BookSail

A preview of the project. All images used in this video were taken during 

my previous visits to Palumbanes Island.

A remote island 

A small fishing village

A school without a library

12 teachers

333 elementary students

333 dreams

Destination: Palumbanes Elementary School, Barangay Toytoy, Caramoran, Catanduanes

Goal: Books for the schoolchildren

These clouds of thoughts have been haunting me for the past years. Like a thought balloon that pops up while on a MRT ride, or upon waking up to a beautiful summer morning, or while crossing a street along with some lovely schoolchildren. I've thought of ways on how to push through with the plan, but for some reason, I just couldn't figure out how to make it into something doable, something real.

Then over cups of coffee or unhurried lunch dates, I started expressing these thoughts to some of my closest friends. You see, I'm lucky to be around some of the coolest people on earth. My friends didn't just like the whole idea of the book drive, they started pitching in suggestions on how to go about with the plan. Then over some more cups of coffees and some more unhurried lunch dates, "BOOKSAIL: Braving Philippine Seas for Literary" was born.

The issues on poverty and literacy are two things that I get to see firsthand from my travels around the country. Behind the amazing sights, beautiful churches, immaculate sand beaches and colorful festivals is the multifaceted Philippines. But of all the ugly and rugged faces that lie hidden in most of my travel snapshots, the plight of the underprivileged children warms my bones the most. I thought that if we could put books on those tiny hands and get them inspired to read, understand and explore the idea that there is more to than just their daily scarcities in life, maybe there could be hope to pluck this country out of this tragedy called poverty.

I feel fortunate to have been raised by parents who think that pens and books are more important than fancy clothes and shoes. Books and education propelled my consciousness to the many wonders around me. And I wish that these same wonders will be read, understood and explored by many children in this country. If books are something that these children can't be had, maybe with everyone's help it would be possible.

I'm inviting you to this worthwhile cause. Be part of a community who finds fun in traveling, reading, sharing of ideas and volunteerism. Above all, be part of a group of people who advocates literacy for schoolchildren from far flung islands in this country. Join BookSail!

This is going to be a long-term project. We plan to reach out to as many children as we can especially in islands where there is scarcity in libraries and books.

For now, our pilot  book drive will focus on the children from Palumbanes Elementary School. Located in Palumbanes Island, Caramoran, Catanduanes, this school has 333 enrolled pupils from Kindergarten to Grade 6 as of this school year. It's staffed with 12 teachers and as of this writing, they do not have a working library in there.

This island can be reached two ways:  first is from Virac, you can take a 4-5 hours bus ride going to Caramoran. From Caramoran, hire a boat going to Palumbanes Island. Another option is to hire a boat from San Andres going to Palumbanes Island (traveltime takes about 4 hours). As an island village, most families have fishing and farming as their livelihood.

Map of Catanduanes and location of Palumbanes Island

Palumbanes Island on a clear day 

What they need:
Story and picture books (English and Filipino)
Elementary books (Math, Science, English, Filipino)
Coloring books
Science laboratory materials
School kits - pad papers, pencils, crayons, etc

How to help:

Join our series of events: 
c/o Ja Bobis -0915-265-4115
Plate for Books
Coffee for Books
Cakes for Books
Kick-off Party

In-kind Donations:
c/o Ephraim Aguilar
Ship donations to: 5B7 Francesca Towers
EDSA Cor. Scout Borromeo
South Triangle, Diliman
Quezon City

Cash Donations:
Bank: BDO
Account Name: Cherryl B. Gurrobat
Account Number: 6810014917

For more information:
Che Gurrobat: 0917-745-4538
Eph Aguilar: 0917-506-1814

Like our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/ProjectBookSail
Follow us on Twitter - www.twitter.com/BookSail | #booksail
Visit: www.backpackingpilipinas.com


We would love to hear from you. Let's meet and talk about BookSail.

Thank you!

Truly yours,

Che Gurrobat
Travel Blogger | www.backpackingpilipinas.com

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BookSail UPDATE:
January 31, 2013

Hi BookSailers! Registration for our benefit dinner officially starts. It will be held on February 23, 7pm at Saint Honore' Clubhouse and Cafe. If you want to register, kindly message us your name, nickname, and mobile number. Ticket costs P350 only.

Thank you!

-Che-

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BookSail UPDATE:

Read here to know more about the turnover event we had in Palumbanes Island. 

Thank you all for your support!

-Che-