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\u201cI wanted to have an experience abroad<\/strong> to improve my English or Spanish, but I also wanted to see what the world was like beyond my everyday world,\u201d says Penelope. Her eyes still shine with enthusiasm for the experience she had. Someone, understanding her need, told her about Bukas Palad<\/strong>, a non-profit non-governmental organisation in the Philippines that supports children, the elderly and the poor in urban areas of the archipelago, providing them with livelihoods and education<\/strong>. Penelope had never thought about Asia. “It scared me; I thought I would never set foot there. I tried to take the plunge and went there with the idea of wanting to help others.\u2018 She left in November 2024<\/strong> and began working in the offices in Manila and Tagaytay, the little town of the Focolare Movement 60 km from the capital.<\/strong> \u201cAt first, I worked in a school canteen, taking attendance and serving the children after school,” she recalls. Then I asked if I could do more activities. So I worked in the office and in the kitchen. I was also included in the school staff for lessons and as a chaperone on educational trips.\u201d Penelope was won over by the Filipino people: \u201cThere, everyone always gives 100% of themselves, despite the situations and problems.<\/strong> They behave as I would always like to behave: I give my best so that you, in turn, can give your best to someone else. Religion is also a great source of strength for them; they really trust in what God can give them.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Emma’s journey,<\/strong> on the other hand, began on 31 January 2025<\/strong>. \u201cI found out that Penelope and I were going to the same place just a week before she left. It was a really nice surprise for me!\u201d Her eyes also sparkle as she thinks back on those days<\/strong>. \u201cAfter my experience at Genfest in Brazil in 2024, I realised how big the world is, how many different languages are spoken, and that I only know Italian: a limitation when meeting others. So, I wanted to improve my English, but also do something concrete, really help, without thinking about myself and my studies.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The first stop on Emma’s journey was at a private school, the Community of Learners<\/strong>, where she worked with the teachers. She taught in the mornings and had the afternoons off. \u201cIn those first two months, I stayed in my room because I was afraid to go out. Gradually, I put myself to the test and realised that I could manage on my own<\/strong>. At the weekend, Penelope and I would meet up. Her friendships with the locals became mine too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Emma’s adventure continued at a facility called Bukas Palad on the island of Ceb<\/strong>u, in the centre of the Philippines. But first came Easter. The two friends spent it in Tagaytay<\/strong>, with the local Focolare community. They took part in the Easter Gen School: a three-day conference for young people who belong to the Focolare Movement in Asia. \u201cIt was wonderful,\u201d they reveal. \u201cThere, we were able to meet many peers from all over the Philippines<\/strong>. It is thanks to them that we came out of that new \u2018comfort zone\u2019 we had built for ourselves in recent months.\u201d Some young people suggested continuing their journey by participating in the Mariapolis, which was to be held ten days later in Davao<\/strong>, in the south of the country. It was holiday time in the Philippines, so there was no reason to refuse. \u201cSo we had a very powerful experience: every day something new happened. Many people, even those we didn’t know, made themselves available to help us enjoy our days, spending time with us and taking us to visit new places,\u201d recalls Penelope.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Emma was welcomed for a few days by the Focolare community in Dumaguete<\/strong>, in the south of the country: \u201cA very strong, united community.\u201d Then, by a volunteer on the island of Boho<\/strong>l, \u201ca beautiful place.\u201d She confides: \u201cBefore leaving, I never expected to be able to visit all these places, to receive all this Providence<\/strong>!\u201d And then there are those gifts for the soul, which remain etched in your heart forever: “This trip has left me with a great desire to live all the hope of the Filipino people. That light air you breathe when you are with them. The impression is that they are truly alive in spirit, alive inside.<\/strong>\u201d Penelope shared Emma’s thoughts and adds: \u201cOne day, during Mass, a priest said something that opened up a whole new world for me<\/strong>: \u2018Give what you don’t have so that it will be returned to you.\u2019 This motto has become the reference point for my experience, which I have tried to live every day. 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