Professional writer, designer, and blogger. When she’s not publishing eBooks, designing embroidery patterns, or blogging — Mel’s out in the sunshine finding new stories.
Whenever you see a tiny child sick with a severe illness it will make you cry, but in the Philippines walking around the poverty of Barangy Botongon, Estancia it just crushes your heart. I had taken this little girl to hospital…
Ronnie, the man in the photo, died the day I landed back in the Philippines just over a week ago. I went to visit him and check on his family but was greeted by his wife and his body lying…
Seven months after Typhoon Yolanda ripped Powerbarge 103 from its moorings, there is still oil on the shoreline of Estancia. I'm not sure how well you can see in my dodgy video, but it upsets me every time I walk…
On Monday I attended the turnover ceremony as the National Union of People's Lawyers handed over five (5) fishing boats they were donating to fisherman affected by SuperTyphoon Yolanda and the oil spill of Powerbarge 103. The fishing boats will…
I know you're wondering, what exactly is a 5/6 loan? Well it's something that desperate people do when they are trying to resume a livelihoood in the Philippines after Typhoon Yolanda and the oil spill of Powerbarge 103 have taken…
Sancho Trogo has skin ulcers related to an oil spill. He also suffered a stroke and lay on a piece of bamboo for two months praying for help. Now in hospital. The photos really don't capture the infected state of Sancho's…
I see this banner hanging next to the health clinic every time I go to the market in Estancia. So during one of my market trips I stopped to photograph the banner so I could spend more than a few moments…
During my first visit to the Philippines in February 2014 following Typhoon Yolanda, I spent a considerable amount of time in emergency evacuation centre, affectionately known to locals as "the tent city". In western terms, "evacuation centre" doesn't really provide…
Despite being dissuaded by local government from taking action against Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management(PSALM) Corporation, a group of brave residents in the Barangay Botongon (Estancia, Iloilo, Philippines) is filing action after Powerbarge 103 slammed into their homes at…
Read More Taking action against injustice: the stories of 25 women (part 2)
It has been six months now since the Filipino province of Estancia, Iloilo was overwhelmed by SuperTyphoon Yolanda. The immediate trauma of the cleanup and the loss of loved ones is now replaced by the daily reality of trying to…
If you want to help this family, donations can be made by Depositing to this dedicated bank account. Bank: ME Bank BSB: 944600 Account Number: 000153372 Name: Melinda J Irvine Donate via PAYPAL It was so overwhelming shooting this video, I…
Read More This little girl is sick, but it is actually her father who is dying
Not this time. You know how sometimes you hear a story from someone and then days or months or years later you hear the "real story". Well this happened to me on one of my last nights in the Philippines…