I remember when I was younger, I would play on Sims with a friend on her computer. We would create families, homes, create a whole neighbourhood with a click of a mouse. So, you would go from a blank map, and expand it with the budget you have. Except, we found ways to cheat the game and, the slow development of Simcity was made within an hour. The services in Education, Health and Safety was even included for the imaginary citizens.  If only we hasn't cheated ...

In the Philippines.... 1. They love their sugar. During my first week I tried Bikotso. A snack that was waiting to be eaten. Its bread with butter and sugar. Not only bread do they use but in their main meals. One evening I had Ticino, which is pork using sugar giving it a ham like glaze. Delicious. My favourite meal so far. 2. They have a snack called Suman. You'd often find them wrapped in the shapes of hearts. Its simply sticky rice steamed with banana lea...

During in-community orientation, I went to a High School in Cebu, one that looked like I went into an English Primary school, with the alphabetical sign language icons across the top of the wall. One, I hasn't seen since maybe, nursery. Before I went in, I had seen Deaf Filipinos sawing away at a tree log and planting. It wasn't clear to me, till I read this website. This website was owned by IDEA. The International Deaf Education Association. They have a mission...

'......because he owns a dog and its a pet.' This isn't seen as discrimination in this country. It is seen to be respecting the policy of entering the mall without animals. But its not just an animal, it is a blind mans guide and access to social inclusion. IPAD, Information for the Police in access for the Deaf is a project Pro 7 have set up which clearly isn't just one they need to cover. Disability as a whole and discrimination needs to be clearly defined an...

As we do pre-orientation, with our Team Leaders showing the whereabouts of certain organisations and schools as well as the police, the first stop was GVSP. My work placement. Gaulandi Volunteer service for the Deaf, partner with ICS in order to improve the economic and social wellbeing of poor and marginalised Filipinos. They do it through active citizenship and asset reform. GVSP have achieved the goal of creating awareness of 153 Deaf children and the wide...