Saturday, March 26, 2016

ASIAN Moviefest in Universitas Andalas, Padang, West Sumatra



Part of what I have learned out of my travelling these past 2 years is extracting the value of things to their utmost usage.
Not working for 2 years, and going through emptiness in remote places made me quite conservative in my use of resources. This, I can't elaborate further to the understanding of people of the cities living by the concept of capitalism and consumption: the more you consume, the better for the economy and surely... the worst for our environment and for other people if not for ourselves too.

Anyhow, apart from the USED school supplies that we are running for the #SULOngSULU drive, this time around, I thought about the books that are left hanging at our homes after being used in school, or basically, just after reading. Just imagine how much more that book could be on use if only they are shared. How many more people it could motivate.

For a while, I had been looking for small libraries around Sumatra Barat whom I can probably come up with a book donation drive, but it was not until lately, when we were on holidays in school, that I found one. Nonetheless, it is not in Sumatera Barat, but in Pangkal Pinang, Bangka Island.

I was thinking of a more motivating way to get them pick up their books and throw to us, rather than just asking, which, not all people would dare care about.

Likewise, I was hoping for an activity that will contribute to Asian solidarity, culture exchange and acquiantance, and this is when I thought about making use of Film. By any means, film is the best way to show an entity's psyche and a culture. So, for this, we had some films made and/or about countries in asia: Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, South Korea, and Indonesia.

The films will run for a week, with each movie taking 2 screenings. Ticket for entry will be in the form of USED published books.The films will be screened in Gedung I on April 11-15, 2016.

I'm looking forward to re-doing this event elsewhere.






Part of what I have learned out of my travelling these past 2 years is extracting the value of things to their utmost usage.
Not working for 2 years, and going through emptiness in remote places made me quite conservative in my use of resources. This, I can't elaborate further to the understanding of people of the cities living by the concept of capitalism and consumption: the more you consume, the better for the economy and surely... the worst for our environment and for other people if not for ourselves too.

Anyhow, apart from the USED school supplies that we are running for the #SULOngSULU drive, this time around, I thought about the books that are left hanging at our homes after being used in school, or basically, just after reading. Just imagine how much more that book could be on use if only they are shared. How many more people it could motivate.

For a while, I had been looking for small libraries around Sumatra Barat whom I can probably come up with a book donation drive, but it was not until lately, when we were on holidays in school, that I found one. Nonetheless, it is not in Sumatera Barat, but in Pangkal Pinang, Bangka Island.

I was thinking of a more motivating way to get them pick up their books and throw to us, rather than just asking, which, not all people would dare care about.

Likewise, I was hoping for an activity that will contribute to Asian solidarity, culture exchange and acquiantance, and this is when I thought about making use of Film. By any means, film is the best way to show an entity's psyche and a culture. So, for this, we had some films made and/or about countries in asia: Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, South Korea, and Indonesia.

The films will run for a week, with each movie taking 2 screenings. Ticket for entry will be in the form of USED published books.The films will be screened in Gedung I on April 11-15, 2016.

I'm looking forward to re-doing this event elsewhere.




Read More »

Friday, March 11, 2016

#SULOngSULU: Supplies for schools in Patikul, Sulu Year 2



More than that war between the rebels and the government in Patikul, Sulu, an even more frustrating battle of not defense but deferral; Over the stinking air and garbage, dirt roads and poor pavements, well water that runs only a certain hours of certain days, traffic of no rules after a random parade of army tanks, over beggars who are on every street and corner, over the telecommunication service that is anyway OFF most of the time because of an ongoing military operation, over lighting that is nowhere in the roads, over the curfews; A war that cripples its citizen who may lean into rebellion and onto the cycle for generations; And looking at the kids and the situation, without any intervention, it is clear and regretful to see that they will end up to be the same.

The SULOngSULU is citizen-action drive to provide support for the school supply needs of children through new and/or used (but worthy) school supplies.



Last year, with the support from a few schools (because it was almost the last month of classes when this was conceptualized, where some schools are already done with their classes), the drive collected used school supplies (e.g. notebooks, crayons, pencils, pad papers, water colors, poster paints) from 4 private schools and later distributed it to some schools in SULU.


With what has been collected and some donations from a few people, the drive was able to supply bags and school supplies for 2 schools (The Tandu Dagmay primary school and the Tandu Bagua Elementary School).

This year, the drive is trying to approach even more schools, individuals, and organizations as possible so as to extend  to as many schools as possible in Sulu.

The following are the target goods for provision:

Per Student:
Bag
Box of Crayons (either 8 colors or 16)
4 pencils
1 sharpener
1 eraser
1 Small Ruler
Pencil Case
2 Pad Papers
5 Notebooks
Photocopy of the workbook (for grades 1-2)


Per Classroom of 25-40 students:

Art papers of 25 pcs of each of the 8 Colors (Black Included)
10 Small Scissors
10 Watercolors with brushes

1 Wall Clock with Battery
Class Record
2 pcs Erasers
2 Boxes of Chalk; 1 colored and 1 white
Ledger for Teacher
Posters of:
Philippine Presidents
Map of the Philippines
National Symbols
National Heroes

With the prices of goods as per last year's distribution, this provision for a student mean P160 in primary school, and P283 for elementary school, with difference based on the (size of) bag.

This Year, while our priority will be the primary schools, we are looking to extend the provisions to the elementary schools too, though we will be working on the primary schools first before heading onto the Elementary schools. 

The schools with their number of students this school year (2015-2016) are:

PATIKUL, SULU
Primary School # Elementary School #
Ahajani PS 89 Sahipa Elementary School 41
Bunbun PS 106 Tugas ES 89
Sahipa Elementary School 41 Amman Elementary School 101
Tandu Bagua PS 37 Liang Elementary school 153
Tandu Dagmay PS 84 Igasan ES 265
Usaw Primary School 79
Wanni PS annex II 22 TOTAL 649
TOTAL 458 TOTAL (PRIMARY & ELEMENTARY) 1107



Thus far, after the benefit concert and some goods from friends, here is what we have and still looking for:

PRIMARY SCHOOLS:


Material Qty per Sdt Total Qty On Hand Need Price per item TOTAL per item
Bag 1 500 0 500 35 17500
Crayons 1 500 166 334 8 2672
Pencils/Ballpen 4 2000 1609 391 4 1564
Sharpener 1 500 360 140 3 420
Eraser 1 500 147 353 2 706
Ruler 1 500 200 300 7 2100
Pencil Case 1 500 5 495 5 2475
Pad paper 2 1000 194 806 7 5642
Notebooks 5 2500 499 2001 14 28014
61093













Some cash donations as follows:

CASH
Amount To Fund
TOTAL 10500 50593
Sinag Basir 3500
#SULOngSULU Benefit Concert 6500
Mara Balayan Workshop 5000+
Rackys Colleagues 500
April Tomas
Ruby (Mami Weng)


At the moment, yes, we are still very far from the Target for even 500 students, whilst I am looking into providing for 1000 students; a little bit hilarious for how much my network can provide, but that has been what I have always told myself. I can't expect them to wish, they haven't known what it is perhaps. They probably even think that's all there is in life. But, If they can't put up a dream, i'll be the one to dream for them.

So, yes, something i haven't done until I got into this outreach work is begging. But true enough, travelling has taught me to humility. And if the kind of humility I need to put up, is the upliftment of some, so be it. 




For Donations:

Via Bank of thePhilippine Islands

Bank Code: 010040018
Account Number: 3119 2301 35
Name on Account: Raquel Bernardo

Via Paypal 


 
Email Address: jibmaxatnewroad@gmail.com
Suggested in PHP currency to minimize devaluations. In third world, every cent counts J. Otherwise, USD will be fine. 


More than that war between the rebels and the government in Patikul, Sulu, an even more frustrating battle of not defense but deferral; Over the stinking air and garbage, dirt roads and poor pavements, well water that runs only a certain hours of certain days, traffic of no rules after a random parade of army tanks, over beggars who are on every street and corner, over the telecommunication service that is anyway OFF most of the time because of an ongoing military operation, over lighting that is nowhere in the roads, over the curfews; A war that cripples its citizen who may lean into rebellion and onto the cycle for generations; And looking at the kids and the situation, without any intervention, it is clear and regretful to see that they will end up to be the same.

The SULOngSULU is citizen-action drive to provide support for the school supply needs of children through new and/or used (but worthy) school supplies.



Last year, with the support from a few schools (because it was almost the last month of classes when this was conceptualized, where some schools are already done with their classes), the drive collected used school supplies (e.g. notebooks, crayons, pencils, pad papers, water colors, poster paints) from 4 private schools and later distributed it to some schools in SULU.


With what has been collected and some donations from a few people, the drive was able to supply bags and school supplies for 2 schools (The Tandu Dagmay primary school and the Tandu Bagua Elementary School).

This year, the drive is trying to approach even more schools, individuals, and organizations as possible so as to extend  to as many schools as possible in Sulu.

The following are the target goods for provision:

Per Student:
Bag
Box of Crayons (either 8 colors or 16)
4 pencils
1 sharpener
1 eraser
1 Small Ruler
Pencil Case
2 Pad Papers
5 Notebooks
Photocopy of the workbook (for grades 1-2)


Per Classroom of 25-40 students:

Art papers of 25 pcs of each of the 8 Colors (Black Included)
10 Small Scissors
10 Watercolors with brushes

1 Wall Clock with Battery
Class Record
2 pcs Erasers
2 Boxes of Chalk; 1 colored and 1 white
Ledger for Teacher
Posters of:
Philippine Presidents
Map of the Philippines
National Symbols
National Heroes

With the prices of goods as per last year's distribution, this provision for a student mean P160 in primary school, and P283 for elementary school, with difference based on the (size of) bag.

This Year, while our priority will be the primary schools, we are looking to extend the provisions to the elementary schools too, though we will be working on the primary schools first before heading onto the Elementary schools. 

The schools with their number of students this school year (2015-2016) are:

PATIKUL, SULU
Primary School # Elementary School #
Ahajani PS 89 Sahipa Elementary School 41
Bunbun PS 106 Tugas ES 89
Sahipa Elementary School 41 Amman Elementary School 101
Tandu Bagua PS 37 Liang Elementary school 153
Tandu Dagmay PS 84 Igasan ES 265
Usaw Primary School 79
Wanni PS annex II 22 TOTAL 649
TOTAL 458 TOTAL (PRIMARY & ELEMENTARY) 1107



Thus far, after the benefit concert and some goods from friends, here is what we have and still looking for:

PRIMARY SCHOOLS:


Material Qty per Sdt Total Qty On Hand Need Price per item TOTAL per item
Bag 1 500 0 500 35 17500
Crayons 1 500 166 334 8 2672
Pencils/Ballpen 4 2000 1609 391 4 1564
Sharpener 1 500 360 140 3 420
Eraser 1 500 147 353 2 706
Ruler 1 500 200 300 7 2100
Pencil Case 1 500 5 495 5 2475
Pad paper 2 1000 194 806 7 5642
Notebooks 5 2500 499 2001 14 28014
61093













Some cash donations as follows:

CASH
Amount To Fund
TOTAL 10500 50593
Sinag Basir 3500
#SULOngSULU Benefit Concert 6500
Mara Balayan Workshop 5000+
Rackys Colleagues 500
April Tomas
Ruby (Mami Weng)


At the moment, yes, we are still very far from the Target for even 500 students, whilst I am looking into providing for 1000 students; a little bit hilarious for how much my network can provide, but that has been what I have always told myself. I can't expect them to wish, they haven't known what it is perhaps. They probably even think that's all there is in life. But, If they can't put up a dream, i'll be the one to dream for them.

So, yes, something i haven't done until I got into this outreach work is begging. But true enough, travelling has taught me to humility. And if the kind of humility I need to put up, is the upliftment of some, so be it. 




For Donations:

Via Bank of thePhilippine Islands

Bank Code: 010040018
Account Number: 3119 2301 35
Name on Account: Raquel Bernardo

Via Paypal 


 
Email Address: jibmaxatnewroad@gmail.com
Suggested in PHP currency to minimize devaluations. In third world, every cent counts J. Otherwise, USD will be fine. 
Read More »

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

#SULOngSULU: Tandu Bagua Primary School in Patikul, Sulu

Tonight, as I was updating the distribution plan for the #SULOngSULU project this May, I happen to browse pictures of one of the primary schools there in Patikul, Sulu. This school sits next to a road with a jungle around it, that looking at it from a distance, you would just think it is an abandoned structure. But yeah, most of them look like this anyway.

I have been to a few schools in Tawi-Tawi but based on all places I have visited in this place, nothing beats those ones in Patikul, Sulu.

Anyhow, there is not much story to post here tonight other than i'd just like to share pictures for public record of this primary school and also for my co-volunteers assigned to the distribution in this school to see where they will be heading to (so they can prepare for some reconstruction of the most we can as well perhaps). It pains me to even call it a school. 

Like I always say, it don't need to be like this if only more and more people know about what is going on in here. And surprisingly, I found a jungle bolo in a primary school.









Tonight, as I was updating the distribution plan for the #SULOngSULU project this May, I happen to browse pictures of one of the primary schools there in Patikul, Sulu. This school sits next to a road with a jungle around it, that looking at it from a distance, you would just think it is an abandoned structure. But yeah, most of them look like this anyway.

I have been to a few schools in Tawi-Tawi but based on all places I have visited in this place, nothing beats those ones in Patikul, Sulu.

Anyhow, there is not much story to post here tonight other than i'd just like to share pictures for public record of this primary school and also for my co-volunteers assigned to the distribution in this school to see where they will be heading to (so they can prepare for some reconstruction of the most we can as well perhaps). It pains me to even call it a school. 

Like I always say, it don't need to be like this if only more and more people know about what is going on in here. And surprisingly, I found a jungle bolo in a primary school.









Read More »

Monday, March 7, 2016

Bahay at Yaman Orphanage in Bustos Bulacan

Recently I have thought about offering my domain for online presence of those small groups, families, circle of friends, etc who do their share in nation/social building. As someone who is doing outreach through circle of friends too, it is difficult to solicit and pass a message when there is no reference. But with the internet cutting out distance, and materials, I thought offering to host information on my site for these groups would like me, help them get support for a wider audience.

The first person to send a message is Guia Roa Soriano, who, along with her cousins, do regular visits to orphanages. They will be having an outreach activity in Bahay at Yaman in Bulacan on 27 March 2016.




Bahay at Yaman ni San Martin de Porres is an orphanage in Bustos, Bulacan that houses more than 150 abandoned children.

Their group will be serving lunch for them on the said date.

For those who are interested in sharing their blessings to the children you may donate the following:

·         Toiletries (bath soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, alcohol)
·         Laundry soap or detergent
·         Condiments (cooking oil, soy sauce, vinegar, fish sauce etc)
·         Clothes
·         Slippers
·         Books










If you are far away and can't send the above mentioned goods you may also wish to donate cash. All cash donations that will be collected will be used to buy the said goods.

You may deposit your donation at BPI Savings Account 0309 0693 58 of Guia Soriano.


For donations, inquiries and more information feel free to contact Guia Soriano at mobile numbers 0932-429-3232. Or talk to her in facebook. You may also contact Bahay at Yaman 's Tita Myrna - 0917-516-8965
Recently I have thought about offering my domain for online presence of those small groups, families, circle of friends, etc who do their share in nation/social building. As someone who is doing outreach through circle of friends too, it is difficult to solicit and pass a message when there is no reference. But with the internet cutting out distance, and materials, I thought offering to host information on my site for these groups would like me, help them get support for a wider audience.

The first person to send a message is Guia Roa Soriano, who, along with her cousins, do regular visits to orphanages. They will be having an outreach activity in Bahay at Yaman in Bulacan on 27 March 2016.




Bahay at Yaman ni San Martin de Porres is an orphanage in Bustos, Bulacan that houses more than 150 abandoned children.

Their group will be serving lunch for them on the said date.

For those who are interested in sharing their blessings to the children you may donate the following:

·         Toiletries (bath soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, alcohol)
·         Laundry soap or detergent
·         Condiments (cooking oil, soy sauce, vinegar, fish sauce etc)
·         Clothes
·         Slippers
·         Books










If you are far away and can't send the above mentioned goods you may also wish to donate cash. All cash donations that will be collected will be used to buy the said goods.

You may deposit your donation at BPI Savings Account 0309 0693 58 of Guia Soriano.


For donations, inquiries and more information feel free to contact Guia Soriano at mobile numbers 0932-429-3232. Or talk to her in facebook. You may also contact Bahay at Yaman 's Tita Myrna - 0917-516-8965
Read More »

Saturday, March 5, 2016

Mara Balayan's Hand Lettering class for #SULOngSULU


At one time as I was backpacking southeast asia, I decided to deactivate my facebook because posting has been so compulsive. While driving around Vietnam, there were times I pulled over my bike just to update my status about the road, the weather, my bike, the dust; All sort of things which later I wonder what it is for, after all.

That time, I put my facebook inactive for a week detox.

But considering how much facebook and other social media has been helping me get my stand on issues and hopefully make others make a stand as well, and more importantly, how social media has help me gather help for others (which otherwise I could not do on my own).

People are naturally good. This is a faith I hold. In fact, when people ask me about my religion, I say, the only thing I believe in is humanity. That humans are naturally good. And, looking back at the people who would randomly pop on my messenger, introducing themselves, saying they stumbled upon my post, and are interested in sharing some help, and also looking at their backgrounds, trully you should restore your faith to humanity. After all, as I say, there will be thiefs, killers, etc, but they are probably one in a 100. You don’t want to lose that relationship you may have made out of the 99 because of only 1, who, probably have done that (steal, kill, whatsoever) for surely some reason (hunger, emergency, etc).

Anyhow, one of the people who I randomly met in virtual space is Kay Feliciano who, i must say Thank You for helping me spread my advocacy. She said she has a friend who want to put up a Hand Lettering class and proceeds to go for the #SULOngSULU project.




Last Feb 28, Mara did a basic hand lettering class at Designer Blooms Cafe in Molito, Alabang. She said she was lucky enough to get sponsorship for the materials after writing a letter to her ex boss-Jade Tulio.

“We got Artline and Maped for free! I had to buy paper and other materials but the pens were free! We had 16 attendees ranging from a 9 year old who spent her whole night working on what she learned in class to a 30 something who said I taught her a life skill. Attendees were a mix of art enthusiasts, and friends and family who love me and wanted to support. The goal was of course to learn lettering for a good cause."






 "In the workshop, I taught some "mathematics behind the art", like the measurement of letters, and later how to tweak the rules and do lettering pieces."

"My bestfriend, Febby, helped me fix the event and also shared some of her art skills in class."

Growing up, Mara has been exposed to a lot of cause-oriented works. She spent 13 years in Elizabeth Seton School where she was taught to share what she has in excess.

“In UP, there were a lot of opportunities to help. I joined the last wave of Project Jomalig of Journeying James-what he terms as voluntourism- you get to travel and help. And lately, I've been raising funds through my artworks. We gave out art materials to an orphanage last December using what I've sold from my artworks, and now I'm teaching lettering for #SULOngSULU.

She said she wanted to do something special this February when she turns 27.

“ The challenge was to teach and share something I am passionate about-my love for arts and crafts.”

“When I turned 18, my dad wanted me to donate all of my gifts to charity, I said ‘No.’ Maybe in the future I will. I guess, after 9 years, this is me fulfilling my promise to my dad."

"I fixed the class thinking it was my way of celebrating my birthday and donating what I'm getting and at the same time I did my challenge."








Mara is planning to do another lettering session in the northern side of the metro, Quezon City, and will have 14 slots at the time. This second one for #SULOngSULU project as well.  For those interested or want to know more about her hand lettering class, please do message her.


*All pics courtesy of Mara, Chona Panis- Aganinta, mom of two participants.





At one time as I was backpacking southeast asia, I decided to deactivate my facebook because posting has been so compulsive. While driving around Vietnam, there were times I pulled over my bike just to update my status about the road, the weather, my bike, the dust; All sort of things which later I wonder what it is for, after all.

That time, I put my facebook inactive for a week detox.

But considering how much facebook and other social media has been helping me get my stand on issues and hopefully make others make a stand as well, and more importantly, how social media has help me gather help for others (which otherwise I could not do on my own).

People are naturally good. This is a faith I hold. In fact, when people ask me about my religion, I say, the only thing I believe in is humanity. That humans are naturally good. And, looking back at the people who would randomly pop on my messenger, introducing themselves, saying they stumbled upon my post, and are interested in sharing some help, and also looking at their backgrounds, trully you should restore your faith to humanity. After all, as I say, there will be thiefs, killers, etc, but they are probably one in a 100. You don’t want to lose that relationship you may have made out of the 99 because of only 1, who, probably have done that (steal, kill, whatsoever) for surely some reason (hunger, emergency, etc).

Anyhow, one of the people who I randomly met in virtual space is Kay Feliciano who, i must say Thank You for helping me spread my advocacy. She said she has a friend who want to put up a Hand Lettering class and proceeds to go for the #SULOngSULU project.




Last Feb 28, Mara did a basic hand lettering class at Designer Blooms Cafe in Molito, Alabang. She said she was lucky enough to get sponsorship for the materials after writing a letter to her ex boss-Jade Tulio.

“We got Artline and Maped for free! I had to buy paper and other materials but the pens were free! We had 16 attendees ranging from a 9 year old who spent her whole night working on what she learned in class to a 30 something who said I taught her a life skill. Attendees were a mix of art enthusiasts, and friends and family who love me and wanted to support. The goal was of course to learn lettering for a good cause."






 "In the workshop, I taught some "mathematics behind the art", like the measurement of letters, and later how to tweak the rules and do lettering pieces."

"My bestfriend, Febby, helped me fix the event and also shared some of her art skills in class."

Growing up, Mara has been exposed to a lot of cause-oriented works. She spent 13 years in Elizabeth Seton School where she was taught to share what she has in excess.

“In UP, there were a lot of opportunities to help. I joined the last wave of Project Jomalig of Journeying James-what he terms as voluntourism- you get to travel and help. And lately, I've been raising funds through my artworks. We gave out art materials to an orphanage last December using what I've sold from my artworks, and now I'm teaching lettering for #SULOngSULU.

She said she wanted to do something special this February when she turns 27.

“ The challenge was to teach and share something I am passionate about-my love for arts and crafts.”

“When I turned 18, my dad wanted me to donate all of my gifts to charity, I said ‘No.’ Maybe in the future I will. I guess, after 9 years, this is me fulfilling my promise to my dad."

"I fixed the class thinking it was my way of celebrating my birthday and donating what I'm getting and at the same time I did my challenge."








Mara is planning to do another lettering session in the northern side of the metro, Quezon City, and will have 14 slots at the time. This second one for #SULOngSULU project as well.  For those interested or want to know more about her hand lettering class, please do message her.


*All pics courtesy of Mara, Chona Panis- Aganinta, mom of two participants.




Read More »

The Badjao Learning Resource Center

While working on the renovation of the Tandu Dagmay PrimarySchool in Patikul, Sulu, I was told Badjaos don’t normally go to school because they are being bullied by the Tausugs.

Then, one of the classrooms in that primary school is vacant in the afternoons, and so I asked if we can hold classes especially for the badjaos after mid day. Through some support from friends, we can probably fund a teacher’s salary to conduct a class for these kids. The captain escorted me instead to a standalone room about 300 meters away.



He told me that in case I’d like to hold classes for the Badjaos, I can do it here. Thing is, the size is too small to even conveniently hold a class for a size of 10 kids.

I didn’t understand why such a response when they can comfortably have classes in a room that is not used anyway. I am betting it has something to do with the discrimination over the badjaos again, so much that they don’t want anything they have being used by badjaos as well.

Meantime, with the offer from the captain, I thought I can still somehow make use of the structure. We can probably turn it into a self-guided learning resource center with books, especially comics, art materials, such as paints, brushes, pencils, papers, and games.

The badjaos are quite inclined into arts. Weaving and dances being the ones they have been popular for. We’d like to give them materials to rear their artistry, and train themselves further into craftmanship.

In fact, one time, I spotted some kids playing with cute miniature copies of the badjao boats. I later spoke to the guy who made it and he said he made it from scrap materials he picked up around (especially in SULU where proper garbage disposal and recycling are concepts never thought off).
As it seemed to have been a common pastime of their elders, children would be gambling from the very morning until evening.




Rather than leaving rearing this habit, we can provide easy educational board games to keep them entertained and learning at the same time.

Meantime, this May, we will be distributing school suppliesto Primary Schools and we would like to start fixing this Badjao Learning Resource Center. I have requested my friend Mai to look after the project.


If you have anything spare at home (books, especially comics, art materials, such as paints, brushes, pencils, papers, and games; I prefer used to that we have to go away from the habit of buying and buying; If a used one is good enough, then it is good enough) which you think would be instrumental to the development of the badjao kids, please let me know. 



While working on the renovation of the Tandu Dagmay PrimarySchool in Patikul, Sulu, I was told Badjaos don’t normally go to school because they are being bullied by the Tausugs.

Then, one of the classrooms in that primary school is vacant in the afternoons, and so I asked if we can hold classes especially for the badjaos after mid day. Through some support from friends, we can probably fund a teacher’s salary to conduct a class for these kids. The captain escorted me instead to a standalone room about 300 meters away.



He told me that in case I’d like to hold classes for the Badjaos, I can do it here. Thing is, the size is too small to even conveniently hold a class for a size of 10 kids.

I didn’t understand why such a response when they can comfortably have classes in a room that is not used anyway. I am betting it has something to do with the discrimination over the badjaos again, so much that they don’t want anything they have being used by badjaos as well.

Meantime, with the offer from the captain, I thought I can still somehow make use of the structure. We can probably turn it into a self-guided learning resource center with books, especially comics, art materials, such as paints, brushes, pencils, papers, and games.

The badjaos are quite inclined into arts. Weaving and dances being the ones they have been popular for. We’d like to give them materials to rear their artistry, and train themselves further into craftmanship.

In fact, one time, I spotted some kids playing with cute miniature copies of the badjao boats. I later spoke to the guy who made it and he said he made it from scrap materials he picked up around (especially in SULU where proper garbage disposal and recycling are concepts never thought off).
As it seemed to have been a common pastime of their elders, children would be gambling from the very morning until evening.




Rather than leaving rearing this habit, we can provide easy educational board games to keep them entertained and learning at the same time.

Meantime, this May, we will be distributing school suppliesto Primary Schools and we would like to start fixing this Badjao Learning Resource Center. I have requested my friend Mai to look after the project.


If you have anything spare at home (books, especially comics, art materials, such as paints, brushes, pencils, papers, and games; I prefer used to that we have to go away from the habit of buying and buying; If a used one is good enough, then it is good enough) which you think would be instrumental to the development of the badjao kids, please let me know. 



Read More »

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