Labour and nature of Mt. Amuyao

Mt. Amuyao not only offers the richness of the nature's beauty and spirit but it has continued to offer the requisite of technology to provide the height for TV receptions in the province. It has been a base station for the ABS CBN TV network. For about 4 decades now local people of Barlig laboured to climb the mountain to bring gas and equipments to sustain the station at the top. This is a 4 hour hike to reach the top but some locals could hike it much easily. In 2009, the rival TV network GMA-7 decided to put up their own building and satelite. This provided jobs for locals who competetively took the offers of carrying heavy equipments to build the building and station at the top. The locals were of different age, young and old, men and women. Certainly the pay must have been good atleast! On that same year me and my family decided to climb the mountain just for the pleasure of doing and get connected to nature's spirit. Throughout the hike we've met our local townmates who were doing the "Akiachor", this means work for a pay. I met my old classmates in elementary and highschool and it was a delight to see them at a different point of experience. I do rarely climb this mountain and although most of the natural beauty still very much exists I have noticed new electric posts and wires hanging all throughout the pathways. I heard they are going to cement the pathways soon as well. This would be easier for workers but will become less adventurous to people who admire nature's challenge.

This particular hike was extremely dangerous as it was heavily raining with thunderstorms and those electric posts could easily be caught by ligthning. Upon reaching the top at early evening, we were warm by a nice dinner with rice, pork, cabbage and beans. We could not see the sunset as it was too dark and wet. The morning was a glorious sun, the sky filled with life allowing us to see the magnificent view of a small villages of Natonin and some part of Banaue and Sagada (I guess). There was also the standing Knights of Columbus plaque that seems raised by the clouds. A lovely day as we set down back to the village.

Photos of this climb, here.

Espanya

Ovingdean

Went on a bike ride yesterday, from town up to queens park to the racecourse. Got some panoramic shots on top. We cut through woodingdean, met a beautiful horse! Ended up in a small rural village named Ovingdean. It is quite preserved with a little 11th century church in the corner and a couple of old barns too. Beautiful, peaceful. From ovingdean we went straight through the Marina or seafront bike path and ended in town. If only England offers us such good weather all the time we might end up with good adventures all the time.

Originally uploaded by Ayeona.

Seafront Autumn 2008

I have been neglecting my camera, for this weather, cold and damp it is not very good going out. Also in this world when you go out keep thy eyes away from the shop, that means unnecessary expenses. But got these shots from yesterday. Weather wasn't good but sky has become dramatically drawing to my eyes. Now this is a start for photo a day, atleast.

Brighton Pier:

East seaside:

London London

My first hear of London is through the Children's song "London bridge is falling down, falling down...." Now I am in London for the third time. The first is when I first arrived in the UK, in Gatwick but I haven't had the chance to see what is outside of the airport station. Second, when we went to apply for my Spanish visit visa in September.

I was very excited to see the city even just for a while, unfortunately it was raining and we couldn't get around. Atleast I know where Victoria Station and Buckingham palace is. I wasn't much interested with the Palace, there is too much Royalness of fees to get inside, still many people go there. We didn't have much time so we went straight back to Brighton.

It was still raining during my third time tavel in London but pretty much better as we went around a park, a beautiful Kengsington garden. It is beautiful, it is indeed a rich country. Prince Albert's gold statue is being raised by the towering angels. Opposite the statue is the Prince Albert hall, possiblly a theater as there is a crowd waiting outside the dome.

Time is not always enough to explore the city, it is massive, shown by the buildings and many people around. We have to go back to Victoria station for a train to Brighton. Towards the station I always love to stand in this place, in the center of the crossing streets.

I don't know if this is what first world country means. Clean busy streets, tall buildings, organized traffic and transport.

It is a busy city, noisy but not as noisy like the jeepneys in Philippines. I also like the push botton signals to cross the road. it is more orderly. There is no standing traffic policeman unlike in philippines, yet it is even more disciplined. In Manila you rush to cross to the other side, running in a pedestrian lane. Here you enjoy the walk without the pressure that the cars will bump onto you. A walk with confidence.

Organizer’s Transition and Reflection.

There are times I realize how greatly I miss those elderly faces I use to work with. Though they live in difficult situations, it is their laughter and smiles that made them not different from others.

Today is completely a new challenge and new experience especially in a place too far away from home. And whatever I was today, I carry my learnings from my encounter with the Urban Poor communities... This is a different world. When I walk in the European street I see many white old people occupying the busses in town, enjoying their travel discount, access to safe and comfortable elderly seats. I can see a lot of benches around the streets and parks with Old People taking some rest and sunshine. I went to the clinic and Old People are treated so special, free consultation, treatments and prescriptions. Adverts were also posted around on information of how to claim “Carer’s allowance” from the Government if you look after someone at home. Our Grandmother right now where we live with at home has a free flat rent from the Council. She receives weekly pension that covers her food and electricity bills. A standard weekly basic pension is 82.05 pounds which is nearly 8,000.00 pesos! You can even top it up if you belong to Income Support category. She is disabled but Disability Allowance is a very big help to her. She receives another allowance whenever winter comes (that is because there is an increase elderly dying on Winter season:-). A small necklace unit is in the house that she is meant to wear around her neck where she can press and send a “Link” message to the Care agency if something happens to her. A carer or cleaner comes weekly in the house to help her with some basic cleaning. If in need of house' repairs, someone comes for maintenance of pipes and heaters and installing tiles and sink for her, which is paid by the council. Everything is free while she watches the TV all day. All you have to do is know how to claim your benefit, know how to dial the number and the government will respond to you quickly as possible! She is diabetic but her prescriptions and medical needs are at all NO cost to her. About every month an ambulance comes to get and bring her to the hospital just for a cut of toenails! A service deluxe. Wow, it is even very hard to use an Ambulance in the Philippines for someone dying eh!

I can see that the Government is taking care too much of the Old People here in the UK, the family’s role is not much really needed. The Sentinel (March 30th 2006) says that “Television is the main source of company for nearly half of all old people in the UK. Nearly five million over 65’s in the UK rely on TV as a substitute for the companionship and support normally derived from family, friends and neighbours.” Though given all the many benefits of being an Old Person here, there are still claims of some Elderly issues, basically issues of pension. The basic source of their Elderly Pension is taxes and borrowing money from the Government itself. How lucky and how enjoying to grow old here when your financial, shelter and health needs are met. That is still a very responsible and effective Government. Isn’t that is what we want, a society putting priorities to the Elderly?

To my country Philippines, dear Philippines. I don’t know how far we can achieve, how far our own Poor Elderly Filipinos would have the same benefits. We are still in the hope that our elderly won’t be forgotten. Once we went to rally at the Congress, we had our placards with meanings ‘all grows old, our Politicians, our senators, ordinary people, everyone goes to old’. The only difference is they are rich and they can look after themselves when they get sick, while the many elderly poor cannot afford to treat themselves but to rely with their children (if luckily they have good job). But many of the Filipino families still rely for help from their folks. Our Elders are still with their own families, even up to the extended family members. Our Filipino elderly is always there, everyday. In the struggle of the poor society they make an impact in the survival of the family.

One morning, Nan here had visitors, her son and two grandsons. While the son is busy using the phone, two of the grandsons were standing in the front room where Nan is seated watching her favorate TV shows. I was in the Kitchen doing some washing and I am a bit interested to hear the voice of the two boys. I was quite surprised later that they left the house and never even said a word nor greeted their own grandmother. I am not sure if they are shy but it feels unusual to me. Is there no longer relationship? Is there no longer communication to our elders? Has our love decreased to care for them? In Philippine culture we ask for the blessings of our grandparents, we take their hands and say our respect “Mano Po”. I hope we will continue to live by this rich tradition, because to them, we, their grandchildren are their only treasure.

COSE and the Elderly

My almost everyday walk in the squatter area is sometimes not easy because of the heat of the sun, the surroundings and the many tasks in my mind that are waiting to be accomplished. I took Social Worke in school not really because I like it but because at that time I was confused yet of what to do in my career life. So I didn’t like to be called Social Worker in the first place. I particularly didn’t like the part to stay in the office all day everyday interviewing people or working on case studies of clients. I heard Community Organizing in school but it is nothing that inspired me to do oneday. But when I find myself working with the Coalition of the Services of the Elderly, or rather the elderlys of the Urban Poor areas, I came to discover the work of a Community Organizer. I came to know that is not knowledge that makes one effective worker, it is not to what I know that the Old People like me but I think it is the reciprocity of patience and understanding. It is by understanding that I slowly realize that it is a gift to be with them. Why so? There is something in their age that one can sometimes feel blessed and is only discovered when they tell their stories in life, when they reveal their histories, when they humbly make themselves open to you. Imagine those many years they undergone and at one point in their story it can make you smile or cry (yes sometimes it has disheartened me, is the principle of Social Work on Non-emotional involvement applicable here?).

Most of us always expect that Old People are very hard to work with but look at Nanay in Kaunlaran Brgy. Commonwealth. Regardless of the death of her husband and the abandonment of care from the family she is still strong to walk from her little dark house to attend the regular meeting of the group which is even a far distance from her home. With her age and condition I am sure she is not physically strong to walk outside without a companion. It is amazing that she is still an active member of the group, her will and strong mind keeps her alive. And perhaps the encouragement from us and the group made her participative as well. There were times when I was on my way to the area for their meeting and I found her on the pathway making slow steps to reach the meeting venue. I took her arm and helped her walk without speeding her pace.

She is an inspiration and I admire her for her strong and genuine commitment. There is so much kindness in her voice when she speaks, a slow tone tuned with passion when she speaks her word.

When I said goodbye to the group, most of the elders showed a poignant expression. I saw a tiny glitter in the corner of Nanay’s eyes. It made me feel unhappy of leaving, there were also tears inside me but I know I will always remember them wherever I am and with my hopes of seeing them oneday. I gave her and everyone my embrace of goodbye.

Sea explore

From the Mountain, we went to explore the seas of Puerto Galera, Mindoro. White beach area is short and silent, a beautiful island within a heaven of corals. We wish we could bring the beach to Mountain Province as the travel distance is long and wearing. A beautiful place to be alone together. Our relationship started to grow through our love and acceptance. I love him to the end of the seas. His love gives me strength and hope.
I thank God for giving me a loving husband, a loving friend, a partner that waits with me and prays with me. He gave me more strength and encouragement to be optimistic. He didn’t leave me in the face of our doubts regarding the status of my visa. We never gave up. We fought this battle and we will always try to survive together.

But there is always the feeling of uncertainty for we do not know which world to stay. We are afraid of physical separation, we are very afraid that I might not be granted the visa to join him in the UK. Let our fate not be decided by the Government.

Her healing smile

I was trying to take a photo of the Payatas Dumpsite with my first digital camera when these lovely and warm children came following me. It is one of my very first digital captures and I was very pleased with the result. Maybe not the best technically but capturing the smiles of these little children is a great achievement to me. That is the good thing about this modern cameras, it allows you to expand your shots and even preview them.

This feature gave me the opportunity to show to these children their faces in the tiny LCD monitor…. and you know what, this made them happy and so giggling. Little things like this is such a big excitement to them. It is not money or a material prize that made them laugh, even just for a little while. It was a prize of smile for me instead! Isn’t it so hard to find contentment in our lives. But look at them, poor, hungry and deprived, abandoned and left out… yet they know how to give a smile.

Beach Party

Elderly of the Urban Poor, Beach Outing.

Philippines.

Together with the Coalition of Services of the Elderly (COSE) the organized community of Old People in the urban poor areas of Manila celebrates their old age in the beach yearly. It is a shame that this country, Philippines, with 7, 000 island and known for it’s beautiful beaches that it would costs us to swim and enjoy the beach! Renting buses to get to the beach, beach entrances and renting cottages are expensive. Nonetheless, through solicitations and efforts of both COSE and the elderly they made the day a date of fun. For the old people, it is a therapeutic water and company of others. I myself enjoyed it very much. The beach shore is filled with flocking old people seated making castles, touching the sand, touching the water, laughter and singing elderly ladies while some others are dancing with music. It is a real party. I am sure that for these people it is a day to break the pressure of family responsibilities at home, a day to be away from the noise of the street and the waste surrounding of the squatter areas. Why can’t rich people treat them once in a while for beach outing? Spent some of their wealth for them? They will be happy if someone would do so.