We started our week in Legazpi because it’s the location of a non-profit we have supported for 23 years and counting, Children International.
CI recently opened a new community center, and the last time we visited in January 2017, it was just a concrete foundation and digital renderings. Now, it’s a fully built out, multiple-level, dual structure compound (with a covered basketball court!) that serves over 3,000 kids in the area.
While not visible in the photo, the community center is located only a few kilometers from the Mayon Volcano, which was erupting between January and March. In fact, the volcano was erupting during the formal opening ceremony for the center, which was on February 22. Part of me wishes I had been there to see that, but I would probably have been too spooked to enjoy it.
It was nice to see the Hernandez Ceniza Children and Family Reception Hall up and running. The hall is named after two great caregivers in my family — my great-aunt Maria Hernandez, and my grandmother, Soledad Ceniza – so it was very fitting to see it full of kids waiting for the various activities of the day.
We sponsor three kids in this area, and we spent time with all three, shopping and lunching at the mall and seeing some of the popular Legazpi sites:
The Legazpi Embarcadero has wonderful views of the Albay Gulf and some of the islands in the distance, as well as the Mayon Volcano.
Lignon Hill is a popular outdoor destination in Legazpi. The hill has sweeping views of the city of Legazpi and the airport runway stands out in the foreground.
We also visited Sumlang Lake, another popular outdoor destination with views of the Mayon Volcano. It was cloudy during our visit, but we still enjoyed the lake and one of the many small boats and rafts that take you around.
We always have an amazing time visiting with Children International. They do great work in the Philippines (and other countries around the world). If you’re thinking about getting involved, I highly recommend it.
They’re still looking for additional support for the Daraga Community Center, and naming opportunities are still available!
‘Before’ photo of Daraga Community Center, from our visit in January 2017
We are Scott and Caroline, 50-somethings who spent the first 20+ years of our adult lives in New York City, working traditional careers and raising 2 kids. We left full-time work in our mid-40’s for location-independent, part-time consulting projects and real estate investing, in order to create a more flexible and travel-centric lifestyle. 
Financial independence and early retirement is not something we originally focused on, but over time realized it was possible. Our free report, 
