Journey of Light and Gratitude: El Nido
I didn’t expect to cry. I thought maybe I’d feel pride, joy, or a sense of contribution. But instead, I found myself sobbing. It wasn’t sadness—it was an overwhelming wave of emotion. The kids, the community, and even my nine fellow trek mates were all swept up in the same tidal wave of gratitude and connection. It felt like being hit by the ocean, wiping away all other thoughts and leaving only presence.
When the opportunity came, I immediately said yes — I’m a junky for new experiences and travel.
This journey took me to El Nido, Palawan, one of the most beautiful corners of the Philippines I had never explored before. Through our charity projects with @MyOutDesk and @MODMovement, I knew this aligned perfectly with our mission of making a lasting impact in the world. Our goal was simple yet powerful: bring electricity to San Fernando National High School. With the support of @GivePower, @electricity4all, and @1million Lights, we set out to provide solar panels, fans, and lighting for hundreds of high school students in one of the poorest areas of the country.
If you were there with me, you’d see what I saw—a community overflowing with positive energy, warmth, and hospitality. Despite having so little by American standards—no refrigeration, no clean drinking water, no indoor plumbing—there was no shortage of happiness, joy, and love.
For five days, we were immersed in their world. Families opened their homes, shared their food, and welcomed us as their own. It was humbling, transformative, and nothing like I expected.
I returned from El Nido with a heart full of gratitude—for the blessings of my life, for the abundance I often take for granted, and for the chance to witness how joy thrives even in the absence of material wealth. This trek reminded me that true wealth isn’t in resources—it’s in community, love, and generosity of spirit.
GivePower Foundation is a highly effective, transparent nonprofit transforming lives through clean energy and water solutions. With award-winning technologies, impactful global programs, and robust governance, they exemplify how clean energy innovation can drive social progress on a scale.
The MOD Movement’s mission is to uplift underserved communities by addressing needs such as education, housing stability, and economic empowerment. The MOD Movement is a deeply values-driven nonprofit extension of MyOutDesk, fueled by employee and community generosity. It delivers hands-on, impactful projects focused on families, children, and the elderly—and steadily shapes change both locally and globally.
MOD Movement Contributions: Measurable Results
| Item | Quantity/Specs | Daily Usage/Production |
|---|---|---|
| Solar System | 12 solar panels (580W each) = 6.96 kW | ~32 kWh produced per day |
| Battery | 6.144 kWh Menred LFP (lithium iron phosphate) | Backup/Storage |
| Lights | 54 pcs at 7W each = 378W | 8 hours = 3.024 kWh |
| Fans | 21 pcs at 60W each = 1.26 kW | 8 hours = 10.08 kWh |
| Fans | 8 pcs at 70W each = 560W | 8 hours = 4.48 kWh |
| Outlets | 16 pcs | - |
| TV | 1 at 180W | 8 hours = 1.44 kWh |
| Laptops | 15 at 65W each | 4 hours = 3.9 kWh |
| Phone Charging | - | ~0.50 kWh per day |
Total Daily Generation: ~32 kWh
Total Daily Load: ~29 kWh (including laptops and TV provided)
Additional Photos
Learn more about the Mod Movement and how you can contribute.