Welcome to the BWA Philippines


spacerSandy Perrin, BWA presidnet
Mabuhay ~ welcome to the Philippines and may I personally extend a very warm welcome to The British Women’s Association ( BWA) here in Manila.

We all know how daunting a new post in a new country can be ~ we have all been in that position! Where do I source our favourite items, which are the best shops and where are they, how do I get there, how do I get a driver to get me there, are taxis a safe option??? HELP !!!  This is where our network of advice and support comes to your assistance. With the wealth of knowledge, borne by experience of living in and around Manila, the BWA will help ease your transition into your new lifestyle. We hold informal, monthly coffee mornings for newcomers and old hands alike. We can get to know you while you can pick our brains! So many lasting friendships have been formed at these gatherings.

If, on the other hand, you are not new to the country but new to the BWA ~ we are so happy that you have chosen to join one of the most refreshing, fun, innovative and supportive groups of ladies in Manila.

We hold monthly General Meetings for members and prospective members when we invite a variety of interesting guest speakers on diverse subjects. These  are wide-ranging -  from learning about community assistance programmes where expatriate ladies are offering disadvantaged women medical , ante and post natal care to talks by fashion stylists and designers. We offer a “mini bazaar” at our General Meetings where you can purchase wonderful  Filipino gifts.

BWA exists both as social networking group and to raise funds for our community assistance programmes and projects in the  Manila area. The funds we raise annually, together with our generous corporate sponsors, really do make such a difference to so many people’s lives.

We hold both daytime and evening social events, where partners too can come and join in the fun. Our annual Ball held at the beginning of June is our major fund-raising event of the year when great company, good food, wine and music are guaranteed.

Whether you are newly arrived or a longer term resident, you may well be interested in joining our band of happy volunteers who visit our community assistance projects . We are always on the look out for volunteers and you can devote as much time as you are able.  Should you have a specific talent or merely interested in other aspects of BWA’s work ~ such as helping the editorial team with our bi-monthly Newsletter, helping to organize our monthly General Meetings, being part of the team arranging our social & fundraising events, assisting with the co-ordination of interesting trips around Manila…….just ask any board member or sub-committee member and you’ll be on board before you know it!

With over 7,000 islands in the archipelago that constitute The Philippines , this is truly an absolutely amazing country to explore.  The islands with white silica beaches, crystal clear waters and virtually horizontal palm trees are truly the stuff of picture postcards. Visit the Banaue rice terraces that remain virtually as when they were carved 2,000 years ago. In Tagaytay only 2 hours from Manila, you can even get a donkey ride up to the top of an extinct,( well only slightly smouldering),  volcano!

So much awaits you in this vibrant country and I’m so pleased that BWA will be a part of your exciting journey.

 

Sandy Perrin
President
B.W.A.
2010.