[Alumni Reflection] Brad Meehan: “A reunion with old friends”

02-12-2015 posted by Acypl
Brad Meehan, former ACYPL program officer, with alumnus Abeleon Damalerio in the Philippines in December 2014
Brad Meehan, former ACYPL program officer, with alumnus Abeleon Damalerio (US ’10) in the Philippines in December 2014

I worked for ACYPL as a program officer from 2009-2013; during that time, I was able to work with delegations from around the world, enabling me to gain many friends. I stay in touch with many of these alumni via email and Facebook, but sometimes, when the stars align, I am able to see them again. I count these reunions among the highlights of my life.

Brad Meehan trying out a bicycle zip-line at Chocolate hills Adventure Park in Bohol
Brad Meehan trying out a bicycle zip-line at Chocolate hills Adventure Park in Bohol

This past December, I took the opportunity to travel to the Philippines for a week to reconnect with alumni I had worked with in the US. Although I was only there a short time, I was able to visit with four alumni in different parts of the country. I started my trip by going to the island of Bohol, where I met Abeleon (Abel) Damalerio. Abel took me to many amazing historic and natural sites around Bohol, including Baclayon Church and the Chocolate Hills. I was also privileged to have a private audience with Bohol Provincial Governor Edgar Chatto, an ACYPL alum from 1997, and a great guy!  I also had the opportunity to meet Abel’s family, who were incredibly generous and welcoming to a traveler so far from home.

Brad Meehan celebrating New Year's Eve with alumnus Aris Gaza and his family in the Philippines
Brad Meehan celebrating New Year’s Eve with alumnus Aris Gaza and his family in the Philippines 

After altering plans due to problematic weather, I flew to Manila and met Aristotle (Aris) Gaza (Philippines to US 2010). After grabbing dinner with his family and braving the Manila traffic, we went to his hometown of Hermosa in the Bataan Province. Aris just happened to be on holiday from work, so we were able to spend the next four days together. I saw incredible landmarks and cultural sites, but spending New Year’s Eve with his extended family was the best.

With 2014 behind us, Aris and I went back to Manila, where I bid him farewell, and met Enrique (Ricky) Dela Cruz (Election Program 2012). We had the chance to catch up over dinner, and I met many members of the National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL), ACYPL’s in-country partner in the Philippines.  After dinner, we all went to karaoke, referred to as videoke in the Philippines–the hours flew by, and I said goodbye.

Brad Meehan with members from the National Movement of Young Legislatures (NMYL) and ACYPL alumni in the Philippines
Brad Meehan with members from NMYL and ACYPL alumni in the Philippines

On my last morning, I met Carla May Bautista (Election Program 2012) for breakfast. Though our time was short, we had a lot of laughs and, it was great catching up with an old friend.

Though I did discuss government and policy, as we do on ACYPL exchanges, being in the Philippines reminded me that the delegates themselves were what provided me with such an invaluable experience during my time at ACYPL. These connections are treasures that I’ll always be grateful for, and having the chance to rekindle those friendships in person was priceless.

 

 

Brad Meehan is an English teacher at the SDA Language School in South Korea

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