Day 2 - Time to visit the clinic sites for the first time

After seeing the neighbourhoods of the patients we will be serving, I'm anxious to start the clinics. From the few people and children that we did come in contact with, you can tell that these people make the best of what they have and are generally happy. I have no doubt they'll be appreciative of what vision we can improve for them with donated glasses, and I hope that we'll be able to improve their quality of life and encourage them to further help themselves as well. The photos say it all, and although we can't change their situations, I know we can improve them and I'm looking forward to being part of the team that does so.

 

Annie Micucci

TWECS Team Member

 

                       The road conditions in the first site visited in Tondo, Manila.

After visiting the second site, Philippines National Railways, Andronica and Marina inform the team of TWECS' plan to provide this neighbourhood with a permanent, sustainable clinic in the near future, at this specific location. This would of course be alongside the mobile clinics. "Imagine a container with holes in it..." as Dr. Marcantonio mentioned.

The third and final site for clinic set up - A basketball court flourished with playful children of all ages.

Day 1 in Manila - What an eventful day!

It was 5:35am when we took our walk down the Manila airport corridor. This allowed the team to stretch our legs out of bid everyone a good morning. The officers at customs were friendly and efficient. Again, the 27 boxes of frames and equipment passed through inspection quickly and easily. The Vice Mayor's office and Andronica made the process as simple as can be. Our attention was diverted away from the boxes as we exited the airport and were welcomed by the staff of the Vice Mayor's office with beautiful shell necklaces. Our first taste of the Philippines was served at breakfast, courtesy of the amazing Andronica. We checked into our hotel and had a little of time to rest and digest before we prepared ourselves to meet the Vice Mayor himself for dinner. 10:00pm and we were ready to lay dormant for the night. What an extraordinary day, with hopes of more to come...

Jessica Tu

TWECS Team Member

Baggage area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport after passing through security and customs with ease thanks to Andronica Roma.

Our team greeted by the office of the vice-mayor of Manila, our host for the trip, outside of the airport. First exposure to the local 40 degree, humid weather.

The Canadian flag put up throughout the city for the arrival of Stephen Harper on November 10th, 2012. (And perhaps for us as well!)

Welcome dinner party hosted by the vice-mayor of Manila, Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso. Thank you so very much!

The day of our flight to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport

Good morning all, on Monday, Christina, Marina, Derrick, Alf and I finished the final pack of readying the boxes for shipment… glasses, meds., equipment, etc. yes, all 26 boxes. Derrick gave me a two minute quick explanation of the refractor (boy am I nervous). At 1PM today we load the rental van… then tonight it is to the airport… the adrenalin rush is mounting… new places, new faces (team members), new experiences, new challenges, and hopefully many new exciting stories. I know that I am not ready (forgot something) but I’m on a mental high J. See you all on the plane, I’m looking forward to meeting you all.

 

Rodger, New Westminster, BC

 

27 boxes and equipment loaded by Derrick march and Rodger Konkle on November 7th to transfer from the warehouse to YVR.

 

Last minute reinforcements while we await more team members to arrive at the YVR! 

 

 I am on my way to the airport to meet up with the TWECS Team to join them on a charity mission to the Philippines. This will be my fourth mission with TWECS. The preparation for my first trip made me quite anxious in many ways. First, as a "fashionista" I was totally stressed out about the 15 pound luggage limit. There were several people thinking I wouldn't make it. I did it and the experience was so amazing I continue to sign up for more. This trip I look forward to working with Dr. Marina Roma-March and other team members I was so privileged to work with on past missions - Robert Dawson, Nica Roma and Dr. Pasquelina . Also very exciting is getting know my new teammates! Most of all I look for to meeting another "Ruby", a 32 yr old laundry worker who came in to get her -1.00 eyeglasses fixed. I was able to find her a nice pair of -8.00 ou, her true Rx. I will never forget the look in her eyes when she was able to see for the very first time, even with her tears of happiness.

 

Brenda Tosoff

TWECS Team Member

 

 

Happy to have checked in the 27 boxes of glasses and clinic equipment at YVR.  

 

T minus 16 hours prior to arrival

One by one team members filed into the Vancouver International Airport, each timidly approaching the rest of the team. After some basic introductions, we all started feeling a little bit more comfortable and the hustle and bustle started. We successfully reinforced all the boxes while we waited for the rest of the team to arrive. Check in started at 8:30 pm and from there, we were on our way. The staff at YVR were helpful and our 27 boxes of glasses and equipment were weighed and transferred

to special baggage with ease. The flight was long but pleasant and before we knew it the PA announcement on the plane was welcoming us to Manila, Philippines.

 

Jessica Tu

TWECS Team Member