Special Thanks to our First Host Families

We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude for the wonderful hospitality that our host families gave us on the first few days of our visit. Jimmy and Susan Loa hosted the women of our team with their children James and Mitch while Ed and Cely Chiongbian hosted John. Both families could not have been kinder and we greatly appreciate their kindness.

Jumping Right In

Today was the first of our site visits.  The locations were not specifically chosen based on team members vocations, but were meant to showcase local businesses that are positively impacting Filipinos both economically and socially.  However, while not specifically targeted for us, these experiences were immensely interesting (as I’m sure many things will be in the days to come).  The first visit was to WellMade Motors, a company owned by Philip Tan, an eminent Rotarian.   WellMade Motors takes used motors, refurbishes the parts and fabricates new engines out of them.  They also stock and distribute parts.  Besides being an incredibly successful company, started from scratch by Philip, WellMade is dedicated to providing meaningful and sustainable employment to Filipinos and Filipinas with disabilities.  In the Philippines there is no unemployment insurance and there is no disability or SSI program, so individuals who are not able to find work (including due to disabling conditions) have no ability to bring in money for themselves or their families.  However, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, which includes an Area Vocational Rehab Center, partners with businesses to help find employment for individuals with disabilities.  WellMade is a dedicated partner and currently 7% of their workforce comes from this program.  Philip hopes to grow it to 10%. He has an incredible record of placing individuals who had been thought very difficult to place because of their particular disabilities, but he in undaunted when faced with these challenges.   Hearing from Philip and the workers brought to mind our own “Works for Me” program in PA.  While I do not know much about it, I am interested to learn more and see how it compares to what Mr. Tan is doing.

Our second visit was to ProFood, in Cebu.  They are a major producer and distributor of local fruit products (mangos, coconuts, guava, tamarind, and guyabano) in juice, puree, frozen, and dried form.  They package and ship these fruits around the globe, including to Trader Joes and Costco.  In addition to being a major employer in the Philippines, and a major source of seasonal/summer employment for college students funding their studies, Profood has recently begun taking aim at marketing their facilities towards tourists, to bring them away from just the beaches of the Philippines and come see the inner workings of the country.  They just (1 week ago) opened a visitors center and tour – think Hershey Chocolate factory, except it smells of fresh fruit and is likely much healthier!  After touring the massive operation, watching a fun video with the Mango man (and snapping some photos), we descended on the gift shop with abandon.  Those of you patiently waiting for us back home – there are goodies coming!

We concluded out day with a guest visit to the Rotary Club Cebu West, where we were greeted graciously and got to sit in on an unexpected, but not unwelcome (at least for us medical folk) lecture about the current state of overutilization in health care (over-ordered and unnecessary tests, procedures) in the Philippines.

A Warm Welcome



Monday was a big day of welcomes for the GSE team. We were first welcomed by GSE Chair- Visayas Dick Barba and briefed/oriented by PDS Me'anne Solomon, PP Allan Limas, DGE Ed Chiongbian and PDG Ted Locson at the Ayala Cebu Center's(big mall) chinese restaurant Big Mao for lunch to take time and give us an idea of what to expect, what is expected of us, and for them to get a better idea of our interests in Filipino culture. 

After a quick return to our homestays we then went to the Casino Espanol de Cebu for a welcome dinner hosted by not one but three rotary clubs, RC Cebu Port Center, RC Cebu Fuente and RC Mandaue North along with invited district officers. After a delicious dinner to include Cebu's famous lechon, we gave our first official presentation to Cebu rotary members. Everything went very well and all groups were very kind to us. 



From left to right: Teenie Tio(previous GSE member to Virginia), Stacey, Nicole, Melissa, and Merill May Baje(previous GSE member to PA last year)

We were able to exchange banners with the clubs and some even gave additional gifts of Cebu magnets and t-shirts. The welcoming kindness of the groups was wonderful and gave us the confidence to take on the many club meetings to come. Much thanks to all those present Monday night.



Pictured from left RC Cebu Fuente: Dick Barba, Yumi Espina, Lulu San Pedro,Tina Bacalso, Jesse Baring, GSE Team, Dinna Ramos, Me'anne Solomon, Teenie Tio, Rady Abarintos







Safe and Sound in Cebu

First I must apologize for the delayed post, but we made it to Cebu City! We faced a few small bumps in our plan with our itinerary and baggage, but everything ended well and both our persons and baggage arrived as planned. We landed Saturday night around 11:30pm(10:30am Pennsylvania time) and were greeted by an amazingly kind and caring rotarian welcoming crew. 

Pictured from left to right: Ricky Dackay, Melissa, Stacey, Nicole, John, Dick Barba, Allan Limas, Ed Chiongbian, and Ted Locson

They were very helpful in making us feel comfortable and transported us to our host family's homes for some rest after our long trip. Everything was so unbelievably exciting and overwhelming! Arriving to 84 degree weather and palm trees was enough to make someone happy in itself, but to see the hospitality of such a group and the tour through the city on the way to our homes, well, we couldn't stop smiling! Everything in the trip was and is going great! Our lengthiest plane ride from Georgia to Korea was even relaxing. We were given so much to do, one option of which was to watch where we were traveling and what we were seeing below! Tell me that doesn't make our anticipation grow!

The Korean Airlines were very comfortable and accomodating. The excitement and anticipation probably played a part too! What an amazing opportunity we have been given and with such luxury! 

We were given the day Sunday to relax and regroup from our travels. Some of our free time activities included church service, swimming in the pool, a trip the gym to stretch ourselves back out after our long journey, watching a Filipino film with some Halo Halo (a signature dessert), delicious meals, and even massages to just name a few things.  

Our families are treating us with the upmost of kindness to say the least. Today, Monday, we are looking forward with anticipation to meet more rotarians and members of the Filipino community at a welcoming dinner that is to be prepared for us tonight. Until then, some more visiting and relaxing with our wonderful host families! 

Almost There

The GSE team is in the final throes of packing. The team leader has issued strict orders to pack light, further ratcheting up the tension. The goal is for each team member to get by with one piece of carry-on luggage, plus a computer bag or backpack.  In addition, we will have one common suitcase we will check for gifts, giveaways, and oversize items.  On the return trip, we expect the suitcase to be filled with souvenirs and presents for the friends and families who made it possible for each of us to take a month to visit the Philippines. To our loved ones, we are eternally grateful. 

The team is well prepared. A few days ago, we had our final dress rehearsal in Berwick,. About 25 Rotarians and friends assembled to give us feedback and support. Here are some photos from that occasion.  Next stop: Cebu City. 

You're Gonna Be Gone a Whole Month?

When we tell friends that we are going to visit The Philipines for a month, many people are simply incredulous.  It's as if they can't conceive of being away from their families and jobs for a month.  Some of this is normal.  We had to think long and hard about our own circumstances. We all have obligations and loved ones and routines that are important to us. No question our taking this trip will cause disruptions and require sacrifice. 

Our jobs are important to us. In this economy, it's frankly a risk to be gone from any job for a month. After all, if we can be spared for a month, maybe our jobs aren't all that indispensible. We know many people who wanted to apply for this opportunity who just couldn't take the risk or give up the income.  Those of us who are going are either self-employed or work for very supportive institutions and supervisors who still believe in career development. 

We are going on this Group Study Exchange because we choose to focus not on what we will give up but what we will gain.  We have the sense that we are embarking on a great adventure that few Americans are offered.  The world is a big, beautiful, and mysterious place.  We are eager to be part of something new, to give up the familiar for the unknown, to to be able to put ourselves in the hands of strangers because we have each other. The GSE team accepts that we don't need to have guarantees.  We trust that we will come back to our loved ones and jobs and coworkers with a depth of perspective that makes all the sacrifice worth it. 

Thinking of friends we have yet to meet....

As we are counting down the days until our departure with much anticipation and excitement, we are also saddened by the news of the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that struck our host country just yesterday.   According to online earthquake maps, the quake struck the Negros region, which is about 49 miles from Cebu, and fatalities have been reported.  We have reached out to our counterparts in Cebu, and hope to hear news soon that all is well. We continue undaunted with our plans, respectfully acknowledging the power of Mother Nature and wishing the best to the region we look forward to calling our temporary 'home' soon.