When trying to set up the Philippines it was a whole different story, someone in the SOS head office had left so we had to get in touch with each village directly which proposed some difficulties in organization. Still we managed to meet with Raymond from SOS Manila who helped sort our itinerary the first day we arrived and put us on a bus to Bataan for our first show.
We slotted in our show after the kids had been learning fire training. They had a great time and we had such a warm welcome and amazing food with them.
Back to Manila and 2 shows splitting up the younger ones and the teenage boys who live separately. We had more time to hang out with them all and they gave us some beautiful artwork to take back.
Up to Banaue rice terraces where we found a lovely little independent orphanage Noah’s Ark run by Linda who helped found it 30 years ago with private funding from Canada, she helps disabled children and families who need help while they’re at work.
On to Samar island and SOS Calbayog for some after school fun, they really spoilt us, the director Emily and Ishmael from the youth house took us zip lining and for a picnic on the beach before our long bus to Tacloban.
Oscar and the girls from the office helped and had fun with our show before taking us on a great tour of the city showing us how they had recovered from Typhoon Haiyan.
Our next stops were Cebu with director Mario Victor and Iloilo with Renie, both having holiday fun with the workshops.
Our last stop was SOS Lipa and a great nighttime show with the kids who had so much fun even though they had a whole weekend of celebrations ahead of them as it was there anniversary weekend.
Philippines was definitely harder traveling but a real plus as everyone could speak English which really helped not needing a translator!