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.

Sharon & Billy did it again! Great atmosphere, good service, good prices, and plenty of TLC!read more

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.

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.

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.

First time visiting a couple days ago. It was weird. Outside the wall you have beggars, then you…read morewalk through on the grounds and more beggars or church ladies trying to sell you supposedly food bags for them to keep and supposedly give to the poor. Then we tried to go inside the church but couple church ladies guarding the front door said no, for entrance we have to walk around to the side entrance. Note there was no mass at this time. Okay walked around to side entrance, entered and starting walk down a to sit at a pew. Now another lady says no we can't sit there we have to sit at designated area with group of other people. Again, no mass and church 95% empty with plenty of seating. Weird that the people were grouped up like that. Pretty crazy, think these church ladies have power issues. Anyway, instead of praying, we just left. We will just go back to mass at Legaspi Park where ironically is priest from this Church. Church ladies, you can do better!

Parishes don't get any more "community-centric" as Don Bosco. Servicing the nearby residents of Pio…read moredel Pilar, Legaspi, and San Lorenzo villages (Now THAT'S diverse), Don Bosco manages to attract people from all walks of life, and not alienate anybody in the process. Believe me, that's harder than it looks. But what really attracts me to Don Bosco are the community/outreach projects they have in the premises. For example, they have a small bakery in the premises that makes topnotch pandesal, pan de coco, spanish bread, and so much more. They also have a small community store where you can buy the most flavorful arroz caldo in Makati for P25, as well as organic lettuce, fresh eggs, and local sweets.

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!