The Adventures of Tarabusaw

If my memory serves me right, our history books tell us that the Aetas are the first settlers in the Philippines. They came here through the land bridges that connected the archipelage to mainland Asia. They settled in the mountains and mostly kept their culture with themselves. It was not only until the eruption of Pinatubo that they came down from their dwelling and started begging for survival. Honestly, I had very limited knowledge of them. But everything was bound to change when I was chosen to participate in this year’s CSR activity which gave me the chance to mingle with them.

I woke up very early, which was not very usual of me. Obviously, I was asleep in the bus. Once in a while, I was awaken by the buzzes and fuzzes in the bus as the driver was playing a local horror movie. It was about 9 a.m. when we finally arrived in Clark, Pampanga to have our brunch. There, Penny and I were seated with the top honchos of Advisory — Lito, Cosette and Gene. Maybe, we still have the "Rush" aftershock that we can’t take the side stories of our teambuilding aside. After eating our McDo meals, we headed to our destination — Brgy. Sta. Rosa in Bamban, Tarlac.

We headed a dirt road to the mountains. The experience was death defying! One wrong move and the bus will definitely go down the mountains. Luckily, our driver was very talented. We saw the UST volunteers in the first Aeta settlement we came accross. I was expecting a very ghastly place, but lo and behold — their barangay was decent. We were greeted by the smiling faces of Aeta children waving at us like we were their long lost friends. We gave them back sweet smiles and large waves. It was not yet the barangay were meant to do our outreach program, but at that instance, I already had a feeling that the experience will be very worthy.

Our bus finally arrived at Barangay Sta. Rosa. The Aetas rushed and greeted us. We introduced ourselves and started our mission there. Our group started painting three houses. Other groups taught mathematics and basic reading to kids and their parents plus soccer and karate as well. Everyone, I can say, was having fun.

After I finished my task, I decided to join the other volunteers who were teacing the toddlers. I saw three children seated aside. I noticed that they were having difficulty breathing. I asked my co-volunteer and she informed me that the three were siblings who had malaria. I can’t help but pity them. I was thinking that if their illness will not be immediately taken care of, these angels will soon be flying their way to our Creator. That instance left a very profound thought on me. My family is’nt rich and we only do with what we have. But I am indeed very lucky that my parents were able to provide me my basic necessities — food, shelter and medicine. I really want to cry at that moment. If only I can do something for the kids. If only I have the powers to heal them and give them everything they need. But as of the moment, I have nothing. What I can offer them is my affection… and prayers.

But not all of them were sickly. There were others whom I saw potential. Those that I feel will have the capability to rise above their current status given the right opportunities. There were bright kids who can easily follow our instructions and read their alphabets and solve their basic maths. I bet he is the first honor in their class. I just hope he will be given the opportunity to explore the vast world outside their mountains. I just wish that he will be guided by his parents and teachers and someday be the light of hope for other Aetas.

‘Twas finally the time to give them their gifts. I fully understand our brothers. It was their only time to have new clothes, shoes and toys — of course, they were very excited. Our group was mobbed and the situation really went out of our control.

Not minding the mob that happened, the activity, I can say was very successful. It was an enlightening experience not only for our Aeta brothers but for us as well. It was a complete contrast from the corporate world I now endure, but that dissimilarity opened my eyes and made me realize how blessed I am and how should I share my blessings with them. I went home tired but fulfilled. And in my mind, I was thinking how we from the lowlands separated ourselves from them when in fact they are part and parcel of the great culture and heritage of our Philippines. I feel it is high time for us to reach to them and carry out the firm’s battlecry — connectedthinking*