lot of chat to a lot of people, before finally getting to what we wanted for Rosemarie.




Again, thanks to the friend in Dubai, Mam Rowena Bulaon,a nd Councilor Analyn for all the help.




Read More »

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Surfing in Pantai Air Manis (beach) in Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia

There are a few places available for surfers in Padang, but if you are a traveller, you’re probably heading to Pantai Air Manis (about 10Kms south of the city).



There are several ways to get to pantai air manis. See this post for details.

Entry to Air Manis is 5,000 rupiahs (pls don’t forget to ask for ticket upon payment just to be sure that the money goes to the local community indeed). For those coming with a motorbike, they charge an additional 5,000 rupiahs for parking irregardless of where you park inside the beach.

At the beach there are several warungs that serve food (same usual food as in the streets: nasi, mie goreng, etc) at prices just about the city prices. I normally stay at Ade’s Guest House (3rd to the right from the entry in Malinkundang; contact no is +62 821 70017779; pls tell him you got the number from Ian, the Filipino).


Surfboard rental is 20,000 rupiahs per day. Most of the surfboards on rental are fish boards. For beginners, I’ve only seen, so far, probably only 3 long boards total in the whole beach; 2 soft tops and 1 hard top (and hardly functional too because of too much cracks).
There are also rooms on rental at P140,000 inclusive of breakfast at Ade’s guest house. Room is ok for the price.

I rarely see instructors at the beach. Besides, just keep calm and attempt to talk to the local players, and they will be willing to show you the do’s and don’ts. Just be patient with the communication though as they rarely speak english. Always end every statement with a smile.

Best time to surf is in the morning, and then from 3pm to sun down (usually 6pm). If possible, visit on weekdays, and avoid weekends especially on sundays. I would say half of the population of padang might be in this beach on this day, half of which are probably taking endless selfies, and young boys aged 5 driving 4x4s ATVs on their own. 
There are a few places available for surfers in Padang, but if you are a traveller, you’re probably heading to Pantai Air Manis (about 10Kms south of the city).



There are several ways to get to pantai air manis. See this post for details.

Entry to Air Manis is 5,000 rupiahs (pls don’t forget to ask for ticket upon payment just to be sure that the money goes to the local community indeed). For those coming with a motorbike, they charge an additional 5,000 rupiahs for parking irregardless of where you park inside the beach.

At the beach there are several warungs that serve food (same usual food as in the streets: nasi, mie goreng, etc) at prices just about the city prices. I normally stay at Ade’s Guest House (3rd to the right from the entry in Malinkundang; contact no is +62 821 70017779; pls tell him you got the number from Ian, the Filipino).


Surfboard rental is 20,000 rupiahs per day. Most of the surfboards on rental are fish boards. For beginners, I’ve only seen, so far, probably only 3 long boards total in the whole beach; 2 soft tops and 1 hard top (and hardly functional too because of too much cracks).
There are also rooms on rental at P140,000 inclusive of breakfast at Ade’s guest house. Room is ok for the price.

I rarely see instructors at the beach. Besides, just keep calm and attempt to talk to the local players, and they will be willing to show you the do’s and don’ts. Just be patient with the communication though as they rarely speak english. Always end every statement with a smile.

Best time to surf is in the morning, and then from 3pm to sun down (usually 6pm). If possible, visit on weekdays, and avoid weekends especially on sundays. I would say half of the population of padang might be in this beach on this day, half of which are probably taking endless selfies, and young boys aged 5 driving 4x4s ATVs on their own. 
Read More »

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

How to go to Pantai Air Manis (surf beach) in Padang, West Sumatra,Indonesia



Most of the travellers I see in the beach have gone through a taxi, and as most local around have a motorbike and would most likely go to the beach with their family on a private transport, it is rare to find people who knows exactly how to commute to pantai air manis.

Nevertheless, if travelling with around 4 or more people, it might be worth it to take a cab instead to Air Manis. The rate should be between 50-60,000 rupiah though most cabs would normally ask a contract for 100,000 rupiahs. Should you decide to travel by cab indeed, take the Blue Bird taxi and get the driver to agree on meter. Then again, keep your eyes on the meter as there was also an instance where the driver himself offered the meter, but along the way, on the steep slopes, reset his meter and was asking for 100,000 when we arrived. We gave him 70K and just left.



There are also angkots (tiny public bus) from the city center (a terminal behind the old Balai Kota in Pasar Raya). These angkots are numbered 402 and goes on the following schedule:

Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 6:30am, 8:00am, 9:00am, and 1:30pm. During fridays: 7:30, 9:30 and 1:30. There are also occasions when there is an additional angkot after this time, though rarely.

The fare from Pasar Raya to Pantai Air Manis is only 6,000 rupiah. There are 2 gates, but the driver will most likely drop you to the Malinkundang gate which is the entry to the surf shops.

In case you can’t make it to this schedule, you may take a blue angkot from Pasar Raya (in front of the old Balai Kota) and ask to be dropped in Mata Air. Fare to this junction is 4,000 rupiahs. From the junction, there will be Ojeks (motor taxis) to Pantai Air Manis. Fare in the Ojek is 15,000 rupiahs (don’t be fooled into paying 20,000). The road to the beach is pretty steep so keep your baggage minimal.



You may contact the ff Ojek driver in any case: 0853 42648402 (hardly speak english); Taufik (0819 4777 2336) a young kid (probably speak a few drops of english) who often takes me back to Mata Air. Once you are ready to leave the beach, give them a call so they can pick you up from your location. In case you look for an Ojek outside, it could be a challenge after 5pm, if not that they ask double. Taufik agrees on 15,000 to Mata Air. From Mata Air, same thing, there will be blue angkots that go back to Pasar Raya.


There are times when at 5pm, i catch an angkot back to Pasar Raya but this is rare. Besides, this time is the peak of the wave, so most likely, you will end up taking the Ojek. There is also an access from the Sitti Nurbaya bridge, but this is an extremely narrow, and even steeper road.

see here for other info about surfing in Pantai Air Manis


Most of the travellers I see in the beach have gone through a taxi, and as most local around have a motorbike and would most likely go to the beach with their family on a private transport, it is rare to find people who knows exactly how to commute to pantai air manis.

Nevertheless, if travelling with around 4 or more people, it might be worth it to take a cab instead to Air Manis. The rate should be between 50-60,000 rupiah though most cabs would normally ask a contract for 100,000 rupiahs. Should you decide to travel by cab indeed, take the Blue Bird taxi and get the driver to agree on meter. Then again, keep your eyes on the meter as there was also an instance where the driver himself offered the meter, but along the way, on the steep slopes, reset his meter and was asking for 100,000 when we arrived. We gave him 70K and just left.



There are also angkots (tiny public bus) from the city center (a terminal behind the old Balai Kota in Pasar Raya). These angkots are numbered 402 and goes on the following schedule:

Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 6:30am, 8:00am, 9:00am, and 1:30pm. During fridays: 7:30, 9:30 and 1:30. There are also occasions when there is an additional angkot after this time, though rarely.

The fare from Pasar Raya to Pantai Air Manis is only 6,000 rupiah. There are 2 gates, but the driver will most likely drop you to the Malinkundang gate which is the entry to the surf shops.

In case you can’t make it to this schedule, you may take a blue angkot from Pasar Raya (in front of the old Balai Kota) and ask to be dropped in Mata Air. Fare to this junction is 4,000 rupiahs. From the junction, there will be Ojeks (motor taxis) to Pantai Air Manis. Fare in the Ojek is 15,000 rupiahs (don’t be fooled into paying 20,000). The road to the beach is pretty steep so keep your baggage minimal.



You may contact the ff Ojek driver in any case: 0853 42648402 (hardly speak english); Taufik (0819 4777 2336) a young kid (probably speak a few drops of english) who often takes me back to Mata Air. Once you are ready to leave the beach, give them a call so they can pick you up from your location. In case you look for an Ojek outside, it could be a challenge after 5pm, if not that they ask double. Taufik agrees on 15,000 to Mata Air. From Mata Air, same thing, there will be blue angkots that go back to Pasar Raya.


There are times when at 5pm, i catch an angkot back to Pasar Raya but this is rare. Besides, this time is the peak of the wave, so most likely, you will end up taking the Ojek. There is also an access from the Sitti Nurbaya bridge, but this is an extremely narrow, and even steeper road.

see here for other info about surfing in Pantai Air Manis
Read More »

Monday, October 26, 2015

A day for the Panti Asuhan Muhammadiya in Padang, Indonesia



From the funds we gathered out of the ice cream sales, the next was to do the feeding activity.

Considering everyone’s availability, we have scheduled the outreach date to be 25 October. 

Days before the event, I have come back to the Orphanage to confirm our arrival on the 25th, and this time they want us prepare for 60 people (as opposed to 35 which they have initially told us). Nevertheless, if we are cooking the food, then this number is achievable.



Everything in the preparation side went well, and we ran on schedule. We have prepared all the ingredients day before, and so, thanks to my peers too who I’ve invited to help out in the cooking, given that we had to cook 3 dishes for 60 people in 3 hours, we managed to get things done on time.

During the meal, we ate by hands in a boodle, and sat between then. 



We put a portion for Introduction to establish comfort and to be sure that the boys aren’t shy to play our games. For the games, the boys especially enjoyed the passing of the water balloon through fabric. We played with them too, and not just anchor the games. 








After finishing the games, we had a little snack. After which, we gave our final message and appreciation and left to give way for their afternoon prayer.




Thanks to my co-participants at the UNAND Dharmasiswa 2015-2016, Cicilia Elviani who has lend her time despite her overly busy schedule, as well as her house and utensils, and other friends who has pledged support for this outreach event. Many many thanks.








From the funds we gathered out of the ice cream sales, the next was to do the feeding activity.

Considering everyone’s availability, we have scheduled the outreach date to be 25 October. 

Days before the event, I have come back to the Orphanage to confirm our arrival on the 25th, and this time they want us prepare for 60 people (as opposed to 35 which they have initially told us). Nevertheless, if we are cooking the food, then this number is achievable.



Everything in the preparation side went well, and we ran on schedule. We have prepared all the ingredients day before, and so, thanks to my peers too who I’ve invited to help out in the cooking, given that we had to cook 3 dishes for 60 people in 3 hours, we managed to get things done on time.

During the meal, we ate by hands in a boodle, and sat between then. 



We put a portion for Introduction to establish comfort and to be sure that the boys aren’t shy to play our games. For the games, the boys especially enjoyed the passing of the water balloon through fabric. We played with them too, and not just anchor the games. 








After finishing the games, we had a little snack. After which, we gave our final message and appreciation and left to give way for their afternoon prayer.




Thanks to my co-participants at the UNAND Dharmasiswa 2015-2016, Cicilia Elviani who has lend her time despite her overly busy schedule, as well as her house and utensils, and other friends who has pledged support for this outreach event. Many many thanks.






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