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 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.
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 ).
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.
L U N C H B R E A K !!!
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
CLIMB TO MT. TANGISAN
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!