By Jessica Capulong, on her first humanitatian mission:
This Thanksgiving, I embarked on a life-changing journey with Airline Ambassadors International to the Philippines. What started as a simple desire to give back turned into the most enlightening and humbling experience of my life.
Medical Mission and Joyful Celebrations in Manila
Our trip began in Manila, where we hosted a medical mission and connected with the resilient community at the Abatex dumpsite. Airline Ambasadors organized the dentist Meg and her team of volunteers to serve the community.
The highlight was throwing a Christmas party for the children and their families—a heartwarming celebration filled with laughter, songs, and gratefulness. The organization a children fashion show using recycled materials.
The next day, we visited their homes gaining firsthand insight into their daily challenges no power and running water yet the children were excited to see us showing us firsthand how our donations medicines, health products, toys, clothing, etc. made a tangible difference.
Coastal Cleanup and Community Connection in Zambales
In Zambales, we partnered with the children of Shepherd of the Hills to organize a coastal cleanup, fostering environmental awareness. A highlight of this leg of our journey was taking the children to a local fair and sharing a meal with them afterward. Their joy was infectious, especially the young adults who proudly showed us the bakery they own and operate—an inspiring symbol of their independence and hard work.
Helping the Dawo Family
One of the most memorable moments was meeting the Daw0 family, a group of nine children raised by their grandmother. Seeing their home, built with the help of AAI funding was deeply moving. To celebrate, we treated them to a movie and saw Moana 2. Afterwards we enjoyed dinner and give their Christmas gifts. Their gratitude and warmth left a lasting impression on me.
Inspiring Talent at a Local School in Olongapo
Our final big event took place in Olongapo, where we visited a local school to judge an English performance competition. Each grade presented their best efforts through speeches, songs, and dances. Their talent and dedication made judging nearly impossible, as every performance was filled with creativity and hard work.
This trip to the Philippines not only opened my eyes to the challenges others face but also reinforced the power of kindness, community, and giving. The smiles, gratitude, and resilience of everyone we met have left a permanent mark on my heart. I return home not only grateful for what I have but inspired me to continue supporting and advocating for those in need.
Leave a Reply
Your email is safe with us.