tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11927830912492824422024-03-14T08:54:28.527+01:00banana{Spins} around the world!bananaspin temporarily leaves her comfort zone to travel, serve and perform around the world with the Up With People program!Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-82534692842422815162008-07-08T03:56:00.006+02:002008-07-08T08:39:34.520+02:00Happy Anniversary Cast B (and C) 2007 !July 7, 2007 - Cast B and C 2007 of Up With People finally met in Denver, Colorado and started preparing to rock the world. :-)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9HbHvsmXD9n3950gDx1OlPNk0GDc8fIm9JMp_H4qNd71ON46WXSWbnmTuOc8XynUbdliSACSYMY3n46GfgTruQy3ny1aGaVow8LTEchJZS2vAM95IlxE0CggX-HgJdHwXL5qrJWotkP3/s1600-h/P7080001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9HbHvsmXD9n3950gDx1OlPNk0GDc8fIm9JMp_H4qNd71ON46WXSWbnmTuOc8XynUbdliSACSYMY3n46GfgTruQy3ny1aGaVow8LTEchJZS2vAM95IlxE0CggX-HgJdHwXL5qrJWotkP3/s320/P7080001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220458687734507970" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Arrival day at the Denver Airport. 07-07-07<br /><br /></span></div><br />And a special song for everyone on our anniversary. Here's a touch of the Philippines for all of you and a message of how diverse and beautiful our world is. And how each and everyone plays an important part!<br /><br /><br /><center><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xoKlCGgciLw&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xoKlCGgciLw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:darkblue;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">KAL</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51);">EIDO</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">SCO</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">PE</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">WO<span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">RLD</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(119, 136, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:century gothic;font-size:130%;" >Francis Magalona</span><br /></div><p face="verdana,sans-serif" size="12px" style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(65, 64, 64);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5e_eQJ-aCPG1q5ELucHF-YNWKHctuVwkLX3awHXvAmvQw-yyC4suQBJ70KX4iWdTegNWFImg4Lc2G0I2BTyiqMMurMeDBugDVhVNVth7SaREEj7_ZFVmSiyAuOu3optV4N2tQda6brTQ/s1600-h/kaleidescope.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5e_eQJ-aCPG1q5ELucHF-YNWKHctuVwkLX3awHXvAmvQw-yyC4suQBJ70KX4iWdTegNWFImg4Lc2G0I2BTyiqMMurMeDBugDVhVNVth7SaREEj7_ZFVmSiyAuOu3optV4N2tQda6brTQ/s400/kaleidescope.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220528187467598882" border="0" /></a></p><p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(65, 64, 64); text-align: center;font-family:verdana,sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><span style="color: rgb(119, 136, 153);font-family:century gothic;font-size:130%;" ></span><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;">So many faces, so many races<br />Different voices, different choices<br />Some are mad, while others laugh<br />Some live alone with no better half<br />Others grieve while others curse<br />And others mourn behind a big black hearse<br />Some are pure and some half-bred<br />Some are sober and some are wasted<br />Some are rich because of fate and<br />Some are poor with no food on their plate<br />Some stand out while others blend<br />Some are fat and stout while some are thin<br />Some are friends and some are foes<br />Some have some while some have most<br /><br />Every color and every hue<br />Is represented by me and you<br />Take a slide in the slope<br />Take a look in the kaleidoscope<br />Spinnin' round, make it twirl<br />In this kaleidoscope world<br /><br />Some are great and some are few<br />Others lie while some tell the truth<br />Some say poems and some do sing<br />Others sing through their guitar strings<br />Some know it all while some act dumb<br />Let the bassline strum to the bang of the drum<br />Some can swim while some will sink<br />And some will find their minds and think<br />Others walk while others run<br />You can't talk peace and have a gun<br />Some are hurt and start to cry<br />Don't ask me how don't ask me why<br />Some are friends and some are foes<br />Some have some while some have most<br /><br />Every color and every hue<br />Is represented by me and you<br />Take a slide in the slope<br />Take a look in the kaleidoscope<br />Spinnin' round, make it twirl<br />In this kaleidoscope world</div>Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-67213864544247391762008-06-14T06:16:00.002+02:002008-06-14T06:28:23.286+02:00Cast B 2007 Random Updates1. I've edited my "book" - now I'm stumped as to how I'm supposed to do the layout. My goal was to finish it before July, but I don't think I can make it.<br /><br />2. I haven't even started organizing my photos yet. Nor start my scrapbook.<br /><br />3. Our Cast B Video Yearbook is done! (Thanks to Rafa and Yuri) and according to them, they cried a lot while doing the editing - because of the great memories we had! What's cool about it is that I will be able to afford it (shipment and materials included) ... by using my BLOGGING money.. :-) blogging works!<br /><br />Still on the video. We'll be paying $30.00 each (no matter where we are) just so it won't be hard figuring out shipment costs from all over the world. The profits from these will be pooled and donated to the UWP Office to go towards a scholarship fund for a student from a developing country.. (hint! hint!)<br /><br />4. I'm way behind on responding to emails.<br /><br />5. I have to find a way to finish my "to dos"Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-59235741640173315952008-05-15T17:08:00.008+02:002008-05-17T04:43:52.373+02:00Official First RoommateI talked about Lesley Loaiza from Tucson, Arizona being my first roommate in the blog entry <a href="http://bananaspinworld.blogspot.com/2007/07/my-first-host-family.html">"My First Host Family" </a><br /><br />But now that I look back, my official roommate was really Alexandra Neageau from Romania ! If you can look back at my blog entry, <a href="http://bananaspinworld.blogspot.com/2007/07/reaching-denver.html">"Reaching Denver"</a> - we were roommates at the Microtel Inn where we spent our first night in the US. (We arrived too early!)<br /><br />Anyway, it's a wonder what the Internet can do today - imagine, we were all able to have our hotel rooms booked from all over the world! It was Rafael from Brazil who made the arrangements from the comfort of his home in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Thanks Rafa! It's such a wonder that we were able to do that without ever having to meet each other face to face.<br /><br />Well, they probably used an online booking agent like <a href="http://www.cheaperthanhotels.com/United-States/" target="_blank">http://www.cheaperthanhotels<wbr>.com/United-States/</a> which I think is so convenient and definitely makes the world smaller! Sometimes Internet booking is also cheaper.<br /><br />I know the readers of this blog come from all over the world, and most are interested in travel. Let me differentiate 'traveler' from 'tourist' - for me a traveler is one who is eager to feel the local flavor and not just the recommended stuff in guidebooks. If you are a budget traveler, I guess you'll benefit from these links that I am sharing :-) So whether you are really traveling soon or merely traveling through the web - these sites can help you plan your adventure in the United States soon (OR, apply to be an Up With People student for the ultimate adventure!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Top US destinations<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cheaperthanhotels.com/United-States/Miami/">Cheap Miami Hotels</a><br /><a href="http://www.cheaperthanhotels.com/United-States/New-York-City/">Cheap New York Hotels</a><br /><a href="http://www.cheaperthanhotels.com/United-States/San-Francisco/">Cheap San Francisco Hotels</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cheaperthanhotels.com/United-States/Los-Angeles/">Cheap Los Angeles Hotels</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uZM3t8WlTag4c4oE8pxokvcDxtTCu9h99HfcaFSxKpPPkXHFrLLrZjafTan93I3nZOdt7ef1b2ff8RCJiOru9QAqeMwOFGWu6FJdfHM0pMXBASHUADX_KmGqkb4cyO3RzV_ZgBUmcnF5/s1600-h/P7070213.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uZM3t8WlTag4c4oE8pxokvcDxtTCu9h99HfcaFSxKpPPkXHFrLLrZjafTan93I3nZOdt7ef1b2ff8RCJiOru9QAqeMwOFGWu6FJdfHM0pMXBASHUADX_KmGqkb4cyO3RzV_ZgBUmcnF5/s320/P7070213.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201171462228960866" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">You can see the famous footprints in Hollywood, LA.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-26147611883313125482008-05-14T14:54:00.006+02:002008-05-15T17:08:11.675+02:00Around this time a year ago...... I was at the height of my UWP preparations.<br /><br />From time to time, you will see me update this blog about my previous experiences or about stories that I failed to write about. As I was reviewing my entries for the book I plan to publish.. I saw a lot of holes that I can still fill and entries that I'd like to improve.<br /><br />Keeping this blog going will also increase awareness about UWP and my fervent wish that people support Pinoys who want to travel with the program.<br /><br />I also hope to earn a little bit of revenue through advertising so I can support this campaign. So please check back from time to time to read more of the adventure!Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-23431079055262135662008-04-30T12:22:00.001+02:002008-04-30T12:26:05.777+02:00Maximizing UWP's Impact in Developing Countries<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">April 30, 2008<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Dear Up With People colleagues, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Hi! My name is Hanna Fernando-Pacua , 26 years old from the <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region></st1:place>. I traveled with Cast B 2007 last year and it was the greatest experience I ever had. I would like to thank everyone in UWP who made it possible. I couldn’t have done it without your encouragement and support. <span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">I consider myself very blessed to have been awarded a very, very significant UWP scholarship. (Up to now I still find it unbelievable…) If I were to convert the USD 12,000.00 fee to Philippine peso considering the 2008 average exchange rate:<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">$1.00 = PHP 41.00<br />$12,000 = PHP 492,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">(when I traveled in 2007, the exchange rate was <b style="">PHP</b> <b style="">52.00 to a dollar!!!</b>)<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">What can people in my country get for half a million Philippine Pesos ?</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Aside from being able to pay the down payment for a house and lot or being able to buy a brand new car … P500,000.00 could also afford :<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">4 years of college education for 2 students (plus some allowances…) at the country’s premiere state university<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">10 modest but brand new houses for the poor through the Gawad Kalinga program<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">4 public high schools provided with internet access and enough computers to improve education delivery through the Gearing Up Internet Literacy and Access (GILAS) program<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">I remember saying in my scholarship application that I would have to give up my UWP slot if I was not given a significant amount. The tuition , for a common Filipino – is simply too much to handle. It was almost sinful to ask for so much money for one person when it could do so much for so many!<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Because of the beautiful experience I had with UWP, I am really hopeful that many other deserving young Filipinos will be able to travel. I have been making a career in social development even before UWP – and I think the program would encourage more students to go into this field.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Ever since I returned to my country, I have done some interviews for admissions and also a few presentations about UWP. Based on my experience with working with youth leaders in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region>, the potential for interested and of-quality applicants is really unbelievable! But the main issue here is the financial need. Especially now that the fees have increased to $14,000, not including additional expenses such as plane fares and VISA fees.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">For lack of a better phrase, “my heart aches” as I interview promising students who worry about the huge financial barrier or as I see young people’s enthusiasm fade once they learn about the tuition fees and other expenses involved.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Even the standard answers I learned from my travel year for the “How much would it cost me ?” questions during admissions presentations won’t do the trick in the <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region></st1:place>. It is just simply too much for young people to digest (who are most probably fresh graduates or just starting their careers) in our country. Even experienced organizations find it hard to raise half a million Philippine pesos for well-advertised causes. However, I am still trying my best to assist the qualified students in their fundraising and have come up with a resource mobilization manual with “Philippine flavor” (please email me so I can send you a copy)<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Perhaps, we can target well-off families and exclusive schools in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region>? Let us not close the door on this possibility, but then take note that those who can afford the tuition only make up a small percentage of the Philippine population. I also believe that UWP education should not only be for those who can afford it but for those who deserve it, value it, and for those who will use it well.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">I dream of more young people getting the same exhilarating experience that I had when I traveled with UWP. I see this happening by getting more Filipinos to participate with the International cast, or by bringing UWP’s experiential learning experience closer to home.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <ol style="margin-top: 0in;" start="1" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Proposal for the establishment of the Up With People Developing Country Scholarship/ Subsidy Fund</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">– allotment of a specific amount of funds for students from developing / 3<sup>rd</sup> world countries. <b style=""><o:p></o:p></b></span></li></ol> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">can be a special fund window separate from the UWP Alumni Association scholarship that specifically targets developing countries<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">would increase the possibilities for more participants from developing countries which may lead to more diverse casts and richer inter-cultural learning experiences <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">appointed committees or regional offices can establish specific criteria for students <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">would enable students/ potential students set <u>realistic</u> financial goals <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">another approach is to make program more ‘selective’ and accepting limited applications so fundraising can be more focused towards the fees of ‘the chosen few’<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <ol style="margin-top: 0in;" start="2" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Proposal for an Up With People Developing Country Program</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";"> – develop a UWP-prescribed Curriculum and Model designed for developing countries. <b style=""><o:p></o:p></b></span></li></ol> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 81pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Similar goals with UWP but for a more local setting. It’s <b style=""><i style="">“knowing one’s own backyard” </i></b>This could be a division of UWP or implemented in partnership with a local company/ organization. (A local cast can be formed that travels around the country for a certain period of time spreading the message of peace and service. They also partner with local groups, stay with host families, etc..) <b style=""><i style=""><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 81pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Local setting means localized and more reachable expenses. Financial goals could be more realistic for students, sponsors and potential donors. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 81pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Operations to be supported or endorsed by UWP international but local resource mobilization should also be in place<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 81pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">This program could maintain its global flavor through international speakers and interaction with the main program of UWP. (i.e. International Cast to meet/ perform with Local Cast) <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 81pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Replicating the experiential learning process on the local level enabling more young people to experience it. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 81pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Continuity and sustainability of community impact programs in developing countries, not to mention the publicity and media value for UWP as a whole. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 81pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Building lasting relationships with communities, NGOs and sponsors<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 81pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Create a pool of outstanding leaders that has great potential to travel with an international cast of UWP.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 81pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><st1:place st="on"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Opportunity</span></u></b></st1:place><b style=""><u><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";"> for Up With People to empower communities and organizations and create a lasting impact in developing countries <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p> </o:p><span style=""></span><br />The possibilities are endless! I am sure, if crafted well – the Developing Country Program can catch the attention of local sponsoring institutions. I hope you will be able to help me echo my wishes for the young people of the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region> and other developing countries. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p></o:p>Imagine the potential global impact Up with People would have if we open up these windows of opportunities and create a multiplier effect on students, organizations and communities. <o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Please help me develop these ideas and make it a reality. Who are the right people to write for UWP to consider supporting these proposals? I am really open to discuss further these possibilities – please feel free to contact me through my email <a href="mailto:hanna.fernando@gmail.com">hanna.fernando@gmail.com</a> , mobile phone +63 917 5201888 or we can arrange a call through Yahoo Messenger or Skype. <o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Sincerely, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Hanna Fernando-Pacua <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Up With People Cast B 2007 <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Education Intern and Advance Team member for <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Prenzlau</st1:City>, <st1:country-region st="on">Germany</st1:country-region></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></p>Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-34501761725029797032008-02-03T12:13:00.000+01:002008-02-03T12:20:04.591+01:00BananaSpin Survey Up!<div style="text-align: center;">I am constantly searching for ways to improve my craft. As I close this blog, allow me to trouble you for just a little bit more to answer this quick survey.<br /><br />There should be a pop up of this survey in this blog. If it doesn't pop, please click :<br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);" href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=S9ypZRFPJKDWXMtriH8ZWA_3d_3d"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >HOW WELL DID BANANA [spin] ? </span></a><br /><br />Thanks so much for everything!<br /><br /></div>Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-21011177917302389902008-01-17T13:49:00.000+01:002008-01-17T14:48:06.102+01:00The End of My Journey<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpI38GLUZ0eWKi_oxqKbDhm_Dri4V40PrGKTbQovZY80npcEUgALvLSKtAgs4q26pCGXyHj_6rwVM6HM86ZKNllAWD0h8PZJjgE2Nlw1mcrov6DPIPwiTS_o_m4Bkr9dsag_NUP0Jhcv2/s1600-h/PB240165.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpI38GLUZ0eWKi_oxqKbDhm_Dri4V40PrGKTbQovZY80npcEUgALvLSKtAgs4q26pCGXyHj_6rwVM6HM86ZKNllAWD0h8PZJjgE2Nlw1mcrov6DPIPwiTS_o_m4Bkr9dsag_NUP0Jhcv2/s320/PB240165.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156429150612211314" border="0" /></a><br /><o:p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />As wonderful as it was - and there are still a lot of stuff that I want to go back to, and write about, and share with you... I believe it is now time for me to move on!</o:p><br /><o:p><br /></o:p>It is very hard to sum up what I have learned from UWP.<span style=""> </span>When faced with the question, “How was it?” we alumni would probably share knowing glances with understanding settling happily deep in our hearts. Trying to explain the experience to non-alumni would be very, very difficult – with the risk also of sounding so weird.<o:p></o:p> <p class="MsoNormal">I could probably come up with a whole compilation of stuff I learned, ranging from leadership concepts, stages of group development, facilitation and communication techniques to immigration policies – and even a whole slew of games that can be played by people from six to sixty. But I will spare you from that overwhelming sensation and share with you the seemingly small, but valuable lessons that I learned from my UWP experience. <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As one of our songs in the Show goes, <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102); font-weight: bold;">“One to One, We Change the World”</span> – when we help, let’s not dwell on how many people --- but think more about how we can h<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQM5QXxYzKDDp-YnLzqa6IVh8HebPCFM4CsM7MypEefFIiMGPiMlFOJhfQKiXhhQuFE8HQa0YuRQiGd-DRu3Gv0TUcWpNwCL1SA2sZXI9lUgHj3LNARwob04onmFAnZjC67kmsyKzYrXO/s1600-h/PC030055.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQM5QXxYzKDDp-YnLzqa6IVh8HebPCFM4CsM7MypEefFIiMGPiMlFOJhfQKiXhhQuFE8HQa0YuRQiGd-DRu3Gv0TUcWpNwCL1SA2sZXI9lUgHj3LNARwob04onmFAnZjC67kmsyKzYrXO/s200/PC030055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156433905141008034" border="0" /></a>elp them well. Let’s not think about saving the world (this can get overwhelming) but let’s think about helping one person at a time, or taking up one cause at a time and totally being committed to it without flying away from reality. Don’t limit yourself to seeing only a few ways on how people can help others – some blessed people may have the money, the power, and the fame to give away, but you might have the passion, the time, the heart and the talent to share to make a difference in people’s lives.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Open your eyes to your surroundings</span>. You never know when your help can be valuable. Or when what’s happening can be valuable to you. Always remember that even one chance encounter can impact your life (or theirs!). Watch the news. Read the papers. Care and be aware.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102); font-weight: bold;">The hardest person to ever try to please is your self. </span>We may set outrageous standards for ourselves based on comparison to other people. Let’s make our own (<i style="">specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time bound</i>) goals and reach for it. Make each task your own.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2lNDmgdD74eu_o6wET2eYi3-0CrWePKfTEKR81i-ueUJurzKpOqVJPa1wKJUxsplmxH8oq4AE_VaTJiJyZBI03VShmwqkG1zCW7ovtesYiVToAKq_uSzO80RKsw7uDZras1J8OhdkY66/s1600-h/ALBUM.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2lNDmgdD74eu_o6wET2eYi3-0CrWePKfTEKR81i-ueUJurzKpOqVJPa1wKJUxsplmxH8oq4AE_VaTJiJyZBI03VShmwqkG1zCW7ovtesYiVToAKq_uSzO80RKsw7uDZras1J8OhdkY66/s200/ALBUM.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156434356112574130" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Accept compliments, treasure and nurture them – and use them well.</span> Believe in yourself <i style="">enough</i> to have self-confidence … but not too much that you make others lose theirs.<span style=""> </span>Be open to feedback and be thankful for honesty – because criticism can be the best advice that people who really care can give you.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Celebrate differences.</span> The world would be boring without it. You might also be surprised how similar two different people can be – no matter where they are from or what their status in life is. And, always remember that what is “common sense” to you may not be the same kind of “common sense” to others.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102); font-weight: bold;">Think positive</span>. Do not be scared of the world. Bad stuff are probably only 5% of everything that is happening. Good stuff don’t make the news because they are, well, normal. People and the World are essentially good; they just need to be constantly reminded about it.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtT8Usl4q446bq_ptsugouBbrwqWstwWhqhlER655odWGvZhYjwt32th6szAHxxf-AtqDVwmAsY9HgB2fCOLBJViI5veSWK0eid9bzuAlGEm0dbXGlSyPRJNAjwLmDtkTG0L2yVJJ_dwU/s1600-h/drawing.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtT8Usl4q446bq_ptsugouBbrwqWstwWhqhlER655odWGvZhYjwt32th6szAHxxf-AtqDVwmAsY9HgB2fCOLBJViI5veSWK0eid9bzuAlGEm0dbXGlSyPRJNAjwLmDtkTG0L2yVJJ_dwU/s200/drawing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156438672554706626" border="0" /></a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">It’s never too late to get yourself out of a mess. It’s never too late for you to pursue your passion.</span></span><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Take pictures. Journal.</span> Remember people’s names. Live in the now but do not lose sight of the past and plan (not worry) for the future.</span><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102); font-weight: bold;">Communicate.</span> It may be hard sometimes but it would be harder not to.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9AzR3SLSXpTAk85wTQBLRwKB0gsnQN-ZccxCEbdljr2g7T2xMX811zk2Xm0bngN1GYLs2sbIfccA04e1y5-RfoWbe4cU4u85bmxug-DYNY_UZYG3fgotWnPigbRVn5O3OZb77zcIKtTO/s1600-h/DSC_0028-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9AzR3SLSXpTAk85wTQBLRwKB0gsnQN-ZccxCEbdljr2g7T2xMX811zk2Xm0bngN1GYLs2sbIfccA04e1y5-RfoWbe4cU4u85bmxug-DYNY_UZYG3fgotWnPigbRVn5O3OZb77zcIKtTO/s200/DSC_0028-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156431134887102082" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102); font-weight: bold;">Dance :-)</span> believe me it doesn't matter if you do it well or not. Just dance and feel its power!<br /><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Love and Respect</span> are the two essential values that everyone should possess to achieve world peace.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">These were the lessons I learned and will value for the rest of my life. The UWP experience is a very personal experience, and what I have written here may not be the case for my other cast-members. As with any other experience, you live it, you make it your own, and you learn what you choose to learn.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Up with People was an amazing experience, and I will never stop raving on and on about how it made lot of my dreams come true. I traveled the world, went whitewater rafting, danced and sang on stage, did a whole lot of service, made a presentation in front of an international audience, saw Anne Frank’s House for real, been on TV – and a lot more. But it is about time that I plant myself firmly on Philippine soil and start living again.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This blogging adventure, like the actual journey – was never without bumps. I had trouble updating for many reasons, lack of time, lack of will, lack of internet access (but certainly not lack of interesting things! The events chronicled here are not even in the vicinity of EVERYTHING that happened!). If I ever offended anyone in any way, I am deeply sorry but please trust me when I say that I just write from the heart and nothing is ever intentional.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This blog will stay online as long as the World Wide Web permits it to be here (may I share also that I think the Internet is the best modern world invention there is!) – and will hopefully serve as a reference for me to look back to when I start to forget about the good things in life, and when I need to be reminded about the lessons I learned. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Perhaps up until the time that I will be able to compile and edit this and <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">maybe publish a book :grin: </span></span>Now, that is a dream that is worth pursuing. I will keep you posted AND feel free to keep in touch!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><object height="355" width="425"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3Oyvlta60T0&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object></p>I will continue to arrange trip photos in my <a href="http://bananaspinuwp.multiply.com/">www.bananaspinuwp.multiply.com</a> account.<p class="MsoNormal">Long overdue twist blogging resumes at <a href="http://bananaspin.blogspot.com/">www.bananaspin.blogspot.com</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Feedback most welcome, email me at <a href="mailto:hanna.fernando@gmail.com">hanna.fernando@gmail.com</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-59300798995404952702008-01-14T15:17:00.000+01:002008-01-17T15:55:54.247+01:00The Best Kind of Folks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjq8Yd74WKdtL_W8VKDVYZQCp-VG00dl6weZEmkaBxmenH3w2c1SSDf11WKnAlk2LN6E-KyFdynvCFznVYLqRSzGawbYG_SONg682TdRuBA7EGG8zmV7ce51Y9RzOHU5IqloxqHqL3ciMw/s1600-h/P8060085.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjq8Yd74WKdtL_W8VKDVYZQCp-VG00dl6weZEmkaBxmenH3w2c1SSDf11WKnAlk2LN6E-KyFdynvCFznVYLqRSzGawbYG_SONg682TdRuBA7EGG8zmV7ce51Y9RzOHU5IqloxqHqL3ciMw/s320/P8060085.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156417150473586162" border="0" /></a><br /><o:p></o:p><i style="">Up, Up with People!<br /></i><i style="">You meet them wherever you go<br /></i><i style="">Up, Up with People!<br /></i><i style="">They’re the best kind of folks you’ll know!<br />I</i><i style="">f more people were for </i><i style="">people,<br /></i><i style="">People everywhere</i><br /><i style="">There’d be a lot less people to worry about</i><i style=""><br />And a lot more people who care!</i> <p class="MsoNormal">We “Uppies” traveled the world to make an impact in the lives of others, but I believe that all the people I met along the way made a bigger impact in my life than I did on theirs. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">My host families</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Laurie and Bill Zempel<span style=""> </span>from <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Denver</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Colorado</st1:state></st1:place> – their adorable Bichon, Max (stay cool!) , our host friend Gina and our host little sister Monay (I wonder how your writing is doing?) . Lesley from <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Arizona</st1:place></st1:state> was my roommate. I remember the Red Rocks trip and watching Talladega Nights on a lazy Saturday evening.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bruce and Kathy Garrett from their house-on-the-golf-course in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Tucson</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Arizona</st1:state></st1:place>. May the Javelinas not stomp around and ruin your garden, and please keep Bruce away from Prickly Pear cacti (make sure to have Nair Hair Remover at hand because it can dissolve cacti thorns!). But if we can’t help but eat Prickly Pear, we can always wash it down with a White Chocolate Mocha from the drive-in Starbucks. I also miss Mexican Sopapillas and Bruce’s beef jerky! I did not have a roommate in <st1:city st="on">Tucson</st1:city>, but we went to the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Desert</st1:placetype> <st1:placename st="on">Sky</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Museum</st1:placetype></st1:place> with my high school best friend Em.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tim Trent and Daisy Flores from Globe, <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Arizona</st1:state></st1:place>. I will never forget Carolin (<st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>, my roommate!) <span style=""> </span>and Mine’s bunk beds and our nice hot tub under the stars (with a frog in it!)<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bill and Patricia Turner from <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Sierra Vista</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Arizona</st1:state></st1:place>. I loved your <st1:place st="on">West Point</st1:place> stories and I would never forget our Kartchner Caverns trip. Thanks a lot for introducing me to Emily and giving me my first taste of real <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Turkey</st1:place></st1:country-region>. <span style=""> </span>Gigi from <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> was my roommate.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HJ6JONoklDz9n6NBb2f9pIo7aqsIYoW9smcc18_aRJ0nlm7zBWjShD1bIElqL8wqsLS9rMn70c4JW1PPPPc6TnxnFoovq_ShhO7Cv_mpCKaIifIw8ONHABF1tZtgLyvAKvM1WQjMMe0-/s1600-h/P8270088.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HJ6JONoklDz9n6NBb2f9pIo7aqsIYoW9smcc18_aRJ0nlm7zBWjShD1bIElqL8wqsLS9rMn70c4JW1PPPPc6TnxnFoovq_ShhO7Cv_mpCKaIifIw8ONHABF1tZtgLyvAKvM1WQjMMe0-/s200/P8270088.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156418035236849154" border="0" /></a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I LOVED Terri and Ed Devine’s beach-themed home in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">San D</st1:city></st1:place><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">iego</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Ca</st1:state></st1:place><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">lif</st1:state></st1:place><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">ornia</st1:state></st1:place>. I wasn’t able to meet Ed at all, but I had fun with Terri and Niki (from the <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">US</st1:country-region></st1:place>, my roommate!) during that week. Terri was a UWP alumna! I remember our beach picnic trips, healthy salad and pasta dinners (but with sinful desserts! Mmm Ben and Jerry’s Turtle Ice Cream) and the <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Coronado</st1:city></st1:place> island adventure! (Terri, awesome sack lunch for the bus, by the way! Thanks!!)<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I shared Bob and Elaine Mattes’ home with 3 other roommates – Niki (again!), Tyrell, Gabe (all from the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region>!). I remember the ENORMOUS train collection from our room to the backyard. I still haven’t tried the lemon cookie recipe that you gave me.. I miss our steak and salad dinners!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Dick and Donna Finney lived about 30 minutes away from <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Winston</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Oregon</st1:state></st1:place> in a town called Roseberg. I stayed in their gorgeous home with Christine Paluf, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Laurel</st1:place></st1:city>, Amanda (USA) and Carolin (again! From <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>) – it was cool meeting their daughter and their granddaughter when we drove to another gorgeous home in the woods. I remember hot fudge sundaes !!!<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 102); font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">(WRITING ALL THESE MAKE ME REALIZE THE REASONS WHY I GAINED SO<br />MUCH WEIGHT DURING THE TRIP! Sigh…)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Duane and Jacquee Hagans in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Eureka</st1:city> <st1:state st="on">California</st1:state></st1:place> lived right across my favorite American store of all time – Michael’s Arts and Crafts! We drew lots and Sarah (USA) got the room with the moons and stars and Kellys (<st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Venezuela</st1:place></st1:country-region>) and I shared a mattress with Momma Cat. <span style=""> </span>I still remember the chocolate rice krispies treats that Jacquee made! Plus that barbecue dinner we had with Josh and his host dad.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4j_0yCRQxwzaZOun1hB5NssJ2sYxjfeP0SFhLB92_GlzLMXOCZSd-Zzw6FUee3UAABRhJ0D0CRSiH6EsR5nSAosI9GhepztAm-NWC6HXuzVPqkNe5Humh2z_Lc_q7yrXClotdt2PSSDN/s1600-h/P9150327.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4j_0yCRQxwzaZOun1hB5NssJ2sYxjfeP0SFhLB92_GlzLMXOCZSd-Zzw6FUee3UAABRhJ0D0CRSiH6EsR5nSAosI9GhepztAm-NWC6HXuzVPqkNe5Humh2z_Lc_q7yrXClotdt2PSSDN/s200/P9150327.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156418666597041682" border="0" /></a>Pat diGiacomo from <st1:city st="on">Coos Bay</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Oregon</st1:state> certainly made mine and Suzanne’s (<st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Netherlands</st1:place></st1:country-region>) breakfast mornings enjoyable! The trip to the botanical gardens were simply breathtaking!<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Barbara and <st1:placename st="on">Tom</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Cave</st1:placename> in their squeaky old-fashioned home in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Portland</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Oregon</st1:state></st1:place>. Thanks for taking us on a walking tour AND kudos for managing SIX Uppies! I was with Cassidy, Megan, Matt (USA) and Maria (<st1:country-region st="on">Sweden</st1:country-region>), Lucas (<st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Belgium</st1:place></st1:country-region>). I only stayed with them for two nights, tho – because…<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Family friends Tito Eric, Tita Vivian and Noelle Tadeo adopted me! They lived in <st1:city st="on">V</st1:city><st1:city st="on">ancouver</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">WA</st1:state>, a 20 minute drive to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Portland</st1:place></st1:city>. We never did have time to go around but I was able to go shopping for make-up with Tito Eric (!), visit Noelle’s school, see Tita Vivian’s awesome bag creations and have dinner with other Pinoy friends.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Still groggy from a 30 hour bus ride from <st1:city st="on">Portland</st1:city> to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Las Vegas</st1:place></st1:city> – I was greeted by my Uncle slash Host Dad Enrico Guamen. I saw <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Las Vegas</st1:place></st1:city> as a big break as I stayed with my mom’s brother and was again visited by Tita Girlie and Tito Conrad (they visited me in Corcoran too!) Ah and I saw the ABBA Musical Mamma Mia with Elke from <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Belgium</st1:place></st1:country-region>, courtesy of my Tita Girlie!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdbzmqYY5yegVnGppPmcRPBF1bHCTXS1o2GeU0zpUR6PYobC6D7YRqWGXP-BptumlCaZ_akqdHclXQUXQKak7HXeVw2uvA-XbaRkIDE-egnpRVTYLlflU_vFX3V0llLI3FlVNdmWPb3Pq/s1600-h/PA040272.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdbzmqYY5yegVnGppPmcRPBF1bHCTXS1o2GeU0zpUR6PYobC6D7YRqWGXP-BptumlCaZ_akqdHclXQUXQKak7HXeVw2uvA-XbaRkIDE-egnpRVTYLlflU_vFX3V0llLI3FlVNdmWPb3Pq/s200/PA040272.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156419366676710946" border="0" /></a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Valerio, Nadia and Michaela Bellani from <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Milano</st1:city>, <st1:country-region st="on">Italy</st1:country-region></st1:place> made my first encounter with the language barrier fun and interesting! Thank you so much for the coffee and pasta and gelato lessons! I JUST LOVE Italian Food! I did not have an Uppie roommate but Michaela was my host sister, and it was great to meet her Italian friends and seeing the Duomo at night! Grazie and until we meet again!<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Klemens and Brunhilde Schmidt! My German host family who were simply the BEST and a big support while I was doing Advance Work ! Birte (my roommate, the CRC) had a great great time! The memories of staying in Prenzlau is so overwhelming but I especially remember losing my bike keys (and Klemens and Brunhilde are so forgiving…) and I wonder if it is still there at the Rathaus? Pretty Prenzlau, Beautiful <st1:state st="on">Berlin</st1:state> , <st1:city st="on">Rostock</st1:city> and <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Potsdam</st1:place></st1:city>.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTXV0Eilwg6Lo9B2HZ_kF48Qx8kgZPaa6MbK5sFEyWpeJrtKL11TjXnoV-SVcmNUpUlW2xQmRtW2tUWyYLNVO1lmVBcug1VzeeVodg1ldZ1X2X7zsBeEn6Bm1wjWV_lL-exe_yXxoT__B/s1600-h/PB030333.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTXV0Eilwg6Lo9B2HZ_kF48Qx8kgZPaa6MbK5sFEyWpeJrtKL11TjXnoV-SVcmNUpUlW2xQmRtW2tUWyYLNVO1lmVBcug1VzeeVodg1ldZ1X2X7zsBeEn6Bm1wjWV_lL-exe_yXxoT__B/s200/PB030333.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156420225670170162" border="0" /></a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Everyday was fun day with Theo, Fiona, Lonneke, Femke and Dion Van Lochem in Dronten, the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Netherlands</st1:place></st1:country-region>. I think I got over my fear of dogs (or dog! Oh no I forgot his name!!! SKIPPER! Yes, I think was Skipper)!!!! and bicycles in Dronten. It was a great Halloween celebration with the girls ! The Raclette was unforgettable, as well as the nifty coffee maker. Joke (my roommate, from <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Belgium</st1:place></st1:country-region>) and I loved riding the tandem bikes around the park! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNy5AiICyZE3ckIUhvyHQMm8Edhhl5SLOdo4AhlK-ey94fYPtVfxPJqWyfO5gjFrvAWVcRuBkaUlpL9O8I0SfyUwXTVrfBZQwQpG2k-KMowa6qF_0RvMgp0GlEzOxlrkBRcsMH37Lb3jTs/s1600-h/PB070123.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNy5AiICyZE3ckIUhvyHQMm8Edhhl5SLOdo4AhlK-ey94fYPtVfxPJqWyfO5gjFrvAWVcRuBkaUlpL9O8I0SfyUwXTVrfBZQwQpG2k-KMowa6qF_0RvMgp0GlEzOxlrkBRcsMH37Lb3jTs/s200/PB070123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156423043168716354" border="0" /></a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Charlotte Colot from <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Leuven</st1:city>, <st1:country-region st="on">Belgium</st1:country-region></st1:place>, my 18-year old host mom. She introduced me to flat air mattresses, Belgian waffles and fries, Belgian chocolate and Belgian cherry beer. <st1:city st="on">Charlotte</st1:city> slept at a friend’s house and let me and Sophie (from <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">China</st1:place></st1:country-region>) use her small room. It was fun though! She was also a UWP Alumna from Cast A 2007. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">The UWP Staff</span> <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Whom I listed all under Cast B 2007 because staff or student, we are all cast B !<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Cast B 2007 - 19 countries. 1 voice (or what I'd like to call the Big Brother House on the Road) </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">United States – Adam, Amanda, Andrea, Blaine, Cassidy, Gina (I love you I hope you make it for the Bayani build!), Grant, Jennie, Jeremiah, Jeremy (I hope you find a nice Filipina girl), Jessica (all the colors of the heart!), Josh, Katie (let’s name an ice cream flavor “ina-chukuwa, kijiji-kizima” ) , Laurel, amazing dancer Lesley, ounce girl Megan, Niki (Aloha!), Sarah, Tiffnie (go Asian food stores!), Tyrell (Tee-relll) , Vanessa (missing your laugh and our demon children) , Lauren, Mallory (hunt me down, okie?), Matthew, hyper Patrick, Laura, Jared, Scott, Ellen, Christine Paluf, Gabe, Kristina, Samantha<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Netherlands</st1:country-region></st1:place> – Aimee (how’s shopping so far?) , Suze (I love you!)<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Romania</st1:place></st1:country-region> – Alecs (no baby yet … will keep you posted “ninang”)<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Belgium</st1:place></st1:country-region> – Benjamine, Lucas, Joke, Elke (marriage life is tough but it still rocks!) <o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region> – sporty girl and ounce girl Carolin, stunning Stefan, Lysan (thank you so much for your pep talks), Marita (did you finally get a job?) and our Cast Manager Papa Jorn<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Austria</st1:place></st1:country-region> – Christine Profanter (I love you! I wonder what you are doing now…)<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Mexico</st1:place></st1:country-region> – Clara, Doctor Hector<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sweden</st1:place></st1:country-region> – Maria, Johanna, Linn, Peppe, and my favorite rockstar Johan<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Taiwan</st1:place></st1:country-region> – Chien Fu (Jeff)<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Venezuela</st1:place></st1:country-region> – world leader Kellys<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Macedonia</st1:place></st1:country-region> – Mayor Ljuan<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Panama</st1:country-region></st1:place> – Luis Felipe (I miss you and your questions), lucky girl Whitney (you know what I mean!)<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Denmark</st1:place></st1:country-region> – Rasmus (big Filipino hug!)<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Japan</st1:place></st1:country-region> – the amazing adventures of Yuri (the video intern) and Sayuri (the education intern)<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">China</st1:place></st1:country-region> – Sophie<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> – Gigi, Raine<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Brazil</st1:place></st1:country-region> – Rafa-Rafa-Rafa!<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Uganda</st1:place></st1:country-region> – Ate Jules , you were my soul sister all throughout the trip. Thanks so much for <span style=""><br /></span>the laughs, the gossip, and the comfort that your presence offered me!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Special Mentions</span> <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Rafa, Alecs, Jules, Suze, Lysan, Johan, Mallory, Yuri, Christine, Luis Felipe, Elke, Marita, Rasmus <span style="font-family:Wingdings;"><span style="">à</span></span> a special connection to all of you during the trip. I miss you all and I really look forward to seeing them again soon..<span style=""> </span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><b style="">The Philippine Advance Team</b> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Paul, Margaux, Luis, Yamil and Skoogle – thanks for braving <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city> and preparing it for the cast. And of course Ana for braving the Cast while they are in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city> <span style="font-family:Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span> and for at last giving me Pinoy companionship in the cast</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOCcYj1RuZxw7yPqzhaLP-WQYs2f3YqRyC-HElGQNRePyxcxrpPLB0sfR89YNUqvLicSUtGSaiZqtg5q0E1WkMNHy5OnIkZ-9V2wgRM1sSj_4f49kVxvueYbqVN6uMCQlzYnp9UTQ-S4D/s1600-h/PB280204.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOCcYj1RuZxw7yPqzhaLP-WQYs2f3YqRyC-HElGQNRePyxcxrpPLB0sfR89YNUqvLicSUtGSaiZqtg5q0E1WkMNHy5OnIkZ-9V2wgRM1sSj_4f49kVxvueYbqVN6uMCQlzYnp9UTQ-S4D/s200/PB280204.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156423747543352914" border="0" /></a><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Zest-O Corporation – 1 drink</span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Especially to Joseph Consul for eating Balut infront of everyone and was always there --- with an endless supply of Zesto, One Green Tea and Orchard Fresh (I love the dalandan and calamansi ones!) drinks.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">The Department of Tourism, RC-Cola, ECOP, The Philippine <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Military</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Academy</st1:placetype></st1:place> </b>(special mention to Deputy Chief of Staff Gen. Tony Romero who made our PMA visit possible)<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><o:p> </o:p><br />The Filipinos all over the World </b>(yes, even the ones right here at home) - meeting you made me look at our country and our people in a totally different light. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>A billion thanks to all who supported me since the very beginning. I know I have been thanking you guys endlessly throughout the blog but there is no such thing as too much when it comes to appreciation (Remember that!!!) . </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>My mom and dad who raised me so well and have given me everything I ever wanted or needed – endless gratitude to you and I love you so much. My husband Sam who was such a good sport and continues to believe in me and my abilities, I love you! </p> <p class="MsoNormal">My friends from Ayala Foundation and the FAFI group (you know who you are) who totally had confidence in me and knew that I can make it.. and also provided the much provided long distance emotional support – Nyla, Maui, Jops, Ave, Candice, Aque, Kakay, JJ, Aileen, Kiel,<span style=""> </span>Chiara, Tito, Sarah, MY </p> <p class="MsoNormal">My on-line “rallyists” who I may not know that well personally but still were there to give their virtual support – Alex, Geelay, Lee I , Maan, Kristene – plus the people who read my blog, especially those who left messages and comments … (you certainly kept me on my toes updating this!)<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Of course, my sponsors who helped me financially as well as spiritually! Reynold from <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Hawaii</st1:state></st1:place>, MAD and AGV from AFI, Ms Nicolas-Lewis, Ms Zobel (and Ms Pazing!) and Tita Rene from the Philippine Airlines. ENDLESS GRATITUDE from the bottom of my heart.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Prayer also made me strong throughout this adventure – again I thank God for making me so strong and brave ! And also for making my circle of good people wider!</p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">PS. I also encourage you to please visit Matthew Erley's blog at http://matthewerley.blogspot.com/2008/01/last-farewell.html</p>thanks<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><o:p></o:p></p>Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-20995136725608128272008-01-13T13:43:00.000+01:002008-01-13T13:48:16.070+01:00Up With People - The Rose ParadeWhile on the road, we were informed that UWP was chosen to do the opening of the world famous Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. It was something big for UWP!<br /><br />The Parade was on New Year's Day. Obviously, I'm not part of that anymore since I chose to stay in the Philippines for the holidays already (a lot of my castmates also went straight home, but some of them went back to the US just for the Rose Bowl!) ! Ah, but they looked so beautiful! I am so proud of them!<br /><br /><center><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lDGZqb0Sdoc&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lDGZqb0Sdoc&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></center>Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-38986602734242186582008-01-11T09:57:00.000+01:002008-01-11T10:44:16.545+01:00Overweight in BrusselsYes, I gained 12 pounds during the trip, but this is not about that. <b style=""><u><span style=""> </span></u></b>I would have called this entry “Mga Bagong Bayani” but the thought of being overweight amused me.<b style=""><u><o:p></o:p></u></b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><o:p></o:p></u></b>I would have included this story in my Pinoy blog entry but this deserved its own space.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I went home to the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region> a couple of nights earlier ahead of the cast. I missed our biggest show in Europe (I heard more than 2,000 people watched, including VIP sponsors and it was also the first one that had cocktail tables and champagne) and our best guest performer (Sandrine, who was like the “Belgian Idol”) and had to ride the train from Leuven to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Brussels</st1:city></st1:place> with all my luggage.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The best part about it was that I can have 2 pieces of luggage at 20 kilos each because it was an international flight. Normally, if I was traveling with the whole group, I was allowed only ONE piece of checked in luggage, then the other slot would be for UWP equipment. Since I was alone, and the equipment was still in use, I had the go signal to use my luggage allowance. It was stress free packing!<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So I made it through the train ride and dragged my suitcase and backpack and shoulder bag to the check-in counter. I was so happy because it was still 2 hours till boarding and I can still have a leisurely time walking to my departure gate. Only to find out that I had to pay 600 Euro for an extra 23 kilos – my blood ran cold.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Turns out that the flight from <st1:city st="on">Brussels</st1:city> to <st1:place st="on">Frankfurt</st1:place> will be on a small plane and couldn’t accommodate more than 20 kilos per passenger! It doesn’t matter how many bags, as long as they add up to 20 kilos. I told her that I will be on the connecting flight from Frankfurt – <st1:country-region st="on">China</st1:country-region> – <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city> and that I should have the international luggage allowance. No, she’s sorry. <span style=""> </span>Brussels-Frankfurt is 20 kilos. Cross-continent flights, 40 kilos. I wished UWP ended its tour in <st1:place st="on">Frankfurt</st1:place>!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>I only had 15 Euro left in my pocket, and I was not about to use my credit card to pay for extra luggage. Lufthansa even had a weight limit for ONE carry on (not two pieces, like most American flights) and my laptop just about made the limit, so it was impossible for me to unload some suitcase stuff to my carry on.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuLph2cxVHGsMgytI7SAmv6emEml_yzwsOGfUH7XtbfQcWPd2zmlGWEIlfWsFwpdCGWnmk5wVk6BAfgJzG6BE4MYfkT2GecMPx84oryCM5styykctfFtktddUZq6jMUrA7JioZvQpzDdN/s1600-h/PB040023+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuLph2cxVHGsMgytI7SAmv6emEml_yzwsOGfUH7XtbfQcWPd2zmlGWEIlfWsFwpdCGWnmk5wVk6BAfgJzG6BE4MYfkT2GecMPx84oryCM5styykctfFtktddUZq6jMUrA7JioZvQpzDdN/s320/PB040023+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154146134976218578" border="0" /></a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the middle of the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Brussels</st1:place></st1:city> airport, I opened my suitcase and surveyed its contents. With a heavy heart, I filled a plastic bag with some of my clothes, my toiletries, scarves, some books and magazines that I accumulated. All these went to the lost and found bin at the airport.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">One hour until boarding time, I was back in line for the check in counter – they weighed my suitcase and this time I was 450 Euro overweight. I noticed a group of Pinoys at the end of the line and acknowledged them with a brief smile – but I did not have enough sanity to think about my Pinoy-quest game. Sigh. I really wanted to cry – I did not have 450 Euro, but then I could not bear the thought of leaving my valuables behind. In my suitcase taking up space and weight are sentimental stuff and some pasalubong I collected along the way and I really did not want to part with them. 5 months of travel can get really heavy.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">30 minutes until boarding time, I was beside the check-in counter. The long lines were gone because check-in was about to close. Again, I had a small plastic bag already filled with valuables that I was about to throw away, I was holding on to it tightly. I was silently praying, I don’t know for what – for divine intervention, for a smart decision. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Then suddenly, </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">“<i style="">Kabayan, ano ang problema?</i>” </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A group of Filipinos, the same ones at the end of the line, were obviously very late for check in. The attendant at the counter was hurriedly processing their papers and was about to close. She was talking to the Pinoy’s Flemish boss. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I explained my predicament to the 3 seafarers (seamen) and they were surprised with the luggage allowance. It turns out that seafaring companies have agreements with airlines about UNLIMITED baggage allowances since their employees travel for at least 9 months. Before I knew it, their Flemish boss was asking me if I wanted to check in my luggage with them. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The lady at the check-in counter told us that once we do that, it will be all our responsibility already, but I can see that she was also happy for me! I was ecstatic and couldn’t stop thanking everyone! <span style=""> </span>It was less than 20 minutes until our boarding time and we said goodbye to the Flemish boss and practically ran to our gate. We made it! And I made 3 new friends in the queerest of circumstances. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The flight was amazingly quick and once we were in Frankfurt, we were joined by a lot more Pinoys on the flight to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city>. There were a lot of greetings of “Kabayan! Saan ka sa atin?” and I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere. When the plane touched down in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city>, the passengers cheered. Most of them were seafarers who are excited to be spending Christmas at home. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">What happened to me in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Brussels</st1:place></st1:city> was really a miraculous thing – I prayed for intervention and God gave me my heroes in the form of 3 seamen who were almost late for the flight. What if they were on time? Nobody would have saved me!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A million thanks ! Kina Mr. Hilario Caspe, Mr. Boy Villanueva at sa kanilang isa pang kaibigan. Alam kong masayang masaya po kayo at nakapiling ninyo ang inyong pamilya nitong nakaraang Pasko at Bagong Taon. Nawa'y maging masaya ang inyong 2008!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfoXrW_PyMnQWpAtdntHP3j0VRefamRdU7Np794LEmHSRY20b8l8Z6kHHXSGhiXUJ83XIbXFl_U5G2vWIRaM-9qeS-lV5OkEghfQ4jNynY1IJwJFnPSbgZV96WtC06CzVna4beDtPDE0y/s1600-h/PB090158.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfoXrW_PyMnQWpAtdntHP3j0VRefamRdU7Np794LEmHSRY20b8l8Z6kHHXSGhiXUJ83XIbXFl_U5G2vWIRaM-9qeS-lV5OkEghfQ4jNynY1IJwJFnPSbgZV96WtC06CzVna4beDtPDE0y/s320/PB090158.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154149339021821410" border="0" /></a></p>Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-77109092070717105972008-01-11T06:25:00.000+01:002008-01-11T09:27:16.694+01:00The Global PinoysTwo weeks into the program, I was sick of speaking English all the time and was hungering for my native language. I was missing the Pinoy warmth, the Pinoy family and the Pinoy sense of humor.<span style=""> </span>I know Pinoys were everywhere and I just had to find some. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>In this blog entry, <a href="http://bananaspinworld.blogspot.com/2007/07/halu-halo-in-denver.html">“Halo-Halo in <st1:city st="on">Denver</st1:city>”</a> – I wrote about Pastor Carlos Bulalayao, Jr and the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Crosswind</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Community</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:placetype></st1:place> and how they gave me my much needed Pinoy culture. We ate Halo-Halo, watched The Filipino Channel, had family bonding time and I had the chance to relax and listen to the Eraserheads in one of their friends’ cars.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>In my Filipino blog entry, “<a href="http://bananaspinworld.blogspot.com/2007/08/pinoys-around-world.html">Pinoys Around the World”</a> – I was obviously so homesick and showcased here my small encounters with my “kind” But looking back, I think I missed a lot of stories!<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">In Sierra Vista and in Coos Bay, Oregon - I received some pocket money from very generous Pinoys who I just met. In both instances, these people also traveled the world with a youth group and knew how fun it was to be able to have ice cream on travel stops.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYcAgs0gKVZujjKarAYim8eO8u-M_G3KeXfbdL-DQUKV6cR7dWxWu9Iwffia0uYhpThmczQ-qYcmw_QT5_hl0q-1ybMtsux8-528Pmjwb80Kx6O19ks-NkXO_yqHmYZay8FbNS6z4joX4/s1600-h/P8260080.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYcAgs0gKVZujjKarAYim8eO8u-M_G3KeXfbdL-DQUKV6cR7dWxWu9Iwffia0uYhpThmczQ-qYcmw_QT5_hl0q-1ybMtsux8-528Pmjwb80Kx6O19ks-NkXO_yqHmYZay8FbNS6z4joX4/s320/P8260080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154090566689342882" border="0" /></a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There was 14-year old MJ Magtanong from <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">San Diego</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">California</st1:state></st1:place> who proudly wore a “Filipino Pride” shirt. He was Stefan’s (from <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>) host brother. He grew up in the <st1:country-region st="on">USA</st1:country-region> and has visited the <st1:country-region st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region> (<st1:place st="on">Subic</st1:place>) only once but had no qualms to say that it was the best place ever! We hung out a bit after the show (I remember we had Pepsi from the vending machine) and he uploaded a couple of hip hop songs AND Boom-Tarat-Tarat to my phone. Ah, and he can dance it, too!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>I also remember this <a href="http://bananaspinworld.blogspot.com/search?q=Food+Pantry">blog entry from <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Winston</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Oregon</st1:state></st1:place></a> where I encountered a Pinoy family falling in line in the food distribution CI I was in. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Of course, I also wouldn’t forget friends and friends of family who sacrificed some of their time to see me (and even host me!). My high school best friend <a href="http://bananaspinworld.blogspot.com/2007/08/live-in-now.html">Romilee</a> who’s now in Tucson, my good friend Tiffany who drove alone for two hours to see me in <a href="http://bananaspinworld.blogspot.com/search/label/Corcoran">Corcoran, California,</a> my Tita Miriam and Tito Conrad who saw the show in Corocoran AND <a href="http://bananaspinworld.blogspot.com/search/label/Las%20Vegas">Las Vegas,</a> my Tito Bobot and Tita Maria who hosted me in Las Vegas and my fun stay with Tito Eric, Tita Vivian, Noelle and Lola in <a href="http://bananaspinworld.blogspot.com/2007/09/pinoys-in-portland.html">Portland.</a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Milan</st1:city>, <st1:country-region st="on">Italy</st1:country-region></st1:place>, one of my castmates had a Pinay helper in their house, unfortunately, I wasn’t able to talk to her. But I met a Filipina OFW on the subway and had a quick chat. My host dad’s boss’ wife (ang haba ah!) was also a Filipina and we talked on the phone. <span style=""> </span>In Amsterdam, the Netherlands, a busload of Pinoys on tour got off right in front of where I was standing and to my delight, one of them gave me a big smile and asked, “Pilipina ka?” to which I enthusiastically answered, “Opo!” They must have been weirded out because my UWP friends all laughed and hugged me after that. Because, they too, were amazed at the number of Pinoys I met on the road. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Probably the most touching encounter I had with a Filipino came during one of our Internal days in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Portland</st1:place></st1:city>. I had just finished my Education internship and suddenly had a “less stressful” schedule than usual. With some idle time in my hands, and a pretty slow day (we were watching “An Inconvenient Truth”), it was the worst homesick-est feeling I had during the whole trip. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thinking about home and my family, I went for a bathroom break and found out that half the stalls were closed because it was being cleaned. An old man was mopping the floors quietly. I studied him closely, he was the kindly, grandfather type with tanned skin and gray hair. I sneaked a glance at his name tag and sure enough, he was Filipino! I was just overcome with emotion and homesickness that I just blurted out, </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="DE">“Hi Manong, Magandang Umaga po!”</span><span style="" lang="DE"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="DE"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">His head snapped up and he stared at me and asked carefully, “Pilipina ka?” </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">With tears in my eyes, I answered,<span style=""> </span>“Opo, Pilipino po ako!” – and without thinking, I hugged the lolo who was cleaning the bathroom. Soon he had tears in his eyes, too.<span style=""> </span>Two of his daughters married Americans and convinced him and his wife to live with them in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">USA</st1:place></st1:country-region>. He badly wanted to go home to the <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region></st1:place> where all his other kids and grandchildren were. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“Gusto ko nang umuwi. Ang hirap dito, may trabaho ka nga pero</i><i style=""> mahirap at malugkot pa din. Buti sa atin, kahit minsan walang pera, pero masaya tayo! Dito, kayod ka ng kayod, wala naman makuha. Pero mahirap naman basta-basta umuwi kasi mahal ang pamasahe” <o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s funny how easily we forget that some people really don’t have a choice when they go abroad, and that they don’t have complete control of their time and resources because of extreme need. Just like what I felt when I met the family at the food pantry in Winston.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We were performing a mini-show at the <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Oude Market Square</st1:address></st1:street> in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Leuven</st1:city>, <st1:country-region st="on">Belgium</st1:country-region></st1:place> – the stage was shaky, and it was freezing but the crowd was so happy that it felt really good. A girl in front of the crowd caught my eye, and like everyone, she was also into the performance. I soon learned that she was Malou, a Filipina! She was studying Theology at the University and was eager to introduce me to her friends.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-QStktmFqetKLU8iQ5HcgSLSVHtZrgvvf64ZpfAUR4Rvk7JFg8Rw3mPZEHrO93NTByqmJx1for9n_XmJH6hWmJ_de9pTKF8z8Vpm9EnTpEehB-O4JIPGCl-E4O8sEsDFy4kqb3eKZNVo/s1600-h/PB070119.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-QStktmFqetKLU8iQ5HcgSLSVHtZrgvvf64ZpfAUR4Rvk7JFg8Rw3mPZEHrO93NTByqmJx1for9n_XmJH6hWmJ_de9pTKF8z8Vpm9EnTpEehB-O4JIPGCl-E4O8sEsDFy4kqb3eKZNVo/s320/PB070119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154091361258292658" border="0" /></a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">That same evening I joined them for their Wednesday novena. It was the smallest Catholic mass I have ever attended! There were ten of us all in all, including two priests who both celebrated our small mass. We just gathered around a small table with a cross and some Bibles. I read the First Reading.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlUiVa-6G_0uOflrlc90pKYwhoae3lOdT-3MZjb7Rq6AbKWTD1UOT8jbpEU3Rgj7jHr012xgX8T0tWwhjaAS7K4CSxYqd_Pcc-9bdY6Dv8ItuYADoJYEC1ncAPJaa9on-14R64Lh2GWz8/s1600-h/PB080155.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlUiVa-6G_0uOflrlc90pKYwhoae3lOdT-3MZjb7Rq6AbKWTD1UOT8jbpEU3Rgj7jHr012xgX8T0tWwhjaAS7K4CSxYqd_Pcc-9bdY6Dv8ItuYADoJYEC1ncAPJaa9on-14R64Lh2GWz8/s320/PB080155.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154089707695883666" border="0" /></a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In my conversation with Malou, she told me that she was looking forward to the time that our media would start highlighting Pinoy achievers overseas and stop dwelling on mail order brides and abused domestic helpers. Apparently, the <st1:place st="on">Leuven</st1:place> community has had its shares of Pinoy students and scholars. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“Na <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">sana</st1:place></st1:city> Makita naman nila na hindi lang mukha ng Pinoy ang mail order bride at domestic helper. May iba’t ibang mukha din ang Pinoy sa ibang bansa. Madaming estudyante, pari, doctor – na nag e-excel sa kani-kanilang fields”<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Filipinos in Abroad already form a world and a culture of their own. It is a world with its own language, hierarchy, beliefs and values. Their experiences are so rich and very different from each other – that it is hard to generalize or stereotype them into one mold. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">However, as Pinoys spread out all over the world, I hope they never forget their roots, be not ashamed to be Pinoy, and to always do what is right wherever they may be. This will be a perfect reason for us to celebrate our Filipino brothers and sisters around the world. <b style=""><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></p>Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-48370278542487772842008-01-09T03:56:00.000+01:002008-01-11T09:38:06.877+01:00Flashback Belgium: Meeting ButchokOur family in the <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region></st1:place> is a licensed foster family. For those of you who do not understand this – it’s like being host family to kids who do not have a family until the time that there is a permanent home available to them. By permanent home, this means an adoptive family or when his biological (real birth parents or maybe relatives) family decides to get him or her. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>There are many reasons why a child becomes “homeless” – this can be abandonment intentionally or maybe abandonment by death (orphaned), sickness, prison, etc.. There are also abused kids and kids who are “foundlings” (saddest case where they find kids with absolutely no history) These kids are usually put in orphanages or what we can call “institutional care” – think houses with 20 or more kids with some social workers looking after them. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Foster family care is an alternative way of taking care of these kids. It is temporary care in a real family setting where they have a mom a dad and in some cases, siblings and pets and toys and books they can call their own. But then this is temporary and is very different from adoption. Like I said before foster care is a prelude to adoption (getting the child accustomed to family life while his or her papers are being processed) or a temporary staying place while the real parents are getting their acts together (like deciding whether to keep the baby or not, or while looking for a job, or while recovering from an illness..) </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>This is my mom and dad’s advocacy. They hope to see more families stepping up to the challenge to become volunteer foster families. <span style=""> </span>Our family takes care of one child at a time and they have stayed with us for as short as 3 weeks to 4 years! I guess me having 15 foster brothers and sisters in a period of about 12 years compensates for our lack of family members. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We once took care of a cute little boy named Michael Gabriel or MG or in my term of endearment for him, “Butchok”. I forgot for how long he stayed with us – but he was a darling little boy who was adopted by a couple from <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Belgium</st1:place></st1:country-region> when he was only about a year old in 2005. I was very thankful for the rare chance for me to see him again when UWP was in <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Belgium</st1:country-region></st1:place>! </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>My mom wasted no time getting in touch with MG’s adoptive parents when we found out that I was going to <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Belgium</st1:place></st1:country-region>. The De Turcks (Koen and Marie Therese) were equally thrilled to meet me there. Their first adopted son, Paolo (5 years old) is also a Filipino and was really getting curious about the Philippines – and MG was growing up to be an active little 3 year old. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So I took a one-day leave from UWP (yes, this is allowed – we can apply for a “leave” as long as it is two weeks in advance and all info about our whereabouts are supplied to the staff) and got picked up by the de Turcks. They lived about an hour away (oh but it took them over 2 hours to get to Leuven because of extremely heavy traffic, yes, even in <st1:place st="on">Europe</st1:place>!) </p> <p class="MsoNormal">MG, (or Michael as they called him) was shy at first but gradually turned into a sweet little boy and naturally did not remember me nor speak any English. I was “Hanna from the the Fillipenen” (I don’t even know if I spelled that right) and that “Paolo and Michael are from the Fillepenen too!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We drove back to their hometown and went to Michael’s pre-school. The teacher introduced me to the “all-white” / Caucasian class and through body language and some translation I understood that she was saying that I was a Filipino like Michael. She motioned to my black hair, my dark colored eyes and my tanned skin and how me and Michael were similar. I can see the pride in Michael’s eyes as he showed of his “ate” and the kids’ curiosity as they proceeded to ask their teacher (in rapid Flemish, which is what they call their language – not Belgian!) questions about why their eyes are different from ours. It was such a pretty sight.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLIbspyFs9-Xer936SB7DAeBMhkJgzYVq4GHKd8TIW4PMA8i91Q-0YO3ZCSzzlIH1sLh3Unn5qR9Tku4ETH-CvGkdJBfzupzdOFu4JowHkW6JI7in2BZrlEsN0VW2F5eEn0BWT6hQDNcI/s1600-h/PB060081.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLIbspyFs9-Xer936SB7DAeBMhkJgzYVq4GHKd8TIW4PMA8i91Q-0YO3ZCSzzlIH1sLh3Unn5qR9Tku4ETH-CvGkdJBfzupzdOFu4JowHkW6JI7in2BZrlEsN0VW2F5eEn0BWT6hQDNcI/s320/PB060081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153309260598592882" border="0" /></a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We then picked up Paolo from his school, where the two boys hugged and were so happy to see each other. Obviously Paolo and Michael were “famous” in their schools and everybody just scrambled all over Michael to say hello and touch him and squeeze him. Paolo’s love for his brother was very evident as he announced, “My brother’s here, my brother’s here!” </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At the de Turck’s house, the grandmother was there as she was also very eager to meet me. We could not talk much because of the language barrier but Marie Therese and Koen helped with the translation. It was also very evident that they loved their two Pinoy kids to bits. They showed me a lot of pictures, and even showed me how they kept the boys’ clothes and their old feeding bottles from the <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region></st1:place>.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I was amazed at how they spoke so highly of the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region> and the Filipino people, and how they would love to spend more time here. Koen even told me that if his boys someday would like to go live in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region> and look for their parents, he and Marie Therese would gladly accompany them and live here. They told me that there was a different kind of warmth in our personalities that makes a person feel good. They particularly loved <st1:place st="on">Cebu</st1:place> and have made fishermen friends there when they came 2 years ago to pick up Michael. The family is really saving up now so they can come visit the country by 2009.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsOWdx4d-koht6xupupcI6eew6DDZ2xoPYafXSQkxFVl01tYe3zdLpEh7ojRYJ_sdECbl2P_3WT0-47vbB4xRo5t0n7rBdsYssAXwAD7A2BhzZ8RoH6n6_l9hhuMIDBhUJcT0iA1I2WPT/s1600-h/MG+and+Ate+Hanna.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsOWdx4d-koht6xupupcI6eew6DDZ2xoPYafXSQkxFVl01tYe3zdLpEh7ojRYJ_sdECbl2P_3WT0-47vbB4xRo5t0n7rBdsYssAXwAD7A2BhzZ8RoH6n6_l9hhuMIDBhUJcT0iA1I2WPT/s320/MG+and+Ate+Hanna.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153308173971866978" border="0" /></a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was definitely a visit to remember! In the afternoon, a couple more adopted Filipino kids went to the house for spaghetti and to meet “Hanna from the Fillipenen” – It was a surprise because I saw another one of our foster kids ! Corazon (her name is now Celine and she was also adopted by a Belgian couple.)</p>Contrary to its Philippine image of “kawawa naman” (what a pity / what a sad case) – adopted children are very special children and very loved children. They are so lucky to have these people go to great lengths just to call them their own.<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GR3DZzrY4ms"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GR3DZzrY4ms" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350" width="425"></embed> </object><br /><br />For more information about foster care / adoption and how your family can get involved, leave a comment or email me at hanna.fernando@gmail.com.<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-90896949612377408662008-01-03T01:06:00.000+01:002008-01-04T18:23:45.685+01:00Studio 23 - "Amazing Pinay" (!!?!!) - EDITED<div style="text-align: left;">Aside from the psychological pressure of being home with the cast, I also had to put my best foot forward for media events. For a person who is totally honest that her secret dream is to be a celebrity , I was a nervous wreck during our first press conference at the Tektite Tower in Ortigas as the PR team of Zesto (our main sponsor) introduced me over and over as the "First Filipina Uppie"<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">I was a good spokesperson during my UPLB years. I don't know why - probably due to higher standards of the "real world" , my confidence just faded away when I was already working.I guess that's a different story altogether and something that I should totally overcome. </span><br /><br />Going back, it really took a lot of courage from me to do these media stuff (pwede, pasulatin nyo na lang ako and wala ng interview?) . I had a press briefing from Paul Whitaker and Luis Petzhold (our Asia team) and had a brief pep talk with my cast manager Joern Gutowski and a big hug from castmate Lysan (thanks so much Lysan!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz4yUtR2pItX4x9-s5xOfRSxlbn4_HBUnmZZ-qbUW9DRqkl0ceSa1wr_Ywc0E76uAjb00sEsUWbukVTBRpPWzQ7yDP84f40CQgJpqN-Xkd-OC1EGPlzyp5OgeFwmqYeqVkNR1vhHaLoXw/s1600-h/PB140012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz4yUtR2pItX4x9-s5xOfRSxlbn4_HBUnmZZ-qbUW9DRqkl0ceSa1wr_Ywc0E76uAjb00sEsUWbukVTBRpPWzQ7yDP84f40CQgJpqN-Xkd-OC1EGPlzyp5OgeFwmqYeqVkNR1vhHaLoXw/s320/PB140012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151042664622572882" border="0" /></a><br />It also helped a lot that the Studio 23/ ABS-CBN crew was a fun crew And the best part was when the camera followed Jules and I from Ortigas , to the cab, to the apartment in San Lorenzo.<br /><br /><center><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/b3XKOJSbciQ&rel=1"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/b3XKOJSbciQ&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object></center><br /><br /></div>Property of News Central, Studio 23.<br /><br />It was funny because they featured this back to back with Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez' participation in the Amazing Race Asia. The title of the feature? "Amazing Pinay" :oP<br /><br />Also thanks to Ann (the reporter, I LOVE HER JOB) UWP had good exposure on Studio 23 :-) Watch out for other features in the next updates. Ah, if you want straight news and extraordinary feel good news, watch News Central!Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-36752201366687783092008-01-01T04:35:00.000+01:002008-01-01T06:48:11.484+01:00When the World Visited the Philippine Military Academy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfjOFPkNTekogk_qSAEMJqX4jhNFiFgQFzj7CYh7fldyNCTzDA_toAI1ZsTRAvs4STfkhFovJ5sU0j2odzJdDV7PHrLBCMdXIbDZqfutqa1YFx8Wa3mu63jMgQHD57YfBMANMQyNeLEKE/s1600-h/Mess+Hall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfjOFPkNTekogk_qSAEMJqX4jhNFiFgQFzj7CYh7fldyNCTzDA_toAI1ZsTRAvs4STfkhFovJ5sU0j2odzJdDV7PHrLBCMdXIbDZqfutqa1YFx8Wa3mu63jMgQHD57YfBMANMQyNeLEKE/s320/Mess+Hall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150350126915896562" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-style: italic;">Sorry for the repetitive versions of explaining what UWP is. This was submitted somewhere for publication so there was a need to explain... I tried editing it out but there were snippets of information that I'd like included! I also inserted some personal insights. </span></span><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="">Last December 6-9, 2007, colorful dots appeared amon</span><span style="">g the sea of dress grays during noon and evening mess at the Philippine Military Academy as 70 students representing 19 countries across 5 continents dined and participated in various activities with the Cadets. I have always found life in the PMA very intriguing and it was such an honor getting a glimpse o</span><span style="">f it even for just a short while.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="">Based in <st1:city st="on">Den</st1:city></span><span style=""><st1:city st="on">ver</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Colorado</st1:state> in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">USA</st1:place></st1:country-region>, Up with People is an extraordinary global education and leadership training program which takes young people from different cultures and backgrounds on a life-chan</span><span style="">ging journey around the world. Along the road, we experience different cultures and different ways of life as we undergo extensive training in servant-leadership, global issues, cultural diversity, and the performing arts. Starting with a month-long orientation period in <st1:city st="on">Denver</st1:city>, last July 2007 - we continued on to tour around the <st1:country-region st="on">United States</st1:country-region> (<st1:state st="on">Colorado</st1:state>, <st1:state st="on">Arizona</st1:state>, <st1:state st="on">California</st1:state>, <st1:state st="on">Oregon</st1:state> and <st1:state st="on">Nevada</st1:state>) and Europe (<st1:country-region st="on">Italy</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region st="on">Switzerland</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region st="on">Germany</st1:country-region>, The Netherlands and <st1:country-region st="on">Belgium</st1:country-region>) before reaching <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city> last November 13<sup>th</sup>. <span style=""> </span>In each city or country we visited, we partnered with local organizations and did volunteer work, learned about local culture through living with host families and regional learning, and performed an inspiring musical variety show. Making it a point to visit one developing country in ea</span><span style="">ch semester</span><span style="">, this was the first time that the program visited the Philippines since the 1960’s which made the Manila and Baguio City stops very meaningful for the program and for the participants<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="">While in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Manila</st1:city></st1:place>, Cast B 2007 (as our batch is called) had a very busy schedule taking in the Philippine history and culture. Our corporate sponsor Zesto Corporation, in association with RC Cola – with full support from the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation made sure that the group had an enriching experience.<span style=""> </span>The <st1:place st="on">Manila</st1:place> leg of our tour was culminated by two major shows full of international songs and dances last December 1 and 2 at the Meralco Theater. <o:p></o:p></span></p><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="">Aside from tours around Manila and the Show, the Cast also spent most of o</span><span style="">ur time volunteering for several Philippine non-profit groups such as Gawad Kalinga, Habitat for Humanity, Virlanie Foundation, Kaibigan Ermita Outreach Foundation Inc., Philippine Association for Citizens with Developmental and Learning Di</span><span style="">sabilities Inc., Ortigas Foundation Inc., Assumption School, KYTHE Foundation, E</span><span style="">RDA Tech Foundation, Makabata School Foundation Inc., and the Rotary Clubs in Valenzuela.</span><span style=""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="">Being the only Filipina in the Cast (and possibly the first Filipino to travel with the Up with People program) made me very proud of the good things happening in our country through these organizations. Yes, the UWP visit was in perfect timing with the bombing at Glorietta 2, the bombing at the C</span><span style="">ongress and the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Manila</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Peninsula</st1:placetype></st1:place> stand-off – but all these were overshadowed by the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino. Some of my co-delegates also said that it is in our country that they felt the sense of community the most. That’s the Pinoy conce</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lF4UR04BL51KjcuCMvn67bki07sF41qU8240dtBlBV92xn9PE5vW4tH8vD_CHGdIiFBCQMr_4wUyWqO3X9VX06UJP-SCNmwMx0p7VutpbZfch6SvY7xDZPeHRs_6U0_As_1s8RzMjrZH/s1600-h/PC070184.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lF4UR04BL51KjcuCMvn67bki07sF41qU8240dtBlBV92xn9PE5vW4tH8vD_CHGdIiFBCQMr_4wUyWqO3X9VX06UJP-SCNmwMx0p7VutpbZfch6SvY7xDZPeHRs_6U0_As_1s8RzMjrZH/s200/PC070184.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150350912894911746" border="0" /></a><span style="">pt, “Bayanihan” at work, I guess!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="">It w</span><span style="">as again </span><span style="">an </span><span style="">unexpected warm welcome for us at the Philippine Military Academy (even if most of them thought that we were students </span><span style="">from U.P!) . Here we enjoyed a great (and ver</span><span style="">y wet) soccer game and very interesting indoor activities at the Longayban Hall. It was surprising to enjoy a very child-like game of “Bear, Fish and Mosquito” with the future officers of the AFP! And we were very impressed with </span><span style="">the opinions that you shared with us </span><span style="">during the game “Take a Stand.”<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="">While playing "Take a Stand" Something that made an impact on me was when we asked "Are you ready to go to war for your country?" My natural reaction was to assume that all cadets will stand on the "Yes" side. I was surprised when </span><span style="">a lone cadet stood on the "No" side. Of course his fellow cadets jeered him on for an explanation, to which he shyly answered = that he was here to defend his country but that he strongly believes that problems cannot be solved by war. His response made me think of a General in Mindanao that I met a few years back -- he told me that soldiers are peacemakers and not warlords. War is not the only solution (with this I pray for lasting peace in the country!) In that same game, I also remember saying "No" to "Do you think your country shou</span><span style="">ld be lax about immigrants from another country". My take on this is we Filipinos and the Philippines must concentrate on building our own identities and getting our acts together before inviting everyone to live here. I feel like most Pinoys feel inferior to foreigners and in the process actually become foreign in our own country.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSN8ByopNE2bOKivEZsE5KI_LrYk3SFnSH5Mpfm50vSoZP19Jb-yehyDdMxuREBhtEzm52pZWsNFcSU4Onx0w26yH_xmBWgWVpRrMul3B7dS09j4PxzP76rOyaG_UFbFlly6gtas82nc-/s1600-h/PC070177.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSN8ByopNE2bOKivEZsE5KI_LrYk3SFnSH5Mpfm50vSoZP19Jb-yehyDdMxuREBhtEzm52pZWsNFcSU4Onx0w26yH_xmBWgWVpRrMul3B7dS09j4PxzP76rOyaG_UFbFlly6gtas82nc-/s200/PC070177.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150371945349760306" border="0" /></a><span style=""> Lunches and dinners were made more interesting as we experienced your everyday way of eating and were treated to a special cultural presentation and a Cadet Uniform Fashion</span><span style=""> show. Oh, and we would also never forget the prop</span><span style="">er alignment of utensils, the “third viand”, the symbols for sauces and the “bone plate” and the occasional “social graces” notes that reminded us all on how to eat a banana!</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlpq7G7L1ZDWRtbxdWwNUgw05u2FR-Ht9Js4kE5DOHI1fo4x33a7CN-jkBMpdPdhV6dYeQMw0ZnFSIvZcEFXl2aMMo8eguOlkFpi9quz7CAVQE89GghHGo4uOhmzY6TR9-FX6ZTL4Gu-h/s1600-h/PC080223.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlpq7G7L1ZDWRtbxdWwNUgw05u2FR-Ht9Js4kE5DOHI1fo4x33a7CN-jkBMpdPdhV6dYeQMw0ZnFSIvZcEFXl2aMMo8eguOlkFpi9quz7CAVQE89GghHGo4uOhmzY6TR9-FX6ZTL4Gu-h/s200/PC080223.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150376339101304130" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t202" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="202" path="m,l,21600r21600,l21600,xe"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:path gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t202" style="'position:absolute;"> <v:textbox style="'mso-fit-shape-to-text:t'"> <![if !mso]> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td><![endif]> <div> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="'text-align:right;line-height:normal'"><b style="'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'"><span style="'font-family:">If you want it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="'text-align:right;line-height:normal'"><b style="'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'"><span style="'font-family:">You gotta work for it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="'text-align:right;line-height:normal'"><b style="'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'"><span style="'font-family:">It ain’t easy.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="'text-align:right;line-height:normal'"><b style="'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'"><span style="'font-family:">It’s Up with People.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="'text-align:right;line-height:normal'"><b style="'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'"><span style="'font-family:">It takes passion.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="'text-align:right;line-height:normal'"><b style="'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'"><span style="'font-family:">It takes teamwork.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="'text-align:right;line-height:normal'"><b style="'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'"><span style="'font-family:">It takes motivation.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="'text-align:right;line-height:normal'"><b style="'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'"><span style="'font-family:">It takes dedication.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="'text-align:right;line-height:normal'"><b style="'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'"><span style="'font-family:">Moti-moti, takes a lot of motivation!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="'text-align:right;line-height:normal'"><b style="'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'"><span style="'font-family:">Dedi-dedi, takes a lot of dedication!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="'text-align:right;line-height:normal'"><b style="'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'"><span style="'font-family:">Hooya-hooya-hooya-hey!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="'text-align:right;line-height:normal'"><b style="'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'"><span style="'font-family:">Who’s gonna kick some ass today? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="'text-align:right'"><b style="'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'"><span style="'font-family:">We’re gonna kick some ass today!</span><o:p></o:p></b></p> </div> <![if !mso]></td> </tr> </table> <![endif]></v:textbox> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="">The whole cast also enjoyed the synchronized twists and turns of the PMA Saturday pa</span><span style="">rade and the refreshing Silent Drill performance at the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Burnham</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place> for </span><span style="">the Baguio City Centennial Celebration Kickoff. And to make our PMA immersion more complete, we teamed up with some cadets a</span><span style="">nd did the obstacle course. A few hours and a number of sore muscles later (but happy! I fell on my butt HARD while doing one of the obstacles and it was PAI</span><span style="">NFUL... I was wondering if my spine was still aligned even after 2 days) , Home Team # 2 won the relay with a time of 5 minutes and 4 seconds to brag about. </span><span style=""> <span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="">Saying goodbye to PMA on the very last day was like saying goodby</span><span style="">e to a host family! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="">Up with People’s Cast B would like to thank the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region>, Lt. Candelaria, Col. Perfecto and Gen. Maligalig for welcoming us so warmly and sharing with us four days of your very busy lives. We certainly learned a lot and we greatly appreciate it! What better way to end our 6-month tour but with an interaction with other promising young leaders that was so differen</span><span style="">t from us? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="">The laid-back and flexible lifestyle of the UWP program was such a contrast against the rigid training environment of the Academy. And that is what Up with People is all about – looking beyond </span><span style="">the differences to spread the message of peace and understanding. Because deep inside each person – be it a UWP student or a PMA cadet, is the goal of making the world a better place to live in. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="">Being a leader requires a lot of guts and commitment. I guess this is the similarity between Up with People and the PMA.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigA_5K6cYDniFmfBwOVUB-urXCmQyk7MWuNGhbAArNURvMGXCu4BR_HkrGWUfUcM-j6NYRcIpqG_tJSY285XcQX44gmkbWPgbIIr6AZNo5ZaS2GRw3dBww-FqUKv9VCgqFp9clHxN2cZO0/s1600-h/pma+salute.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigA_5K6cYDniFmfBwOVUB-urXCmQyk7MWuNGhbAArNURvMGXCu4BR_HkrGWUfUcM-j6NYRcIpqG_tJSY285XcQX44gmkbWPgbIIr6AZNo5ZaS2GRw3dBww-FqUKv9VCgqFp9clHxN2cZO0/s320/pma+salute.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150351509895365906" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" ><span>Spending time in the PMA and doing what they did (sort of) was a very cool experience for me. I saw (sort of, maybe not even near the vicinity of pero pwede na din..) what my husband and a lot of my friends went through everyday while in the Academy. As I skipped one obstacle after another in the O-course (I admit that I can be a scared girly-girl most of the time!) my f</span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" ><span>riend Alex (a first class cadet at the PMA) told me that I had to do it so I'd know what they go through. I told him that they do not need to make me go through the course to gain my respect - they have already gained my respect a long, long time ago :-)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">By the way, my Home Team #7, Semiah Jr. finished 3rd place in the obstacle course. 5 minutes and 13 seconds.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></p><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoQOvUvOBKa2wjv3fDvbQP7-LiG1aEuWhMgqVZTTGdYfJSnPVCFq0O8jUFLbpVA61KY3Px0gXG5QQ6p2SAjGYO9XhZKQXl5S16OlSccSDJ1VpvLuygeuJSBYAtVUH2L5F5A9cDlY-NbFs/s1600-h/Group+Shot.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoQOvUvOBKa2wjv3fDvbQP7-LiG1aEuWhMgqVZTTGdYfJSnPVCFq0O8jUFLbpVA61KY3Px0gXG5QQ6p2SAjGYO9XhZKQXl5S16OlSccSDJ1VpvLuygeuJSBYAtVUH2L5F5A9cDlY-NbFs/s320/Group+Shot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150360095534990626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-style: italic;">and here's another treat for you ...<br /><br /><center><object height="350" width="425"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sUx6LVuCvM8"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sUx6LVuCvM8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350" width="425"></embed> </object></center><br /><br /></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"></p>Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-29213681107641077452007-12-17T05:50:00.000+01:002007-12-17T05:58:09.751+01:00All Fired Up to Make a DifferenceThis was published by Manila Times yesterday. I wasn't able to get a copy of the paper -- but probably Internet is good enough! (Nothing beats newsprint tho!) I pasted the article here but here is the link as well:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/dec/16/yehey/weekend/20071216week3.html">http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/dec/16/yehey/weekend/20071216week3.html</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4-ccRmfWkahiy2P-wxPaWfgjC679hPlUsyIT39gdWOyviLxO6rdNGMuBiyNpj6itYn90Y0S-M6URE3-aQFA6q6BNy_63YGVnAsKyLpwmhwd_N9pW942Mt8pFHYNwyVqoJtAEG90Qo0UB/s1600-h/PB280200.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4-ccRmfWkahiy2P-wxPaWfgjC679hPlUsyIT39gdWOyviLxO6rdNGMuBiyNpj6itYn90Y0S-M6URE3-aQFA6q6BNy_63YGVnAsKyLpwmhwd_N9pW942Mt8pFHYNwyVqoJtAEG90Qo0UB/s320/PB280200.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144801488730965218" border="0" /></a><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td height="10" width="100%"><p class="bodytext">“IN all the places that we’ve been to during this tour, it is here in the Philippines that I was able to feel the strongest sense of community, of helping each other out. I think that the concept of your Bayanihan is truly amazing,” so said Marita Mecke from Germany, one of the 70 new friends that I gained while traveling with the global education program Up with People.<o:p></o:p> </p> <p class="bodytext">Hearing that from Marita was like music to my ears and my heart burst with pride. Bayanihan—the Filipino concept of working together for a common goal (usually symbolized by a photo of people carrying a house to a new location) indeed is still very much alive up to this day. <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="bodytext" style="line-height: normal;">For five months starting July, our group has traveled across the United States, stopping in Colorado, Arizona, California, Washington State and Nevada. We then visited European cities in Italy, Switzerland, Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium. The last month of this great adventure was spent in the Philippines. For most of the members of the group, this is the very first time that they have looked at poverty straight in the eye. It has been a shock for a lot of delegates—but most interesting for them was the warmth and steadfastness that the Filipino people exuded and the ability to still smile amid all the crises plaguing our country. <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="bodytext">Through a comprehensive tour around Ayala Museum through the Ayala Foundation Inc. and Intramuros through the Department of Tourism, we were given a very informative walk through Philippine history. We also visited the Gawad Kalinga Baseco community in Tondo where we learned of inspiring stories about people working together to make a difference in the lives of others.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="bodytext">Our tour isn’t that type where we fly into a city, take a lot of pictures, buy souvenirs, and then say goodbye. Every destination was an intense, hands-on cultural immersion and educational experience. In every city that we visited, we learn about culture, history and current issues. We live with host families to experience life in its most real state. We perform community service with local nonprofit organizations and also stage a show that aims to spread messages of love, hope and peace in diversity. Throughout all these, we discuss about leadership, multicultural issues, listening and communication skills and respect for people and the environment. We were always tested on flexibility, patience and were constantly taught lessons on humility and acceptance. <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="bodytext">After months of traveling with Up With People, it is only now that I am experiencing a stronger love and sense of pride for my country. My reaffirmed love for the Philippines did not come from my being homesick but for a strong urge to come back and serve my country again after hours of volunteering abroad. It came from knowing that we have hardworking kababayans abroad who are proud of our roots and are still planning to return to their homeland someday. <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="bodytext">Here in Manila, the Up with People students are doing volunteer work every day for 13 days with local nonprofit organizations such as Gawad Kalinga, Habitat for Humanity, Virlanie Foundation, Kaibigan Ermita Outreach Foundation Inc., Philippine Association for Citizens with Developmental and Learning Disabilities Inc., Ortigas Foundation Inc., Assumption School, KYTHE, ERDA Tech Foundation, Makabata School Foundation Inc., and the Rotary Clubs in Valenzuela. Every day, the group is working alongside community members, other volunteers and organization staff members. <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="bodytext">Seventy students from 19 countries make up the Up with People students. The past semester seemed like I was living within a microcosm of the world—and the program showed me that underneath all these differences, we all have a common goal and desire for a better life and future for all. The whole experience made me believe in the power of one person, whoever you are, wherever you are—to make a difference in another person’s life. Now that I am back in my country and the tour is about to end, I am all fired up and ready to make a difference in my country. I am proud to be a Filipino and I hope someday, the Filipinos will be proud of me, too. <o:p> </o:p> </p> <p class="bodytext">For more information about Up with People please visit www.upwithpeople.org.<img src="http://www.manilatimes.net/images2/etc/dot.gif" border="0" height="7" width="8" /> </p></td> </tr> <tr> <td height="10" width="100%"> <br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-83375251867661964392007-12-12T11:29:00.000+01:002007-12-12T11:38:09.111+01:00Manila (ila-ila-ila)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvM081lPsv4n_Ofr3C8sFj7Omz6AOpyyHR5r99296AxqUZG4sP5GKdQmYk-PpkL2mROpBrb3TMnIGYcqO6QYuntgUxS-VaCPncv1m9GOvN73exqj26_REV4qE8urkAlhU0sLhBqxTg7PB/s1600-h/PB170050.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvM081lPsv4n_Ofr3C8sFj7Omz6AOpyyHR5r99296AxqUZG4sP5GKdQmYk-PpkL2mROpBrb3TMnIGYcqO6QYuntgUxS-VaCPncv1m9GOvN73exqj26_REV4qE8urkAlhU0sLhBqxTg7PB/s320/PB170050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143033548712680754" border="0" /></a><br /><o:p></o:p>(The cast seems to get a kick out of singing Manila-ila-ila to the tune of Umbrella-ella –ella , which I believe was fitting for one of the experiences we had here!) <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Believe it or not, I have not ridden so many cabs in a week before UWP is in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Manila</st1:city></st1:place>. Nor have I tackled rush hour traffic in a Philippine jeepney (a jeepney or jeep or “dyip” is a modified US-Army design jeep that is the primary mode of public transportation in the <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region></st1:place> .. an example of Filipino ingenuity!). In my normal life in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region>, I avoid these modes of public transport. I either find someone to take me, or just go to places accessible by bus or by walking.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Yep, that’s right – I am not a city girl. I lived most of my “matured” life in UP Los Banos. I worked in the Makati Central Business District and made myself familiar with the route from the mall bus stop to my office, and back. Beyond <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Makati</st1:place></st1:city>, I am in nervous shambles. I get tears in my eyes whenever I imagine myself living in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Quezon City</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Honestly, taxi cabs for me are scary and jeepney routes are way too confusing. I am geographically-challenged.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">But if I can handle public transportation in <st1:city st="on">Denver</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Berlin</st1:state> and in <st1:city st="on">Milan</st1:city> – I should be able to conquer my fear of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city>. And that is how Up with People is squeezing me out of my comfort zone even in my own country. It is about time that I face the city !!!<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As I said before, Internet access in my apartment has been erratic (I don’t even know when I will be able to post this…) so if this gets posted way after the cast left already, I am so sorry!<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city> decided to welcome the cast with torrents of rain. My CI site was located in a part of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Makati</st1:place></st1:city> where a few sprinkles of rain floods the streets. Lo and behold, during my first day of CI, the cab decided to drop us off at a street corner and we had to ride a tricycle to the main office of Virlanie Foundation. I was assigned at this CI site with Jules (Uganda), Patrick (USA), Lysan (Germany), Christine (Austria), Jessica (USA), Whitney (Panama), Vanessa (USA) and Mallory (USA). Imagine my horror when we had to walk through knee-deep murky water to get to our respective houses! I was not to grossed out by it, but the thought of having my co-UWP students brave this on our first day!<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">What a cultural experience!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Unlike in the <st1:country-region st="on">USA</st1:country-region> and Europe, where the Cast saw each other everyday – <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city> is treating us differently. We see each other (if we are lucky) only twice a week. And luckily the Cast activities are scheduled at the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Assumption</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">College</st1:placetype></st1:place> which is only about two blocks away from my apartment (but Jules said, it’s far!)<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Not seeing each other everyday was a bit hard, especially added to the drastic change in our cultural environment. I cannot help but feel bad and sorry for the people who cannot seem to adjust to the crazy <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city> / Philippine environment. The traffic, the air and noise pollution, the language – the “balde” (a bucket filled with bath water) and “tabo” (a <span style=""> </span>smaller “scooper” used to get water from the “balde” that you use to pour over your body to take a bath) , the lack of hot showers, and when available – the outrageous number of househelp in the homes of host families.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It is hard to face the negative feedback and negative feeling around the Cast. But I know that this will only get better as we move along.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Manila</st1:city></st1:place>, by far, will definitely be the cast’s most memorable moment. The ultimate O.S* moment ….<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p style="font-style: italic;"></o:p><span style="font-style: italic;">(O.S defined – “Oh Sh*t” moments are moments in our lives that scare and surprise us. But as we go through it, it makes as stronger, braver and more learned. This came from a speech by Mr Steve Farber during our </span><st1:city style="font-style: italic;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">Denver</st1:place></st1:city><span style=";font-family:";font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"> orientation. I absolutely love the concept.)</span> </span></span></p>Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-85317053589372057902007-11-21T08:31:00.000+01:002007-11-21T08:50:00.263+01:00Somewhat Like HomeI am home. The sights, the sounds, the smells of my Manila.<br /><br />But it totally doesn't feel like home. Because the cast is here and they are still my life every minute of the day. It really feels weird to be home but totally thrown off your regular routine.<br /><br />It is also only this time that I feel a sense of loss of my long-time job at Ayala Foundation. Remember, I was still working two days before I left for Denver last July. Oh well, opportunities will come, I guess (I hope! :-)<br /><br />These past few weeks have been crazy. It has been an emotional roller coaster!<br /><br />The cast is here, the cast is about to leave soon.<br />My friends and family are here, but I haven't really had the time to see them.<br />There is so much to do in the Philippines ... and I hope a lot more people will step up to this challenge.<br />Feeling less engaged in cast activities.<br />Hearing the cast's opinions on the Philippines and the Filipino people - some of them negative, some of them positive.<br />I've been on TV, the radio, and the newspaper.<br />I think I've accomplished a lot of things in my "secret wish list" like presenting infront of an international audience, volunteering internationally and being featured on TV.<br /><br />Whew. Intense. Mixed feelings.<br /><br />Here's another article for you! This was published in today's paper. <a href="http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/you/2bu/view_article.php?article_id=102125">http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/you/2bu/view_article.php?article_id=102125.</a>Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-63801054317509804662007-11-17T01:02:00.000+01:002007-11-17T01:07:25.313+01:00Student :slash: Host MomYes, we are in Manila.<br /><br />Crazy being home with the cast. It seems like half of me is in the real world and half of me is in a dreamlike state.<br /><br />I stay in my apartment in the middle of the Central Business District, and currently hosting Jules from Uganda. Other uppies have a ton of househelp at home and me and Jules are highly independent women (that's putting it nicely.. this means we wake up early in the morning to prepare our breakfast and come home exhausted to still frozen dinners)<br /><br />It's taking the phrase "step out of your comfort zone" to the next level.<br /><br />With full days, heavy traffic, grocery shopping, media worries (!!!), bad internet connection -- I hope I get to update my blog soon.<br /><br />love, hannaHannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-89555750394024306932007-11-11T13:19:00.000+01:002007-11-11T13:21:47.589+01:00Global Pinoy: "Living a Dream with UWP"Check out this article :-)<br /><br /><a href="http://globalnation.inquirer.net/philippineexplorer/philippineexplorer/view_article.php?article_id=99643" target="_blank">http://globalnation.inquirer<wbr>.net/philippineexplorer<wbr>/philippineexplorer/view<wbr>_article.php?article_id=99643</a>Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-82300647156131797872007-11-11T10:20:00.000+01:002007-11-11T10:32:46.909+01:00Mahal ko ang Pilipinas (I love the Philippines!)After a very smooth flight from Brussels-to-Frankfurt-to-China-to-Manila (there's a story in between but I'll post that as soon as I get my laptop to connect to the Internet -- ah yes I am typing this from our old Desktop PC in Binan, Laguna) I felt like I haven't even been gone for the past few months.<br /><br />Yes, Philippines still feels like home and the hot and humid weather was more of a welcome comfort for me than an annoyance that I expected.<br /><br />It was funny to struggle a bit with the I-don't-know-why-they-constructed-it-that-way arrival lane at the NAIA (have you ever been there? It's quite impossible to navigate a heavy trolley down there alone, it is sloped downwards and has a sharp curve that is also still sloped. It was kind of funny) but I was way too excited to care. After hugging my husband tearfully , it was also great to met Luis Petzhold, the fun UWP Community Relations Coordinator here in Manila.<br /><br />My first craving was a Regular Yum with Cheese at Jollibee (it's a cheeseburger , and Jollibee is a Filipino fastfood chain) . Mmm.<br /><br />I feel like the whole 4 months of UWP was just a dream and far far away, but the cast is arriving here in Manila on Tuesday and I just can't believe it! It will feel so weird to have them "invade" my Pinoy lifestyle. I am honestly afraid of the responsibility that I have for my country and UWP now..<br /><br />But I have a very good feeling that they will love our country. Where else can you get warmth and hospitality AND the English language spoken everywhere? Here, we can get Italian pasta, Danish cookies, Japanese food, German franks, American fatty food, European fashion, pretty girls, great beer. All the best of life while still keeping in touch with the reality of it as well.<br /><br />Saan ka pa?Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-73000171856380678672007-11-08T14:43:00.000+01:002007-11-08T15:00:05.758+01:00Kita-Kita Tayo sa Pinas!Last show day in Europe today! And I am currently in the Staff Workroom nervously waiting for my time to go to the train station and on to the airport to fly home.<br /><br />Yes, I won't be in the last show in Europe :-( and the cast will be going to the EU Parliament in Brussels tomorrow (something that I was looking forward to when I heard "Europe" when I applied for UWP) . This is also the first time since Tucson, Arizona that the cast will be complete onstage! Ah, but they're not complete now because I won't be there.<br /><br />But going home first will be cool too, I guess!<br /><br />I have a lot of stories to tell about Leuven (which, by the way is a very cool University town!) like the old buildings, the nice stores, the waffles, the churches, the very touching BTS we had, the amazing CI, and the Filipino students I met...<br /><br />.. But those stories would have to wait. The next time I get to be online I would probably be in my normal "pambahay" clothes in Binan, Laguna or the very hot and humid Apt 9 in San Lorenzo in Makati. Am excited.<br /><br />I would LOVE to have a stick of Banana-Cue when I get home.Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-62673138446263120252007-11-03T22:06:00.000+01:002007-11-03T23:10:31.461+01:00In Up With People Land...Dronten Week was Immigration Week. Immigration is a big issue in the Netherlands and we learned about it a lot from our intensive education sessions and activities. For me, it was one of the busiest, most interesting, most intellectually-challenging, discussion-heaviest week of all.<br /><br />One part of it was the Up With People Land game which simulated a country with immigration issues. Upon our arrival in Dronten, each cast member was issued a "Passport" which stated our citizenship/migrant status. There were Citizens, Migrant Workers, Legal Aliens and Illegal Aliens. The paperwork also had information about our "personal life" and the role we had to play in the game. There were business owners, employers and employees, asylum seekers, refugees, students, and unemployed people. We had the Justices of Peace who can perform marriages, and the Border Patrol Officers who had the authority to inspect passports. We had education background information and also the types of housing we have: whether we own it, rent it, or if we were homeless.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahHqCB98S0UcvFjvprryeeptWySSlTkOLSoDVu97BzPgpY-SF2BbumLep4MxCR5v0T06oOUORcLvQ0ZVwkYW2RjYEGjWOdYxxYGXcugOpKNLuMW7i0AEJOV9R5NML6UK5A2drXYAOr6RB/s1600-h/Passport.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahHqCB98S0UcvFjvprryeeptWySSlTkOLSoDVu97BzPgpY-SF2BbumLep4MxCR5v0T06oOUORcLvQ0ZVwkYW2RjYEGjWOdYxxYGXcugOpKNLuMW7i0AEJOV9R5NML6UK5A2drXYAOr6RB/s400/Passport.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128729960252107938" border="0" /></a><br />The game lasted for the whole week and we would role play throughout the day, which included priority rights for Legal Citzens. At the beginning of the week I was issued a Citizen passport ( I was so relieved!) unemployed, with a College education. I was also renting a room with Clara.<br /><br />At the end of the week, I was able to get a job!<br /><br />It was really a cool role playing game, that made us learn about the country and human side of immigration. We learned how it was to be robbed of our citizenships (better keep an eye on your passports!) , and to gain better insight on the plight of migrant workers, illegal immigrants, and refugees.<br /><br />Another part of our Immigration Week was working with Dutch high school students to come up with 5 workable and realistic laws within a new Immigration policy. We had two days of guest speakers on Immigration plus trips to the Mosque and the Refugee Center to learn all that we can, and then we were split into groups to create the policies.<br /><br />Oh, I had such a headache thinking about the policies, and it was so HARD. It had to be humane , but not too lenient, and had to be realistic enough to work in a country (meaning; no magical fast processing of papers or a totally free country who accepts people with no questions asked). What also made it harder was the diversity of the group and all the different opinions on immigration. It was great hearing thoughts from people from rich countries vs people from poorer countries.<br /><br />Each group presented their policies to a panel of judges - some staff members plus some Dutch immigration experts, who were to decide which set of new laws were both ideal and applicable to a real country.<br /><br />The headache was worth it. :-) Our group won!Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-18375400461045906772007-10-31T18:53:00.001+01:002007-10-31T19:08:01.658+01:00In Dronten ...Yes, I am in the Netherlands!<br /><br />I am hating myself for not being "too into"the cast this week. Maybe I am stil adjusting from being away for so long OR I am just busy thinking about going home soon. It might be a mixture of both. Plus, maybe about the fact that I feel like I am missing SO much of Belgium (even if it is just 2 days...) which is going to be BIG for the cast AND for Up With People.<br /><br />I missed USA Closing because of Admissions Team and now I am missing Europe Closing too :-( -- ahh I hope my early trip to the Philippines will be worth it for the Cast and UWP!<br /><br />I will tell you more about Dronten in the coming days.. for now, I will leave you with the following information:<br /><br />1. I ride a bike AGAIN here. It takes around 30 minutes to and 30 minutes back everyday.<br />2. My family is a military family with 3 teenage kids.<br />3. Joke the dance captain is my roommate<br />4. We have a HUGE dog that barks so loud (and I am alone with him right now)<br /><br />See you all soon!Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-51344248318646618382007-10-28T01:13:00.000+02:002007-10-28T19:21:12.058+01:00Show Day!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhins4_DNvK8-Cnu8S6fqlcy2PTiaBU0iZu72bWpd4lSCnVIfq-E_fGRa8badWqkNyi495HS-_cjf6A5g9ubP030sml6hHp-rVx1WMShih3qlkQA9lqIGGL1Zn-JPC8dFoLe7Ky2ra5NIAu/s1600-h/PA280196.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhins4_DNvK8-Cnu8S6fqlcy2PTiaBU0iZu72bWpd4lSCnVIfq-E_fGRa8badWqkNyi495HS-_cjf6A5g9ubP030sml6hHp-rVx1WMShih3qlkQA9lqIGGL1Zn-JPC8dFoLe7Ky2ra5NIAu/s320/PA280196.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126453142253923426" border="0" /></a>It is almost 1 am here, but body clock is 2 am already. My side of the world just adjusted to Daylight Saving Time and saved 1 hour. However, I can sleep in tomorrow!<br /><br />It was Show Day today (err yesterday? whatever -- October 27 basta) and this also means that this is my last day as Advance Team member (oh, maybe except for Host drop-off on Monday) I am so excited to join the cast again -- because it really feels so weird to be away from them, especially for 3 weeks. Everything happens so quickly and one misses so many things.<br /><br />It was Tuesday of this week that we found out that only 20 tickets were sold. Lo and behold, the Uckerseehalle had 1,000 happy audience tonight! We really owe it ( I believe) to the team who did the dance workshop Community Impact because i feel that they really made a big impact to the students. Enough impact that the excitement will be talked about even after we've gone from Prenzlau. I was talking to the Europe Tour Manager, Frank Liffers and he said that Cast B's presence in Prenzlau was very important because of future sponsorships and long term partnerships. And the sponsors were happy with what they saw on show day! Woo hoo!<br /><br />Aside from the"normal show" new stuff and surprises made it more fun. The cast had a German song (I am thankful that I did not have to learn it, but it was so cool onstage) - then some local Prenzlau students also shared their talents! Like many other shows, local youth participated in our Stomp! number. They took a step further and shared a breakdance exhibition + an original German Rap Song written especially for Up With People. It was so cool. That's not all -- a Polish dance group also performed a lively dance number.<br /><br />It was amazing! Because getting the whole community involved is what Up With People is all about. Diversity and participation was really evident on stage. And the sight of the hip hop dancers and break dancers jamming with 60's music was also really fun to watch!<br /><br />This was my first time to watch the show and I really liked it. The message of Peace, Unity, Respect, Community Building rang out through the music without being pushy or "preachy"<br /><br />Now that Advance Work is over, it feels weird that I am saying goodbye to Prenzlau where things have become so familiar to me after 3 weeks of exploring its tiny streets. I know that I might never see this place again, and that makes me feel so sad. My host family, Klemens ( the best driver, picture taker, tree climber, cheese cutter in all of the world) and Brunhilde are amazing people!<br /><br />Well, who knows? Maybe someday I'll get to visit again.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7UAQR88SoyqxUTW4tQtCE51a2BH72I6GNP8VpfCym18zvVu2Okx11lr7KDyWPa3gvpx60yZJVSy2arQ6HFgALlBsL0jhC8obmkoGQKn-k0lLvdI69mgjJoR6rEU5qXSDZ88U7f2UffVz/s1600-h/PA260113.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7UAQR88SoyqxUTW4tQtCE51a2BH72I6GNP8VpfCym18zvVu2Okx11lr7KDyWPa3gvpx60yZJVSy2arQ6HFgALlBsL0jhC8obmkoGQKn-k0lLvdI69mgjJoR6rEU5qXSDZ88U7f2UffVz/s320/PA260113.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126450518028905506" border="0" /></a>We got unlimited ice cream from a local ice cream company. :-) It felt like AYLC all over again. Here I am with Frank Liffers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNYpJdolc1fuMxia99BF4F56w2OxKH2AusZRUqk_pkLd4w3LXP57wR_Vwq5wCQvkL5r1tDUKSH_Tri5hxwAeCWNy27xQLadOPqVBSoO4T26Qwq1B-6yU4H7kCE7Bb69kjzk59Oup1sAOF/s1600-h/PA280181.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNYpJdolc1fuMxia99BF4F56w2OxKH2AusZRUqk_pkLd4w3LXP57wR_Vwq5wCQvkL5r1tDUKSH_Tri5hxwAeCWNy27xQLadOPqVBSoO4T26Qwq1B-6yU4H7kCE7Bb69kjzk59Oup1sAOF/s320/PA280181.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126451080669621298" border="0" /></a><br />Host family! Klemens, Brunhilde and their daughter Judith who drove from Berlin. Birte is the one infront.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRCRn7H3eJUCeBboLqWjCx5GokwJISAdOX5gcW03mlhI5MHkodzurL4-j4dPojLQsdRs7K5gY4rz-03W1Oho4Q6dssqCGm48GTCKqIt3dV3Xg47nXEcVCmL8BPf-mfVBBR2kjfC06Oj-n/s1600-h/PA280185.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRCRn7H3eJUCeBboLqWjCx5GokwJISAdOX5gcW03mlhI5MHkodzurL4-j4dPojLQsdRs7K5gY4rz-03W1Oho4Q6dssqCGm48GTCKqIt3dV3Xg47nXEcVCmL8BPf-mfVBBR2kjfC06Oj-n/s320/PA280185.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126451583180794946" border="0" /></a>With Dr. Blohm. He is a city representative and we worked a lot with him. Without him, all of it wouldn't be possible. He was so cool and helpful (despite the language barrier)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrhM9IrEcadCmLQe0GcVUuJpFrChOx5XnETwPHplYVnWXiPuAqfaZgZnxV3hUyQvR4fqyuE6y6SvdBHqp41mQ_pr6jxCasXrc-ZEU5kNT-xmSeS3Rdbf16bV2Qlw3AbOKX3o5p5QDQ4Fr/s1600-h/PA280184.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrhM9IrEcadCmLQe0GcVUuJpFrChOx5XnETwPHplYVnWXiPuAqfaZgZnxV3hUyQvR4fqyuE6y6SvdBHqp41mQ_pr6jxCasXrc-ZEU5kNT-xmSeS3Rdbf16bV2Qlw3AbOKX3o5p5QDQ4Fr/s320/PA280184.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126452472239025234" border="0" /></a>The Seefeldts! Our pseudo-host family who gave us late night rides home. They were the host family of Rasmus and Jeremy.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgri5TOrFKEBNXxWzQ0FoL5SF5nk2vUlftuqJc1qvWYMMQNDTp7XVh93akpod-zV4Pr2WqZRFM-NnTskpbjGWp4S9jrq1_mjo6qcwsA1BRoXgHwAoBGf3OHEq4VVh5jta-6x9jAqX2njjt0/s1600-h/PA280165.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgri5TOrFKEBNXxWzQ0FoL5SF5nk2vUlftuqJc1qvWYMMQNDTp7XVh93akpod-zV4Pr2WqZRFM-NnTskpbjGWp4S9jrq1_mjo6qcwsA1BRoXgHwAoBGf3OHEq4VVh5jta-6x9jAqX2njjt0/s320/PA280165.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126453485851307122" border="0" /></a>Katie is now the only original child wrangler onstage. In tonight's show, she took my old place.. (the spot near the soloist) and it was so cute! Hehe, I wonder if I'll get my child wrangling job back?<br /><br />Cheers to Prenzlau and Up With People ! Let it be known that I will be home in less than 2 weeks!Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1192783091249282442.post-14008124110116468232007-10-22T08:46:00.000+02:002007-10-22T13:38:30.496+02:00The Cast is Coming!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ObDu05basYhH5g76ppBHB8kiENf7B420eygDxgiJkRE39PK5UgOveSJh8wWv1X-8yLwFVg0fNiwCoS2IywdGTzrvHFlG1ggUTzzSf_ExWFRsvYippkPV8Jr3ssj7i90zHqvuk1APqCiT/s1600-h/PA220084.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ObDu05basYhH5g76ppBHB8kiENf7B420eygDxgiJkRE39PK5UgOveSJh8wWv1X-8yLwFVg0fNiwCoS2IywdGTzrvHFlG1ggUTzzSf_ExWFRsvYippkPV8Jr3ssj7i90zHqvuk1APqCiT/s320/PA220084.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124056458963770098" border="0" /></a><br />On this cold... cold.. day.<br /><br />Yup, they are finally coming tonight ! I am not happy with the cold weather - my bike seat is frozen, the grass is frozen, my fingers are frozen. Sigh. And it's not getting any warmer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7Xle24kMQOhFzvLAwS2OMFA4IdAX0bIWhMZCF3ggBAQFu-xfFc7EyfeE11pXRNRJwcbYVn5jqTiRzlInmis33YnNb0rpKcUwlp8WfgtAsij-TMjTLb4cDFPv5N-2KpPWjiVgto4mtyxW/s1600-h/PA220089.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7Xle24kMQOhFzvLAwS2OMFA4IdAX0bIWhMZCF3ggBAQFu-xfFc7EyfeE11pXRNRJwcbYVn5jqTiRzlInmis33YnNb0rpKcUwlp8WfgtAsij-TMjTLb4cDFPv5N-2KpPWjiVgto4mtyxW/s320/PA220089.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124056635057429250" border="0" /></a>Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038507515888585386noreply@blogger.com0