i am astounded by the generosity of people these days.

i have been working on a fundraising here in cebu with the philippine business for social progress, for the people of olango island in providing livelihood programs, building schools and protecting the wildlife sanctuary that surrounds it. it is an important island in the philippines because it is an international migratory flyway and to the north of it is only one of 6 double barrier reefs in the world. it has great potential of becoming a sustainable model in ecotourism -- and you know what this means -- betterment of the lives of the 20,000 people there.

and to realize that i am at the source of it, too. wow. (i am exteremely humbled that this speck of dust is capable of doing this much).


we've created the swim-for-a-cause for this specific purpose and is called the "olango challenge". tomorrow, competitive, fun and fin swimmers will be crossing the gilulongan channel, 5 kilometers long, not only to race and get the chance to go to bali, indonesia for the asian beach games but also to raise and give awareness to olango island.

for those of you who want to support, you can pledge for my swim and support for every kilometer that i make.

i thank you in advance for a world of difference that you're making.

i am continuously realizing that there is no other way to live life than this: to have a heart of gratitude.

i am extremely grateful for the life i have, for the people i meet, for the friends i already have, for the wonderful kids now here in camp, for the bountiful life altogether.

wow. thank you.

i'm currently with about 20 social entrepreneurs now from all over asia. it's exciting and empowering to be with all these people, listening to their dreams & aspirations and exploring ideas. i'm in awe by being with such a group.

i really feel privileged to be listening to such conversations.

in this aching body (having spent more time in the pool than i ever had in my life), i am filled with gratitude. everything really is coming together -- from all fronts. if this is what God means to be filled, then i'm totally floored. beyond that, words fail me.