It was a cold Sunday morning when we landed at Kansai airport. Everyone was tired because of our journey. Slowly, we have been introduced to one another, and suddenly, a sense of warmth and belongingness enveloped in all of us. Well, we have to wait for another hour before we had to be transported to Kasuga Hotel, as it will be our first venue of this BABA retreat. For me, I was relieved when Phuc arrived . Phuc is a blind fellow from Vietnam and has been my classmate in the previous young blind leaders dialogue conducted in Thailand and in Malaysia from 2008 to 2010. I told myself that I will not be the only disabled in that group. As we headed to Kasuga Hotel, the fellowship intensed further, then, a sense of belongingness increased and I was finally convinced, that BABA family has accepted us.

As we were introduced to Japanese settings, I found it interesting, since it was really my first time to go to a hotel, and suddenly sleep on the floor?? Yes on the floor, but with nice mats and mattresses, completed with Japanese robes, and more so, warmth and true friends who were my roommates. My skills in mobility did not function immediately since the whole settings was foreign to me. In spite of my behaviour, my roommates tirelessly helped me, until my system was synchronized with my mobility in our small, but, very good room. We were 5 in that room, but, I tell you, no dull moments!! After barely 2-hours of sleep, we received a call informing us that we have to attend a meeting with the organizers of the forum. Talking about innovations, that meeting was a cool example of such. As for me, I would call that a genuine concern! In all my international conferences which I have given the opportunity to attend, that was the first time that all participants with disabilities were gathered into a professional but friendly highly transparent one. They have assured us that they are willing to extend further their hands to ensure that we, the Persons With Disability (PWD) participants will be able to maximize the objectives of the conference as well as extend to the fullest the networking possibilities with our BABA Fellows. They have informed us that some of the vital conference materials were transferred to braille format which will be available to us and included in our kit. For our deaf colleagues, they have assured us of a full time interpreters for them to also fully participate in the sessions of the retreat. Hence before the stage was set, the organizers made sure that BABA 9 is not only for non -disabled participants. That it is for everybody and they do not invite us, PWDs, just for token participation but they want from us an active and productive meaningful interaction with our BABA fellows. The welcome dinner was a perfect ending to what could be a promising and exciting days of BABA retreat. In the testimonials of the resource speaker, BABA project has been an undertaking of The Nippon Foundation in order to create a new spirit in Asia. A spirit of partnership, camaraderie and genuine sharing of resources.

Day 2 started the journey towards the historic and beautiful sites of Nara. The organizers made sure that we were not only being exposed to very real and unforgettable Japanese hospitality, but also they have allowed us to experience how the Nara people preserved their pride and culture through all these years. Our conference sessions were held in different venues where very important personalities gathered , during the special occasions of the area. The treat was sealed with distinguished and chosen resource speakers who definitely has provided new and timely relevant prospective to us BABA fellows who is expected to contribute in the growth and potentials of Asia:

1. Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General, ASEAN

Opened the conversation and he proved to us his prowess and clearly he laid down to us the future of Asia in general and the ASEAN nations in particular. He reminded us that the challenges of our area is facing right now, both enormous and life changing. From economics to political to infrastructure landscape. The next five to ten years would be very defining for the Asian region. The challenge to BABA fellows is to be relevant and be ready to perform our leadership part of the change. He reminded us that BABA fellows must be ready to crystalize issues and be able to break barriers of cultural differences. Finally, the good doctor reminded us to be humble and Christ -centred , as he recalls his beginnings and where he is right now. He appealed to us to maintain our virtues which we have learned from our younger days. He said that that will be our tool in performing our roles in building better and greater Asia.

2. Prof. (Emeritus) Dr. Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti-University of Indonesia, Department of Economics

The guy is really perfect for the position . His analytical skills in the field of economics and entrepreneurialship initiatives boosted my confidence . My focus in the Philippines is to provide housing units for the informal settlers in answer to the need as stated in the result of the recently concluded community based monitoring survey in the Province of Batangas. The talk of Dr. Jakti served as a guide in formulating realistic but appropriate housing interventions which I will be doing in the Province of Batangas. What attracted to me the most is his sense of history and his genuine ness in his approach in solving the problems of Indonesia and how he was able to launch his ideas which most of the time out of the usual box. With all due respect, I believe Dr. Jakti gave the much information I needed before coming to the retreat. Especially in the area of micro-finance, his methodology should be adopted in the Philippines . Realities projections and the use of technology are the correct paths being chosen by the doctor to deliver the much needed capital to the poorest of the poor in his country. I fervently hope that I can invite him soon in my province to help our Governor who is equally sincere as Dr. Jakti in providing relevant livelihood activities for her constituents in the Province of Batangas. Dr. Jakti’s prognosis in the economy of Asia , to me is one of the most accurate and full of wisdom for our leaders to consider. It was really one of the fruitful sessions I’ve had in the retreat.

3. Hon. Shogo Arai, Governor Nara Prefecture

Is definitely one of the so called belong to the politicians endangered species. His love for his culture and his belief for his people is truly remarkable. His sharings inspired me a lot because of the presence of sincerity and honest love for his mission which is to propagate the Japanese culture in younger generation. Mixing his passion with correct governance made him more worthy of emulation by us BABA fellows. His openness in answering questions from us further open my mind into what Japanese roots are! Indeed, it’s only when you know where you come from that you’ll be bale to shape your future in the right way, and that’s the reason why Japan is right now, the second largest economy in the world, and one of the most admired nation in the world because of its true patriotism and discipline amidst the three giant tragedies that struck the nation.

4. Hon. Sukhumbhand Paribatra , Governor of Bangkok

The Governor of Bangkok is another peculiar personality we’ve met in the retreat. As he shared with us his innovations in his governance, combining it with his philanthropic spirit gave me the answer why Bangkok is one of the most respected places in Asia. The Governor has been able to preserve the wonders of Bangkok and the memories you can only get in visiting Bangkok. His sharing is unique in a sense that he has decided to use his resources to reach out and help his poor countryman by initiating doable reforms in his administration.

5. Dr. Anwar Ibrahim, Former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia

The first time that he shook my hands was indeed one of the most unforgettable moments in that retreat. The Secretary General of ASEAN is more than enough for me to have dialogue and some have fruitful moments! Dr. Anwar’s message of encouragement gave me more reasons to continue joining my fellows in the PWD sector in the Philippines to continue advocating for change in the way our government is treating us. I became more inspired to continue to find radical but peaceful means of policy intervention and awareness raising to create more change in the condition of the sector in the Philippines. The sacrifices of Dr. Ibrahim has been telling me to go on and remember the people who is depending on me and the measures I am taking so that the disabled persons in the rural area will be given opportunities to get out of their shells and be productive partners of our society. In the Philippines I am privileged to meet former President Corazon Aquino, former President Fidel Ramos and by the grace of God, have the chance to work with one of the best senators of the country, Senator Ralph G. Recto and one of the most sincere politician in our country, Governor Vilma Santos- Recto. Meeting Dr. Anwar is definitely feather added to my humble cap. I just hope that God continue to give me resources and open doors that I may have link with inspiring , passionate and devoted leaders such as Dr. Ibrahim in order for me to sustain my preset involvements.

6. Father M Rajaretnam and Sister Mary Kanniga

Those two wonderful organizers who never run out of patience in dealing with me, definitely made the difference. Through their patience I am able to maximize my participation in the retreat. Through their constant lobbying with the sponsors of the retreat, I was allowed reasonable accommodation by ensuring the success of my presentation, they have provided resources so that I was able to bring my caregiver and support staff , Maricel Manalo. Their genuine demonstration of support made me absorb not only the academic part of the retreat, but also perceive and appreciate the sites of Nara and Osaka.

Teamwork is one of the goals of BABA 9, and it was fully realized and I may say it was a great success. The five presenting teams gave their all and exerted best efforts in ensuring that all of us will gain new prospectives in the assigned topic. As for my part, I am bringing back the glory to God , that my BABA fellows as well as the organizers understood my message that in framing policies and programs for the disabled “ Nothing About Us, Without Us”! I also appreciated the fact that all of my fellows are willing to be my eyes, the moment I needed them! I do hope that all of our papers will be gathered and be available at least on the website to serve as a constant reference for us BABA fellows as we play our roles , as we are now back in our own countries performing our mission of Building A Better Asia. The high sense of professionalism of everybody as well as our willingness to share with one another are the most important imprints that will be remembered by me, as I will always be proud that I am a BABA fellow!

Conclusions:

The BABA experience is a peculiar and unique episode because it is anchored on true human values and best practices. Because it is inspired by people who is willing to share and give even if it hurts! BABA spirit is all about commitment in spite of all odds. BABA spirit is creating a paradigm shift such us giving sight to the blind, allowing the deaf to speak and for everybody to be partners regardless of disability, creed and ethnic differences. BABA spirit is extending beyond themselves to create barrier-free and to ensure inclusiveness to all human race! BABA spirit is being aware at all times , that there are sectors in need of help, thereby being alert to respond no matter what the cost.

Recommendations:

In view of the above experience, we humbly recommend the following sustainable measures in instilling BABAism to Asia:

1. For BABA fellows to spread in their own countries and to adopt one or two marginalized sectors and capacitating them with the goal of transforming them into partners of society.

2. For the organizers to come up with an interactive website so that the undertakings of the fellows will be constantly posted and validated by the community.

3. For the fellows to meet every two years in order to reinforce the knowledge as well as recognized distinguished and remarkable achievements of the fellows in their own countries/communities.