Mhai-mhai

I fear death. But I think she does too, that's why she's given that quick accident to not feel that much pain.

I'm afraid of funerals, I don't usually go to one because it makes me feel depressed and think of my own death. But that day was my first time to be told that someone I knew and close to me died. I can't completely understand my feelings - I was confused of whether to cry, feel shock  and stay calm. That was my first time to feel that.

It was all so sudden.

Mhai, you surprised me. I completely don't know what to say. My mind speaks a lot about it but I just couldn't grieve too much. Because a part of me says of letting go. And, all of us have to let you go.

Philippine TV has a lot of things to say, but for us - you are that simple and sweet Mhai-mhai that will always be remembered. Rest well my friend, your long travel has just started.

Attitudes (Reflection)

(Late Post )

New people, new challenges. I consider these as the main theme of my volunteering. Though I'm towards the end of the cycle I'm still puzzled about how my co-volunteers think of things so differently. They are way beyond what other people like me might think, do and deliver.

It amazes me when they sometimes comment about certain things like being advised about things they do which is not good for the team. It's good that they practice voicing out their thoughts and criticisms but in my own point of view, those kinds of advice are understandable and not need to be taken offense of. Maybe the issue is about how you assess yourself or maybe highly accomplished people are harder to humble themselves down.

I just realized that I'm an average person and I am happy with that. At least, I'm able to balance things and deal with people in good ways.

We did a great job

It was weeks of preparation and making sure that everything is in place. That was my MPR committee experience. I have been to planning and organizing events before but this one was probably the most systematic and smooth event that I have ever organized due to the fact that little changes have been made.

At first I honestly felt that I have chosen a wrong committee for myself but it turned out that it gave me a lot of things to learn and improve-from haggling to being really keen in terms of services and needs. Personality wise, my thriftiness have contributed much to achieve everything within our budget. So much credit for my negotiation skills by doing a lot of haggling to people just so to have cheaper costs. :D For being keen to detail, Maybe I'm the person who accepts whatever offer people have for me. That's the downside of being kind and nice to people I guess since I can no longer distinguish when will things go wrong. Or maybe I just hate complaints. But being with people who are really OC with every detail, I have seen that the things I thought would be fine aren't that perfect at all. They have shown me that there are far more things I need to consider which I failed to do so.

MPR Committee

The end of the MPR was the time I realized that my contribution have made a great impact to our committee's success. Although it is not completely perfect, positive feedback from our co-volunteers gave us more reason to acknowledge our effort in making things organized and fun for them.  

Volunteer journey: The start of it

The opportunity of being a part of a volunteering programme came as a surprise. The moment I sent my application, I never expected to get an immediate reply from them. Deep in my heart, I have always wanted to be part of the program not just to practice what I have learned from my degree but also to deal with the things I'm scared of within my self.

So the assessment came and I'm grateful that I got selected. I processed the requirements and days went by for the In-Country Orientation. British counterparts came, and we got to meet them. But one thing that I was really greatful about is meeting co-batchmates in college whom I can talk to most of the time. Unfortunately, they need to leave after serving as Returned Volunteers (RVs). Their journey just ended and I am just about to start with mine. 

And now, I'm currently working with my new friends. I have been adjusting and acquiring a lot of new knowledge from them. :D More stories about my volunteering will be posted soon. (Well, I have posted already about the MPR so..it goes on and on)

This is where we stayed for one week training and orientation. Had a great time and fun together with the other volunteers as we are still on the stage of getting to-know-each-other.

Originally, this was the room where girls are supposed to stay. I was the first one to arrive in Crab House and happened to stay for a while in this room before being transferred to the Dorm type. (Strictly no bed-sharing policy)

The pathway that goes to the room I mentioned above. Used to stay here on the couch (which is not shown in the picture) to access the wifi. :D 

Just taking a picture upon arrival. This is when all the Returned Volunteers were out of the room. Lucky enough not to be caught by them. hahahahaha

So, this was the dorm type I was talking about. Got transferred here after all Filipino Volunteers arrived. Thankful enough that it was so cozy. 

Our picture while eating. Managed to take a picture together with co-volunteers through a waiter's kindness. :D