Bucket Baths & Tropical Heat: The Joys of Volunteering in the Philippines
If you’re looking for an exciting and worthwhile volunteer abroad experience and don’t mind tropical heat, bathing from a bucket or the persistent early morning reveille from neighborhood roosters, then volunteering abroad in the Philippines may be a choice that you’d like to look into. With over 7,000 islands, this South East Asian nation is one of the most ecologically diverse countries in the world, boasting astonishing natural beauty such as dense tropical rainforests, towering mountains and sun swept white sand beaches.
The daily commute often involves riding a jeepney, a converted former US military service vehicle, painted in extravagant colors!
Aside from the aesthetics of the local landscape, it is the friendly, accommodating and kind nature of the Filipino people that will truly win your heart and help define your volunteer abroad experience. As soon as you land in country, you will be immediately labelled by most passing strangers as “Joe”, a term that originates from the presence of U.S. military personnel (or GI Joe’s) during World War II. At the same time you will be simultaneously approached by the friendly and inquisitive local children who will ask repetitive questions such as “Wash (What is) your name?” and “Where you going?”. If that wasn’t enough local women will giggle coyly at the site of foreign males whilst local men will be as equally bashful when it comes to conversing with foreign women, nevertheless once you’ve broken the ice you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy the friendly company of local Pinoy whilst chowing down on some of the delicious local delicacies. Since English is a nationally recognized language, there’s never too much difficuly in conversing with the locals; although those with thick accents or who speak at speed may wish to make a conscious effort to slow down their speech.
If you thought you’d lose weight whilst volunteering in the Philippines, then guess again! Filipino’s love food and at every available moment will be trying to force feed you snacks and refreshments in order to maintain their reputation as one of the most accommodating nationalities in the world. If you’re feeling brave, you may want to try balut! a hard boiled chicken or duck embryo which is often accompanied with salt and spicy vinegar. From time to time, these snacks will be washed town by the bitter taste of tuba, a variation of palm wine made from the sap of various coconut trees. Beware! over indulgence can often lead to excruciating early morning headaches.
Your daily commute to and from your volunteer project will often involve you riding a jeepney, a pimped out converted U.S. military service vehicle which often has bright colorful designs and occasionally inappropriate slogans sprawled over its exterior. Once inside, you will be sandwiched amongst everyday Filipinos who are going about their daily business and may even get the chance to witness some of the locals sitting atop of the vehicle or hanging precariously on the back – however we don’t advise any volunteer abroad participants to join in such an activity as any related injury that may be occurred will not be covered by your travel insurance.
At your volunteer project, you will have the opportunity to observe the many hardships that Filipino communities face whilst at the same time being amazed by their optimistic attitude and true “bahala na (Come what may)” spirit.
Having the opportunity to participate in sustainable developments that aim to alleviate the effects of poverty through the development of education, social welfare and public health services will help forge some unforgettable memories that will completely change your outlook on life. During your time as a volunteer, you will meet many disadvantaged locals who feel most incredibly indebted to the support offered by the grassroots projects that international volunteers assist.
Outside of your working hours, you will become truly immersed in Filipino culture; will be able to enjoy some of the country’s colourful religious fiestas, participate in the national pastime of karaoke and explore the many ecological hot spots that the country boasts.
Taking the plunge to volunteer abroad in the Philippines will be one of those special moments in life that you’ll never forget.