Iloilo's Youth

Gamol

nickencarnacion — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:56:00 +0000

Gamol, a street child.

This young boy is Gamol. He is a street child. Staff from Gabay told us all about him and his “little adventures”.

This boy, at the age of 5, left his home because of his very abusive parents. For almost 4 years now, the streets became his home. He used to travel around Panay and Boracay, alone.Because of his size, he was able to hide underneath baggages and cardboard boxes behind vans and pump boats without people noticing him. At a very young age, he learned to live by himself, without the care of his parents. The sidewalk became his bed. The plaza became his playground.

When he stayed for a few weeks with the KGPP staff in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Sir Pier(Founder, Gabay), found him sleeping on the floor even though there was a bed provided for him! Pinapakita lang talaga ng bata na sanay na siyang nakahiga sa sidewalk.

Its hard to imagine that there are a lot of children like Gamol. Not only in Iloilo but in the whole Philippines. Gamol is not alone. There are things in this world that seem ordinary to us that we often times ignore them. Whenever we see people around us, suffering, we ignore them because we think they are used to being hungry, homeless and helpless. But the truth is that we are the ones who are used to what they are expereincing. Tayo yung mga nasanay sa sitwasyon nila.

The next time you see a child in the streets. Think about the possible things this child has gone through. Think about what he will go through in the next years of his life in the streets. And try to make a difference.

Delayed Pictures

nickencarnacion — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 16:46:29 +0000

I’m really sorry if some of the pictures are delayed. Iwas just browsing through my collections and found some shots I took months ago. The two pictures i posted here were taken last January during the Jaro Fiesta in Iloilo. Candle vendors lined up outside the Jaro Church selling candles of different colors to devotees and tourists. Some of the children sold whistles that produce bubbles as you blow them. But at this time of the year, when you see the happy faces of the “balik bayans” and the youth enjoying the events, this will also one of those times that you will have a glimpse of the sad side of the City of Love.

Jaro Fiesta

nickencarnacion — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 15:02:29 +0000

Photograph of teenagers selling candles during the Jaro Fiesta 2009. Photo taken by Mr. Alvin John Juliano of ohmyiloilo.wordpress.com.

Onlookers during the procession last January during the Jaro Fiesta.

Successors

nickencarnacion — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 14:47:28 +0000

After the 11th Ayala Young Leaders Congress, we were challenged to make a difference in our own communities. I am so glad that I was given the chance to be one of the facilitators in this congress(Iloilo Young Leaders Congress). Now on its 3rd year, the IYLC, headed by the AYLC Alumni, continues to empower “younger” youth all over Iloilo. At least we have done a small part of what we have promised in the congress.

These students are very smart. How I wish I was like them back when I was still in highschool. I was never close to what they have accomplished at a very young age. They are young, and full of energy to affect change in their own little ways. We are confident that there’s still a younger generation who has the same passion that we have. We are confident that they will follow our footsteps and empower others the same way we did.

It has been my dream to see the Philippines as a 2nd world country. Seeing these young leaders,i know that there is still hope.

3rd Iloilo Young Leader’s Congress

nickencarnacion — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 13:58:32 +0000

Outdoor challenges during the 3rd IYLC

Outdoor challenges during the 3rd IYLC. The balls represent the values that the delegates have learned during the congress. Their aim in this activity is to pass these values without letting the balls touch the ground.

Outdoor challenges during the 3rd IYLC. Delegates waiting patiently for their turn to take control of the ball.

Enjoying being "pushed around".

Accepting the challenge to lead.

Team L(my team) during the 3rd IYLC

Bringing home the values.

Outdoor challenges during the 3rd IYLC. All of them had their eyes covered. Their aim is to form shapes using the string.

Outdoor challenges during the 3rd IYLC

Working as a team.