RETURNING WAVE PROMOTING EDUCATION THROUGH THE LOVE OF SURFING

Mission Statement Balikbayod—Returning Wave, promotes education through the love of surfing. We nurture the creative strength of stewardship in young people by partnering with communities and schools at the locations we surf in.

What We Do Everything about Balikbayod from the breaks to the shore engenders a sense of pride in the environment for the youth involved with the program. We created an after-school, surfing program that keeps the children in school by offering the incentive of surfing lessons, and access to surfboards. Balikbayod teaches youth respect for the majestic beauty of the ocean and in themselves. We are taking a piece of our surf culture here in California, and sharing it with the growing surf community of Siargao.

We aim to travel responsibly as surfers and as tourists, we plan to give back to the international communities we visit by bringing recycled surfboards, surfing with the local children and teaching workshops in the arts and trades.

Why Philippines? We chose to start Returning Wave on the Island of Siargao, Philippines because the Balikbayod founding members are Filipino Americans who have an interest in giving back to their homeland. ‘Bayod’ is the word for wave in Surigaonon and ‘balik’ is to return. (‘Balikbayans’ are Filipinos living abroad who return to the Philippines often.) Balikbayod—Returning Wave is a project of the San Francisco Filipino Cultural Center, a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization in the US. In returning home, we aim to create positive change in our communities and start the same programs throughout the world in other countries with developing surf and tourism cultures.

Siargao Island is named the ‘Surfing Capital of the Philippines’ and is a world-class surf break. Local youth, not able to afford surf equipment, stand by and watch as tourists come and surf their breaks. Map of the Philippine Islands We found kids using pieces of square shaped wood, anything they could find, to surf their own waves. Youth are so eager to participate in surfing they will use anything to ride their waves. They beg for surfboards from visitors, but these tourists don’t realize a gifted surfboard results in that child cutting classes and dropping out of school.

In 2008, local teachers contacted Balikbayod to help keep their kids in school. Partnering with the Philippines’ Alternative Learning System (ALS), we’ve been attracting dropouts to re-enroll and obtain their high school diplomas.

STUDENT INCENTIVE: Siargao Island is a pristine surf place, ready for global partnerships, global connections, recycling and making a difference in children’s lives though WE ENCOURAGE THE YOUTH voluntarism. We encourage responsibility of tourists, and call them to give OF SIARGAO ISLAND TO STAY IN SCHOOL BY back to the communities they visit. PROVIDING THEM WITH SURFBOARDS* TO USE ON WEEKDAYS, AFTER SCHOOL HOURS AND ON WEEKENDS.

*STUDENTS MUST MAINTAIN SCHOOL ATTENDANCE TO BORROW SURF EQUIPMENT.

In 2011, Balikbayod opened our second location in Burgos, Siargao, led by surf leader, Cynthia Bourne. (Photo © Victoria Fabella) 2 BALIKBAYOD.WORDPRESS.COM /////////////// A FISCALLY SPONSORED 501(C)(3) IN THE UNITED STATES Key Facts • Balikbay od works in partnership with ALS (Alternative Learning System): a Philippine government subsidized program that helps students of all ages to re-enter There’s no doubt surfing is great exercise for the body, mind and soul. school and obtain their diplomas. [Photo © Mercedes Cormier, 2011.] • Balikbayod in collaboration with The Wahine Project in 2011 resulted in 57% of VOLUNTEER INCENTIVE: our program participants being girls between the ages of 7-19 years old. VOLUNTEERS CAN TRADE IN THEIR WORK HOURS FOR SURF • Leader ship roles are fostered among youth. Program participants elect LESSONS WITH US. EVENTS a male and female youth officer to assist the surf program coordinator with INCLUDE SURFBOARD REPAIR daily duties. PARTIES, ART MAKING NIGHTS AND FUNDRAISERS. • T eachers at our 2 program locations in Siargao have reported increases in school attendance among youth enrolled in the Balikbayod program. CONTACT US TO VOLUNTEER FOR OUR PROGRAMS IN THE • Sinc e 2008, 4 Balikbayod members enrolled in ALS obtained their high PHILIPPINES. school diplomas. • Balikbay od has repaired and brought 47 surfboards to Siargao Island which are shared by 141 youth in 2 program locations, General Luna and Burgos.

• Balikbayod’s main source of income is through donations from art sale fundraiser events.

• Balikbay od consists of 4 core members and 20+ volunteer members, headquartered in San Francisco, California. Volunteers help repair all donated surfboards at our surfboard repair parties. [Photo © Lynn • Balikbayod is a project of the San Francisco Bryant, 2010.] Filipino Cultural Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in California.

• Sinc e 2008, our total operations budget is $6,759, from fundraising event donations and volunteerism.

• 2011 collaboration with Swiss non-profit Masaya Siargao has presented full college scholarships to eligible Balikbayod youth Students read the program rules during orientation and program participants in General Luna, Siargao. registration day. [Photo © Mercedes Cormier, 2011.]

3 BALIKBAYOD.WORDPRESS.COM /////////////// A FISCALLY SPONSORED 501(C)(3) IN THE UNITED STATES Dionne Ybarra of the Wahine Project gathers Balikbayod girls during recent group trip in 2011. [Photo © Mercedes Cormier, 2011.]

History of Operations • Or ganized 2 group surf/volunteer trips to our Siargao program locations in 2008 and 2011

• Pr oduced 8 fundraiser events and raised $6,759 total to date.

• Coll ected and repaired 50 surfboards, and spent 70+ hrs volunteer time for the repairs and packing.

• Held 3 beginner surf workshops for our surfboard repair volunteers in San Francisco, California.

• Sinc e 2008, spent 100+ hrs volunteering in administrative duties, internet marketing and website upkeep, registering youth into our programs in the Philippines, and conducting bi-weekly meetings.

Goals Balikbayod hopes to develop alternative vocations and careers for students when they graduate high school and college, providing them with training and business opportunities that keep the service and supplies native-based for the ever growing influx of surfers coming to this island. They will be able to start businesses such as green surfboard making, repairs, rentals, and tours. We want to introduce eco-tourism, environmental awareness, recycling, green alternative careers in solar, wind, and hydro-electric energy into the school educational system, so the students will be inspired to grow into a more sustainable and eco-friendly mindset for their island and their future.

Within 5 years time, we wish to establish a creative arts technology after- school center. Further, we hope to provide online tutoring and lessons that will provide digital skills to students, so they are enabled to compete in today’s Ikit, 15, is a youth leader in our General Luna global marketplace. This will offer an exciting alternative to thrive and be location, she volunteers and helps manage her program peers and has been participating in the financially stable without having to leave their home or family. program since 2008, when she was 11 years old. [Photo © Mercedes Cormier, 2011.] 4 BALIKBAYOD.WORDPRESS.COM /////////////// A FISCALLY SPONSORED 501(C)(3) IN THE UNITED STATES Our 2012 Funding Gap = $20,000 Listed below are wish list items that constitute our current needs. This year, we’ve already raised $1,253 towards our $20,000 goal. SURFBOARD DONORS: • $1,200 covers 2 years of stipend for surf program coordinators in ALL 50 SURFBOARDS WE’VE General Luna and Burgos chapters COLLECTED SINCE 2008 HAVE BEEN DONATED* BY • $75 per surfboard for shipping from USA to Philippines or CALIFORNIA SURFERS & $1,500 per 20 surfboards FRIENDS. • 100 surfboard leashes (most of our donated surfboards come without [OUR FIRST SURFBOARD leashes attached) or $1,200 to purchase leashes WAS DONATED BY A 9 YEAR OLD BOY] • 100 sets of FCS or similar surfboard fins (most of our donated surfboards come without fins attached) or $1,200 to purchase fins

• $300 a year for surfboard repair materials

• $600 a year for transportation, internet and operations fees for surf leaders in 2 locations, Burgos and General Luna

• $400 a year for office/equipment supplies (Philippines & US operations)

• $750 per year surfboard storage fees (US)

• $12,085 per year for USA operations staffing

• $1000 to support initial production of our documentary film story

Our art sale fundraisers are supported by artists who donate their art and talents for the events. 5 BALIKBAYOD.WORDPRESS.COM /////////////// A FISCALLY SPONSORED 501(C)(3) IN THE UNITED STATES Core Members Mercedes Cormier — Marketing Director, USA As travel writer for Living Asia Channel, she promoted Philippine eco-tourism in Agusan del Norte, where she rated the adventure potential on the surrounding islands of Siargao. Mercedes ventured out on a field study to the remote tribes of Mindanao, conducted by the Bay Area organization Kularts in 2005. She is an avid surfer, yoga enthusiast, photographer, graphic designer and world traveler.

Cynthia Bourne — Surf Program Coordinator, Philippines As surf program coordinator, Cynthia teaches new kids to surf while ensuring surfing is not a hindrance to their studies. She advises parents to accept surfing as a good sport for their children because it promotes good health, staying away from drugs and growing closer to nature. Cynthia strives to be a good model for her program members and enjoys sharing her passion for surfing with other people. Cynthia is leading Burgos BALIKBAYOD to unite with the high school teachers by planning to include surfing as a physical education subject and sport in the school.

Victoria Fabella — Executive Director & Co-founder, USA Siargao Island was where Victoria first learned to surf. She is well traveled in the Philippines and was a resident of Palawan Island for a year. A graduate of law from UC Davis, she brings 7 years of experience managing non-profit organizations such as People’s Grocery, which brings organic food to inner city communities of color in Oakland, California. Victoria was an original member of the women powered art group, The Flaming Lotus Girls and co-founder of theYoga Tai Chi group.

Jin An Wong — Surfboard Repair Leader & Instructor, USA Jin An brings over 40 years of experience in surfing from California to Hawaii. He repairs our recycled surfboards to be water tight and ridable. Jin An currently teaches surfing and hosts his Art Gallery/Surf Shop, to help raise funds for Balikbayod. Jin An was the documentary videographer for the 2011 trip to Siargao and taught surfboard repair and art to the youth while there. He is an award winning animation producer and teacher at Expressions College of Digital Design & The Academy Of Art University in San Francisco, California. He is the founder and host of the Annual Kelly’s Cove Reunion of surfers in San Francisco, now in its 8th year with over 300 members.

Lynn Bryant — Founder & Projects Manager, USA Lynn has been visiting her family in the Visayas, Philippines since the age of 7 and enjoys conversing in the Cebuano language. After learning to surf and visiting Siargao in 2007, she observed an unfair balance in Philippines’ Surfing Capital. Tourist surfers dominated the waves while local children watched in envy unable to afford equipment. Determined to set the balance right, she brainstormed with friends on how to make it possible and Returning Wave was born. Lynn was also a co-founding member of women powered art group, The Flaming Lotus Girls, formed in 2000. Lynn is also a long time member of United States Masters Swimming. 6 BALIKBAYOD.WORDPRESS.COM /////////////// A FISCALLY SPONSORED 501(C)(3) IN THE UNITED STATES Supporters Without the help from our supporters, we couldn’t have gotten where we are today. We’d like to thank everyone who has helped us, volunteered and donated.

The San Francisco Filipino Cultural Center Rerip—Reuse, Reduce, Reride The Wahine Project Liquid Militia Bayani Arts VOLUNTEER Siargao Masaya (Switzerland & Philippines) WE HAVE MANY OPPORTUNITIES The Bayanihan Community Center FOR VOLUNTEERING IN THE Manilatown Heritage Foundation USA, PHILIPPINES, OR NEW Norcal Surf Shop PROSPECT LOCATIONS. Aqua Surf Shop Wise Surf Shop DONATE Ohana Board Shop Bro Prints WE ARE A FISCALLY SPONSORED 501(C)(3) IN THE USA. Santa Cruz Longboard Union YOUR DONATIONS ARE TAX La Luna Resort DEDUCTIBLE. SF Smiles Eight Arms Cellars No Worries, Filipino Vegan Food TRAVEL/SURF/ASSIST Hapa SF, Organic Filipino Food WE HOST ANNUAL ORGANIZED Little Brown Brother (Pinoy jazz and blues) TRIPS TO THE PHILIPPINES DJ Lapu Lapu of KPFA AND BRING NEW BATCHES Kuya Phil —ukulele performances OF SURFBOARDS FOR OUR Joel Dela Merced—ukulele performances PROGRAMS. THERE ARE MANY Oseas Gravino—volunteer services, Philippines VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WAITING WHEN WE GET THERE Loney Planet AS WELL AS TONS OF EXCITED Atthowe Fine Art Packing KIDS TO SURF WITH. Hawaiian Airlines Extra Credit Kru—youth dance group Orlando Lacro—art & custom surfboard shaper CONTACT [email protected] Dave Veal—custom surfboard shaper FOR MORE INFO OR TO BE ADDED All the people who have donated their used or new TO OUR NEWSLETTER MAILING LIST FOR ALL OPPORTUNITIES. surfboards and art for fundraisers, we thank you!

Balikbayod’s newest chapter in Burgos, Siargao Island Philippines. [Photo © Victoria Fabella, 2011] 7 BALIKBAYOD.WORDPRESS.COM /////////////// A FISCALLY SPONSORED 501(C)(3) IN THE UNITED STATES Most of the children’s parents avoided the ocean, afraid of Siargao’s powerful waves. But surfing with Balikbayod has created a relationship between the children and the sea. They have learned to navigate their home breaks and respect the ocean. BALIKBAYOD: RETURNING WAVE NYX MARTINEZ discovers how a group of balikbayans was able to surf to their hearts’ content while teaching local kids about respect for nature.

“Have you ever traveled to surf in other countries were dropping out of school to surf. The solution and noticed that the local children have an interest came from local teachers. “Why not incorporate an in surfing but don’t have access to surf boards?” incentive to stay in school?” they suggested. With this asks Mercy Cormier, one of the volunteers insight, Balikbayod improved their library program, with Balikbayod, a California-based nonprofit allowing only kids in school to borrow the boards— organization. “We did notice, and our goal is to begin and to surf after school hours only. in the Philippines by bringing donated surfboards to “We feel it’s a good start to encouraging the kids to the youth of the Siargao Cloud 9 area.” stay or re-enroll in school,” says Mercy. “But it will be Siargao, an island in northeastern Mindanao, is a an ongoing challenge. We promote that school is just popular destination for traveling surfers. Known for as important as surfing. Children can live their lives its quality “world-class wave breaks,” it hosts yearly as surfers, but [they] should also have other goals international surf competitions. But like so many and aspirations, which [education] can help them tourist destinations in the region, one can’t ignore achieve.” those who call Siargao home. Kids often wander the As far as recent success stories, Mercy tells us beach, watching surfers, and wanting to ride those that four of the Balikbayod participants passed the waves, too. ALS Accreditation and Equivalency tests, and are Balikbayod (literally translated to “returning wave”) now moving up to high school. The ALS (Alternative promotes giving back to the local community by Learning System) is a re-enrollment program that donating surfboards and time surfing with the village children can attend if they have dropped out of HOW YOU CAN HELP Although the surfboards children. school. Besides acing the exams, these kids have also are donated, shipping them to Siargao costs a Filipino-American founder Lynn Bryant started developed greater respect and self-confidence from considerable amount. Plus, it all in 2007 when her first surfing trip to Siargao learning to share and work with their peers. the cost of materials for repair and accessories, brought her into contact with the locals. She called “Volunteering while traveling is a responsible way adds up. Contribute your time or donations on her surfer friends in California to figure out a way of giving back to a community, as well as connecting by getting in touch with Balikbayod at www. to help. They collected old surfboards and created a with our Filipino ties,” beams Mercy. “We share balikbayod.wordpress.com “library” for Siargao youth to borrow the boards. languages with the kids—English, Visayan, Tagalog, or www.facebook.com/ groups/returningwave/. But with surfing becoming such a popular and and Surigaonan. But best of all, we share a passion for Balikbayod is affiliated with the San Francisco-Filipino lucrative pastime for local kids, many of them surfing and sharing the waves.” Cultural Center.

A 2011 German study has shown that active participation in sports not only makes children healthy and smart, but also reduces their emotional and peer problems (www.voxeu.org).

28 I Mabuhay Magazine I February 2012