Bellwin's Look On The Philippines - My Family Travels

I could see the hurt, the pain, the sting of shattered hope; it was staring right at me.  And what could I do but stare right back?  But there was more: bitterness, distrust, anger, and to a degree – hatred; all focused directly at me and my companions. The drastic and potential violence of the situation was very real, and I didn’t see it. None of us saw it, save for Bellwin. And I thank God for Bellwin every day.

It was during my mission trip in the Philippines that I was fortunate enough to meet a local Filipino named Bellwin. He was, for lack of better words, a translator and a guide. But Bellwin was significantly more. A few minutes with Bellwin was all it took to grasp how much more he brought to the table. Even labeling him as an overachiever didn’t do him justice because Bellwin didn’t do what he did to show off or progress in life. He simply did it because that was who he was. It was his knack to go beyond his role that impacted me on this life changing trip.

Beyond his duty to translate languages, Bellwin would translate emotion and expression. He would read the feelings of others and explain the situation. And beyond his duty to guide us from point A to point B, Bellwin would guide us from our American customs to the customs of the native people. During our mission trip, he guided us across the bridge of cultural differences. He mentored us to the point that we said what he said, walked where he walked, and even sat when he sat. He was the servant and the master; the role model we were lost without.Walking into that church that day could have been a complete disaster. The poverty stricken village itself was built out over the ocean, away from the mainland, with all accountability to the law thrown out those raggedy, home-made windows. Bellwin instantly sensed that something was wrong, and was able to question and convey the situation to us. The conflicting matter was simple enough to explain in minutes and yet drastic enough to cause an outbreak. Through Bellwin we learned that several weeks prior to our visit a group of Americans had been there, asking for pictures and resources in order to raise money from America for food, clean water, and other life essentials that poverty had denied them. The Americans were able to successfully raise enough money to save the beat down village, but when the time came, they kept it. The funds that were suppose to build their church, attain medicine for their sick, and feed their children never came. I was, and still am enraged by this evil act of selfishness. And yet, news of this event caused me to question myself. Was I much different than those Americans? I began to think of all the money I wasted on useless junk that could be sent to people all over the world in same situations as that village. Through Bellwin I saw a pain that I had never understood, and even more importantly; I felt it.

Bellwin impacted me further through his inspiriting character. Even his name, Bellwin was more than just a catchy name. It was the symbol of his new life he’d taken up with the missionaries, despite his parent’s threatening disapproval. This symbolic name was chosen simply because he was a martial arts champion, and when the bell rang, he was sure to win. And yet as talented and gifted as he was, Bellwin was the definition of humble. Near the end of our stay in the Philippines, we visited several islands by boat. At one island in particular, we went jumping off of a 10 meter diving board. Bellwin of course was a natural on the board and put us to shame with all kinds of tricks. And yet every time we jumped he stopped, waited, and watched. He would applaud us for the simplest things and constantly ask us, amateurs for advice. The man who could double back flip was asking the kids who could do nothing but belly flops for advice. The humility of Bellwin impacted the person I am today. By his actions, Bellwin glued that fundamental idea into my head; just because you might be faster, or stronger than someone, does not leave you above them. There’s always something to learn.
Looking back today, I realize that Bellwin was not the guide across the bridge of cultural differences. He was none other than the bridge itself. I realize that he did not show us to the culture on the other side. He carried us there. Because of Bellwin, my perspective of the world is more realistic. I am no longer a single-minded, typically oblivious American.

Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.

0 Replies to “Bellwin’s Look On The Philippines”

  • Hai

    I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thanks , I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your site?

  • www

    I could not resist commenting. Very well written!

  • Google UltraFan :)

    Hi webmaster, commenters and everybody else !!! The blog was absolutely fantastic!

    Lots of great information and inspiration, both of which we all need!b Keep em coming you all do such a great job at such Concepts
    cant tell you how much I, for one appreciate all you do!

  • PARASKEVI

    Hello!
    I am student of the department of tourism at the University of Piraeus in Greece and i am excited that we are conducting a survey about Family Travel.
    I would be really happy if you completed this quick survey:
    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1s1OjLYV6AtLcEgkaa6UsqtxjVCnLQ1NMjTGANmOqyAw/edit
    Thank you very much!

  • bookanyboat

    Best Family Summer Vacations. Bookanyboat helps you search for boat rentals, yacht charters and sightseeing cruises in 3 exciting destinations, including: Dubai, Ibiza and Miami. bookanyboat.com

  • international

    Exceptional post but I was wondering if you could write
    a litte more on this topic? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit more.
    Bless you!

  • bon

    Thanks for finally writing about > How To Chhoose a Dude Ranch When Therre Are
    So Manny Chhoices – My Family Travels

  • HIRA

    Summer is the best time to visit Alaska because the days are longer as well as the temperature were warmer.
    As ones luxury cruise ship glides past creaking blue-white glacier and lush woodland, rest on you private veranda.
    The Last Frontier is a nature lover’s dream, with places like Production of essential which you can see big cats fishing trout or Queenstown with which you can witness humpback whales breaching on a whale-watching cruise.
    In Icy Strait Point, soar over the trees on the a zipline, and learn about the history of the Gold Rush in Skagway.

  • zor

    Very superb information can be found on web site.

  • canadian

    Fantastic site. Lots of useful information here.
    I am sending it to some buddies ans additionally sharing.

  • zor

    Lovely just what I was looking for.Thanks to the author for taking his time on this one.

  • Beauty

    Awsome info and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is really the best place to ask but do you guys have any ideea where to get some professional writers? Thanks in advance 🙂

  • slo

    Hey very interesting blog!

  • Is There A Swimming Race In Middle School?

    Ahaa, its fastidious conversation regarding this post at this place at this web
    site, I have read all that, so now me also commenting here.

  • slo

    I think that what you published was very logical. However,
    what about this? what if you typed a catchier post title?
    I ain’t suggesting your content is not good, but suppose you
    added something that grabbed people’s attention? I mean How To Choose a
    Dude Ranch When There Are So Many Choices – My Family Travels is
    kinda plain. You ought to look at Yahoo’s home
    page and see how they create news headlines to grab viewers
    interested. You might add a video or a related pic or two to get readers interested about what you’ve written. Just my opinion, it could bring your blog a little
    bit more interesting.

  • zor

    Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. was truly information. Your website is very useful. Thanks for sharing.

  • gra

    It’s actually a cool and useful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  • bp77

    Wow, this post is good, my sister is analyzing these things,
    so I am going to convey her.

  • zor

    You have brought up a very good points, regards for the post.

  • gra

    I truly appreciate this post. I have been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thanks again!

  • Donte

    Howdy! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came
    to look it over. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
    Wonderful blog and terrific design and style.

  • Claribel Dallison

    After going over a few of the blog posts on your web page, I seriously like your technique of writing a blog. I saved as a favorite it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back soon. Please check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

  • Emanuel Hallef

    Your site is very good, I liked the information. Grateful. 10070690

  • houston

    I’m no longer sure where you’re getting your info, however good topic.

    I must spend a while finding out much more or understanding more. Thanks for wonderful info I was looking for this information for my mission.

  • Graham Denogean

    Have you ever thought about creating an e-book or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog centered on the same subjects you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my readers would value your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.

  • site

    Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back often!

  • emily cooper

    Do you have at least some idea how to cancel Hawaiian airlines flight? Booked tickets can be dropped online by Visiting Hawaiian Airlines’ actual webpage. explorers don’t have even the remotest clue how to drop the trip on the web, they can contact flight chiefs at Hawaiian Airlines drop ticket

  • zor

    Hi there! I just wish to give a huge thumbs up for the great information you will have here on this post. I will be coming back to your weblog for more soon.

  • Its excellent as your other posts : D, regards for posting.

  • Finch

    Great Post ! I have read your other posts which are really informative for any family traveler. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful informative information.

  • freeindexer

    Exactly what I was searching for, thank you for posting.

  • Hairstyles

    very nice publish, i certainly love this website, keep on it

  • Susan McCloud

    Many years ago, I did study Spanish in Barcelona, with a school called CIEE. I loved every minute of my month there, stayed with an older woman who ran a boarding house for students. She made us all speak Spanish at every meal. I remember eating a lot of patates fritas at her house, but I did learn a lot of Spanish (a little Catalan too) and I fell in love with Barcelona.

  • hotshot bald cop

    I was just telling my friend about that.

Comment on this article

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.