TREK FOR HOPE
Trek For Hope’s annual trek seeks to provide support and relief to Oikos Helping Hand (OHH) and looks to make even greater changes every year by spreading awareness and Hope. OHH is a non-profit NGO run by Singaporeans in the heart of the slums of Tondo. Their goal is simple: to ease the suffering of poverty in whatever ways are possible every day. They do this by providing basic physical, educational, and spiritual needs.
Over time and with enough support, this allows those living in the New Smokey Mountain region hope to be able to one day break the cycle of poverty for themselves and their families for good. Our community day includes community work in multiple facets at New Smokey Mountain. This work includes gathering the stories of those who live there so the rest of the world can get to meet these courageous people who endure everything, yet have nothing.
Trek For Hope’s annual trek seeks to provide support and relief to Oikos Helping Hand (OHH) and looks to make even greater changes every year by spreading awareness and Hope. OHH is a non-profit NGO run by Singaporeans in the heart of the slums of Tondo. Their goal is simple: to ease the suffering of poverty in whatever ways are possible every day. They do this by providing basic physical, educational, and spiritual needs.
Over time and with enough support, this allows those living in the New Smokey Mountain region hope to be able to one day break the cycle of poverty for themselves and their families for good. Our community day includes community work in multiple facets at New Smokey Mountain. This work includes gathering the stories of those who live there so the rest of the world can get to meet these courageous people who endure everything, yet have nothing.
Experience first hand the living condition and discover the multifaceted challenge faced by the local resident of Aroma and Smoky mountain.
Through our interaction with the community, we are given the opportunity to get a glimpse of life that are so much different from us and vice versa, in hope that the experience will not only lit a fire in our heart but passing it on to others.
Through our interaction with the community, we are given the opportunity to get a glimpse of life that are so much different from us and vice versa, in hope that the experience will not only lit a fire in our heart but passing it on to others.
Trek For Hope teams throughout the years and regions
However, our TREK for Hope would never be complete without a pilgrimage trek to the region, this year our route will be unique as it combined elements of community trekking. Read more below!
KAPANGAN CROSS COUNTRY TREKKING
3 Days cross-country trek east to west via high ridge and cliffs.
Featuring Mt Binmaca, Dakiwagan Mountains, Badeo and Cabututan peak, Amburayan river
100% Pure bonding, camping, trekking and adventures
The trails are the paths that the average Kankanaey child is using to get from their home to school. Everyday, it takes them an average of 1 hour to travel to and from school. The local government maintained the trails for the benefit of the kids but by no means if it a walk in the park and discover for yourself their tenacity and high spirits as we encounter them en-route.
Aside from the local encounter, you will also be surprised how they build schools in the middle of (almost) no where. The establishments were made pretty by the passionate parents who works hard to give their kids a better future. The people of Benguet are warm and friendly, they are not used to foreign tourists, unlike other destinations. Our visit will be a bit new to them, but they are very hospitable and always smiling. Especially the kids, they get excited when tourists arrive.
At one of the school where we will be staying, there is a view deck where you can watch the beautiful sunset, sit and relax, have coffee with the team and probably play music too.
Grade: 2.5/5- Easy to moderate, suitable for beginners (See AU's Trail Grading here)
3 Days cross-country trek east to west via high ridge and cliffs.
Featuring Mt Binmaca, Dakiwagan Mountains, Badeo and Cabututan peak, Amburayan river
100% Pure bonding, camping, trekking and adventures
The trails are the paths that the average Kankanaey child is using to get from their home to school. Everyday, it takes them an average of 1 hour to travel to and from school. The local government maintained the trails for the benefit of the kids but by no means if it a walk in the park and discover for yourself their tenacity and high spirits as we encounter them en-route.
Aside from the local encounter, you will also be surprised how they build schools in the middle of (almost) no where. The establishments were made pretty by the passionate parents who works hard to give their kids a better future. The people of Benguet are warm and friendly, they are not used to foreign tourists, unlike other destinations. Our visit will be a bit new to them, but they are very hospitable and always smiling. Especially the kids, they get excited when tourists arrive.
At one of the school where we will be staying, there is a view deck where you can watch the beautiful sunset, sit and relax, have coffee with the team and probably play music too.
Grade: 2.5/5- Easy to moderate, suitable for beginners (See AU's Trail Grading here)
This adventure takes us deep into the Benguet region to places that most tourists do not see. We trek through stunning scenery of mountains, rice terraces and forests and many interactions with the native communities along the way. We will interact with different communities and get a deep appreciation of their culture by making a different schools our home for each night. Bring your camera and a pair of comfortable hiking shoes or boots because these are memories that you’ll want to capture for a lifetime.
TFH: Philippines 2020 Itinerary
Day 1(14 March, Sat)
Arrival at Manilla
10:00 PM - Depart Manila via Victory Liner bus
Day 2 (15 March, Sun)
05:00 AM - Arrive Baguio, breakfast (at own cost)
06:00 AM - Depart Baguio via private van or bus (depends on number of participants)
08:00 AM - Arrive Kapangan, Police Station, Register, final preparation.
09:00 AM - Start trek to Lasilas and Mt. Dakiwagan
(Trekking on established trails and stairs)
11:00 AM - Arrive at Dakiwagan peak, junction, regroup and have lunch.
12:00 PM - Resume trek to Tableo Elementary School (25 students)
03:00 PM - Arrive at Tableo Bo Elementary School, take a rest and set up for the night
06:00 PM - Dinner and free and easy time after
08:00 PM - Lights out
(Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 3 (16 March, Mon)
07:00 AM - Breakfast
08:00 AM - Outreach for the elementary kids when they come to school
09:00 AM - Prepare to start trek
10:00 AM - Start trek to Badeo Elementary School
(Long walking on gradual ascend and descend, spectacular views, prepare for sunny weather)
12:00 AM - Lunch at view deck, Tacadang mountain range
01:00 PM - Resume trek
03:00 PM - Arrive at Badeo Bo School (50 students)
04:00 PM - Start community event for kids
06:00 PM - Dinner and free and easy time after
08:00 PM - Lights out
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 4 (17 March, Tue)
07:30 AM - Breakfast
09:00 AM - Start trek
(Descend on established trails and stairs, going all the way down to the river)
11:00 AM - Arrive at Amburayan River! Take a dip while we prepare lunch
01:00 PM - Start trek, final assault!
03:00 PM - End of trek!
04:00 PM - Log out at police station in Santol
04:15 PM - Shower at the resort
06:00 PM - Sunset Dinner in La UnIon (at own cost)
08:00 PM - Depart La Union, head back to Manila
(Breakfast and Lunch included)
Day 1(14 March, Sat)
Arrival at Manilla
10:00 PM - Depart Manila via Victory Liner bus
Day 2 (15 March, Sun)
05:00 AM - Arrive Baguio, breakfast (at own cost)
06:00 AM - Depart Baguio via private van or bus (depends on number of participants)
08:00 AM - Arrive Kapangan, Police Station, Register, final preparation.
09:00 AM - Start trek to Lasilas and Mt. Dakiwagan
(Trekking on established trails and stairs)
11:00 AM - Arrive at Dakiwagan peak, junction, regroup and have lunch.
12:00 PM - Resume trek to Tableo Elementary School (25 students)
03:00 PM - Arrive at Tableo Bo Elementary School, take a rest and set up for the night
06:00 PM - Dinner and free and easy time after
08:00 PM - Lights out
(Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 3 (16 March, Mon)
07:00 AM - Breakfast
08:00 AM - Outreach for the elementary kids when they come to school
09:00 AM - Prepare to start trek
10:00 AM - Start trek to Badeo Elementary School
(Long walking on gradual ascend and descend, spectacular views, prepare for sunny weather)
12:00 AM - Lunch at view deck, Tacadang mountain range
01:00 PM - Resume trek
03:00 PM - Arrive at Badeo Bo School (50 students)
04:00 PM - Start community event for kids
06:00 PM - Dinner and free and easy time after
08:00 PM - Lights out
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 4 (17 March, Tue)
07:30 AM - Breakfast
09:00 AM - Start trek
(Descend on established trails and stairs, going all the way down to the river)
11:00 AM - Arrive at Amburayan River! Take a dip while we prepare lunch
01:00 PM - Start trek, final assault!
03:00 PM - End of trek!
04:00 PM - Log out at police station in Santol
04:15 PM - Shower at the resort
06:00 PM - Sunset Dinner in La UnIon (at own cost)
08:00 PM - Depart La Union, head back to Manila
(Breakfast and Lunch included)
Day 5 (18 March, Wed)
03:00 AM - Arrive Manila
04:00 AM- Check in into Hotel, rest
11:00 AM - Leave Lotus Garden Hotel
12:00 PM – Lunch with Agape staff and Set-up at Agape House together
01:30 PM - Opening Remarks, Song & Dance, Teach Dancing
01:45- 05:00 PM - Community interaction activities and food distribution
5:30 PM - Leave Agape House
6:30 PM – Free and easy
(Breakfast included)
Day 6 (19 March, Thursday)
10:00 AM - Leave Lotus Garden Hotel
11:00AM -0400PM – Smokey Mountain and Aroma home visits
04:30 PM – Finish charity work and wash up
05:30 PM - Harbor Square watch sun set
06:00 PM - Celebratory Dinner
8:00 PM – Back to hotel and free and easy time
(Breakfast included)
Day 7 ( 20 March Friday)
Fly back to Singapore or extension activity
03:00 AM - Arrive Manila
04:00 AM- Check in into Hotel, rest
11:00 AM - Leave Lotus Garden Hotel
12:00 PM – Lunch with Agape staff and Set-up at Agape House together
01:30 PM - Opening Remarks, Song & Dance, Teach Dancing
01:45- 05:00 PM - Community interaction activities and food distribution
5:30 PM - Leave Agape House
6:30 PM – Free and easy
(Breakfast included)
Day 6 (19 March, Thursday)
10:00 AM - Leave Lotus Garden Hotel
11:00AM -0400PM – Smokey Mountain and Aroma home visits
04:30 PM – Finish charity work and wash up
05:30 PM - Harbor Square watch sun set
06:00 PM - Celebratory Dinner
8:00 PM – Back to hotel and free and easy time
(Breakfast included)
Day 7 ( 20 March Friday)
Fly back to Singapore or extension activity
* subjected to change depending on weather,traffic and human conditions
Cost SGD$750/pax
|
Inclusions
- Pick up from airport to Victory Liner Pasay - Regular Air-conditioned bus from Victory Liner to Baguio and back to Manila - Chartered transport from Baguio to and back - Transportation from Victory Liner to Lotus Garden hotel - Transportation for the 2 community days (18& 19 MArch 2020) - Meals as mentioned in the itinerary - Basic accommodation, blankets, sleeping mats and wash up facility - Guides, cooks and logistic porter during hiking days - All guide fees, registration fees, cultural fees, environmental fees - Eating utensils - Two nights stay at Manila Hotel (Twin Sharing) - Trek For Hope 2020 T shirt |
Exclusions
Airtickets, Travel Insurance, Visa Application Personal gears, such as head-light, sleeping bags and liners, warm clothing, hiking gear and clothes Personal porter (3500PHP/15kg/combined into 1 bag) Other meals not mentioned in the programme |
Land cost: $750SGD
Deposit of SGD300 to confirm your participation
Registration and Payment Details:
Step 1: Deposit of $300 via ATM/Bank transfer to ADVENTURES UNLIMITED, DBS CURRENT A/C - 0039351950.
Step 2: Whatsapp proof of payment receipt to 91020550 (Jane) (IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "2020 03 14 TFH".)
Step 3: Receipt for payment will be issued and further instruction will be provided.
Step 4: You will be added into a dedicated whatsapp chat for this trip at least three months prior to the trip. We would also collect the balance at this point.
Refund Policy
Deposit (non-refundable)
Until 12 weeks prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
Less than 16 weeks prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
Less than 12 weeks prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
*When you paid up for this event, it is understood that you have read, agreed and accepted the following terms and conditions.*
Deposit of SGD300 to confirm your participation
Registration and Payment Details:
Step 1: Deposit of $300 via ATM/Bank transfer to ADVENTURES UNLIMITED, DBS CURRENT A/C - 0039351950.
Step 2: Whatsapp proof of payment receipt to 91020550 (Jane) (IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "2020 03 14 TFH".)
Step 3: Receipt for payment will be issued and further instruction will be provided.
Step 4: You will be added into a dedicated whatsapp chat for this trip at least three months prior to the trip. We would also collect the balance at this point.
Refund Policy
Deposit (non-refundable)
Until 12 weeks prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
Less than 16 weeks prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
Less than 12 weeks prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
*When you paid up for this event, it is understood that you have read, agreed and accepted the following terms and conditions.*
Are You Ready to Join the Adventure?
The Philippines is a land where there is something beautiful just waiting to be found around every corner. Whether that is at the summit of a mountain or the smile of someone grateful to have some company, if but for a moment, this place will speak to your soul like none other.
There are challenges to meet on this journey. It will not be an easy quest. Yet the best rewards that life can offer come not in what is easy, but in what is right.
We will have moments to come together and create lifelong friends. We will have opportunities to lend a helping hand to those who need it the most. We will keep learning, keep seeking, and keep knocking on every closed door to discover the treasure of service that lies in wait for us.
Trek For Hope: Philippines 2020 is a chance to revisit past moments, build new memories, and continue relationships established before. Our commitment must not waiver. Will you join us on this adventure?
The Philippines is a land where there is something beautiful just waiting to be found around every corner. Whether that is at the summit of a mountain or the smile of someone grateful to have some company, if but for a moment, this place will speak to your soul like none other.
There are challenges to meet on this journey. It will not be an easy quest. Yet the best rewards that life can offer come not in what is easy, but in what is right.
We will have moments to come together and create lifelong friends. We will have opportunities to lend a helping hand to those who need it the most. We will keep learning, keep seeking, and keep knocking on every closed door to discover the treasure of service that lies in wait for us.
Trek For Hope: Philippines 2020 is a chance to revisit past moments, build new memories, and continue relationships established before. Our commitment must not waiver. Will you join us on this adventure?
Recommended Flight. Please arrive on 14 March latest by 1900pm
CHARITY – What do you need to know?
There are roughly 600+ homes looked after by agape, scattered throughout the slums area and some of them have to wait years for their turn to be visited. We will dedicate one of the community day for home visits, providing them with a simple grocery bags with the necessary essential. We aim to cover at least half of these number. An estimated 3000SGD will be required for the above task (~SGD$10/grocery bag)
Another set of rations to will be distributed to the ~300 participants attending our activity day in AGAPE Discipleship Training Centre. Each ration set will cost SGD$5
Last year we managed to reach out to more than 40 families during the ration distribution, beyond our usual limit and next year we hope to keep up this effort or do further. Charity funds for the trip will be sourced from various effort including workshops conducted by our event host and partner or through sale of Trek For Hope shirt.
There are roughly 600+ homes looked after by agape, scattered throughout the slums area and some of them have to wait years for their turn to be visited. We will dedicate one of the community day for home visits, providing them with a simple grocery bags with the necessary essential. We aim to cover at least half of these number. An estimated 3000SGD will be required for the above task (~SGD$10/grocery bag)
Another set of rations to will be distributed to the ~300 participants attending our activity day in AGAPE Discipleship Training Centre. Each ration set will cost SGD$5
Last year we managed to reach out to more than 40 families during the ration distribution, beyond our usual limit and next year we hope to keep up this effort or do further. Charity funds for the trip will be sourced from various effort including workshops conducted by our event host and partner or through sale of Trek For Hope shirt.
CHARITY – What do we need to do?
We need your help to raise the funds and be a part in this humbling fund-raising project. We appeal to all participants to raise funds. You can help to raise either by one or combination of the below efforts:-
1. Trek For Hope T-shirts (new design) – at $25 each ($10 profit will be dedicated for the charity), we will reveal the design soon.
2. Pledge any amount for the recipient families
3. Raise cash donations (official receipts will be issued by Oikos Helping Hand after the trip)
We will continue to support you in this fund raising efforts with personal testimonials and videos and photos.
For any queries on charity fund-raising, please approach Sucan(97829235)
We need your help to raise the funds and be a part in this humbling fund-raising project. We appeal to all participants to raise funds. You can help to raise either by one or combination of the below efforts:-
1. Trek For Hope T-shirts (new design) – at $25 each ($10 profit will be dedicated for the charity), we will reveal the design soon.
2. Pledge any amount for the recipient families
3. Raise cash donations (official receipts will be issued by Oikos Helping Hand after the trip)
We will continue to support you in this fund raising efforts with personal testimonials and videos and photos.
For any queries on charity fund-raising, please approach Sucan(97829235)
How the past trip Changed Lives
Truly glad to join this year TFH Phillipines, the trek was memorable, new friends aplenty and great quantity of laugh was given and shared…….
Although I have visited other slums in my previous projects, the visit still leave an impression as I witnessed not only the spirit of compassion (both locals and participants), a testament of the toughness of human spirit in the face of tribulations and a prove that “It's the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary.”
SUCAN SUTANTO
As much one individual can make an impact on the lives of others, it is my belief that a series of individuals coming together to form a group can do so much more. Thank you Trek for Hope for opening my eyes again and again to worlds I might not otherwise have seen. You changed my life for the better.
NADIA AYESHA
This day is probably the most tiring and exhausting of my first visit to Phillipines, but it is definately one if the most life rewarding journey for me. It has made me richer towards my perception of humanitarian needs. Our little efforts might not change their life, but in exchange for their smiles and heartfelt handshakes, it is suffice.
Thank you Trek for Hope for the opportunity for me to partake in this event. Many of us complain of the little things in life, while forgetting that in this world, there are people dealing with their daily meals, shelter, and livinghood. This trip reinforces the decision I made 1 year ago to spend more time on the needies, and more important, value and cherish what I have and given in my life.
ALAN CHEN
I am grateful and blessed to join Trek For Hope team for this amazing experience. Though it's just so little we had done and it may not have change the lives of the people there, I believed it's the LOVE & HOPE we've brought to them and upon ourselves.
CHERYL TAN
Truly glad to join this year TFH Phillipines, the trek was memorable, new friends aplenty and great quantity of laugh was given and shared…….
Although I have visited other slums in my previous projects, the visit still leave an impression as I witnessed not only the spirit of compassion (both locals and participants), a testament of the toughness of human spirit in the face of tribulations and a prove that “It's the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary.”
SUCAN SUTANTO
As much one individual can make an impact on the lives of others, it is my belief that a series of individuals coming together to form a group can do so much more. Thank you Trek for Hope for opening my eyes again and again to worlds I might not otherwise have seen. You changed my life for the better.
NADIA AYESHA
This day is probably the most tiring and exhausting of my first visit to Phillipines, but it is definately one if the most life rewarding journey for me. It has made me richer towards my perception of humanitarian needs. Our little efforts might not change their life, but in exchange for their smiles and heartfelt handshakes, it is suffice.
Thank you Trek for Hope for the opportunity for me to partake in this event. Many of us complain of the little things in life, while forgetting that in this world, there are people dealing with their daily meals, shelter, and livinghood. This trip reinforces the decision I made 1 year ago to spend more time on the needies, and more important, value and cherish what I have and given in my life.
ALAN CHEN
I am grateful and blessed to join Trek For Hope team for this amazing experience. Though it's just so little we had done and it may not have change the lives of the people there, I believed it's the LOVE & HOPE we've brought to them and upon ourselves.
CHERYL TAN
