2024 Philippines Outreach
Written by Caleb Cheha Paik
We, the members of Ecosave Club, have been helping those in need in the Philippines in collaboration with Open Hands for many years. The year of 2024 was no different. With new helping hands, we were prepared to serve more than ever. On 3/29/2024, Ecosave traveled to the Philippines to begin their service endeavor.
Arriving at the Philippines in the morning, we prepared to travel to the remote town of Tanza 1 right away. Upon arrival, we were greeted with smiles upon smiles by the residents of the town. We began the opening ceremony, which included the introduction of each member of Ecosave, the background information on Ecosave, and the plans for the first day. After the introduction, each member of Ecosave had the opportunity to perform what they had prepared beforehand. Caleb Paik peformed Love Theme Cinema Paradiso and Nella Fantasia with his Alto Saxophone. Eric Choo performed Autumn Leaves with his Trombone. Elliott Lee and Brigitta Hong sang multiple songs. Finally, Aden Choo and Rebekah Lee performed numerous pieces on the violin. While the chosen songs might have been unfamiliar to the residents of Tanza 1, this event introduced the culture of music and musical instruments. By performing with these instruments, we were able to show the residents of Tanza 1, being musically confined, that hundreds of different instruments exist, and that beautiful, harmonic sounds were capable. Furthermore, we sang "A Miillion Dreams" in unison and danced to K-Pop, with some of the children of Tanza 1 joining.
After the performances, we were able to briefly visit the Little Hands Learning Center that was funded by our donations. This day care center provided education, protection, and a home to the children of Tanza 1. We were able to post the sign of the center, marking it a place of communion, safety, and family.
On the second and final day of the Philippines Outreach, we traveled back to the town of Tanza 1 to continue our service. We began by providing snacks and other essentials to each family in the town. Families received vitamin snacks, and other necessities such as rice and water. We made sure no one left without anything in their hands.
Next, we took a tour around the town and realized the devasting condition it was in. Despite this, the residents of the town seemed to be always optimistic, hoping for a change. This optimism boosted our morals, igniting our dedication to serve even harder
After the tour, we went to the day care center and began educating the children on art and music. The children were able to express their thoughts artistically and learned about different musical instruments, from the glockenspiel to the tambourine. They were able to play numerous instruments and got to experience first-hand something they have never done before. After a long day of work, we took numerous pictures with the children of Tanza 1 to mark the special day. Residents were able to keep these photographs, allowing them to treasure the event as a day of commemoration, community, and hope.
This is what maintains the lives of the residents of Tanza 1: hope. With hope, they are continously optimistic, looking forward to change. And this change can only be granted when we, those who eat multiple times a day; those who have a closet full of clothes; and those who are blessed with a clean home, act to serve and provide for those who are in paucity. So, let's unite and serve to make a change.
