Each Visit Shows Me “Never Give Up”

May 21, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Never Give Up

This weekend, I had a chance to visit The Fairplay for All Foundation in Payatas, Manila. In our preparations from our Run Beyond Borders, my visit to the the organization was quite special. I had the amazing opportunity to bit farewell to the old drop-in center, to which many kids in Payatas have called their second home, their sanctuary, and their source of fun and education. It was just over a year and a half ago, when the FFA Foundation had moved into their current drop-in center. It was a privilege and an honor then, to be one of the first ones to help clean out the wreckage as the property was handed over. Although in disrepair, the location was central and the potentials were limitless. Roy and Naomi saw it’s worth and turned it into safe haven for the street kids of Payatas to grow and flourish.

To see the drop-in center for the last time before the foundation moves to its new home a short distance away, I can’t help but feel the development and expansion of the collective efforts by everyone involve in its success. In a couple months the foundation will relocate to a house, much larger and suitable for the plans it has for the children. With more space, sponsors, generous donors and project collaborations, the organization will yield an even greater impact to the community.

It was a real treat to be able to play games with the kids, have a kick around outside, prepare food with them, make mosquito catchers, visit the new drop-in center (still under renovation) and just be in the presence of a true family. The way the children react to structured and guided activities really shows their hunger for education and their willingness to learn. I had an absolute blast just being able to revisit a special place in Payatas and a special place in my heart called “being a kid.”

Unlike previous visits, I came with photography Kurt Alvarez in order to capture some of the finer moments that happen everyday at the center in hopes to create short video documentation of what the center is all about and the great things Roy and Naomi do on a daily basis. I also unleashed a GoPro camera to the kids and they took turns filming anything they wanted. It was great fun seeing their imagination and their sense of adventure behind the lens of the camera. I can’t wait to share their footage, along with our experiences on the day.

I want to thank The Fairplay for All Foundation for always treating me with a fulfilling day of joy and inspiration. I look forward to visually creating and capturing what I feel and experience everything I visit, and I hope to share that with the rest of the world very soon. Again thank you Naomi and Roy for your work, passion and dedication to the kids. It truly is an inspiration to us all, and it makes me constantly reconsider what I can do to make changes in the lives of others.

Side Note: Cooper and I will be running the Laguna International Marathon on June 9th 2013, under our first cause called The Run Beyond Borders in order to raise funds for a vehicle for the FFA Foundation. if you are interested in helping us reach our fund raising goal, please visit http://soccerpirrs.com/run-beyond-borders/ OR simply click “DONATE” on this page. To learn more about the FFA Foundation visit their landing page http://soccerpirrs.com/ffa-foundation/ where useful links and contacts can be found.

Filed Under: Charity, Run Beyond Borders

LBC Foundation: Hands On Manila 2012 Servathon

December 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Source: Kayafc.com

This year I had the great privileged of participating in the Hands on Manila 2012 Servathon. On behalf of Kaya FC and the LBC foundation we took on the coast to clean and plant with the common goal of helping the environment. Often times it is hard to see the outcome of small actions such as picking up a piece of trash, but when you take a look  the collective impact of hundreds of hands from willing volunteers, it’s impact is quite powerful.

On October 20th, over 20 corporate teams along with 2 nonprofit organizations came together to give back to the community to make our environment a better place. Activities included a combination of mangrove planting, tree planting and coastal clean up. When the day ended the entire Servathon contributed to over 6,150 hours of service, 2,500 bags of trash collected, 250 seedling planted and over 500 mangroves planted.

This was a great experience for me and the LBC foundation team, as the morning was filled with fun, laughter and wonderful company. It’s amazing the feeling that radiates from such an event. The energy and excitement that is shared and spread is truly contagious. I am glad that I had the chance to provide a helping hand to the whole picture. It really reminds us all that we are all a small piece of the larger puzzle, and that the collective actions of our daily lives can either help or hurt our environment.

The Hands On Manila Servathon is a way of celebrating a full-day of service with hundreds of volunteers who have contributed to the development of the community and provided assistance to marginalized sectors in Metro Manila.
During the HOM Servathon day, corporations, through its team of volunteers, do various service projects simultaneously in different organizations and areas in Metro Manila.

What is Hands on Manila Servathon?”

Hands on Manila Servathon (HOM Servathon) is a day of community service that mobilizes hundreds of volunteers, both first timers as well as veterans, to work together in providing assistance to marginalized sectors. The day culminates through a recognition program that gathers all these volunteers to celebrate corporate volunteerism and its impact to the society. A Servathon is similar to a walk-a-thon except with an important difference. At a Servathon, everyone wins!
The Hands On Manila Servathon is a way of celebrating a full-day of service with hundreds of volunteers who have contributed to the development of the community and provided assistance to marginalized sectors in Metro Manila.
The Hands On Manila Servathon is a day that combines service, and relevant activities that are fun. It is also a fund raising event which substantially helps contribute to the running of its year-round programs.
How does it Work?
HOM Servathon encourages corporations and their career focused employees to step out of the office space, build camaraderie, and work as a team by volunteering together and helping others in a meaningful manner. It helps a company contribute to work-life balance of the employee- volunteer through community service.
Through this program, HOM offers companies its expertise in connecting motivated employees to worthwhile community projects. Through a contribution of a fixed amount of PHP 75,000, HOM will accommodate for up to 30 volunteers from a corporation. In return, HOM lends its expertise and support in the following ways:

  • Identify project that suits a company’s employees
  • Conduct volunteer orientation and education sessions for the volunteer-employees
  • Provide promotional advocacy and publicity support for the HOM Servathon and events leading to it
  • Provide logistic support and coordination at the venue (including material, shirts, and lunch)
  • Provide recognition and publicity for the activity through advertising campaign, media launch and online campaigns

To learn more about Hands n Manila and their incredible Servathon, please check out http://www.handsonmanila.org.ph/

Filed Under: Charity

TOMS Shoes putting thing into per’SPEC’tive

April 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

After the TOMS “One Day Without Shoes” Event I felt the strong urge  to check out what really goes on behind the company’s motto of “One For One.” A couple weeks ago I had the wonderful opportunity to visit a very special organization. Along side the dedicated LBC Foundation, we headed to Maricaban in Pasay City, home to the SPECS Foundation. The company’s name spells out their devotion to the Spiritual, Physical, Educational, Cultural, and Social needs of underprivileged children.

It was such a treat knowing that a selected group of kids in the foundation would be receiving new TOMS Shoes.  The excitement filled the room as cheerful kids taught me songs and pastimes. It was a learning experience for an old soul to reconnect with the simple joy of hand games and rhymes. The fun and amusement seemed endless as variations of simple games transformed into challenging and entertaining competitions. It was great to see the kids smile and laugh as I struggled to keep up with them.
When it was time to hand out the shoes, there was an overwhelming sense of joy, as we knew these kids wouldn’t have to go barefoot for months and years to come. What is a common misunderstanding with TOMS “One for One” motto, is that the children only get one pair of shoes. In reality, the selection process identifies those in need and shoes are provided every 8 months, so that the child continuously receives footwear to accommodate their growing feet.   So, the feeling of security and consistency of TOMS was truly present when we assisted in the shoe give. It gave us a peace of mind, that something we often take for granted like shoes, would be provided to a child in need as a commonality, normality and an essential piece of healthy living.I want to thank the SPECS Foundation for warmly welcoming us on such a significant day for their kids, and commemorate them for the tremendous job they do for their community. I also want to thank the LBC Foundation for bringing us to the shoe give and giving us the chance to partake in serving a community through TOMS Shoes.

For more information on the SPECS foundation please contact Sandra M. Camesa.

For more information on the LBC Foundation please visit their Facebook page

Inspired by TOMS Shoes, that afternoon I headed over to Nothing but H20 to buy my very first pair. It was an emotional day. The significance of TOMS and being able to experience a shoe give was the highlight of this experience. To know and see first hand what I had purchased had directly put a shoe on a child’s foot and a smile on their face was an incredible sensation. Check out my NEW kicks.

 

Check out all the Cool New Merchandise from Nothing But H20 at http://www.nothingbuth2o.com/ or visit the Facebook Page.

 

Filed Under: Charity, Culture Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Official Opening of Drop in Center and Payatas FC 1st Year Anniversary

April 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

This is the exciting update for the Fair Play for All Foundation. Just a couple months ago, the foundation celebrated their one year anniversary. The celebration included the long awaited official opening of the new drop in center located in the heart of Payatas and home to Payatas FC and the FFA.

I was honored to be given the opportunity to experience and be apart of the opening ceremony. Much like opening ceremonies in businesses and companies, the day represented the official start to a new beginning and a true first step forward. Though Roy and Naomi’s hard work, dedication and persistence had started long before the opening, this day was a special moment to everyone involved. It signified the birth date of their vision already in motion and their mission already making progress.

For me, it was a true privilege to experience the day that included an award ceremony for the players of Payatas FC for their performance and commitment to the sport and to their team. The feeling of camaraderie and teamwork that united an entire community truly filled every moment. It was also nice to play in a little friendly match between myself teamed up with Nate Burkey versus the Payatas FC kids. We even lost to little developing players, who displayed wonderful skills and fierce determination.

The ribbon cutting for me truly made me feel a sense of pride and appreciation for what Roy and Naomi have done. It made me realize their willingness to share such a significant day with others. They reminded me that such a momentous ceremony for the drop in center was just a small piece to the work they do. It showed us all that the center will remain only a physical structure that is incomparable to its meaning. To them both, the kids of Payatas, and the entire community the safety, the education and the care they provide will remain at the very core, and no ceremony can ever outshine their sweat and tears poured into their work.

Check out the Fair Play For All Foundations News Letter below and Stay connected with all that is going on with their organization.

At the moment Naomi Tomlinson has been nominated for the UK’s “Charity Women of the Year” Award for her work with Tripple E, the Fair Play For All Foundation and Payatas FC. Please stayed tuned for more on her amazing journey.

For the latest updates on Naomi and Roy please visit their blogs for upcoming events, volunteer opportunities and ways to support the FFA.

Filed Under: Charity Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

“I’m a Mama’s Boys”

April 18, 2012 By 1 Comment

There is no question that I am a Moma’s Boy and a Grandma’s Boy. I used to love shopping with my mom and grandma. It was always fulfilling and meaningful to tag along while shopping, and it was really a fun excursion that allowed me to help and spend some quality time with them. The values of being raised by both my mother and grandmother in the same household is something that I deeply appreciate and am grateful for. So, when I was given a gift a couple weeks ago, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the special present.

Nena Wuthrich, co-founder of Mother Earth Bags presented me with a couple of her signature bags. With funny slogans printed on the recycled and reusable all purpose bags, their message to the world is far from a joke. The premiss of the bags is to promote a reusable carry tote that would replace the hundreds of thousand plastic bags we waste. The fun graphic designs remind us that Mother Earth is what should be at the forefront of our consideration when it comes to minimizing our carbon footprint on the world. These bags give us a witty alternative to the tons of plastic we create, use and dispose of every year. By limiting our use of unnecessary plastics, we can being to help reduce our harmful effects on our environment.

So, what makes these bags more special than the Eco friendly bags already out there?

When the founders of Mother Earth Bags came together to release these sustainable bags they envisioned a deeper mission that goes beyond just helping mother nature. With the main focus on Mother Earth, the consideration extended to mothers, daughters, sisters and women in general to incorporate the appreciation for a life created and lives helped. Mother Earth Bags are made by the hard-working women of The Livelihood Shop, a center that employs underprivileged women in Manila. Located in Taguig, a special group of women get to make a living and create their own sustainability by making Mother Earth bags.

One of the slogans used by Mother Earth reminds us that we can do more than just refrain from using plastic bags, we can not only consciously save the environment, but we can save lives in the process. So, check out Mother Earth Bags and start using one.

“Use this Mother Earth bag as if life depended on it. Because it does.”

We use our “I [Heart] my mother” bag every time we go grocery shopping. It reminds me of the feelings I get when I go help my mom or grandma as they shop. It is a feeling I miss when I am away from home, and I am glad they have instilled in me the values of helping when ever I can. Big thanks to Mother Earth Bags for creating such a product that promotes environmental and social responsibility.

“Mom, Nge Nge, Noreen… You would love these bags too! Sending some home.” Love, Lex.

For more information please check Mother Earth Bags facebook page and visit http://mamaearth.multiply.com/ to purchase your very own Bag TODAY!

Filed Under: Charity Tagged With: , , ,

Tom’s Shoes: One Day Without Shoes

April 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

“On April 10th, I’m going barefoot so kids don’t have to…”

What is One Day Without Shoes?
One Day Without Shoes is an annual event TOMS holds throughout the world. For one day, an hour, or even just ten minutes, they encourage everyone to take off their shoes to understand the importance of shoes and raise awareness on the impact of a pair of shoes can make on an child’s life. The campaign this year revolves around asking everyone to do what they normally do but without shoes.

Why?
Millions of children live without proper footwear, exposing them to injury and disease everyday. Every single barefoot person can make a difference. Put yourself in a child’s
shoes by removing your own.

Join us for a walk and other exciting activities on April 10 at Greenbelt 3 Park, Ayala Center Makati City!

One for One!

To Learn More about “One Day Without Shoes” Visit http://www.onedaywithoutshoes.com/

 

Filed Under: Blog, Charity, Culture Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Typhoon Sendong Charity Match: You’ll Never Stand Alone

January 3, 2012 By 3 Comments

When tragedy strikes, it’s effects reach far beyond it’s immediate surrounds. The spirit of a nation is most closely tied to its effort to support it’s people. On December 16th the Philipines was shook by yet another typhoon this season. Its blow to the country hit far deeper than the Mindinao Region. Its impact effected people across the world and the cries for help were far more evident as the voices within were too moving to ignore. Contributions have been in the works and collaborations with companies, organizations and individuals have collectively contributed to the relief efforts. But much more can be done.

For football fans in a country where football is rapidly growing, it is important that we develop the game and the beautiful sport in the proper light and for the good of all people in this country and abroad. When typhoon Sendong hit, the wheels started turning and people from the football world really jumped into “relief mode.” Talks of a charity game had spun and soon enough, the date was set.

On January 7th, the Azkals Alyansa will showcase a charity match against International De Madrid at 4pm Rizal Memorial Stadium. The match will proceed after a Celebrity match that will commence at 2pm. All proceeds for the matches will go to relief efforts of typhoon Sendong.

What can we do as Footballers and Football fans to contribute to the effected lives devastated by such a horrific natural disaster? At the very least, if you are in the area, purchase a ticket at Ticket World and come out to Rizal Memorial Stadium on January 7th to be apart of a very special night.

The Football community will gather for not only a competition or a match, we will all gather for the consideration for life and the appreciation for others. We often times find ourselves faced with the question of whether or not to help, and if so,  how? For this special night the answers are clear. Our love for the game and our compassion for life go hand in hand. If we can some how find a way to continue on this path, football in this country will surely reach its potential.  Be apart of the night, be apart of the contribution and be apart of not only the growing sport, but the growth of a nation: Stronger and United.

Learn this song and join the thousands to gather at Rizal Memorial Stadium on January 7th.  For more Event Information Visit: Ticket world For more information on the Relief efferts Visit: Redcross.org.ph

*IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE CHARITY MATCH, PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TO THE RED CROSS HERE

*For our twitter followers out there, lets “trend” the following topic: #SendongCharityGame Show your support and contribute to “Passing the Word Around” It is important to know that even though physical and monitary contributions might not be possible, that power of our voices can go a long way.

Special thanks to the LBC Foundation, Philippines Red Cross, and the ABS CBN Foundation. The Spirrs Newtork is a proud supporter of charitable foundations that bring about change to the life in most need.

Typhoon Sendong battered the Mindanao region and left the entire nation as well as the international community shocked and grieving following the grisly aftermath that included a terrible death toll. As a nation we have a chance to stand as one with the victims and let them know they are not alone. Football is said to be more than a sport. It transcends borders, languages, beliefs, and cultures. And now, it will provide badly needed relief to the thousands and thousands affected by Typhoon Sendong.

“Dili kamo nag-iisa” is more than a football match. The match’s title is an amalgam of Bisaya and Tagalog and is meant to show the strength of unity and purpose that if one of us suffers, then we all stand together to care for one another thereby being far stronger. “Dili kamo nag-iisa” is to date the most meaningful football match in our nation’s history because it is organized to raise funds for the victims and let them know we care. The match will be between a joint team of Azkalsand other footballers and Internacional de Madrid, a Spanish league side, will be played on Jan. 7th at the Rizal Memorial Stadium at 4pm.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has been chosen as the main beneficiary for the monies raised from this event and the LBC Foundation are working with the organizers to maximize collecting and distributing donations.

 

Filed Under: Blog, Charity, Culture, Playing Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Smokey Mountain: Using Sports to Enrich Life

November 18, 2011 By 4 Comments

Last weekend I was invited to visit Smokey Mountain. For those of you who are not so familiar with Smokey Mountain, it is Manila’s largest dump site consisting of over 2 million tons of rubbish. It’s name was derived from the fires created from decomposing waste, making it one of the world’s most volatile garbage dump sites. For the normal citizens of Manila this dump site is a necessary function of society which gives the city an outlet for its waste and garbage, but for the 30,000 people who inhabit the horrific spaces in and around the dump site, it is called home.

When we approached the site, it was clear that we had entered a industrial area, a vast open space fit for only trucks that carried container cargo or heaping amounts of trash. Through out the main roads, you can see a glimpse of people scavenging for the valuable debris fallen from passing trucks. As we entered a small entrance way, it was evident that the shacks were built on top of, amongst and around a mountain of trash. Much like a village built upon a green grass hillside, this village was built upon  a windy path, except the soil, the ground and all forms of foundation had been built upon garbage. As we pulled over and exited the car, the reality of the location hits you very hard. From behind the tinted windows of the car out to the open air, the color of garbage, the movement of people, the sounds of bottles, cans, and paper, the overwhelming stench, and the powerful smog that almost burns your eyes was an immediate punch to my heart.

Only after my senses had neutralized and the realization of the situation had subsided, was I able to regroup and focus on the day ahead. I was introduced to Dominic Uy, former PBA star, current sports commentator and one of the founders of Mighty Sports and I was explained the fun filled day to come. Several months back, Dominic and Mighty Sports had came to Smokey Mountain to repaired a Basketball Court. With it’s mission to enrich the live of those less fortunate through sports, Mighty Sports saw the important role that such a basketball court would play in a community built upon a pile of trash. With activities that could teach, challenge and motivate the community, the organization created a place where people could escape the harsh realities of life. Upon completion of the court’s restoration it has been reported that more people played basketball and soccer throughout the day and it is said that crime amongst community had dramatically went down.

Might Sports Mission: 1) utilize sports as an avenue to develop the youth from grassroots in building their character to become responsible citizens of the country; 2) become a professional organization in pursuit of excellence in promoting sports through specialized and focused events with integrity and social responsibility; and 3) organize and support events that promote character building, values formation and integrity to its participants.

After I played a round of pickup soccer with the local children, the kids from WE International in collaboration with Futbol Funatics ran an exciting and invigorating Soccer Clinic. It was so wonderful to see the love of the game spread throughout the community. From the kids who participated to the elderly onlooking there was a sense of curiosity and a sense of unity where for a brief moment in the day, children and adults could detach themselves from collecting trash and collectively have fun learning and experiencing the passion for the sport.

I had the great opportunity of meeting Trina Santo, Community Relations leader at We International Philippines. Their recently launched project aims at collaborating with partners, to provide a holistic approach to reversing the cycle of poverty in the Philippines. With a new facility built besides the newly refurbished basketball court, together with Mighty Sports, We International is able to provide the necessary first steps toward creating a healthy learning environment for the development of kids in Smokey Mountain. It was truly an honor and a privileged to be apart of such a day, where two organization sharing a common goal to create change in the lives of children through sport and education, came together and brought so many smiles to so many people.

I also had the chance to meet  husband and wife, Avery and Candice Del Rosario, Co-founders of Futbol Funatics. It was a pleasure to see them at work and coaching together. It truly showed their commitment to teaching to the sport and most of all their commitment to social responsibility. This stellar group of organizations really inspired me along with the many new faces, friends and children I had the pleasure of meeting and interacting with. I only hope my presence brought to others just a faction of what I gained from such an inspiring experience.

Special thanks to Paolo Cagalingan at Mizuno for inviting me to such an event, and extending his company’s social responsibility beyond just sponsorship, and Thank You to my girlfriend Cooper, who’s continual support for non profit work and contribution to charity work inspires me and motivates me to bring about change in the lives of other.

The Spirrs Network is a Proud Support of Mighty Sports, We International Philippines, and Futbol Funatics. Please visit the websites below for more information and ways you can contribute.

Filed Under: Charity Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Kicking Out Cancer: I Can Serve Foundation Football Invitational

October 27, 2011 By 2 Comments

From September 19-24th the I Can Serve Foundation held a football invitational tournament to raise breast cancer awareness. The three teams selected to play in the charity showdown included Global FC, Kaya FA and the Philippine Azkals. There was much hype around the fixtures as Team Azkals finished their most successful World Cup Qualifying run in the county’s history and both, Kaya and Global had been preparing for the upcoming UFL Cup. With the excitement around the highly anticipated match ups, it was easy for fans to see the invitational as a Kick-off competition to the new UFL Cup and League Season. But to recap and bring things back to perspective, the round-robin style tournament was a friendly showcase for a very important foundation: The I Can Serve Foundation.

The games were a mere spectacle, to the larger cause. The heavy hitters, the Most Valuable Players and the Top Goal scorers of the tournament had to go to the foundation that made it all possible. The I Can Serve Foundation is an organization that promotes early breast cancer detection, that helps women with breast cancer and that provides for breast cancer survivors.

The ICANSERVE Foundation provides hope and help to women with breast cancer. It promotes early breast cancer detection through high impact information campaigns and community based screening programs. Its network of cancer survivors light the path for women with cancer towards total healing.

As one of my first games with Kaya FC, I was proud to have been apart of something special and something meaningful to kick start my role on a new team, in a new country. If you take a look around the Spirrs Network and notice some of the charities I have had the chance to experience and promote, you’ll be able to see that soccer can be used far greater than just a entertaining sport. It has the quality to unite and promote change in peoples lives. I hope we can remember how important the sport is to the world, and somewhere behind the magnificent goals, there are plenty of other goals we can accomplish.

The Spirrs Network is a Proud Supporter of the I Can Serve Foundation and I am proud, on behalf of the KAYA Football Club to bare the “I can Serve” Logo on our jersey. May it remind us, every time we step onto the field, there are larger causes and bigger goals in life.

For more information on the I can Serve Foundation, Please visit their website at www.icanservefoundation.org

To read similar stories of the Spirrs Network’s commitment to Breast Cancer awareness Check Out Past Post on my buddy’s Race for Awareness  http://soccerpirrs.com/charity/triumph-for-first-time-tri-athlete-the-ultimate-race-to-raise-awareness/

Filed Under: Charity, Playing Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Hammering Out the Old Drives New Hope: FFA’s New Home

October 19, 2011 By 9 Comments

Today I had the very special opportunity to not only take a look what will become the Fair Play for All Foundations new home, I had the chance to help with it’s initial construction. In actuality, it was really more like it’s “deconstruction.” When I was told that the foundation had finally found it’s first physical location after a grueling search for the right place and size, I was more than excited to see it. I was told it needed a lot of work, so I didn’t know what to expect. When I finally had the opening in my training schedule to see it, I set up the time to take a tour and help with it’s initial handy work.

The first time I met the founders of the FFA, Roy and Naomi, I knew they had started something quite special and when I first had the chance to meet the players they “coached,” I knew they were making real changes to the lives of the children in Payatas. From that point, I really wanted to make the effort to help and assist the foundation in any way I could. As I am still learning about what the organization does, what it stands for and who they help, I felt the need to see it for myself and try to absorb more of what the it does.

So my day began by simply having to get to Payatas, which was an adventure in itself. I woke up nice an early and jumped in a cab to the MRT, taking it to North Avenue. This was my very first time taking the train by the way, and the excitement of working commuters overwhelmed the morning travel. The train cars were packed. When I arrived, I jumped into another taxi to St.Peter’s Church to where I met Noami, and we took a Jeepney to the foundations new home.

Before getting to work, Naomi kindly took me on a tour of Payatas showing me the village and the dump site,  as she guided me through the daily happenings of the locals. When we arrived at there, we walked through the gated family-owned property and through the back entrance of the new home. The space opened into a large kitchen, and first floor of the Center to-be seemed quite spacious. We proceeded to the abandoned dimly-light second floor and started to calculate what was to be done for the day.  It was very apparent that there was plenty of work to do, as the space was unoccupied for years and signs of damage, wear, and neglect were evident.

To others, such a daunting task of cleaning up, renovating and rebuilding a home to this extent, might seem impossible and even worthless, but to Naomi and Roy, they saw it’s great potential in becoming a refuge and a relief for broken children in Payatas. For them nothing seemed too daunting or too difficult, in the light of rescuing children from their daily struggles and impoverished conditions. Thier passion, drive, and motivation becomes most powerful when they spoke about their plans for the new drop-in center and it really inspired me.

Today, we purchased a hammer and began the initial demolition and clean up of the second floor. Getting our hands dirty was quite the understatement and I was glad to be a part of every second of it.  I believe we accomplished enough for the future carpenters and cleaning crews to come in and make sound design decisions and take the second step of this process to another level. I am truly excited to help in the next stages and I can not wait to see it’s final product. From the hopes and vision of something special, it is now up to everyone’s efforts to make the dream become a reality.

Please stay tuned for updates on the progress of the New FFA Drop-In Center!

For the latest updates on Naomi and Roy please visit their blogs for upcoming events, volunteer opportunities and ways to support the FFA.

Please be sure to Follow Me on Twitter @LextonMoy to keep undated with all that is going on with the Philippine Azkals, Kaya FC, and my experiences living in Manila and Traveling Asia!

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