Arrival
We land in to Manila airport and all I can say on the drive to the hotel is wow! Such a mixture of culture from huge extravagant buildings to some rundown shacks the Philippines has everything. After a quick dinner at Taco Bell we head back to our 1.5 star accommodation for a well earned rest before our big first day, can't wait to see what it has to bring.
Day 1 Our first visit to the centre
Today is our first day at the Kuya centre on the walk there we attracted a lot of attention there is not a western person in sight, Its boiling hot. We are greeted by Brother Luc and Sister Kate and a bunch of adorable kids some of which live at the center, some on the street. After introductions we split off into our groups some learning English, some sewing, some hairdressing. Our first lesson included solid form, shaping around face, diagonal forward cutting and a demo of clippers. Such an amazing group of people can't wait for day 2.
Day 2 Men's cutting and styling
We arrived at the centre today I did half a day training myself while the other hairdressers trained at another community. Today we started the morning off with men's haircuts, cutting the boys in the centre's hair we did clipper, scissor over comb and blending the top. In the afternoon we went through some styling such as curling, straightening, braiding, bridal bun, French roll and demo on fishtail braid. They we intrigued to see a fishtail braid because they don't do it in the Philippines. I think I'll show them how tomorrow.
Day 3 Layering and Fishtails
Today I was joined by a few more girls we went over doing some more men's cut this time with no clippers all graduation and scissor over comb we talked about how they can use these techniques in short ladies haircuts. In the afternoon we went through square layering and increased layering as well as practicing fishtail braids. The women are picking it up so quickly it's surprising they know exactly how to section and are become more confident. I look forward to my visit to the communities tomorrow.
Day 4 Men's cutting practice and my visit to the community
All I can say about today is wow what an emotionally exhausting day. I went and visited some of the places the ladies live that we teach and what I saw was heart breaking. Families of 9 living in a space the size of most peoples bathrooms, people living against wall with only a sheet of metal as protection I can't describe the condition you have to see it to believe it and the poor children walking around so sick it was heartbreaking. It makes what we are doing seem even more worth while. The girls had about 15 boys volunteer to have cuts today awesome practice for them they have picked up so much and are doing cuts without help they identified boys cuts as the best money maker.
Day 5 Farewell and Graduation
This morning we practice more men's and women's hair cutting and styling to cement what they have learned they did full haircut with very little guidance they can use this knowledge to make money and build a better life. I have had the most amazing life changing experience that words can't express it's not until you do it yourself that you will understand. In the afternoon we had a graduation ceremony with all the student there were tears and laughter and they have taught me as much as I have taught them. Here's to next year!
I want to say a big thank you to the AHC for sending me over I wouldn't have had this opportunity without them. Also to Ghd, Wahl, Excellent Edges and Easydry for the amazing equipment it really made a difference to their lives.
