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November
Posted November 28th, 2009 | 3 Comments
Dear Friends,
Earlier this year I was booked for an underwater modelling contract in the Philippines, beginning in January. The idea of spending two more months on holidays was unappealing, so I organised to be flown to the Philippines immediately and once again became deeply involved in my beloved charity work.
I am staying at an orphanage called Mango Tree House, living with and caring for 35 children, many with no living relatives and all having survived situations of extreme poverty. Within this home they are provided with food, clothing, an education, and most importantly the support of a loving family. This care is possible thanks to the generosity of child sponsors from around the globe, and dedication of local staff. The enthusiasm and compassion within this organisation is truly inspirational, and I am privileged to have become known as Aunty Alamela.
During the week, the children begin school at 6am and return home around 3pm. Once I finished my university studies for the morning, I meet them in the library and assist with homework for several hours. I teach the high school girls maths and science, and practice reading and writing in English with the younger children. Watching their excitement grow as we elucidate what appeared to be a difficult question, is the most rewarding part of the job.
My days spent away from Mango Tree House are divided between medical missions to areas affected by the Typhoons, and the organisation of rabies vaccination projects. All this could not be possible without the public donations that fund our medical supplies, and the greatly appreciated volunteer work of so many trained professionals. Basic healthcare is provided to all our patients, and hopefully this reactive care will become integrated with systemic disease prevention in the future, through the implementation of community education initiatives.
As I observed while working in the pharmacy dispensing medication, that one of the greatest problems affecting the Philippines is the industrialisation of food manufacturing. Corporations continue to mislead consumers as they advertise low quality food using sentences like, 'made from real fruit' or 'part of a complete breakfast'. This problem emphasises the need for increased public awareness, and improved labelling has the potential to prevent the vast majority of ailments that were encountered on our medical missions. I somewhat reluctantly distributed many hundreds of vitamins to our patients, as although this will remedy their basic nutritional deficiencies, there is no supplement for a balanced diet.
Finally, I would like to congratulate the lovely Stan Walker for winning Australia Idol. I remember long before reality television changed both our lives, we used to catch the bus home from school together. We would often be heard singing for an adoring crowd of school children, and hopefully someone has continued this tradition now that we are gone. He always was, and always will be, an inspiration to those around him.
Best wishes for the festive season,
Alamela
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Alamela
Hello Robert,
Thankyou ever so much for your support. I am grateful to have succeed as an international model, and now that I have achieved my dreams I would like to help other people do the same.
8 months ago
Leon
Hi Alamela,
My heart is beaming with delight and happiness that you have found your way here in the Philippines (I know that this is kinda late and you're probably not here anymore) But I just wanted to say how inspirational you were on Ausntm, which I have just finished watching. I was so tormented after seeing that one episode (Reality Bites) and I'm so glad to see that you are doing so well. What you're doing with these kids is just heartwarming and amazing. I can definitely say that you are one of inspirations and I am eagerly awaiting that day where we cross our paths.
Leon
Manila, Philippines
3 months ago
Robert
Hi,
I just saw the series you were in of AusNTM, I know, kinda late, but here in The Netherlands we're only getting series 2 now, so I skipped ahead online ;-)
anyway, you didn't win it, but seeing this site with your portfolio I just wanted to say i think you did and are doing a fantastic job. you're a beautiful person inside and outside. keep it up, I'm hoping for you to have a great career, but most of all, to be doing that thing in your life that makes you the happiest. Keep it up!
big cheers from NL
Ro
8 months ago