Service, solidarity, and Filipino pride took center stage on December 19, 2025, as the Travelers Tribe Masonic Club (T2) Bahrain united the Filipino community at the Philippine Embassy in Manama for its Outreach Program, a celebration of compassion, culture, and collective responsibility far from home. The event is in coordination and support from Filipino American Association of Bahrain and PHAmly Club Bahrain, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the Filipino community in Bahrain.
The program kicked off with a lively Zumba session led by the Philippine Dance Crew, immediately energizing the attendees, followed by an invocation that lent a meaningful and purposeful start to the day. In his welcome address, Mr. Joselito Sarmiento, T2 adviser and the vice president Internal of Fil-Am Bahrain, underscored the power of unity and collective action among overseas Filipinos, noting how compassion and collaboration can strengthen and uplift the community abroad. Serving also as the emcee, he seamlessly guided the proceedings, ensuring a smooth and engaging flow throughout the event.
In his address, former T2 President (2020) Frederick Asuncion offered words of encouragement to attendees enduring difficult conditions and currently receiving support from the MWO and OWWA. He reminded them to remain hopeful, expressing optimism that their circumstances would improve despite present challenges. Asuncion also shared that he closely monitors the number of OFWs staying in shelters each year, voicing his hope that the figure would eventually reach zero or at the very least, that fewer individuals would be forced to face such difficult situations.
Ambassador-Designate Gines Jaime Ricarda D. Gallaga commended the Travelers Tribe for its unwavering commitment to supporting Filipinos in Bahrain, particularly those in need of assistance, praising the organization’s dedication to service and community empowerment. His wife, Madam Moira G. Gallaga also joined in welcoming the attendees.
In his inspiring speech, Mr. Orlando Fontanilla recounted, “I remember it was during one of our Christmas gift-giving activities last year that I first saw Bisma, an eight-year-old girl who couldn’t walk and was struggling on just one leg. My brothers in T2, along with the officers and members of Fil-Am Bahrain, immediately wanted to help, so we completed all the necessary legal and medical steps to provide her with a prosthetic leg. Today, Bisma is in kindergarten and studying, and I sincerely hope that one day she can become a lawyer and advocate for the rights of OFWs. It’s truly inspiring to see how far she’s come.”
An active performance by the Philippine Dance Crew set the stage for a heartwarming gift-giving activity that brought joy to the beneficiaries. Adding to the festive spirit, Mr. Fermin Garcia, former T2 President in 2019 and 2020, delighted both children and adults as he donned the red suit, white beard, and twinkling eyes of Santa Claus while handing out gifts alongside T2 President Mitch de Guzman. Presents were distributed to Filipinos at the Embassy’s Migrant Workers Other Overseas Filipinos Resource Center (MWOFRC), as well as to those currently receiving assistance from the Philippine Embassy. Beyond the gift-giving, T2 also provided financial support, extending meaningful assistance to Filipinos navigating difficult circumstances abroad. Likewise, beneficiaries expressed heartfelt gratitude for the gifts and support they received, which brought comfort and renewed hope during the holiday season.
The event was further distinguished by the presence of four former Travelers Tribe (T2) presidents, including Vic Cabali, who served as president in 2011, underscoring the organization’s enduring leadership and strong sense of brotherhood.
Health and wellness services were offered through T2’s collaboration with the Philippine Bahrain Caregivers Society, which provided free blood pressure checks and random blood sugar testing. Attendees also enjoyed a photo booth courtesy of RJ Events and free back massages by Solice Spa, creating a warm, welcoming environment that addressed both physical well-being and emotional comfort. To ensure a hospitable, family-like atmosphere free breakfast were served to all the attendees.
The program was further enriched by the El Shaddai Music Ministry soul-stirring Christmas musical performances, fostering a deeper sense of fellowship. Certificates of recognition were presented to community relation’s participants in appreciation of their dedication and support.
Mechanical Engineer Nathaniel M. Mangune of Well Worth WLL braved the chilly December morning to join fellow members of the PHAmly Bahrain Club at the embassy, exemplifying the Filipino spirit of service and community involvement. “I had just come from attending Simbang Gabi at Sacred Heart Church, and despite the cold weather, I was excited to join my fellow brethren for the Travelers Tribe Masonic Club’s Outreach Program,” he shared. “It was inspiring to see the Filipino community come together. The day was filled with cultural performances, gift-giving, and health and wellness services, highlighting the bayanihan spirit and the strong commitment of the three organizations Travelers Tribe (T2), Fil-Am, and PHAmly Bahrain Club in supporting Filipinos living overseas.”
Echoing this sentiment, Grace Estacio, Chairman of the Fil-Am Community Outreach Program, emphasized the deeper meaning behind the collaboration. “It brings me great joy to witness the service and unity within our Filipino community. Working with T2 on this event reminds us of the power of bayanihan in supporting our kababayans who are facing pressing conditions abroad,” she said. “Together, we continue to build a strong, caring, and empowered community, proving that no matter where we are in the world, our hearts remain connected to home.”
In his closing remarks, Travelers Tribe President Mr. Mitch de Guzman reaffirmed T2’s mission of service and solidarity. He highlighted the importance of building partnerships with like-minded organizations including Fi- Am Bahrain, PHAmly Bahrain Club, PBCS – ATDC, Philippine Dance Crew, KIB, Triskellion, RJ Events, Mac’s Restaurant, FC-TG, BrandMe, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN) and the Filipino Writers’ Circle (FilWrite) which enabled T2 to expand its reach and assist more people.
President de Guzman also noted T2’s participation in significant milestones, including the inaugural representation of the Filipino and American community at the Bahrain Disability Festival and the historic Paskuhan sa Pasuguan celebration at the Philippine Embassy. Reflecting on his term, he described the year as deeply fulfilling, marked by strengthened partnerships and impactful outreach programs.
In a heartfelt personal note, Mr. de Guzman shared that this outreach marked his final project for now as he prepares to return home to be with his family. While stepping back from leadership, he expressed confidence that Travelers Tribe will continue to thrive under the guidance of its long-serving members and reaffirmed his belief in the organization’s enduring mission.
Mr. de Guzman currently holds the position of Military Chief at Naval Support Activity Bahrain (NSA Bahrain), a strategically significant United States Navy installation in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Following the closing remarks of the president, Allain Buensuceso, former T2 president in 2012 offered the program benediction, bringing the event to a reflective and heartfelt conclusion.
The outreach program served as a powerful demonstration of the strength, compassion, and resilience of the Filipino community in Bahrain, as collective efforts and a shared mission embodied the true spirit of bayanihan, showing how Filipinos, even far from their homeland, continue to support and uplift one another; through this meaningful collaboration, the Travelers Tribe Masonic Club and its partner organizations reaffirmed their dedication to community service, fostering hope, solidarity, and a lasting positive impact for Filipinos living abroad.
