Sunday, June 10, 2018

Travel with Purpose - Operation Help

I've been travelling with Chaps for the past 13 years. At first - I have a goal to visit those great Top Gun scenes in Miramar, Great Naval School, Military top secret arsenal, Aircraft carriers and cool airshows then submarines. And all you can imagine action Hollywood sport adrenaline figure with those most powerful Navy in the world.

Last week we visited Banaue Rice Terraces where Thanos shoot the Avengers. Couple of years back it was like The Great Raid Movie when they talked about World War in different parts of the country. And then the USS Indianapolis - Men of Courage which is the Disaster in the Philippine Sea.

So Every-time Chaps visit the country 1-2 times a year I joined him. From NETC Zambales, Subic Base, Tondo Manila, Tarlac Farm, Mountain Province, Cavite, Corregidor, Negros, Ifugao, Clark Base, Bataan Death March, Tony's Mansion in Pangasinan, PMA/Seminary Baguio, Sagada, Benguet and several US/Philippines Military Base. I even joined the conversation with the General, Priest, VolunteersAdmiral, Officers and Ambassadors. I was having fun learning from those different folks. 

Years after years it made me realize then understand the reason why he was doing it. Very seldom for me to see a Bishop - senior citizen like always in action with tremendous amount of energy. I also saw the passion of healing of Sister Eva Maamo

When she told us she were asked by both Philippine rebels and soldiers in the heights of crisis like the Marawi and several civil war conflicts. How she walked several mountains just to teach and train indigenous people like the Aeta's on how to heal its fellow. 

A 70 plus nun, Ramon Magsaysay awardee still going strong. She even turned down the offer as Health Secretary. But here she was - happy cooking and serving food to us every -time we have mission. And mostly travelling miles and miles then walking different mountains performing surgical missions and religious guidance with different tribes.

Where she both assist both play as a surgeon and religious person. Serious problem when we were unable to dock tons and tons of missionary humanitarian items like medicines, toys, school supplies, clothing and canned goods. For donation to the poorest of the poor across the country because of local tax and process. Also the clean up of the unmaintained graves of fallen heroes in the cemetery.

With Chaplain Don Biadog - I learned how to take great photos, became a legal drug pusher to the needy. And able to give smile to those people we've helped as a tool and main goal of operation help. I really admire those volunteers around the world. That silently truly support its Chaplain's mission like Jim, Adam, Tony, Mark, Nick, Joel, Vic, Derek, Lynn, Mike, Sherwin, Winston, William, Rachael, Nerie, Ana, Hilda, Camia, Jr, Valen and a lot more. 
Once an Orphan and then came back the time. That you want to return the favor and blessings a thousand times. Its been an honor to serve and support the Chaplain Don Biadog for the past 13 years journey of Philippine Missions. Travelling in different continents as far in Middle East, Asia, Europe and Latinos make me truly realize how small I am. 

Relentless event after event pursuit - I am not perfect. I was sick and lost then somebody was able to guide, remember and help makes me realize how lucky I am. As I will always remember that Charity begins at homeAs years goes by I became to understand the real purpose of travelling with purpose. 

Same goes when I sailed the country for past 2 weeks. I truly understand now the danger and high risk volunteers sacrificing. I remember damaged tires, engine and aircon malfunction. Recycled clothes, heavy loads, lots of walk,  feeling under the weather and muscle pain. 

We almost commit several road accidents while on mission on road less traveled path. Its really really difficult to be a missionary, volunteer and activist. Protecting the environment, helping the needy who doesn't have equal voice to the society and humanity.

At Tony's house I remember how he and his retired friends told us about their career in US Navy. During their younger years, They were successful because of those missionaries who guided them. And show them how beautiful the world is. During their bible study in remote area farmland in Pangasinan. Now I see how he supported and hosted missionaries a lot. And made Lingkod Timog happen.


The Beauty of Batad, Banaue, Philippines
Don said - "God created the mountains and commanded His people to take care of His creations. More than two thousand years ago the Ifugaos re-shaped the landscape God gave them. Using primitive tools with their bare hands and back-breaking hard work they built an ingenious sophisticated structures that outlasted them. They did it for their survival and for future generations.

The Batad Rice and Banaue Rice Terraces and many others around the Mountain Province are the only one built by humans for agriculture purposes that remained in tack for over two millennia. The irrigation system they built is an architectural marvel. The Igugaos' rice I tasted is the best in the world in my humble opinion.

The journey to get to Banaue and Batad Rice Terraces is a road less travel, but you will be rewarded by beholding the beauty of the God-Created and Man-reshaped mountain. Today,the Ifugaos, visitors, and Thanos of the Avengers enjoy the unique landscape, sunrise, and the sunset". Photos by Don Biadog & Jayson Biadog (30 May 2018)

While on mission Uncle Chap mentioned to me that his military superior, wont allow him to do leave and do mission in Philippines - 2 is enough for a year. Separation of faith and military hierarchy because this is outside work and doing mission coming from our volunteers pocket. I told him after retirement, you've done and proven so much - aside from understanding both US/Philippine culture. 

After Leyte landslide, typhoons and all those mission impossible tiring stuff around the world.  Ministry stunt in different continents and war-zones explosion that almost killed you. After your retirement in the next 2 years you need to be an Ambassador so you can do this every month. The right job for an action man like you. Then we both laugh! So long - Mission impossible accomplished! 


















No comments:

Post a Comment