PARTone

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Grailslife once again blessed us with a fundraiser that not only funded a return trip to Nakar, but also helped fulfill one of our most ambitious mission yet. PartONE takes us straight to our distribution to the Dumagats (People of the sea) at Sitio Masanga: a 7-hour journey to the eastern coast of the Philippines that included hiking through the jungles of Caraway, walking on the sharp boulders of Masanga Point, and battling the currents of Agos River.

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We brought with us lights of hope. Literally. Fifty solar-powered lights were distributed to all the families of Sitio Masanga. For the rest of the world, these lights are simple items taken for granted, readily available and easily accessible. But not for this small community still living in darkness as soon as the sun goes down. Still cooking on open flames. Saving a stick of candle for as long as they can. Keeping those matches dry with their lives. Powering lamps with kerosene that will take a daylong journey to acquire. These lights are as good as gold.

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The 50 accounted families are less than the average number we help, giving us the opportunity to give more than usual. Double the rice, double the canned goods. For dinner, we ate outdoors on banana leaves using our bare hands, under the new lights we gifted them with. To end the day, we all slept on the wooden floors of a one-room hut borrowed from a family who themselves slept outdoors on the same table we had dinner on. The night felt endless with the rain never stopping and mosquitoes celebrating in a room full of city folks.

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Morning gave us a better view of what has changed in this community since our last visit, and what stayed the same. Familiar faces, and some who still remembers us. The Dumagats seem to prefer the simplicity of this kind of lifestyle. No electricity. No technology. Away from the chaos of the city. But given the chance, we’re sure they would want the best opportunity for their children to have a better life. And that means leaving Sitio Masanga.

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The biggest thanks to GrailsLife for hosting their “Annual Charity Game” that benefitted 1in3out for the 2nd time now. To all their members who participated in the fundraiser raffle, and congratulations to the winners. Looking forward to future collaborations as we work together helping more people in the Philippines.