Relief Operation to Yolanda Victims

by Cheryl Derequito

"Every good act is charity. A man's true wealth hereafter is 

the good that he does in this world to his fellows." -Moliere

HAIYAN (YOLANDA) was an extremely catastrophic super typhoon and is considered the most powerful of all super typhoons. November 8, 2013 will always be part of history for it is on this day that Yolanda took thousands of lives and wiped out almost all of Leyte & Samar. As to this day, the death toll is close to 6,000. 

Our Sweet Stay at Wat Preah Yesu’s Jungle House

by Ephraim Arriesgado

They named it the “Jungle House” and at first I was so curious. 

The Klement Backpacking and Ministry team with participants from Thailand and the Philippines had just arrived at Wat Preah Yesu Orphanage in Siem Reap, Cambodia for a week-end mission trip. Wat Preah Yesu Orphanage houses many families and children that have come to the facility to seek shelter and gain an education. The orphanage also operates a school, a recording studio, and a church. To us, it was a great opportunity for ministry and service in that corner of the world.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted by no less than the couple who labored to establish Wat Preah Yesu Orphanage, Tim Maddocks and his wife, Wendy. The team had traveled a hundred miles, and their warm welcome took away all the pains of the journey. 

The team with Tim and Wendy Maddocks in front of their wooden house.
Photo by: Regin Reyno

KBM 2012: The Final Preparations

by Ephraim Arriesgado 

Preparing for a major and once-in-a-lifetime event is not easy, right? So the moment we arrived in Bangkok and had our short sleep or shall I say nap, we commenced the final preparations of the Klement Backpacking and Ministry 2012. With me is Regin of Regin's Travels and Capt. Lowyn, a BFP officer. Coordinating some of our batch mates in Bangkok is Franz of In the Land of Smiles.

To those who are wondering what is KBM, allow me to re-introduce it to you. Klement Backpacking and Ministry is an organization composed of college batch mates who share the passion for traveling and service. Klement is the name of our nursing batch in college.

This is the first KBM and we dubbed it Klement Backpacking and Ministry 2012: Thailand and Cambodia with the fitting theme, "11 Days, 2 Countries, 1 Mission".

Sensing the need to fill our empty stomach, we had our breakfast at one of the food stalls along the streets. Bangkok is so famous for these delectable street foods and I want to try it myself!

My first meal in Bangkok.

KBM 2012: The Trip to Bangkok, Thailand

by Ephraim Arriesgado 

Time rolled so fast. This month, we are celebrating Klement Backpacking and Ministry's first year anniversary! Wow! A year had passed since we had the first edition in Thailand and Cambodia. This backpacking and ministry program was organized by my college batch mates who share the passion and desire for traveling and service.

This trip to Bangkok was ever memorable. Actually, it was a trip of first times! All the way, from my home in Ormoc City to Cebu to Clark and to Bangkok, I experienced firsthand God's marvelous providence.

With ambivalent feelings, I left my hometown. I thought, "I will be going to another country and I will be missing my family." Yet, behind those "sad" thoughts, I can feel the thrill and excitement burning within.

Then, I found myself in Mactan, Cebu. I arrived early at the airport, took some photos of it, and strolled around.

Klement Backpacking and Ministry I

by Regin Reyno

In July 2012, we embarked on a backpacking and ministry to the beautiful countries of Thailand and Cambodia. It was an 11-day event and one of the most memorable activities that our batch did.

border between Thailand and Cambodia