1in3out

Kyle is one of our first-time volunteers at our most recent event in Brgy. Puray. Here is his firsthand account of how he spent his Sunday with us:

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“Not knowing what to expect, I joined 1in3out on our outreach to Brgy. Pugay, Rizal. The journey going there was already a challenge. The road was rough, full of lubak, and difficult to pass through. But despite this, the team didn’t give up and remained determined to reach the community.

When we arrived, we were faced with another challenge. We didn’t have a proper place to pack the goods we were going to distribute. With no time to waste, we immediately started packing under the heat of the sun. It was tiring, but everyone stayed committed because we knew the purpose of why we were there.

One moment that really stayed with me was when we served spaghetti to the community. It may seem simple, but seeing the smiles on their faces made it special. The children were also very happy during the games. Even small prizes like candies and chocolates made them excited. You could see how they smiled and appreciated every little thing they received.

This experience reminded me of something important:

“Sa simpleng bagay, makikita mo ang tunay na saya.”

We often complain about small inconveniences in our daily lives, but when you see their situation, you realize how they live simply yet happily.

Being part of this outreach inspired me to appreciate more, complain less, and always find ways to help others.

A big thanks to everyone who made this outreach possible. Your support and generosity bring not just help, but also hope and happiness to the community.

Help Us Help Them!”

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After celebrating our 5th year anniversary and our 50th outreach to end 2025, 1in3out is starting 2026 late but with 2 outreach for the month of March. Starting off at Brgy Puray, Rizal - a little over an hour drive outside of Manila. That dusty tail end of this trip was an adventure for our vehicle and volunteers. But reaching Puray and spending that Sunday with its people was worth the challenge.

This outreach was made possible by our friends from Pomona, California: Wavlngth., Dom and The Gangcuangco Family, and all their friends. Their fundraiser last year has funded this entire event, and has provided temporary relif for the 150 families who calls Puray their home. Thank you so much from us here in 1in3out and the people of Puray. Maramig salamat po!

The displacement of the Badjaos has been etched in Philippine history for the last couple of generations. May they be the casualty of wars, victims of natural disasters, or pushed for the sake of urbanization, these Sea Gypsies have found themselves establishing lives on borrowed lands. No difference are the Badjaos of Malitam, a short 2-hour drive south of Manila, where over 200 families have adapted to the change in lifestyle, culture, language and even religion.

Settling in the mangroves off the banks of Calumpang River, we were linked with this community through our previous outreach in Libjo, Batangas. Residing inside brightly-painted wooden houses raised on stilts, these people know the danger of living so close to a body of water. The Badjao spirit is still strong with residents welcoming us with a smile. The mothers stay home to care for the family, while able men are in the city making a living.

As what we’ve been doing for years, our outreach was not meant to solve poverty. We visit towns to provide a day of relief. A different kind of day from the norm, a break from their daily worries. We visit with rice and groceries that can last them for days. We host games to give those kids something to talk about for weeks. And maybe turn that one winner into the town legend. Who knows, maybe inspire that kid to become that one Badjao descendant to eventually lift his people to a better life.

How fun one Sunday would be if a group of strangers visited your neighborhood, and bring with them an eventful day that was out of the ordinary. From a child’s perspective, the continuous rain has ruined their weekend. Locked in their houses, watching the puddles collect in an already-muddy road. But here comes these strangers dressed in black shirts with bright colorful bags. Blasting their megaphone for everyone to gather in their community hall. Not only did they have games for the bored kids, but they even brought cheeseburgers and Zesto drinks. Oh and prices for game winners! Lunch done, it’s their parents turn. Those bright colorful bag holds the rice for dinner, and another bag had canned goods, noodles, coffee and more. Dinner was definitely something to look forward to.

And that’s exactly what our outreach is about. Once a month, we aim to serve the less-fortunate and the neglected. Not meant to serve their lives’ troubles, but to make a difference even for just a day. Another Distribution Day for 1in3out, made possible by our sponsors who has contributed in their own way to “Help Us Help Them.”

Lolas By MFK