Matt and Ellie Heywood News October 2025

We’ve officially completed one month in the Philippines, and what a month it’s been! Each day has brought something new, and we’re so pleased to be writing this newsletter from Coron, our final destination.

Before making the move here, we want to say a big thank you to Lynette for so warmly welcoming us into her home. Our time in Antipolo was a wonderful opportunity to settle in, adjust, and prepare for the next stage of our journey.

Exploring Manila’s History

While we were in Antipolo, we took some time to explore historic Manila and learn more about the rich and complex history of the Philippines. It’s such a long and fascinating story that it’s hard to know where to begin!

We started with a visit to Intramuros, the famous walled city built during the Spanish colonial period. Over the centuries, it was shaped by the Spanish, Americans, British, and Japanese, each leaving their mark on the city’s character and culture.

We also spent time at Rizal Park, where we learned about José Rizal, a national hero whose writings and actions inspired the movement for Philippine independence. He was executed by the Spanish colonial government for rebellion, and today his legacy is honoured with monuments across the country.

We feel like we’ve only just scratched the surface of understanding the nation’s history, and we’re excited to keep learning as we travel to other parts of the Philippines.

Our First Week in Coron

Our first week in Coron has been a great introduction to life and ministry here. We’ve spent the week observing and getting a feel for what a typical week looks like.

Matt has been at City Gates Academy, observing classes and getting to know the teachers. The academy serves children aged 3-5 from poorer communities, giving them a strong educational foundation before they move on to elementary school.

Ellie has enjoyed observing the children’s clubs and meeting many of the families who attend City Gates Church. Some are current parents at the school, while others have had children who’ve since moved on to elementary. It’s been wonderful to see so many young families actively involved in the church community, and we’re excited to see what God is already doing here.

Life in Coron has also been a refreshing change from what we’re used to. We’ve experienced regular power cuts—sometimes lasting up to eight hours a day—and tropical storms that have even postponed church services. The weather has been mostly 30°C and sunny, with heavy rain on other days.

Despite the adjustments, we’re excited to settle in and embrace all the unique aspects of island life.

Prayer Requests

• Finding a Home
  We’re beginning the search for somewhere to live on the island, close to the church and school. There are no estate agents here, so homes are usually found through signs by the roadside or word of mouth. Please pray with us as we start looking for the right place — somewhere that will be a good base for ministry and everyday life.
• Transport
  Now we’re in Coron, we would ideally love a method of transport to give us some additional independence. We are looking into getting ourselves a moped or scooter to share, but we will need to apply to register and licence it with the Land Transportation Office, which can be a very slow process.