December 9, 2007 - January 9, 2008: Bansalan, I'm Coming Home

The beach unfortunately is not located in Bansalan. This shot was taken in Malita, Davao del Sur. Bansalan is a landlocked town.

Welcome to my world! A spectacular view along the road on our way to Malita, Davao del Sur.

There are many reasons why coming home is always special.

Our hut where I spend most of the day and let time pass away.

Our living room com kitchen.


Here is our "dirty kitchen" as Filipinos call it. This tiny hut is the real nerve center of the house. The real cooking is done here.

The side view of our house.

Merry Christmas. Did I forget anyone?

My favorite corner.

The beach.

It was too good to be true. It started as a crazy idea and here we are welcomed by our Mayor of the town, Edwin Reyes. It was great to be home and this time not alone but with a group of funny, motivated, and community-spirited Bansalenos. What a homecoming!

The preparatory meetings started. We discussed what we were planning to do. The list got longer and longer. How will we do it less than two weeks time?

Two heads are better than one. All ideas and suggestions were brought forward. We can make it, so be it.

Tata Noel, Cherfield, Lalay, Henry and Meja.

And we still have time for fun! Let's practice for our surprise number. What a band of versatile people. Work and play, that keep you young.

First Row: Henry Tacio and Cherfield Metilla.

Second Row: Meja and Jean Metilla. Lalay trying hard is partly covered.

Our DI, Joevilt Villotes. Precy Metilla (Germany) was present during the practice but went AWOL during the presentation. Where were you Precy? Behind her is Zeni Acaba (Australia) in her best pose while dancing to the tune of Aquarius.

December 26, 2007 MEDICAL MISSION

On December 26 we conducted our free medical clinic at Metilla Learning Center in Banikanhon.

Chirivic Lapena (second from R). What's up Mayor Reyes?

How do you find this? Extracting tooth under the shade of the mango tree. This young woman is very courageous.
Tata interviewing the patient.

ABW members brought the medicines all the way from Australia and Germany.

Ana Marie Noel, Mr. Mabandos (Imee's father) and me (Leila)

Leila and Jean interviwed by ABS-CBN.

December 27, 2007 - The Grand Reunion

Leila with Charlie Nique

Flowers from all over brightened up the stage.

Leila handing over the certificate of appreciation to Mayor Edwin Reyes.

From L to R: Bobbet Torreon, Mayor Reyes, Lalay and Charlie Nique.

Tata, Lalay and Meja

All accounted for? Zeni Acaba and Henry Tacio engaged in serious talk (?) before the start of the program.

Bobbet Torreon, Joyphares Ocio and Mayor Reyes.

ABW members dancing to the beat of Aquarius!

Singing We Are the World

Joyphares Ocio, Bobbet Torreon and Henry Tacio

The winner of the grand prize with the donor: Ester Rebucan. Ester thanks for your generous donation. You deserve to win!

The ABC Gym was just like the good old days. Look at this number of people who attended the party. It can accommodate a hundred more!

The Bansalan Bagobo Cultural Dance Troup: the real surprise number.

The children of the Age of Aquarius

The Motorcade around the town

On the way to Mayor's office for the courtesy call

December 28, Daygon sa Pasko (Christmas Carol in Cebuano)

Manong Mett Metilla's Ikebana, Bonsai and Flower Arrangement Workshops

Books distribution at Dolo Elementary School

The tree planting activity initiated by the Metilla Family.

Grow tree, grow!