Orphanage visit 2008
I belong to an organization here in Davao called The Friends Of Mindanao which is an ex pat and Philippine group and is an informal organization that meets every two weeks to assist and advise each other and we all learn more about our adopted country.
One of the members Rick Bowden organized an Orphanage party for children who live in the mountains who have no family, some do not have knowledge of their own birthdays and NONE had ever seen the sea.
So Rick, Paul and others organized a fantastic event for the kids to be brought from the remote mountain areas to a superb resort.
They got fed, played games, swam and received Christmas presents too.
And we all got tears in our eyes when they sang to us as the video below shows.
Last 5 posts by John
- Reminiscing, 2008 - March 14th, 2010
- Reminiscing part one - March 7th, 2010
- Little Lamb - February 14th, 2010
- Off to Subic - January 31st, 2010
- Manila Ocean Park - January 24th, 2010




Great John! I’m glad no one is here watching me as the tears began before the video started. I don’t know if I am permitted to, but I have this desire to have my own orphanage in the Philippines. After this video I visited others from S.E Asia (notably Vinh Son Orphanage). I had totally lost it by then. If I not permitted to have an orphange or could not afford to, I believe that children will follow me wherever I go as I have a growing following while still in the states. For me, relationships never work, but the children need love and will give love in return. I believe that my higher calling is to be there for the children.
Hi John,
That is so great to have touch the hearts of those little ones..I hope more people are willing to do things for the other children in need there as well.
My hat is off to and the persons who sponsored this trip for the kids.
Malipayong Pasko ug Bulahang Bag-ong Tuig!
Danny
Hi John
We all got so much fun out of it didn’t we and yes it was a little emotional at times. Well worth while.
Great to see god people like you and your friends organizes these for the little ones…its nice o see children happy and im sure they will never forget this experienced. May God shower you all with more blessings.
Well done John.Your a man of my own heart.
absolutely tugs at the heartstrings John good on you man i can’t wait to be able to maybe join your group there Merry Christmas !
Ed
When you look into the eyes of the kids I understand why better men than me are driven to help them 24/7
Danny
I must be honest I was involved at the early stage but my friend Ric Bowden was the the man with the drive and determination to make this happen.
Ric
Well done
Berlin
Some people who read the blogs also contacted us and gave a huge amount of Christmas presents too
Frank
Hope to see you soon
Tommy
Its not often I cry but filming that I did.
Good work John …keep up the good work …Phil n Jess