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Description
Hi, I’m Sonson, a carpenter and builder originally from Germany.
Together with indigenous craftsmen I’m preparing the ground for a little experimental settlement, consisting of thatched bamboo and clay buildings by using traditional techniques. Reconstructing original Mangyan huts is a part of the project. It starts with clearing the land and building terraces on the steep slopes, following indigenous traditions.
The first buildings will be A-frame houses, simple low-tech prototypes.
I’m looking for 2–3 practical people who would like to help with this real building project in the mountains of Puerto Galera.
5 days per week (about 4–5 hours per day).
The schedule may vary slightly depending on weather or practical needs, but it will always stay within the 25 hours per week limit.
Accommodation is free and there are no participation fees.
During the work days, food is fully provided.
During free days, you are free to organize your own meals — there are affordable options with street food around, and our lowland base offers a simple setup with a pantry kitchen. Enjoy garden, jungle, beach, lagoon, provincial small town or international night life – it's all in walking distance. Or simply relax in a hammock. .
What the work is about
• clearing overgrown terraces and create new ones
• digging foundations and making clay mortar
• harvesting and processing bamboo, nipa and cogon
• construct A-frame bamboo houses
• roofing with natural materials
• building clay ovens and simple cooling chambers
• sometimes helping in the kitchen
• optional DIY workshops on bamboo construction or traditional crafts.
No experience required. More important are reliability, initiative and enjoyment of practical work.
Many things are still developing, so improvisation is part of the process.
Two bases (about 30 minutes apart)
Highland Base (work days)
Cooler climate, simple huts, fresh mountain water and clear starry nights.
Right next to an indigenous Mangyan village, traditional crafts, farming, herbal medicine.
The Stairway Foundation Organic Farm is nearby.
Lowland Base 'Mingle House (days off)
Private studio apartment with bathroom, balcony, kitchenette, sea view and basic 4G/5G network.
The room is private but may be shared between two people if there are multiple volunteers at a time. There is one full size bed and one twin size bed.
Optional: personal garden or permaculture area
(3,000 m² orchard with terraces, greenhouse and tools)
Beaches, snorkeling, diving and hiking nearby.
Puerto Galera town is 15 minutes by tricycle/tuktuk.
Sabang with cafés and nightlife is within walking distance.
Work in the mountains – relax by the sea.
From Stone Age to modern life in less than 30 minutes.
The best of both worlds.
Food
Flexitarian, mostly local and organic.
Prepared by an experienced cook.
Good fit for people who
• enjoy working with their hands
• are physically fit
• like teamwork but can work independently
• are curious about other cultures
• are comfortable with simple living conditions
Helpful skills: DIY, gardening, cooking.
Not a good fit if you
• are looking for a party-hostel atmosphere
• expect a digital-nomad lifestyle
• want a spiritual retreat
• mainly want a cheap place to stay
Why this project?
This is the first practical step of the project.
Instead of discussing the future online, we are building small parts of it in real life.
Nothing huge.
Just something real and tangible.
If this resonates with you, please write a few lines about:
• what skills you have
• how long you could stay
• why you are interested
I’m looking forward to hearing from curious, down-to-earth people who enjoy hands-on work.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
Interests
Self development
Technology
Sustainability
Events & social
Culture
History
Writing
Gardening
Drawing & painting
DIY & crafts
Carpentry
Art & design
Architecture
Outdoor activities
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
The Highland Base (work days) volunteers are working together with indigenous craftsmen, right next to an indigenous Mangyan village with traditional crafts, farming and natural remedies.
Lowland Base (days off):
typical provincial Filipino small town life in Puerto Galera nearby and in walking distance highly touristic Sabang with dive shops, lively baywalk, and nightlife.
Help
What to do
• Dig foundations, make clay mortar
• Harvest and process bamboo, nipa, cogon
• Build bamboo structures
• Roof with natural materials
• Build clay ovens and simple cold storage rooms
• Occasional gardening/terrace construction
• Sometimes help in the kitchen
• Optional small DIY workshops on bamboo, clay construction or traditional crafts
No prior knowledge necessary – everything can be learned on site.
Languages spoken
English: Intermediate
Accommodation
Highland base ‘Da Permida Resort’ work days)
simple huts, cooler climate, mountain stream-fed pools, quiet nights, starry sky, jungle
sounds.
Lowland base ‘Mingle House’ (days off)
A private, self-contained studio apartment — your own small base with bathroom, balcony,
pantry kitchen, ocean view, and reliable Wi-Fi (24 m² total, 17 m² indoor space).
What else ...
A good fit for people who
● enjoy working with their hands
● are physically fit
● value teamwork
● can work independently
● are curious about other cultures
● can cope with simple conditions
Helpful: DIY, gardening, cooking, not all thumbs (or two right hands ;-
Not a good fit for people who
● want a party hostel atmosphere
● prefer a digital nomad lifestyle
● are looking for a spiritual retreat
● primarily just need cheap accommodation
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
