One Dream, One Shore: How I am MAD and Alon and Araw Club Brought Hope to Cabangan’s Coast

It started with a single idea: what if youth empowerment and ocean conservation could meet on the same shore? That question sparked something extraordinary.

In Cabangan, Zambales, two nonprofits—I am MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers Inc. and Alon and Araw Club (AAC)—joined forces for the 102nd MAD Camp. What unfolded was more than just a camp: it became a heartfelt experiment in co-creation, resilience, and the power of shared purpose.

For the first time, I am MAD didn’t just invite another group to participate—they co-designed the entire experience alongside AAC. “It was a true partnership,” says Maco Ravanzo, I am MAD’s co-founder. “They brought their passion for ocean advocacy, and we brought our commitment to values formation. Together, we created something new.”

At the heart of it was Teacher Lourie Garcia—an AAC project manager and graduate of I am MAD’s Builders Training Program—whose vision brought the camp to life. Drawing from her deep ties to the community, Garcia led the planning, rallied local support, and ensured that the weekend would be as impactful for the 50 child participants as it was for the 27 volunteers.

“I knew it wouldn’t be easy,” Garcia reflects. “But every tired moment disappeared when I saw the kids smiling, realizing their worth, and daring to dream again.”

The weekend mixed fun, reflection, and advocacy. I am MAD volunteers guided children through storytelling and values workshops. AAC anchored the program with an eco-village tour, beach cleanup, and lessons in plastic upcycling that has already kept over 25,000 kilograms of waste out of the ocean.

“It’s hard to talk about the environment when families are focused on daily survival,” shares AAC’s Gabi del Rosario. “But connect it to their stories and values, and change starts to matter.”

One poignant moment came during the MAD Circle, where kids wrote and read letters of love and forgiveness to their parents—a powerful reminder that real change begins at home.

Beyond the shoreline, the camp’s ripples continue: new friendships formed, volunteers gained fresh resolve, and Garcia proved that one person’s courage can rally an entire community.

“It all began because someone dared to act,” Garcia says. “When people come together with heart, the impact goes far beyond what we see.”

To join future MAD Camps, visit bit.ly/MADcamp2025reg or learn about AAC’s work at fb.com/alonandarawclub. Sometimes, all it takes is to say yes.