Marc Barc Blogs

Dances With The Imalawa May 21-22, 2019 at Sitio Dasar, Brgy Isic Isic,Vintar, Ilocos Norte (Surong Valley) The APHIO Trekkers continuing outreach service and adventures to the hinterlands of the Philippines. 5th PreConvention Climb 2019 of the 31st National Biennial General Assembly of  Alpha Phi Omega Philippines Inc.  Laoag City, May 24 to 26.  SYNOPSIS: The Malawa Tribe (Imalawa) is an indigenous group that lives in the outskirts of Vintar, Ilocos Norte, Northern Philippines. The only indigenous community in the municipality, and only called as "tribu" by locals, the tribe shares a unique historical and cultural heritage with the Ilocano’s. “Surong” is an Ilocano word meaning the “headwater” of a river.  The point where a river begins in which is usually the smallest part of the entire river. Headwaters can start out in marshy areas or where there are natural underground springs. The beginning of a river can also ...

APHIO Trekkers Philippines The Story By Marc Barcelona “Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear, away once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean. “(John Muir)         We live in the diverse world of Alpha Phi Omega where free thinkers roam, ideologist abound, beliefs, politics, hobbies, specialties, and myriad of common interest makes us unique from any other organizations. The APHIO Trekkers were no exceptions, our motto is “In Service and Adventure” truly summed up what we do as group to serve tribal communities in far off places and other communities in needs, and after the services, our group usually embarks in adventurous expeditions. Making it appealing to a group of brothers and sisters who love nature, the outdoors, our natural environments, lifetime scouters, and the love of service to humanity, and to our communities. We consider ourselves as an external extension of Alpha Ph...