SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 21
Our last day of distributions (18 & 19) in the Philippines dawned with an early morning bus ride to the famous Talisay area. The Taal volcano sits in a lake in a very mountainous area. The backdrop was stunning as we prepared our site as a now experienced team. Excited smiles beamed at us despite the heat. The children were polite and treated us to a rousing chorus of the Philippine national anthem. We have all taken this tune into our hearts now.
Over a lunch that included refreshing whole coconuts we learned that Talisay had been the victim of devastating land slides just two years ago. Many of the children from today’s distributions were living in government-sponsored resettlement camps. These families that had lost everything were truly grateful to receive a bedkit. We saw many bedkit bundles being transported home up the steep road.
Talisay skies treated us to a spectacular sunset display which felt like a celebration of our long weeks of work. A quiet and contemplative team rode back to Manila, having been strangers just a few weeks ago. I’m grateful to now consider them a special kind of family and can vouch that the SCAW volunteer experience is a life-changing one.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: Philippines, 2026: May 10
We gathered in the hotel lobby and took photos within the decorative frame the hotel staff had set up. They repeatedly wished us "Happy Mothers' Day" as we boarded the van and left the hotel around 6 a.m. for our distribution at Magaland 1.
It was a beautiful and sunny day.
For the first time, we traveled on a new toll road with solar powered light poles, and through various villages with changing landscapes. There were many garden centres with attractive displays of potted flowering plants along the sidewalks.
The children, moms and dads greeted us with wide smiles, shouts and screams as we entered the covered basketball court where the distribution would take place. Everyone was very excited.
Our assistant team leader, Sally Jo, reconnected with an old friend and his wife. They first met 20 years ago at a bedkit distribution in the Philippines.
We distributed 300 bedkits there, had a small lunch and then traveled about 20 minutes to Imus Cavite to distribute another 300 bedkits.
I interviewed a mom with her son in the afternoon at this site. They were excited to receive the bedkit items, especially the school supplies. The son was not wearing the pajamas because they were too small for him. He's taller and bigger than many of his classmates and enjoys going to school. He likes writing, drawing cartoon characters and creating stories with intense action!
It was a Happy Mothers' Day.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 14
After a quick rooftop breakfast at our hotel in Angeles City, we set off for the first of two distributions in the city of Magalang - 350 bedkits to be given out at each one.
One of the highlights of the morning session was the opportunity to meet and interview a woman, Marieta, whose son had received a bedkit from SCAW 20 years ago or so. Her son is now married and working as a motorcycle repair man. He has children of his own - one of whom lives with Marieta and who received a bedkit today (see photo below). Marieta noted that the contents of the bedkit were used for seven years and were very helpful - especially the mosquito net. She asked me to pass on her gratitude to our Canadian donors.
Between the morning and afternoon distributions, our team had the opportunity to visit the homes of a couple of our bedkit recipients. It was a sobering experience coming face to face with the poverty and unbelievably difficult living conditions of so many people here.
In the afternoon’s distribution, I met a 55-year old woman named Gina. She has 11 children living in a small two-room dwelling. Her youngest child was receiving a bedkit. Gina is a single mom whose sole means of support is the income of her two older children. She found the school supplies to be the most helpful items in the bedkit - it’s difficult for her to buy supplies for the nine children who still live with her.
After all the bedkits were distributed and all the final group photos were taken with our hosts and site volunteers, we boarded the van and set out for the two-hour drive to Candaba. As the sun was setting, we arrived at the Lola Corazon Leisure Farm which had the feel of a typical Canadian summer camp with modest but comfortable accommodations and a large swimming pool. The water was as warm as a bath, but nonetheless a welcome relief from the relentless heat and humidity. After a swim and a cool drink together, it was off to bed to rest up for a big distribution day tomorrow and the trip back to Manila.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 10
SPECIAL MOTHERS’ DAY ADDITION
We are hot and tired after 12 hours of distributions! These ladies gave up their Mother’s Day to hand out bedkits to 600 children around Cavite, Philippines. It was great working with you all and celebrating our day with the mothers of these beautiful and deserving children.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 11
We are headed north to Pangasanin Province. For Team Philippines 2026, it’s another travel day.
We met up with our driver, Allan, who expertly wove his way through crazy Manila morning traffic. En route we were invited to meet the Governor of Papanga province, Lilea Pineda, who was extremely interested to learn about the good work of SCAW and thanked the organization for helping the children of the Philippines.
The governor’s office made special arrangements for our team to visit Lubao Bamboo Hub and Eco Park which is currently closed to the public due to upgrades.
Next we swung (pun intended) by the Padera Verde Golf Club, where Stephen (our team duffer) was able to hit a few at their driving range.
All of this was followed by a lovely lunch where we said goodbye to our wonderful guides for the morning, Caren, Jericho and Frances.
We arrived in Calasio in late afternoon and after freshening up we had a meeting to plan for tomorrow’s distribution. It’s going to be another busy day, so it’ll be an early night. Looking forward to another day of young, excited faces.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 9
Today was our last day in Daet and also a rest day since we are booked on the night bus back to Manilla. It was decided we’d do a little sightseeing.
After breakfast we headed out to El Tugawe De Mananap (Tugawe the Animal/Beast), with our helpful guide Steph, a very popular recreational area on the Mananap River. Here we found waterfalls that created natural pools, perfect for swimming. The water was wonderfully cool on a hot, humid day. The surroundings were peaceful with many Filipino families enjoying the day together.
On our way to lunch we spotted a Carabao (Filipino water buffalo), and snapped a selfie or two.
After a lunch of delicious Filipino fare we headed for another swim; this time in the Pacific Ocean. Here we body surfed in water as warm as a bathtub!
Before heading to the bus depot we had our last of many meals and fellowship put on by very generous Kiwanian hosts. We also had to say goodbye to our local driver Mark (Epoy) who we all grew very fond of in the three short days we had with him.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 7
This was an exciting initiative and day for us all: the children, parents, Kiwanis members, SCAW team and World of Sweet Dreams members. Daet is a new location for our distribution of the bedkits. The energy of an early morning breakfast hosted by hospitable Kiwanis members was a great way to begin a busy and important distribution day
Morning and afternoon distribution followed at school sites, Gregorio Pimentel Elementary School and Mancuz Hall. Huge cheers welcomed us to each site! Opening exercises included a prayer and the singing of both the Philippine and Canadian National anthems. Jean MacNabb, our team leader, introduced each team member to the children and supporters.
A total of 700 excited children received beautiful bedkits at each outdoor hall. Six parent/child interviews were held. These conversations revealed the deep appreciation for each item in the bedkit along with helpful comments. Visiting a few of their homes was a wonderful way for SCAW team members to appreciate the very challenging circumstances of home life, their crowded sleeping conditions and the needs of their children.
We observed large vegetable gardens and rice fields nearby which provided the needed food for their families. There is no doubt that Daet families were delighted by the gift of the bedkits and that the community would welcome SCAW’s return.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 6
We spent 2 days in Manila doing 4 distributions and then we traveled to Daet which is SE of Manila. To reach Daet we travelled 10 hours overnight by bus reaching Daet by 6 am.
The exciting part of this journey is that SCAW has never been in this area of the country. This morning we visited both sites where we will hold distributions tomorrow. We met the Mayor who is also with Kiwanis.
We visited the beach and dipped our toes in the Pacific Ocean.
Our evening was complete with a lovely dinner at the farm and a chance to practice our karaoke skills.
Team Philippines, 202
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW blog: Philippines, 2026: May 5
Our hosts for the afternoon distribution did not have indoor space for 300 children to wait. So the creative Kiwanis team put chairs on the street after blocking all traffic. The overhead streamers and whirligigs, gave wonderful colour to the scene.
The truck carrying all of the 300 bedkits was a safe distance away so we could easily give a bedkit to each child after the photos were taken.
A beautiful young girl dressed in her gift pajamas, sang to the crowd.
Photos were taken inside with many volunteers helping the children to stay in line to receive their bedkits outside.
Our SCAW team is delighted to be working with the World of Sweet Dreams Inc. charity here to continue the promise of a good night’s sleep for future health and success.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: Philippines, 2026: May 3
The very first day, of my very first SCAW distribution could not have been more special. After fortifying myself with a hearty breakfast I nervously boarded our bus at 7:30 am and we departed en route to Barangay Fortune, Marikina City. When we arrived we were greeted by a sea of 300 children, proudly dressed in their new colourful pyjamas. Shy smiles and waves communicated their excitement!
We were so grateful that our hosts had arranged a covered venue in the local elementary school as the temperature quickly climbed to 36 C.
After a crash course in how to organize a distribution I was given the task of “marking” the children. This important task helps to identify those that have been photographed and move them forward to receive their bedkits.
Little did I know how profound the connection would be to hold the hand of each child and draw a happy face on their tiny finger. As I held their hand and said the word “happy” it seemed like the nerves and tension melted away. I was often treated to a big smile! The small connection across language and worlds will stay with me forever. I heard “thank-you, Po” so many times yet it was me that was truly grateful. I released them to receive their bedkits, finally seeing first-hand the profound impact that each donor’s gift would have on a deserving child.
I thank SCAW for the opportunity to share in this incredible experience and our Kiwanis hosts in the Philippines for welcoming our team so graciously!
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 2
We arrived safely on May 1, 2026 around 6:00 am after a 16-hour non-stop, full and pleasant flight. The four of us travelling from Toronto Pearson Airport had a new experience when we were asked to put our carry-on luggage on the scale, before we weighed the checked luggage. Two of the carry-ons were over the seven pound limit so we all spent several minutes transferring items to checked bags. Thankfully, we were successful.
The three other team members who were travelling from Vancouver were very excited to meet us in Manila. It was a happy time for us to be finally together, after so many months of planning.
The manager of the Overseas Volunteer Partners was waiting patiently for us. We were delighted to meet him.
On the way from the airport, we stopped to tour the famous Museo De Intramuros and see the beautiful and historical San Agustin Church in Manila.
We are excited to get to work delivering bedkits and seeing smiling children.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦