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Edition September 2003

World Camp 2003 on The Philippines

It is impossible to write about the world camp in only a few lines without leaving out more than half of all the great things we experienced. Any article can only be a short summary of everything that happened. So, this is nothing more then just that.

One by one the participants (coming from Burundi 3 (2 Xaveri, 1 Chiro), Chile 2, Denmark 7, Ghana 3, Germany 1, Switzerland 2, Paraguay 2, the Netherlands 3, Malta 3, Slovakia 2, Belgium 5, Spain 2) arrived at Manila airport. By 8 July, most of the delegates and their luggage had arrived. On the morning of 9 July, we left for Taytay by public transport, experiencing everyday Philippine commuter traffic. It was good to have a guide with us because we wouldn't have made it on our own.

In Taytay we stayed in the most beautiful location with a great view of Manila's skyline. The World Camp was officially opened there. Two days later, the last delegates from Ghana arrived sometime late during the night. Fortunately, even the luggage of the Maltese delegates had arrived by that time. It was nice to meet the Ghanese delegates but we already had to say goodbye to Emelia and Evelyn only a few hours later, because they had to leave for their projects.

The group of 38 delegates were divided into four groups, and every group was going to work in a different location on a different project.

Doong Island

One group went to work for a local community on Doong island. This is a very small and very poor island just north of Cebu. It was quite a surprise for the participants who went there to find out that the road they were supposed to build had already been built. But the community was very poor, so there were a lot of other things to do.

Cebu

Six of the women went to the big island of Cebu and stayed at a SOS children's village. Young orphans are taken care of there. The delegates each helped a mother of one of the houses, living with the groups in their daily tasks. This meant helping with cooking, shopping, cleaning the house etc.

Manila

One group stayed in the city of Manila. They helped building and painting stone houses for extremely poor families in the slums. They also visited prisons and talked with the young inmates.

Nueva Viskaya

The last group went to the province of Nueva Viskaya. The forests in this area had been cut down by the logging industries. Now the area is barren, drying out and suffering from erosion. For the survival of the people living there, it is very important that the forests are restored. And that's what the delegates did there: they helped reforesting the hills.

On 21 July, all the delegates met again in Las Piñas in metro Manila. There they exchanged their experiences. It was interesting to see each other again because the experiences in the projects had been so different. All the projects combined gave a good representative picture of the Philippinan reality.

But we stayed in Las Piñas only for a day. The next day we left for Tagaytay where we spent our last days together. We had evaluation activities, threw a big party and went sightseeing. The Palace in the Sky was very interesting. Because of the fog and heavy rain, we could only see about three metres far. Fortunately we had a better view after we went down a little. It was breathtaking! We saw a lot of small volcanic islands in the sea. One day, we even climbed one, the Taal volcano, and we went for a swim in the crater. It was like taking a hot bath.

On 24t July, we returned to Las Piñas and the next evening there was a closing party, the Barrio Fiesta there. It was time to say goodbye to everybody.

Corno de Mol
President of Fimcap Europe

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A second look at the world camp

At last, the much anticipated world camp finally came to an end.
Last year, there was much worry about whether there will ever be a world camp in the Philippines due to the series of events that transpired locally and internationally.

First, there were the political issues on insurgency which caused immense fear from relatives and friends abroad. Second, after the insurgency issues died down, the Iraq situation came in. At this point, Chiro Philippines was at a hiatus. Our question was, “Will they still push through with the camp if war breaks out?” And we were proud of the decision of FIMCAP at that time.

Just when the war issue was somehow resolved, the third blow arrived right at our doorsteps – and its name was S.A.R.S. And so, with reckless abandon, the team threw the program on the table with a loud whack and agreed that we will no longer entertain the question on whether the camp will push through or not. Anyway, if it pushes through, we have a program and if not… then we still have a program!

Mixed emotions clouded the preparations. For one, we lacked manpower. Very few leaders committed to the tasks (mostly because of office work). For another, many groups were apprehensive about taking such responsibilities. Still, we gave every leader and group their respective tasks and hoped that the response will be positive. To our surprise, the local groups welcomed the tasks with much enthusiasm despite their apprehensions. While the leaders assigned did not commit full time, they presented their very able substitutes.

Arrival

Everybody could still not believe that FIMCAP was coming. Yes, the ‘FIMCAP’ that every Chiro boy and girl in the Philippines have heard of from age 10 and the ‘FIMCAP’ that was part of the initiation tests, will not only materialize and have an actual face but will FINALLY come to the country!

When the first delegates arrived (from Paraguay and Chile), the logistics team were caught by surprise because no one could speak Spanish. However, it was proven that language is really not a barrier if both are willing to communicate. And all of us were really willing! It didn’t matter if we used hands, face and feet to tell stories to each other. We had a blast from then on.

Hosting

At first, many leaders had reservations about hosting the event. Surprisingly, in the course of it all, the fears were later on transformed to pure excitement especially when each member group of FIMCAP introduced themselves. It was indeed very interesting – the similarities among the groups, the different activities, the songs, the different food and drinks shared. Even the leader assigned to photograph the activity joined in (to everyone’s surprise).

Of course, there were many sleepless nights and tense moments throughout the event but still, it was unbelievably exciting. In fact, sleep was a luxury used sparingly particularly during the first ten days. It didn’t matter though, because each day brought a kind of surprise very different from the day before.

Friends, Etc.

One cannot easily forget the friends made (as a result of the pre- arranged groupings and hosting), the host parents and extension families that are so common in the Philippines. Without a doubt, no one will forget the very first person they met, the most creative one, the friendliest, the quiet one, the wackiest, the loudest, the nicest…

Who cannot recall the tremendous heat at the Taahl volcano island, the rain in Cavite, the counting of trees and bus ride to Nueva Vizcaya, the sun, sea and mosquitoes in Doong, the children of SOS Village, the painting of houses in Arkong Bato, and of course, the spaghetti dance (mastered by Christiaan and Soren)?

More than that, the local staff, who also came from different groups and from different parts of the Philippines, also had their share of bonding. Many may be surprised, but before the event, most of the volunteers were not even friends. While everyone knew each other during national and district days, the relationships have not really gone beyond the getting-to-know-stage. Now, the leaders’ relationship with one another deepened to such a level that no one even imagined. They presently share a bond that cannot easily be severed (thanks to the world camp).

The World Camp became an instant examination time – a rare opportunity for leaders to present their uniqueness and capabilities. It also became a time to support one another… a time to undertake unusual or even rough tasks… a time to give each other a pat in the back and an ear to listen to the funniest or the silliest story about the camp… a time to ponder and re-think… a time to be thankful.

After all the activities were done, the local staff said one thing – “So, this is World Camp,…” and then we went on to say “let’s do it again!” No one can deny that wonderful hypnotic effect that reverberated throughout the Chiro groups in the country – yes, even to the most isolated island in Cebu.

Saying Goodbye

This is inevitable and much more difficult than any other part. At the end of the event, we cannot hide the sadness brought by separation after three long weeks of being together. Just like that, the camp is over.

Some of us did not even consider sending people off at the airport to spare the tears (and heartaches for some). However, none was spared because everyone missed everyone at once. Names may be forgotten by some, but faces and experiences, never.

A leader wrote during the evaluation night… So many memories and realizations, so many people touched and loved and cared for.

Looking back, it is truly an understatement to say that the event was fun and memorable. For all of us here in the Philippines, it meant more than just a “camp,” it was an inspiration.

So, to the next host of the World Camp, fear not! Enjoy every moment from preparation to evaluation. Bad stuff comes with the good stuff – and we assure you that the good that comes out of the experience outweighs the bad ones by a thousand times!

Good luck!

Marie, Rona, Leny, Andy, Bhem, Mavie,Eloisa, Apol, Red, Paeng

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It is great and wonderful!

It is great and wonderful to really share something with you about what happened during the FIMCAP World Youth Camp in the Philippines in the year 2003. It was all FEL! That is Fun, Experience and Lessons. We had four groups, for four different projects. These projects included planting trees, building a fence, painting and working as a mother in a SOS children’s village. I was with the SOS group. For my project I had to travel by ship for about 24 hours to Cebu, a province in the Philippines.

In Cebu-Mandaue city, I had the opportunity to visit some of the poor barrios of the place, such as the dump side, river side and Paknaan, where the people there have to rush for garbage that is dumped to pick things like plastics, roofing sheets and other things that are a bit valuable, so that they can sell them to make a living, What a pity! Project Mercy is a children’s foundation by a God-fearing family, were many children from dysfunctional homes who were housed and cared for. Most of these children’s original homes could trace to the poor and abandoned areas that earlier on visited. SOS Kinderdorf, (sos means Save Our Souls), was also another place of experience. It was a village or community, which really saves the innocent and needy ones’ souls. In this village there were about eleven houses with about ten children in each house with a mother who of course is single (not married). Here mothers are affectionately called “Nanay.

It was nice for me to help in the kitchen in this village, as I learnt how to prepare some Philippine dishes. It was interesting as well for me to act as a mother of ten children, any time my “Nanay” was out, and I had to cook and serve the kids.

It was great and a surprise to go out for sight seeing; which actually exposed me to the different classes of people living in the Philippines. I could see three groups: the high class for the millionaires who live in very high and rich or expensive conditions or areas; the middle class for those who made a quite comfortable living with just a little effort or work and the lower class for those people who have to make a living from lot of hard and risky work.

The situation of a church every 100 meters, also proved the Christianity rate in the Philippines. In fact we we paid a courtesy call to the Mayor of Mandaue City he said that the Philippines is made up of 99% of Catholics. Wow! That is great! To make us feel more at home, we had a day at the beach with our Nanays. And for me it was a memorable day, as I learnt how to swim this day with encouragement from my group members and the “Nanays”. It was all fun!

I think it is enough on fun time, experience and lessons during this camp. And with this I say “AYIKOO FIMCAP”, which means Well done, in Tuoi – Ghana. And to prove to you that I can speak a little Tagaalo – I say – SALAMAT (Thank you) MABUHAY FIMCAP (Long life)

Evelyn Domozon
CYO Ghana

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Somewhere far away

There was a big dream on some remote islands: to gather young people from the world wide Fimcap organisation to participate in a camp. This invitation also reached Chile and that is how the whole story started for a Jupach leader from San Bernardino When we heard the news, we were all very enthusiastic, but this young man didn’t really believe it would be possible for him to go. So, he started to take all necessary steps to get the passport, the visa, made a lot of phone calls and finally came the inevitable good-bye.

The journey started on 2 July. Two days travelling to the Philippines, leaving a lot of things and heading for the unknown and this would last a month! The arrival in Manila was rather fastidious, the heat and the language made it difficult. The camp started on the 9th, and so, I had some days to acclimatise.

The same questions came constantly back: Why me? Do I really deserve this? The most important thing for me was the nice people who were always ready to support you at any time. It was a very deep and intensive experience. I have learnt many things which I could take back to Chile.

The most important thing is to say: “Thank you Lord for the things I am blessed with each day and for the beauty of your creation”. A Jupachino for ever.

Jorge Bravo
Jupach

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At the end of the world

I had the impression we were travelling to the end of the world. We spent a whole day and night on a huge ship, 3 hours in the bus and then another 4 hours on a shaky ship. But the crew was splendid, clear blue water, islands with coconut, Philippine people with a brown tan…
Doong Island was getting closer; from far you could hear drums and singing. When we got nearer, we started to realise that the music band was playing for us! So, quickly put on your slippers, jump into the warm water and try to reach the sand. Many people were welcoming us, kids staring and laughing. Probably wondering why 7 strangers are visiting their island. All inhabitants were waving and shouting.

We arrived at the church and the parish house where we were going to spend the rest of the week. The project in Doong was about building a road. The only road on the island was in a very bad condition, even though it was very important. I was worried and asked, how could a tiny inexperienced girl like me build a road with cement? But when we arrived some things changed. We were going to brighten up the kitchen of the parish house. Children whose parents lived on another island could come and eat there during school periods. So we started to scrub and to paint the walls and the tables. It wasn't really an easy job with the heat! On Doong Island there is only electricity from 18h until midnight. In the day there is no ac or ventilator, and beseides there were lots of flies you had to keep away. But the yellow and white paint made a real difference to the grey and dirty walls.

While the girls were painting the furniture and also some church chairs, the boys were putting cement on the broken walls. One day we went to the school of Doong. Together with the kids we build a school fence. We passed over many stones and put them on top of each other. At the end we had a kind of a wall behind the school. After a few days the local people of Doong got used to some foreigners working on the island and sweating all over.

The last evening they entertained us with a nice fire. Under the only light we had, they were singing and dancing. They performed with their voice and body. There was a time to thank everybody who cared for us on the island. I could feel that everybody in our team experienced a very special time in Doong. We will keep all the memories in our hearts.

Sofie Roose
Chiro Flandres

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Long life to Fimcap!

The 2003 Fimcap World Camp in the Philippines has been a light for many of us, black and white and in all the things we experienced. This world camp has opened our eyes to see the human realities in the Philippines. I am convinced Fimcap can help to change the world and I hope that Fimcap will grow in harmony and will not forget the African organisations which are also Fimcap members.

Long life to FIMCAP
Long life to CHIRO PHILIPPINES

Felicité Niyonaere
Xaveri Burundi

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Long life to Fimcap!

Nobody turns on a light to hide it. People put it on a candlestick, so that the people entering the house see the light. This was the case in the Philippines, in the mountains of Nueva Vizcaya, in the fields, while working all together. Every Fimcap member at his own place should be a light for a better world.

Long life to FIMCAP in the world
Long life to CHIRO PHILIPPINES
Long life to the World Camp

Jean Marie Bizindavyi
Chiro Burundi

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World camp 2003 Declaration

There is only one world. You can live for yourself today or help in building a future for everyone.

We came to the Philippines to do things for others and help but in reality, we have been the receivers.

We discovered the wealth of the poorest people, their readiness to share the little they have, their hospitality and their positive way of looking at things. But, to become aware of this, we had to leave our cocoon and experience the local community life. We learnt that the least someone possesses, the more he or she is ready to open up and share.

It will be our real challenge not to let this experience fade but mould it into our own life back home.

Moreover, we challenge the world to look at what we achieved during this experience and to accept the invitation to international solidarity.

The Philippines, July 2003

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Some comments live!

The first days were difficult. The customs in Chile are quite different from the Asian ones. Thanks God, the Philippine population gave us a warm welcome and looked very well after us, at any time!
Jorge Bravo

Chiro Philippines has organised many beautiful presentations of their activities, their country and their food and drinks. The presentations were enormously spectacular. There was one presentation which was really great. The players wore white gloves and black clothes. With ultra violet light, this made a very nice presentation because with their hands they formed all kinds of figures with which they illustrated their story.
Corno

The Manila Delegates in ARKONG BATO , Pasig, City. started to carry rocks & sand, then in the afternoon they painted the 4 houses. The group was divided in 2 teams with two different tasks in turn: teaching the children in the morning & painting in the afternoon. It was very tiring, but once they also managed to play basketball after the work. Fr. Alvi's team won the game!
Bhem
Chiro staff, Philippines

In Nueva Biskaya almost all the forests have been sold out to big logging companies. They cut all the big trees and have left a barren place. The erosion of the soil is an enormous threat to the ecological balance of this region. The area can turn into a desert if nobody takes action.
Fortunately the government in this region is aware of this problem and launched an enormous reforestation programme. Our project here in Nueva Biskaya was also part of that programme. We planted trees on one of the barren mountains. mahoganey, nara , rotan trees and coconut trees. That was really hard work because the soil was very hard and difficult to work on. Of course it was still extremely hot so our working tempo was not at its best.
As always it turned out to be very difficult to work together with people from different cultures. A lot of misunderstandings occurred but this is part of the intercultural exchange. Fortunately we could laugh about it. I have been very lucky in my project and also in my hosting family.
Corno

We experienced a great time in the Philippines. We tasted all kind of different Filipino food and enjoyed the great hospitality of Filipino people.
Franziska, Swiss participant of the world camp 2003

It has been a great experience for everybody which will be in our heart for ever. The atmosphere has been great at all moments we could feel that Fimcap was really alive.
Carme

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