Visit New Zealand

Even before the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy being famous a lot of buzz is heard already about New Zealand and what it offers to people who would want to visit or migrate there. In fact last year, my officemate Rhoda and her family migrated to New Zealand in exchange of a much better life and future for her children. She’s been working in the Philippines government for more than a year and yet she and her husband are still having hard time supporting their small family. When they knew about the great opportunity awaits them in New Zealand, they didn’t think twice and decided to move there. Now, she and her husband have the same job but with a much better pay and benefits. Moving and living to New Zealand helps them a lot and their dream future is not really that hard to achieve now.

Actually, if you have no plans migrating to New Zealand there are other reasons why you must visit the country. Like Mt. Cook or Aoraki, wherein one-third of the park is covered with permanent snow and glacier. Then you can stay at any Queenstown accommodation because Mt. Cook is just a bus away from Queenstown. You may also visit Auckland, New Zealand’s ‘City of Sails’ if you are into water sports and yatching or just want to spend a great family bonding on the beach. A lot of Auckland accommodation you can choose from so a place to stay is no worry. And if you are interested in New Zealand national treasure, spectacular views, challenging walks and cafes then Wellington is the place for you. You and your family will truly enjoy the place. Wellington accommodation is abundant as well. Or if you and your family are adventurous and would like mountains, ocean beaches, rivers, lakes and wide-open spaces then Christchurch is the place to be. You and your family will enjoy the place and have a wonderful time staying in one of the hospitable Christchurch accommodations.

If you are just visiting New Zealand or planning to have your wedding there a place to stay is no worries. New Zealand Hotels are abundant all year round and at a very cheap price even on the last minute booking. Aside from hotels a lot of apartments are also available for you to stay if you want a more ‘at home’ feel while on vacation. Try to visit New Zealand and discover its natural and man-made beauty.

Nourish The Children

I was invited by Ruel Sarmiento of Nourish the Children program by NU Skin Enterprises to be the photographer of said activity at Bro. Macantog, Sityo Kutyo in Tanay Rizal, Philippines. This was one photos of the children I took who were given VitaMeal bags to address malnutrition. The experience was heartfelt and it opened my eyes that even in our own areas there are a lot of children who are suffering from malnutrition that most of us refuse to see and just ignore that fact. I am glad that I was able to help and I am hoping that through my photos I will create awareness of malnutrition and that we should do something about it. My photos clearly shows that these children are so enthusiastic and very happy despite their present situation. They easily welcome people who would like to help them. Next month, our team will be back to give more food and I hope I can bring some donations from people who would like to make a difference.

If you'd like to help and donate just try to contact me or Ruel to know where you could bring your donations. We are also planning to have an exhibit of the photos taken during our visit to create more awareness of the "Nourish The Children" program and we might sell copies of the photos and the proceeds will go the the said program. We are open to suggestions and tips on how to spread this program. Next month the team will be back to Bro. Macantog, Sityo Kutyo in Tanay Rizal to deliver more food and some donations that we will gather from you guys.

Hope a lot of you guys will respond. Tips and suggestions and of course donations are highly appreciated.

The team who went there last February 17, 2008 were Don Mebrano, Ruel Sarmiento, Pastor Jolly and sister Rose of Church of God the Living Stone, and I.