I learned these bisayan terms from paul and his poem, paglawig-pag-uli, a journey, a returning

“I am in tears” would be “NaKAhilak ko.” this was my terrifying reaction to the news of the recent 7.2 magnitude of the twin quake centering in carmen, bohol, philippines, shaking the famed ‘chocolate hills’ and its communities island-wide. The sheer terror of not knowing were our parents are, cousins, relations, caretakers and caregivers in baclayon, bohol. No news, no word, hectic facebook search and messaging and unsuccessful attempts to reach via telephone ~ i am still shaken; i hear about and/or read the updates on fb statuses that the aftershocks are still  lingering…..prayers to all those in the bisayas. we love you! thanks to the wonderful and tireless volunteers! And “How beautiful!” would be “PagKAtahom” to the wonderful news of our parents, family, friends are safe and sound and well. We are grateful and thankful for this despite our distance oceans apart. we are blessed and thankful. With that said and the initial shock wearing off, time to refocus and rebuild thus the launch of balik sa dagat bangka journey’s BANGON BOHOL = ARISE BOHOL relief fundraising effort: 1) for a not-so immediate but as soon as we can collect and send over relief efforts and 2) for long term funds for orphaned children and/or those who lost caregivers/parents related to recent quake. Collaborating with BAJI, a Boholana women’s collective based in Bohol with members including Writer/Editor Liza Macalandag, Professor Regina Estorba-Macalandag, Lawyer Kins Aperece, to name a few awesome women ~ all have been affected greatly by this recent quake but forging on with their tireless efforts to keep us updated and connected from across the oceans. I raise my hands to all the volunteers. LIKE OPLAN BANGON BOHOL on facebook for local updates/news from locals themselves.

We look forward to your kind tax deductible donations via Monsoon United Asian Women of Iowa (MONSOON). Click on DONATE NOW or at the home page and click on the donate button on right sidebar and specify BANGON BOHOL!

All funds will go directly to BAJI minus 3-5% paypal online fees and 1% fiscal sponsor processing fee. I don’t have control over these fees. Proof of donation will be shared via photos of gifting to orphans via BAJI. Please note that Balik sa Dagat Bangka Journey is an all volunteer crew based in Oakland, California with a sole and soulful unpaid lady working from the heart committed administrative crew member, Mylene A. Cahambing. For receipts please include your name, mailing address, phone number and email with the checks. Email mylene@bangkajourney.com for further details. Daghang mabuhay!!!!!!!!