Tarlac SMILE 2012

Pre-outreach

It started with a trip to my dad’s province. Then an invitation to go to the much loved tourist spot of Tarlac…the Monasterio de Tarlac…fascinated with Mounts Tangisan, Bungkol Baka and other mountains, the green rice fields, the great view on the way to the monasterio, it was also the time that I realized, San Jose could be a good place for smb’s annual smile – Lakbay Aral Project..then TarLakbay-Aral  popped in my head.. Through the help of a friend residing near San Jose and TMC (Tarlac Mountaineering Club) officers, the idea of holding an outreach to the place Sitio San Pedro in Barangay Iba, was conceived. Passed through smb’s criteria for a smile prospect, Sir Jim, my co-organizer to this project together with smb smile heads Odhie & Riz made our way to  San Jose, Tarlac for the ocular. Jim headed the meeting. TMC prepared a super delicious native chicken tinola for us…the rest is history..

The 30-foot high statue of the Risen Christ in monasterio, much like the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil.
The 30-foot high statue of the Risen Christ in monasterio, much like the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil.

 

The Second Visit

Squeezing ourselves at the back seat of sir Jim’s pick-up, we’re again excited to our second visit to Sitio San Pedro, in  San Jose, this time with Doc Lenzi & Leo.

 

Mother, mother I am sick! Call doc lenzi very quick! Free check up for the kids of Abelling Tribe. Thanks Doctor Lenzi.
Mother, mother I am sick! Call doc lenzi very quick! Free check up for the kids of Abelling Tribe. Thanks Doctor Lenzi.

The weather is good. After the meeting, Jim handed the cash budget for food to teacher Vangie. And now the exciting part of our second visit to Sitio San Pedro…the climb to Mount Tangisan! Took us two hours trek going up, including take 5s, photo ops, and chikahan. I could rate the mountain as number 3/9 in difficulty level.. Manong Johnny, Abelling Tribe’s vice chieftain and UGAT (United Guide Abelling Tribe) head steered the climb. Thanks to his wonderful stories about Tangisan and other mountains of Tarlac and their tribe’s background. Our pictures will tell the beauty of the mountain (Tangisan name – derived from the place’ endemic tree ).

A spectacular view awaits us at the top.
A spectacular view awaits us at the top.
With Manong Johnny & Ugat member, at the other side of the peak
 S M B ! ! !
S M B ! ! !
 ..and we climb & climb and at the top we fly…. (thanks reo speedwagon for your song IN MY DREAMS).
..and we climb & climb and at the top we fly…. (thanks reo speedwagon for your song IN MY DREAMS).

The BIG OUTREACH Day

Saturday morning on the 30th of June, 22 smberks travelled all the way from manila to north. Ready to take another life changing experience with one goal in mind…to make the kids of Abelling tribe full and happy.

Sir Jim, (welcome remarks) amazed the students through his fluency in speaking Ilocano.
Sir Jim, (welcome remarks) amazed the students through his fluency in speaking Ilocano.
Sir Aljie, leading the prayer…
Sir Aljie, leading the prayer…
The students, anxious and excited at the same time
The students, anxious and excited at the same time
Its game time!!!  Undeniably and absolutely fun not only for the kids but for smberks to
Its game time!!! Undeniably and absolutely fun not only for the kids but for smberks to
Rons & Rizzie, enjoying the game to
Rons & Rizzie, enjoying the game to
Sir MB (Ricky) getting the kids ready
Sir MB (Ricky) getting the kids ready
The game hosts (Sheryl, Joanne & Jayson) talking to contestant number ???. The prizes given to winners were also provided by them.
The game hosts (Sheryl, Joanne & Jayson) talking to contestant number ???. The prizes given to winners were also provided by them.
Sipol contest
Sipol contest

 L U N C H    B R E A K  !!!

 

Lunch under the tree with Grade 5 pupils. Happy and satisfied even without a room.
Lunch under the tree with Grade 5 pupils. Happy and satisfied even without a room.
Happy lunch kids! Is SHE your president, the girl in blue shirt?!
Abelling kids and smb
Abelling kids and smb

Giving of school supplies

Giving of school supplies

 

Simple things yet appreciated much by the kids and parents
SMBerks, happy to serve!!!
SMBerks, happy to serve!!!
Thank you Ate Odhie!!!
Thank you Ate Odhie!!!
Closing Remarks  The kids approached me because they knew am going to give something. “Mag-aral kayong mabuti mga bata upang marami pang grupo ang pumunta dito at magbigay ng saya at tulong sa inyo.” That’s what they’ve got, a piece of advice…and eraser :)
Closing Remarks
The kids approached me because they knew am going to give something. “Mag-aral kayong mabuti mga bata upang marami pang grupo ang pumunta dito at magbigay ng saya at tulong sa inyo.” That’s what they’ve got, a piece of advice…and eraser 🙂

CAMP AT THE LAKE

Enjoying the view while waiting.......
Enjoying the view while waiting…….

 

CLIMB TO MT. TANGISAN

 

Easy climb berks?
Easy climb berks?
Omg joanne! You’re so long! Nice pose girl.
Your visit to San Jose will never be complete without climbing at least one of their enthralling mountains, right jayson, rheign & rhian?
Your visit to San Jose will never be complete without climbing at least one of their enthralling mountains, right jayson, rheign & rhian?
Balay Outdoor Equipment gifted UGAT  12 guide tshirts. Advance Merry Christmas!
Balay Outdoor Equipment gifted UGAT 12 guide tshirts. Advance Merry Christmas!

I want to take this opportunity to thank SMB family and everyone who shared themselves in one way or another for the success of this Tarlakbay-Aral Project. For believing in me that this community needs love and care. To my tarlakenyo dad. Life is full of constant struggle and challenges but this half day with Abelling tribe kids made me think that life is also w-rock, light and easy.  I’m sure each one of us left with a big smile in our hearts coz we know kids went home with a SMILE 🙂

Intun-no maminsan nga panagkikita (till we see each other again.)

Salamat ngarud Sitio San Pedro!

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