CRIBS Foundation has been around for 40 years and I think these guys are amazing. They have taken…read moreon the responsibility of caring for babies to toddlers that have either been given up for adoption or left on their doorstep. Basically, they're being great examples of what awe-inspiring human beings look like. Decent human beings. I became acquainted with their volunteer program back in high school and I've visited here intermittently. Their volunteer program allows one to come in and play with the babies, feed them, and care for them. Your time gives the staff a break, makes the babies happy, and best of all, it reminds you of what life is all about. Don't forget your white shirt and clean pair of socks.

I have attended KALFI LEAD's Anchored Leadership. The topics and speakers were young, energetic and…read moremade so much sense. For instance, they tackled time management within the context of a person's current circumstances and in view of her goals leading up to the future. The speakers emphasized the idea of always getting up from failures as the latter will only serve as stepping stone for better things to come. Correct mindset is the start of growing some grit and grace. We all came out inspired by the entire conference.

PAWS or Philippine Animal Welfare Society is the biggest, most feared animal-abuser arse-kicker in…read morethe Philippines for the past thirty years. I have high respects for this organization and what they do for our furry friends out in the streets. But that's just the organization. They have their own clinic slash shelter too, and it offers low cost spaying and neutering and consultations. I've only been there one time to kapon two of my cats because let's face it, it's in Narnia (I live in Makati, OK) but it seems like a great place. PAWS' compound is first of all, HUGE. It slopes up a little bit, with nice feels of trees and nature. On my surgery day, I apparently came in too early for the appointment time (nah, I came on time, they just opened late), so I was able to take a look at the babies in the animal shelter. There's an area for adoptable cats (adults), kittens (awwww!), Quarantine (maybe they're new?) and the recovery/sick bay towards the back (poor hunnies!). And then, to the right side of the clinic, there are the dog runs. Going to PAWS is a life-changing experience to me. After that, I actually thought of a rough life plan in having my very own animal shelter one day. But that's besides the point. If you're one of the humans who has the same passion as the organization though, you can call them up and ask how to volunteer in their shelter! Also, a word of advice: When you want to have your pets done, make sure to book ahead. Because they can get rather full!

PAWS is one of the Philippines' most active organisations that fight for animal rights and welfare…read more PARC is their main office, as well as the temporary home of several dogs and cats that were rescued and rehabilitated. Though, they don't just simply take in strays (they are NOT a pound, okay?) and you cannot just call them to take your unwanted pets away. That is not what they do. Their shelters are even at full capacity already, since there are so much irresponsible and abusive people out there who do cruel things to innocent animals. It's really heartbreaking if you hear the stories of some of the animals there. Luckily, these animals got the second chance that they deserve through PAWS' efforts. If you're looking to get a new furry companion, please, PLEASE consider adopting one from organisations such as PAWS. Instead of supporting pet shops who perpetuate the cycle of exploiting animals for profit, and supporting puppy mills and irresponsible breeders, adoption is a MUCH BETTER option. Drop by and interact with the animals, and I guarantee that your heart will be taken by a lot of them. There are so many animals here that are perfectly adoptable and are waiting to be taken in by a loving home. If you love cats, you will LOVE their cattery! It's also a pleasure to meet some of their cats and dogs who roam freely and act as a "welcoming committee" to all the guests of PARC. If you can't adopt, do consider volunteering your free time to a good cause. PAWS accepts volunteers who can help them with their various campaigns, office work, animal care and rehabilitation, and much more. You can also be a foster parent to an animal, too!

I had never previously heard of Manila Elks Club until I started attending meetings each first…read moreSaturday of the month to support a loved one in their journey towards healing. This place is great! The food was always so delicious and I distinctly recall being so excited to attend the meetings and would count the hours until the clock would strike 12 so I could get started with my lunch. LOL. So worth skipping breakfast for. Very clean facility although dated and could get some renovation work.

ANZA is the Australian New Zealand Association. Australians and Kiwi's are widely known as a social…read morebunch and this group does not veer off that path. Whether you're new to Manila and looking for a social outlet or a long-timer interested in hanging out with a fun bunch, this is the group for you. Don't get me wrong, this group doesn't just drink wine all the time, but they are a non-profit group that supports various charities around the area. The social events are just an excuse to raise money them. Most groups of this sort are either a women's group or a chamber. ANZA is different in that the group is comprised of men and women focused on social change in Manila and while increasing your social life! It's a great group and people from all countries are welcome to join.

I entered the Segunda Mana Charity Outlet at the Lacson Underpass in Quiapo not really expecting…read moremuch. It looked a bit sad, to be honest. Where all the other stores were filled with various dry goods, this little store didn't seem to have enough merchandise to sell One of the two staffers manning the store told me that they were operated by the Catholic charity organization known as Caritas. Most, if not all, the products for sale looked new, some even had tags on them. One of them told me that SM donated some of the ladies bags and shoes. These were the items that SM could not sell, so they donated it to this charity. Other smaller companies with generous owners also gave products such as toiletries. Caritas accepts old and new products that can still be sold, so I asked how to donate. They gave me a card which had telephone numbers 564-0205 and 563-9311. These are the numbers to call for any kind soul out there willing to part with their useful stuff. It's for a good cause, because I know that Caritas helps street children, among others. I plan to donate a lot of stuff which I have at home. Segunda Mana will pick them up, sort them out, and distribute them in their outlets. In fact, I will ask all my friends to do the same. This is one charity that quietly does a world of good for those who have less in life. God bless them,

Last year, I went to numerous meditation seminars with my sister and a couple of friends. The…read moreseminar that resonated with me the most was from Brahma Kumaris. It's a spiritual organization that hails from India and advocates spiritual awakening/transformation, positive thinking, equality and sending good vibrations into the world. Believe me, they're the real thing. I, myself, am pretty open-minded about a lot of stuff but of course I proceed with caution. I do my research, as should everyone. Their seminars are free. Everyone who works there are volunteers. They're not about getting money off of people but they promote love and peace. As cliché as that sounds, it's not Miss Universe. It's real. When I stepped into their doors, I felt very welcome. The people are nice, sincere, genuine and you don't get creepy cult vibes, haha. If I remember correctly, the seminar was around 4 hours more or less but didn't feel like forever. The female mentor did an introduction then we did a bit of meditating. After that, they prepared for us vegetarian merienda which was really good! It was actually a meal of artichoke/banana hearts (tastes like meat for all you carnivores), rice, juice and leche flan. Then we had another meditating session. What's different about them is that they meditate with their eyes open whilst staring into an image of radiating light. It was difficult at first, I have to admit. My mind isn't really the soundest of minds and it's hard to concentrate with your eyes open but I did get the hang of it after a while. Huzzah! After the seminar, they handed out mediation cards which came really handy. I put them up on my bedroom wall and it's been really helpful. And one I keep in my wallet. They also had a (free) public seminar yesterday at the Greenbelt 1 theater. My dad, sister and I attended and we loved it. They had a guest speaker, Mr. Charlie Hogg, the director of BK in Australia and Asia Pacific. He's a great person and so cute! My sister and I want him to be our grandpa, haha. He said great metaphors about the mind like he envisions his mind as a crystal ball filled with clear, pure water. And a lot of the things he said really spoke true to me. There were 5 other yogis/mentors present and I saw the woman who mentored us before. They looked so calm and at peace (no fidgeting whatsoever!) that I really inspire to be like that. During the meditation session, the Manila Symphony Orchestra Quartet played. The instrumental music was beautiful! They also had Tanya Diaz (finalist of The Voice) sing "If We Hold on Together". Might have been cheesy but I love that song and 'Land before Time' (and that song) was the first movie/song that ever made me cry, lol. Former Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani also spoke about how BK changed her life. It was inspiring. She was able to survive 12 years in politics because of it. After that, she became a simple farmer and couldn't be happier with her life. The seminar was only an hour so it was short and sweet. Before we left they gave us tokens, "toli" which means "sweets" in India for "seeing sweet things, hearing sweet words and speaking sweetly". I know this review is quite long but hey, I'm reviewing 2 seminars in one! Haha. I'm not super big on meditating although I'd love to be. I'll definitely treasure my experiences and perhaps try their meditation retreats in the future!

When a country does not have the capacity to take care of its people, people with mental illness…read moreand disabilities always take the back seat. Perhaps, the reason maybe mostly monetary but having been exposed to the healthcare industry in the United States, It seems that all our efforts are still lacking. I took care of children and adults with special needs while I was there and was immensely impressed with their resolute to give them the best care possible. Well, they are after all "first world" right? They have the means. It's just unfortunate that our country cannot give equal care to every Filipino citizen and I can only hope that one day, things will get better. This is why, it's important that we help organizations that strive to help- Elsie Gaches is one of them. It's the country's largest carehome for people with mental illness and disabilities and this year it's turning 51; an accomplishment given that it relies merely on government funding and donations. I've been talking to one of the nuns that live there and she says that people are welcome to visit and help in any way possible. I guess this is my way of telling you to make time to help. Tama na muna "wanderlust" pwede ba? Travelling is fun but social media has killed it. Can we just make being good cool? So, if one day you find yourself with too many things you don't need call Sister Savita and inquire about making a donation (or lending your time). Her number is +63 918 906 8893.