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September 2011 - New Zealand Writer
By PCF Co-founder Isabel Padua Grant
In October of last year, I (via this website) received an email
from a New Zealand writer, Wheldon Curzon-Hobson, who was planning
a trip to the Philippines, the country he chose to be the basis
of his e-book about the good that people do in the world, his
argument being that enough is written about the bad that folks
do. I met up with Wheldon in the Philippines, took him to Villa
Paraiso housing site, in Paranaque. In comparison, the slums around
Villa Paraiso were "tamed" when I learned later Wheldon
made solo trips by public transport to depths of the worst slums
in Manila. His two-week Manila experience resulted in two e-books
entitled "Inspired by Manila", as well as a profound
appreciation of the generous Filipino spirit and many lasting
friendships.
Wheldon takes a tricycle around Manila (left)
and "Inspired By Manila" e-book (right).
Wheldon didn't stop with his books, felt he needed to do more
for the Philippines and came up with the idea of community sustainability
through business prospects, i.e. helping both entrepreneur and
community progress by marketing their products in New Zealand.
He emailed everyone, "I started this project with the hope
that I will be able to sell everyday products and gifts to New
Zealanders to help poor Filipino communities become economically
self-sustainable. I am truly overwhelmed that thanks to you all
we can achieve that goal in the near future."
Ever hopeful and positive, Wheldon's wonderful project to market
Philippine products in New Zealand includes:
- Chemlux - assisting a GK site in Eldorado with their cleaning
products.
- Human Nature - Philippine-sourced ingredients for GK organic
beauty and body products (above left)
- Philippine Christian Foundation - recycled jewelry, bags
from the Tondo Dumpsite (above right - Cola can openers made
in to bracelets)
- Mangyan Handicrafts - a community in Mindoro making pots,
bowls, various utensils (above middle)
- Airlift Asia Inc - warehousing and freight
One thing I am thankful to the internet for - I meet the most
amazing people ever!
"Inspired by Manila" by Wheldon Curzon-Hobson
has been downloaded in over 100 countries! Wheldon's FREE e-book
downloads on Manila are available here: http://www.inspiredbymanila.tk
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