West Philippine Sea’s Kalayaan Island: Project GIVE PagAsa, An Unexpected Gift Giving

Giving has always been something my heart leaps to. 
Something I really do not write about. 
Or talk about.
Something I just do. 
Because for me it is an act where language would not be enough to articulate how it feels like. 

Something I savor at all times, just within.
That when I close my eyes, what I see are smiles and giggles. 
Moments when you see worn out slippers left everywhere gives a feeling of wonder.

Flashes of unbelievable times when there is no more that is apt, 
but there would be much more little pairs of feet.

And when you look up, you will see a face and a smile.

And all you have to do is to beam to hide a feeling of guilt.

That arresting instant when a tiny kid would challenge you if you had brought “Minja turtle.”He meant Ninja Turtle. 

But what is so lovable about that collide is that he is able to express what he desires. 

And that guilty feeling? I hope unyielding hugs would translate to a ”minja” turtle which we lacked.

For as long as there are little hands and little feet running & moving around;
Little minds dreaming to become President
Proudly claiming Isla PagAsa with all valor and dignity
And all that Filipinos rightfully own;
And those little hearts enthusiastically grateful of little things
Project GIVE will be around.

For as long as there are thoughtful minds,
Able to discern that reaching out is more than sharing, but a purpose of humanity
Project GIVE will linger.

For as long as there are pure hearts
Joining this gift giving to the islands and tribes,
Project GIVE will thrive, beyond forevermore. 

When things happen.When love happens.
Project GIVE comes about.
Anywhere one never imagined it to be.

To all Givers and those who conspired spontaneously
And made Project GIVE PagAsa happen,
Maraming maraming maraming salamat po!

~*~ 

Admirable Admiral Alexander Lopez, for your kindheartedness and for the go-signal. 

Captain Cherryl Tindog from the Marines, for taking care of us and taking charge; for your pure heart. Let us fly and GIVE again soon! Stay pretty!

Sgt. Noel Eleazer of the Navy, for the memories in photos and for the gig. Hope to dive the deep oceans with you soon!

Captain Kalay, Lt. Michael Agapay, Captain Kristoffer Son: For flying us to near the heavens and back to earth safe & sound. Guys, you rock!

For Paula, for helping me brave the crowds on a sunny Saturday to get all the stuff we needed and for tagging along. Thank you for keeping up with my crazyness and keeping the friendship.

Thank you Jollibee.

See you again soon, People of Pagasa Island! You give so much hope to every Filipino like me, who firmly believes we own the Kalayaan Islands in the West Philippine Sea!

And as what was told to us, when you sing Lupang Hinirang, the lyrics, "Ang Mamatay Ng Dahil Sayo", becomes extraordinary-ly alive in your hearts. 

Live on. Breathe. Enjoy Life!
If you think we are behind you.
We are not.
We are there together side by side with you, fighting for this country's Sovereignty, to the moon and back!


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(I am writing about GIVE and talking about it because  Pagasa Island needs to be talked about.)