Arrival in Manila and Visits to the Temples
We arrived in Manila Thursday after a long series of flights. Our first stop was the Manila Temple, a beautiful place with striking spires and meticulously maintained grounds. It was a great way to start our journey. That night, we stayed at the home of the Area Coordinator’s daughter in Manila before boarding a bus to Urdaneta the next morning. The four-hour bus ride brought us to the newly built Urdaneta Temple, another stunning sight.
Assembling Hygiene Kits for Children
That afternoon we went shopping for hygiene kit supplies for children in the program. Each kit included a washcloth, soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and small surprises from Bountiful. Afterward, we stayed at the regional coordinator’s home, Dina, and assembled the kits into baggies. Exhausted from the day, we quickly went to bed after dinner. Four of us shared a room attached to a kitchen and bath. The cold showers were surprisingly refreshing in the 80-degree weather. Morning brought the sound of roosters crowing and the beauty of the rising sun. Meals consisted of white rice, milkfish, tropical fruits, and delicious chicken and pork dishes.
Community Screening in Malimpec
Saturday
Our first community visit was Malimpec, a rural area about five hours south of Manila. The drive was scenic, with lush palm trees, rice fields, skinny white cows, and goats grazing along the roads. Upon arrival, we were greeted by curious children who followed us around, eager to talk with us. We participated in a community screening with Alta, the coordinator, and her assistant Grace. Many new families brought their children, and most were found to be malnourished, qualifying them to receive monthly supplements to support their development.
Meeting Smith’s Family
One child we met was Ayeshabelle, a three-year-old who sat with her seven-year-old brother, Smith, at the church building. Their father brought them as their mother was working at a local hardware store. After the screening, Smith proudly drove us in their golf cart to their home, which they shared with their grandparents. The compound was simple, with cement walls, tin roofs, and a shared water pump. Despite their modest living conditions, the family expressed deep gratitude for the support from Bountiful.
Coordinator Training and a Memorable Bamboo Statue
Later, we traveled to Calasiao for a coordinator training session. We experienced the thrill of riding a tricycle, a motorcycle with a passenger carrier, through intense traffic with no stop lights or signs. Nine coordinators attended the training, with one traveling two hours to join. The session was a mix of idea-sharing, a meal, dancing, and camaraderie as we worked towards the shared goal of helping malnourished children. On the way home, they took us to see the world’s largest bamboo statue of St. Vincent Ferrer in Bayambang—an impressive sight.
Sunday Worship and Family Visits in Aguilar
We attended sacrament meeting at the Aguilar 2nd Ward. Although the service was conducted in Tagalog, we felt the spirit and connection. Afterward, we visited a mountain retreat for lunch. The cooler mountain air and valley views were stunning. In the afternoon, we visited families in Aguilar.
Hilda, a mother of two daughters, Samantha (4) and Anika (2), showed us her home. Her husband works as a rice harvester, a low-paying job close to home. Their home had cinder block walls, a tin roof, and minimal possessions, but they again expressed their gratitude for the support they are receiving.
Screening and Feeding Programs in Malasiqui
Monday
We held a screening outside the LDS church building near Dina’s home in Malasiqui. Families arrived on tricycles, and many new children were screened for malnutrition. Dina spoke in Tagalog to ensure everyone understood, while volunteers shared messages of love and support. The children’s progress was recorded, with many showing improvement after receiving supplements.
Jamaica’s Family and the Joy of Small Gifts
One family caught our attention. They looked weary, and when we inquired about toys, the coordinator explained they couldn’t afford any extras. This led us to a small shop to purchase toy cars for the boys. The joy these small gifts brought was immeasurable. Later, we attended a feeding event for the children, serving porridge made of rice, milk, and chicken. The families often didn’t have dishes of any kind so the coordinator brought plastic cups and spoons. Nothing went to waste. The children’s smiles and gratitude were unforgettable.
The Power of Books and Unforgettable Moments
A touching moment unfolded as an older boy read the Bountiful Children Christmas card aloud to his friends gathered around him. At that moment, I realized how critical it was to get at least one book into every family’s home—every child deserves that joy and opportunity!
Vivian’s Faith and a Home Full of Light
We also visited Vivian, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Despite her poverty, her home stood out with green paper on the walls and silver garland—simple decorations her sister had brought from Manila. Her home radiated light and peace, a testament to her resourcefulness and faith.
Heartfelt Connections and Will You Come Back?
As we returned to hand out hygiene kits at the feeding, we cherished moments of connection with each child. As we returned to hand out hygiene kits at the feeding, we cherished moments of connection with each child. We met RJ, a 9-year-old boy who hadn’t been attending school. When encouraged to commit to his education, RJ asked, “Will you come back? We said, “We will have a group come again if you go to school.” He said, “Okay, I’ll go.” We had a hard time leaving their community.
Exploring the Hundred Islands
Tuesday
We began the day with a breakfast of rice, pork, and dried fish. Once in Alaminos, we toured the Hundred Islands, snorkeling around coral and trying helmet diving. We visited Pilgrimage Island, climbing 1,400 steps and passing different events in Jesus life to a statue of Jesus with breathtaking views of the islands. We ended the day with street food—fish balls, squid balls, and halo-halo—a unique Filipino experience.
Bolinao Falls, Enchanted Cave, and Patar Beach Adventures
Wednesday
We visited Bolinao Falls, where we swam in clear waters and jumped off bamboo rafts and waterfalls. Next, we explored the Enchanted Cave and swam in its spring-fed water. At Patar Beach, we collected shells and soaked in the beauty of the local favorite spot. Lunch was at a floating restaurant on the Balingasay River, featuring sour soup, crab, and clams.
Final Day in Alaminos: Inspiring Families and Unwavering Resilience
Thursday
On our final day, we joined a Zumba session on the beach at 6 a.m. After breakfast, we visited families in Alaminos. We missed getting to meet Rein, a two-year-old missing a hand and foot, who was in the hospital, but was able to visit with Aiza, her six-month-old sister in the program. The families we met showed resilience and their support for one another were inspiring.
Reflections on a Life-Changing Humanitarian Journey
Our time in the Philippines was deeply moving. The humanitarian trip with Bountiful Children allowed us to connect with families, provide support, and witness the impact of small acts of kindness. It was a truly unique experience that we will never forget.
Thank you Angela, for spending time, talent and treasure to experience life in the Philippines and learn first-hand how to help the children! Deeply grateful for your support.