~by POS_YIAZMAT (John Noel Amora)            


          Reach Out Otaku(RO2) together with Philippine Otaku Society joined Habitat for Humanity or H4H last June 2, 2007 at FTI, Taguig. Habitat for Humanity helps people that have no money to buy their own house by letting them work for it. It is really a generous project and it is an honor to be a part of it. We helped build homes for people who can't afford to buy their own house. For one whole day we experienced how it feels to be construction workers, it was both tiring and fun.

        We met up at Guadalupe inside 7/11 store about 7 in the morning. Our meeting time was 6:30 but because some got lost and entered the wrong 7/11 store, we got a bit delayed. Before setting out to FTI, we double checked everything and everyone so we won't forget anything like hand protectors, handkerchief and a good supply of water. Kuya Vinny also briefed us about what will be our roles there and the basic things to do and remember like always wearing the hard hat and etc. After making sure that everything is in place, we headed to FTI, Taguig.

        Upon arriving, we were greeted by the H4H engineers and we noticed that we were not the only volunteers for that day. Mapua's Civil Engineering students are also there for practical training. We filled up some papers and were given ID's, hard hats and allowed us to borrow a room where we can store our bags and stuff. And then, we were divided into groups with different jobs and areas. Some were sent to sift the sand that is going to use for hollow block making, most boys are tasked with carrying half-filled sacks of sand to where they were making the blocks, and then some were sent to fill the foundation of one of the houses. It really was heavy work and requires a bit of adjusting before you get the hang of it. After a while, it begins to be really fun. Especially when you're thinking that by doing this, you're helping build shelter for other people. There's no substitute for that inner fulfillment. Every sweat that falls in working that day will not be for nothing as they are for the betterment of other people's lives.

        We finished at about 5 in the afternoon and although we got really tired we promised that we'll be back at sembreak. We were offered to ride one of the H4H engineer's truck so we'll be closer to the jeep terminal. It was an event that is worth going over and over again and will always have a value.


         The activity on that day, only represents that being an otaku does not end on just watching our favorite anime or manga, or drooling over bishie jrock and jpop artists or cosplay on events and conventions. Even with just a little help like this, we can make a difference, we can make change people's lives. By doing this things, we can say that being an otaku is something meaningful.

         The Reach Out Otaku and Philippine Otaku Society representatives that were present that day, without a particular order, were as follows: Ate Joy, Ate Devz, Ivy, Dyan, Kuya Vinny, Han, Mae, Gabs, Wesley, Sherwin, and John.