Happy Feast Day! ST. JOHN (DON) BOSCO!

Greetings from the DeSales University! We are one family in Christ.

Ferry Ride: From Makati to Boracay

On Sunday, January 6th we embarked on an eighteen-hour journey from Makati to Boracay. The picture on the above shows the bus stop in Makati. It was very crowded and a lot of merchants make a living by selling their products to travelers. We didn’t know what to expect, but we did know it was going to be an adventure. And it was!

The group traveled on a passenger’s bus and Ferry. The buses go on the Ferry and for the passengers’ convenience we did not have to unload our luggage. During the bus ride, the driver makes a few stops and picks up merchants. These merchants give passengers a sample of what they are selling and then walk back selling the product. One of us purchased coconut candy. This is a great business idea because it benefits the seller and the passengers on the bus.

While on the first Ferry ride we played cards and napped for the most part. At first I was afraid I would get seasick, but later realized the boat didn’t move too fast. We enjoyed taking pictures in the upper deck and admiring the breathtaking view at sunset. The Ferry ride was a cultural experience as well. It helped us understand the people of the Philippines by experiencing things that we normally in the United States.

On the second Ferry ride, four of us stayed outside on the prow for most of the time. It was nighttime and we wanted to see the stars. It was an amazing night; as soon as we sat down (on blankets we had brought with us) we saw a shooting star. Simple things make me happy … this is one perfect example. Eric and I listened to Irish music on my MP3 while looking at the blanket of stars above us. The night was clear and the stars seemed to be reachable by just extending our arms.

Night with Father Manny

This was the pet monkey they had at the Don Bosco Parish in Makati. Liz and I had never seen a pet monkey! We wanted to take this little guy home!

BORACAY Island, Philippines

Boracay Island, affectionately called "Bora", is rated by many as one of the best tropical island/beach in the world. It is one of the 7,100 islands that compose the Philippines. The popularity of the island is attributed to the Europeans who "discovered" the idyllic beauty of the island in the early 70's. Today, people from all over the world visit the island to enjoy it's white sand beaches and relaxed social atmosphere.

The Ati of Boracay & The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul

The sisters of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul support a community of Atis, a group of indigenous people of the Philippines, who are considered as the original inhabitants of Boracay survive in the island.

I distinctly remember when we were visiting Boracay Island in the early 70's when Atis roamed around freely, and we recognized their virtual ownership of the place. We were just visitors in their beautiful island. Today, these original people of the Philippines are disenfranchised and their very survival as a people is threatened to extinction.


The DeSales group interacted with the Ati community, played with the shy but adorable children and shared with them our food including rice.


ms. johanna said...
Donating food to the Ati community meant a lot to me. The sisters helping the community survive are very perseverant and are doing an amazing job in looking out for the Ati's rights. I greatly enjoyed distributing fruits to the kids: I loved seeing them smile.
Together we can do more to help the Ati Community stand for their rights, let's do this!

SCUBA Diving in Boracay

University of Santo Tomas (Est. 1611)

The University of Santo Tomas or UST is officially known as the "Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines". The school was decreed "Pontifical" by Pope Leo XIII in 1902, "Royal" by King Charles III of Spain in 1785, and "The Catholic University of the Philippines" by Pope Pius XII in 1947.



It is the oldest university in Asia, having been founded in 1611, but such status is disputed by the University of San Carlos, another university in the Philippines apparently established in 1595.

UST is also one of the largest Catholic university currently with around 38,000 students. Its renowned Faculty of Medicine and Surgery was established in 1871.

San Agustin Church (Est.1586), Intramuros, Manila

The Slums of Manila

johanna c said...
It is amazing to see the how creativity can develop from need. The people living in the slums built their homes from practically anything. It amazed me how most people would always be smiling and willing to help others. There was a lot to learn from them. I think the picture with the young boy sitting next to a pile of wooden boxes, trash, buckets, and other stuff is very interesting... it says so much.

Chapel of Santo Nino de Paz, Greenbelt, Makati

"Praying and giving thanks at the Chapel of Sto. Nino de Paz at Greenbelt, Makati".

BSA Tower at Greenbelt, Makati

The group stayed at the BSA Tower across Greenbelt 5 in Makati. Here are some views from the condotel and of Greenbelt 5.

Fr. Charles of Don Bosco, Philippines

"Fr. Charles of Don Bosco (wearing the green shirt) was exceedingly gracious in facilitating several of the group's activities".

fr. charles said...
These guys & gals from De Sales left me a unique impression of the American youth today: they're smart; they have a heart ready to serve the needy & underprivileged; and they have a good sense of humor. Indeed, we have a reason to hope ... because you are the future!
More power to you Ashley, Danielle, Joana, Liz, Eric & Jason!

Baywalk, Manila Bay, Manila

..quite a pleasant evening at the Baywalk in Manila Bay.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila

...where is my luggage?? where is Fr. Joe???????...now here's Fr. Joe in the taxi :-)