Birthday Project 2012 at Don Bosco School Manila

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I really don’t know where to start. It’s been months already and I can still remember what happened during that day. Well, actually I can still recall the moment we decided to start and plan for this year’s Birthday Project. Since Coe has already shared a very good narration of what had happened, I’ll just share my side of the story. By the way, hands down to my good friend Coe for doing such a wonderful post. It’s her first time to do a narrative blog post as she’s more on the reflective and intellectual kind of write ups compare to mine. Hahaha! Good job Coekie!!! ^_^

Okay let’s start this looong narration of the event before the year ends!

banner by Nico Orillano

As soon as we got up, we followed up our suppliers and confirm the delivery time. While I was preparing the programme and other stuff, Coe and Ian went to Market Market to pick up 10 dozens of Pastel fresh from Camiguin! While they are getting those delicious treats I am confirming the headcount, volunteers and other suppliers for the day’s activity. After lunch, we all went to DBS to setup and prepare everything.

arranging the school’s New Canteen

volunteers preparing the materials

We were stationed at the New Canteen, very much different from the way I pictured it. So many things have changed but it’s all good. The volunteers arrived one by one and I was really happy to see them. It was fortunate that these good-hearted people trusted me coz I really don’t know most of them. We just communicated thru emails and SMS and there they are, very much willing to give a helping hand. We started with a prayer led by Ian to guide us for that momentous event.

grouping the children

The kids were already at the entrance and they were asked to fall in line in groups of 10. It was a bit disorganized but luckily was able to control it. Special thanks to my Grade School adviser, Ms. Pineda now Mrs. Oliveros for also helping us that day. The group leaders, known as Mother Goose/Father Goose were chosen to lead each group throughout the activity.

 

I first asked them their names and grade level before they head off to the food carts c/o Ton O Fun! The kids loved the cotton candy and popcorns! Who wouldn’t?!

asking their names and grade level

So after some sugar intake of these kids, we introduced ourselves and gave them a bit of a background of who we are and what we’re doing. We are hoping that they will get inspired and be grateful for the things they have may it be big or small.

group 1′s turn to enjoy the food carts

Here are the activities that day:

Create your own Party Hats

Father Goose of the group helping his team in making their party hats

We gave them pink strip of Pink Cartolina paper (c/o Nico) and a box of 24-pc crayons to test their artistic skills. It would be nice to see how they want their party hats to look like. Everyone was serious with their craft since we’re giving a prize to the best Party Hat-Nametag.

children fitting their party hats

After a few minutes, the volunteers picked the best hats on their group. We got the best 3 hats and eliminate by choosing the person who has the loudest clap from the audience. The winner by unanimous decision was Brenalyn.

best party hat winner, Brenalyn!

She even sang a song to us ‘coz the crowd was howling and teasing her to sing. She was shy at first but then sang “Hulog ng Langit” and everyone sang with her. Such a talented kid!

GAME 1 – Arrange Yourselves

arrange yourselves

checking if the arrangement is correct

The game was facilitated by Ian. We prepared 5 categories (Name in Alphabetical order, Height, Shoe Size, Birthday and Number of Siblings) but we had a tie. It was hard since everyone’s quite competitive. The tie breaker was the Grade Level category. Team 4 won the game.

team 4 winners

Welcoming the CCA Manila Team

CCA Manila Team

Finally, the star of the night has arrived. With the help of friend networking, we were able to collect more than 500 signatures who supports our cause. Because of this, the CCA Manila team generously sponsored the kid’s meal and even prepared some loot bags for them. The food they prepared for the kids: Spaghetti, Chicken Fingers with Gravy and a Choco Revel slice for dessert. They have drinks included too!

CCA Manila Team

The team consists of the following: Ms. Lovely, Chef Jel, Chef Regina, Chef Marge, Chef Jenny and Chef Camille

GAME 2 – Bring Me

While CCA Manila is preparing the food, we had our second game. The famous, Bring Me game!

Bring me the person who has the longest hair length!

As Coe said, we were literally “mobbed” during this game. Hahaha!

Food Distribution by CCA Manila

Sr. Carm starting the prayer before meals

Food distribution of CCA Manila

As soon as the CCA team finished preparing the food, Sr. Carm led the prayer before meals. A birthday song was sang afterwards before they enjoy the food that was prepared for them. Of course, group pictures per team is a must. The “most behaved” group was the first one to be called followed by the next and so forth.

Group Picture

Group Picture – photo grabbed from Coe’s blog

kids enjoying their meals

While the team was distributing the food, a special person came  and she’s none other than, Kcat Yarza. She was one of my inspirations to be strong, be grateful and be generous no matter what your circumstances are. She gave a bagful of goodies for the kids too! However, she can’t stay long since they are also celebrating the birthday of her sister, Talitha. It was so nice of her to drop by the school and say Hi to the kids.

special guest: Kcat Yarza

 

GAME 3 – Human Bingo

explaining the Human Bingo rules

After dinner and some rest time, another game was done. This time, a more challenging game that requires them to get to know the people who are with them that day. The Human Bingo is similar to a bingo game where they have to fill up the boxes to win. Each box contains a description of a person that they have to look for in the crowd. This will help them to mingle in a different manner.

signing and filling up the Bingo boxes

This time, considering the sugar level of these kids, it was chaotic! Literally! Running, shouting, name it! Hahaha! The first 10 who correctly completed the papers won and were given prizes which are lunch boxes sponsored by Nuffnang.

 

GAME 4 – Longest Line

Longest Line game

The final game was the Longest Line. I have to warn them not to take off their clothes. They were already preparing to remove their shirts! Team 1 won this game.

After all the activities, it is time to end the day. We thank them, gave some word of advice and they again sang a Birthday Song to us. It was tiring, starting with the conceptualization, preparations and on the day event but it was all very much worth it. Seeing the smiles and hearing the sound of their laughter are priceless!

distribution of Loot Bags

In the end, like all the children’s party, we gave them loot bags that consist of the following:

  • Canned goods from Apple Abalos and Baby Ozato
  • Noodles from Michelle Abalos
  • Pansit Canton from Rheena Sison-Panser
  • 1 kilo of Rice from Celia Abalos
  • Pastel Buns from Dr. Viel Vincent Jose 
  • Toothpaste from NuffNang Team
  • Ballpens from Bryle Ian Bolong
  • Small bag from Ralph Alcantara
  • Candies and Sweets from Kcat Yarza and Valeri Ann Chua
We also added from the sponsored fund:
  • Biscuits and Cream Sandwiches
  • 1 Toothbrush
  • 1 Bar of Soap
  • 1 box of 24-piece crayon

These are all made possible with the help of our generous sponsors who extended their help and supported our little project.

Coe & Me with the kid’s sweet Thank you messages

I’m happy that we were able to do this this year. I’m hoping that next year would be a better one. We are just a bunch of people sharing our blessings to our brothers and sisters. We wanted to show them that life is indeed beautiful and worth living whatever situation we are in. We just have to look at the brighter side of things.

Birthday Project 2012: DBS Street Kids

“This is the key to life: To expect everything to be given to you from above, yet to be genuinely surprised and forever grateful, when they are. Expecting all good things to be yours, while not knowing how to take anything for granted. If there may be a key in life, this is the key.” ― C. JoyBell C.

Suppliers:
Venue – Don Bosco School Sta. Mesa, Manila
Food – Center for Culinary Arts Manila (CCA)
Food Carts – Ton O Fun 

Birthday Project 2012: Preparations 
Birthday Project 2012: Event Proper
Birthday Project 2012: Sponsors

You can also check Coe‘s blog post: Just Be  ^_^

The Cheerful Givers by KCAT

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Our good friend and ever loyal supporter, Kcat Yarza featured us on her article in Manila Bulletin last October 28, 2012. Sharing you the article she made but modified the description of the image since there was an error on the published image.

Read on and be inspired with her writing like we always do…

The cheerful givers

October 28, 2012, 9:45am

Don Bosco School's street kids enjoy ate Kath and ate Coe’s birthday treat.
Don Bosco School’s street kids enjoy ate Kath and ate Coe’s birthday treat.

A few days ago, I took part in Kathleen Madula and Coe Tolosa’s 2nd Birthday Project in Don Bosco School (DBS) with a couple of streetkids. Kathleen and I were schoolmates at DBS and we share a passion for reaching out to those in need.

Last year, Kath and Coe had their first birthday project at Grace Be Born Shelter, a non-profit shelter for unwed mothers-to-be and abandoned babies. They played, mingled, partied, and had fun with the moms and babies in the shelter.

This year, it is for the DBS streetkids. The Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco (FMA) hold its oratory in the school every Sunday where they teach streetkids catechism and hold a feeding program. I remember when I was still studying at DBS, I would see these street children playing in the school grounds after school hours and knowing and observing how our school helped them taught us how to reach out to those in need.

Kath and Coe’s birthday project was held in the school canteen. Food carts were around the place for the kids to enjoy and the chefs of CCA Manila made the event extra special by serving the kids with a scrumptious meal.  “Thank you po Ate Coe and Ate Kath dahil pinasaya niyo po kaming lahat,” a couple of the kids wrote in their letters which they sent after the event.

We all know that the world changes every day, every moment, every second. What we did a second ago, no matter how trivial it may seem, will have an influence in the changes that happen, happened and will happen. So why don’t we do something good, and maybe by doing so, the world would also change a little bit better. As what St. John Bosco said, “Do good while you still have time.”

Share A Hug and Toys for joys

A hug gives us comfort because it is one of the best medicines — four hugs a day prescribed for survival, eight hugs a day for emotional strength, and 12 hugs a day for growth; and hugs are a lot better when shared.

Rachelle Gregorio of Touch of Ellahcar will hold Share-A-Hug at Bahay ni Maria in Laguna, a haven for neglected, abandoned, and homeless elder women. Rachelle’s aim is to create a concrete and practical difference in the lives of those who are struggling by reaching out to them with a hug.

As kids, we all experienced opening a gift from underneath a Christmas tree; but how about those children with no homes and no families? With this in mind, Rachelle came up with “Toys for Joys” where she and her friends visit orphanages and distribute not only Christmas presents but also let the kids experience the spirit of Christmas. Share your hug to the LOLAs or make a child happy this Christmas, contact Rachelle Gregorio at 0927-5042796.

Pasko ng Kabataan along the Riles

For the 3rd time this year, Jamie Martinez and her D-Clan Youth Organization will share the Christmas spirit with the children who live along the railroad in their place in Muntinlupa Ctiy. They were able to make 200 kids happy in 2010, 500 kids in 2011, and hopefully put a smile on 600 kids this coming December 23. Anything as long as it’s from the heart is acceptable. Let us make this event a success and make 600 kids a lot happier. Contact Jamie Martinez at 09339776874.

Sharing the happiness

“I always see that my “neighbors” are okay. I spearhead community reach-outs especially for indigent communities and individuals,” said Marcelo Otiguey — one of the finalists of Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions Happiest Pinoy 2012. He conducts a gift-giving activity during the month of December, helping provide wheelchairs to those who need them, giving out slightly used clothes, toys and foods to children and adults, and solicit elementary and high school books for far-flung schools. What do can you do for them? Contact Marcelo Otinguey at 0918-4165087.

October Gift-giving Fest

Jen Arellano has been working in Doha, Qatar for a couple of years, but even though she’s away from home, her passion in giving continues. It only shows that distance is never a hindrance in caring and sharing. Whenever she comes home to the country, she makes sure to collate whatever she can from her friends and reach out to the kids of Linggap Pangarap ng mga Paslit Center Inc. (LPPCI) in Batangas City. Jen is currently in the country and tomorrow, together with some of her friends and family, she will be off to LCCPI with happiness and gifts in tow to share their blessings with the children in the center.

Jen shares, “The more blessings we share, the more children will be happy, and the more people will be blessed.”

Let’s all do something good and be a cheerful giver, not only when the Christmas season is coming, but always.

(The author suffers from a rare genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis Type 2. She maintains an online store (www.kcatyarza.com) that sells products she personally designed to benefit her hEAR fund raising project. She was also a finalist in Cebuana Lhuiller’s Happiest Pinoy. If you have any questions you can reach her through kcatyarza@yahoo.com)

Birthday Project 2012: Sponsors

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As mentioned, a separate page dedicated to our sponsors who didn’t hesitate to share their blessings to these kids. We were overwhelmed with the response and some of them were friends of our friends. Truly we are grateful for their big heart.

First and foremost, thank you to the FMA Sisters/Salesian Community for approving our Birthday Project to be held on their grounds, Don Bosco School, Sta. Mesa. To the Sisters, most especially to Sr. Ailyn, in-charge with the Oratories and Sr. Carmen who helped me during the planning and on the day preparations, thank you so much! During the event, Ms. Recci, my Grade 6 Adviser, was there to join and help us go about with our event. It was such a heart-warming experience to be back and see former teachers again.

The CCA Manila Team

Our major sponsor for the event was The Center for Culinary Arts Manila. They were very much willing and kind enough to sponsor the food for the street children. They not only prepared for the kids but also included the volunteers to taste their recipe made with love. They even had loot bags for the kids too!

Thank you to all those who signed up in our “Sign up for a Cause” campaign. Your participation means a lot to us. We had more than 500 names who supported our endeavor. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Lovely Hollera, Marketing Officer of CCA Manila

Thank you Lovely Hollera, Marketing Officer of CCA Manila who is also my former bus mate for accommodating us in your busy schedule. May the CCA Team be blessed for having a generous and compassionate heart.

We also would like to thank all who donated in kind. Indeed, we appreciate everything we got no matter how big or small it is. To enumerate:

  • 10 dozens of Pastel from Dr. Viel Vincent Jose
  • 15 Lunchboxes and a bagful of Toothpastes from NuffNang Philippines
  • Candies and Sweets from KCat Yarza and Valeri Ann Chua
  • 50kg of Rice from Celia Abalos
  • Canned goods from Apple Abalos and Baby Ozato
  • Noodles from Michelle Abalos
  • Pansit Canton from Dhen & Rheena Sison-Panser
  • Ballpens from Bryle Ian Bolong
  • Small pouch bags from Ralph Alcantara
  • Event Banner/Tarp and Thank you cards from Nico Orillano

10 dozens of Pastel from Dr. Viel Vincent Jose

15 Lunchboxes and a bagful of Toothpastes from NuffNang Philippines

Candies and Sweets from KCat Yarza

Loot bags with both kind donations and things bought from cash donations

To sum up, we gathered Php 26,800 from the following sponsors (in random order):

  • Daven Arcega
  • Marian Encinas
  • Jim Duldulao
  • Catherine Lynn Tolosa
  • Patria Tolosa-Lee
  • Vic Calag
  • Xtian Fernando
  • Ralph Sacdalan
  • Fr. Filemon Dela Cruz
  • Radimir Relator
  • Gian Carlo Trinidad
  • Marissa Volante
  • Judith Clemente
  • Ginn Tolosa
  • Anna Katrina Dayo
  • Kilven John Tolosa
  • Aileen Magparangalan
  • Franco Telado
  • Josefina Prado
  • Jhoanna Anag
  • Bin Edres
  • Cha Roque
  • Orlando Claveria
  • Chris Valencia
  • Joyce Estanislao
  • Elyse Go
  • 3 persons wants to remain Anonymous

Since we got more than our target budget, we decided to donate the extra money to Unicef and World Vision. We split our donations in 2 so one is under my name and the other is under Coe’s name.

We donated Php 12, 100 to UNICEF (P6,050 under Coe’s and P6,050 under yours truly) and Php 3,000 to World Vision (P1,500 under Coe’s and P1,500 under yours truly).

Here’s the reply we got from UNICEF:

We also would like to thank the volunteers and visitors who celebrated with us even on a weekend! Their presence and service was a great help for the success of the event. We really are thankful for  Jhoie, Joey, Jhoanna, Issha, Aileen, Mitch, Apple, Ryan, Marian, Michelle, Kathleen, Elyse, Christian, Therese, Kcat and to our official photographer Nico!
Due to change of schedule, some of our friends didn’t make it. We also extend our gratitude to Faith and Fr. Caloiski who were supposed to be there and had a special part in the programme.

Mother Geese: Jhoanna, (ME), Issha, Jhoie, Therese, Aileen, (COE)

Me with Marian, Michelle and Kathleen

Elyse with Coe

Abalos Siblings

Kath & Coe with KCAT’s Family and Sr. Carmen

Of course, we are forever indebted to these two special men in our lives: Andrew Abalos and Ian Bolong. They were supportive as ever! As Coe said, thank you for being the “best runners”, drivers and personal assistant during the event. We wouldn’t make it without you guys on our side! Mwah Mwah, Tsup Tsup! Hahahaha! ^__^

Special mention to Abalos Family for accommodating us the night before the event. We all had a sumptuous meal c/o the girls in the family.

with my Andrew ^_^

with Coe’s Ian ^_^

I couldn’t think of a better conclusion for this post, instead I got this excerpt from Coe’s entry that says it all:

The success of an endeavor magnifies its greatness by how many lives you’ve affected and how many people you’ve touched. Thank you very much for the support and love… Kathleen and I are deeply loved and blessed.

Until next year… ^____^

Birthday Project 2012: Preparations 
Birthday Project 2012: Event Proper
Birthday Project 2012: Sponsors

You can check Coe‘s blog post: Just Be since she already published her side of the story. ^_^

Birthday Project 2012: Preparations

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As a prelude to my Birthday Project 2012 post, I decided to break it down for readability purposes not to mention my chance to stall the next write ups. Hahaha! Kidding aside, here’s the first part of our Birthday Project 2012 write up.

To start off, we’ve started planning mid September 2012 already. I know it’s a bit late for this kind of event we’re eyeing on but still we managed to stay calm and brainstorm what we want to achieve. If you’ve been following my blog, you already know that we had our birthday project in Grace to Be Born shelter last year. This year, we wanted something new and  a bit extravagant so we decided to host a party for less fortunate kids.

Initially, we just wanted to have 30 kids considering the budget we had last year. However, my conscience was pushing me to expand and stretch the number to 50 kids. It was a really difficult to decide especially that it’s our first time to do this. We do attend outreach programs but this is different since we will be the ones planning and executing everything. Nevertheless, we agreed. 50 kids, GO! Hahaha!

I communicated with Sr. Ailyn Cayanan, FMA of Don Bosco School Sta. Mesa to coordinate our plans. Since she said her approval, we started to do “the work”.

First things first… SPONSORS! We definitely need donations in Cash and In Kind so we formulated and discussed how to do about it. Of course our friends and relatives were the first ones in the list. Sharing it with friends of friends would be a bonus. With no time to spare, we started sending emails, posting e-cards, word of mouth, etc. Everything we can think of to extend our network and give them the opportunity to share.

Since then, positive responses and overwhelming generosity were seen considering a short time frame. I would enumerate who took part of our endeavor at the end part of my Birthday Project post. :)

Fast forward….

Coe & Kath at National Bookstore doing last minute shopping holding Thank You cards made by Nico Orillano

A day before the event, I decided to take a day’s off and start preparing for stuffs needed for the next day’s event. We bought additional stuff and eco bags for them. We’ve gathered all donations in kind and packed them together for the kid’s loot bags. The food and cart suppliers were also coordinated accordingly to be able to have a smooth sailing event.

Packing Time

It was a really a team effort that we stayed in one house just to prepare for the event. With this, I sincerely thank the Abalos’ family for welcoming us and helped us from the beginning up to the end of our project.

There were challenges encountered during the preparations but thankfully we all surpassed that and was able to execute what we had in mind.

Birthday Project 2012: Preparations 
Birthday Project 2012: Event Proper
Birthday Project 2012: Sponsors

You can check Coe’s blog post: Just Be since she already published her side of the story. ^_^

Birthday Project 2012: Sponsors needed!

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This would be the last week of September and would definitely extend the solicitation and donation request up until the 2nd week of October.

We are again asking for your kindness to be part of this project. Our initiative wouldn’t be possible and successful without your help.

Any kind of donation would be appreciated. A gift of presence and service is definitely okay. Just inform us ahead of time as I still need to coordinate transportation and food.

Here’s our e-card to be sent to friends via email:

 

Again, here’s how you can help us:

1. Cash Deposit via BPI or BDO

2. Paypal

3. In kind donation for the kid’s loot bags.

For In Kind donations, kindly prepare at least 50pcs of whatever it is you want to donate as we’re stretching our capacities and challenging ourselves to not only invite 30 street kids but accommodate up to 50 kids! It would be more fun and enjoyable seeing a lot of kids sharing and playing together.

Let’s all make this possible. Besides, it’s BER months already. You might want to give it to them not only as our birthday gift but a Christmas gift for them as well.

Thank you very much for your generosity.

God bless you kind hearts.

Birthday Project 2012

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Last year, I had my first birthday project for the benefit of Grace To Be Born foundation. It was a successful activity led by me and my friends. This project was also made possible by the kind donations of friends and family. And truly, I am very grateful.

This year, as much as I want to start early August to collate funds, I was caught up with life’s activities such as work and other extra curricular activities that made this update later than expected. I was hoping to start it on September 1st but unfortunately, I mistakenly deleted my birthday blog. I was trying to recover and fix everything but unfortunately I can’t deliver it as soon as possible. So, I temporary created a copy of my previous blog for me to be able to move on with this project. When I’m about to publish this post, I tried another tweak and poof! I was able to restore my Birthday blog! Yipee! ^_^

Anyway, I wanted to do something more than I did last year. With all the blessings that the Lord has given me, it’s just right to give back some love. With many charity institutions in the Philippines, listed in WikiPedia and not, I can’t decide what to pick. I narrowed down to somewhere close to my heart. In the end, I choose the Street Kids of DBS. Don Bosco School (DBS) is where I attended school half of my educational years (elementary & high school days) so these sisters are somehow responsible on who I am today.

Early this year, I was invited by DBS to give a talk/speech to the undergrads. That was such an honor for me and made me a little bit guilty not going back as often as I want. Because of this, I promise myself to return and be a blessing to them even in my own little ways. So this idea crossed my mind. I think, it’s time to give back. :)

The FMA sisters holds its oratory every Sunday. After the 7am mass, street kids are welcomed inside the campus and weekly catechism is held. Feeding program is also done from time to time but I’m not sure how often. I’ve been part of this Sunday activity when I was in high school. Maybe some of the kids I knew back then hopefully grew smarter and successful with the help of these kind sisters. Since every year, a lot of children are born and seen loitering around the streets, I’m sure I don’t know these kids anymore.

I’m still planning out what to do and when the celebration would be so at this point, there are no specific details yet. Most of them are just estimates. I still need to coordinate with DBS. It will probably held in mid October since I’m sharing this humble activity with a good friend Coe who will be celebrating her birthday on November. :)

Basically, our plan is to celebrate our birthday with the kids. It would be a fusion of a slight recollection that we normally do when we were in College and a children’s party. I hope we can pull off this plan of ours. A lot of brainstorming and planning is needed and I am already delayed in my target of starting this project last August 31. :)

For now, I need your generosity for our endeavor. Last year’s celebration was a success and everyone was happy. This year, I hope another fun filled day of sharing and joy to these kids will not only be a dream but a reality.

>(^_^)< Donate Now! >(^_^)<

 

To know more about the Salesian Sisters, you can check out this link: FMA Philippines
To know more about Don Bosco School Sta. Mesa, you can check out this link: DBS

A Day in Grace To Be Born Shelter

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Yesterday was the moment I’ve been waiting for to give the donations for my birthday project this year. It has been postponed for weeks now since we can’t find a schedule that fits us all.

To give you a brief background how this activity transpires, I started a project on my birth month which was last September. This project hopes to extend and inspire people to share their blessings to our less fortunate brothers and sisters. With this, I hope that I can make this a lifelong commitment to contribute to communities that needs help. To know more, you can visit my other blog: Birthday Projects

grace

The whole gang in Grace To Be Born

Anyway, first of all I would like to thank all who participated physically and financially to make this project of mine possible. I’ve gathered a total of Php 16,000 for the benefit of Grace to Be Born shelter. The donations came from my family and friends and I would like to mention them to show my gratitude for supporting me in my project. Your generosity means a lot.

Thank you to the following:

Jun Dolor, Richard Tan, Nico Orillano, Mimi Haron, Jeng Sunga, Kath Gonzales, Maan Mangubat, Andrew Abalos, Cha Roque, Es Vega and someone Anonymous

So here’s what happened when we visited the shelter yesterday. By the way, since it was moved almost reaching the month of November, Coe decided to join me in this project so it was like a double celebration for us, my birthday project plus Coe’s birthday too. ^_^

We were scheduled to visit the shelter at 4:00pm. We went in two batches since we can’t fit in one car. Me, Andrew, Ate Cha, Kuya Sheldon and Jim was first to arrive in the place. To moment we were settled, they all lined up and sat in front of us, I need to start communicating and doing some adlibs while waiting for the next batch. Actually, I’m not prepared to speak in front of them since I thought that Coe is the one in charge of the program. I have no choice since they were all looking at me. So I just talk and inform them of why we were there. I also started asking their names for their names written on their crowns.

intro

We mingled with them and joke around. Also, two babies were isolated because they have cough and flu. And there I knew baby Nicole. She is a one year old cute jolly girl who has skin asthma and was abandoned by her mom after she gave birth to her.

baby-nicole

After a couple of minutes, the rest of the gang arrived. They hurriedly fixed their things and started the program. Coe introduced herself and started the game: Diaper Relay. Oh boy, those moms are so competitive! Hahaha!

game

Coe looking for someone who can demo how to diaper a baby

relay

The winner team was able to get a prize from us sponsored by yours truly. After the game, the two doctors were kind enough to share their knowledge and gave the mothers and soon to be moms some tips and information about breast feeding. Everyone was happy especially when we raffled out some teddy bears that was sponsored by Zeny Gomez and 2 major items: Diaper Bag with Goodies! (that was sponsored by Daven Arcega) Not only that, Kuya Sheldon also gave Php 500 each for the last 2 moms that wasn’t picked during the raffle plus a gift pack.

lecture

The doctors are seriously communicating with moms

raffle

While we were having fun in the visitor’s area, Andrew and Jim went to the Nursery Room to check the babies. They were accompanied by Ms. Aira of Grace to Be Born and informed them how young the babies were. They had their own time there!

nursery

Andrew inside the Nursery Room

After the fun time, we decided to pray and eat the food we brought to the center. We allotted Php 1000 for the food and the rest would be given to the shelter in cash. They prefer donations in cash so that they can pay the rent and other miscellaneous stuff the shelter needs to pay to continue their operation.

Before we finally dig in to the food, we surprised Coe for her birthday on November 3! ^_^

surprise

A Surprise Gift for Coekie

bday

We had pizzas, pansit and bread, cakes that was sponsored by Jim and of course drinks for everyone. We had juice for the moms and soda for us!

food

Time to Eat!

After eating, we had our time to mingle and talk to moms and know their stories. It was nice talking to them and we enjoyed hearing their stories. It was sad but inspiring as well. They are empowered women to be proud of. They are heroes on their own way since they’ve decided not to abort the baby and keep it. It takes a lot of strength to decide something like that.

after

Mingling with the babies

I gave the donation with the sum of Php 15,000 since Php 1,000 was used for the food. Grace to be Born gave me a book by Rey Ortega entitled: Crazy Love for The Poor as a token of appreciation.

CrazyLove

We all had a fruitful day and I’m sure everyone had a great time. It was a different experience for each one and I bet for the moms too.

Thank you for the opportunity and God bless us all.

Grace To Be Born
53 Dr. Sixto Antonio Ave., Kapasigan, Pasig City
Tel No.: 5010965
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/GRACE-TO-BE-BORN/187685439940
Website: http://gracetobeborn.i.ph/

You can see the rest of the pictures in my Facebook Page: 2011 Birthday Project: Grace To Be Born

Gift Giving on November

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I apologize for not being true to my word. -_-

As I’ve mentioned before, I should give the proceeds by the first Saturday of October. However, due to some unforeseen circumstances, I wasn’t able to do that.

It’s almost the 3rd week of October and I haven’t visited the shelter yet. Don’t be discouraged, I assure you that I’ll give all your donations to the shelter and won’t compromise any of your kind gestures. It is fortunate that my friend Coe is also interested to join and would like to celebrate her birthday in the foundation. She will be celebrating her birthday on November 3, so most likely we would celebrate it on the first Saturday of November.

Again, thank you very much for your generosity. I will update you from time to time of what’s happening in this project of ours.

God bless your generous hearts. ^_^

Thank you for your donations!

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It’s already mid September and I’m happy to inform you that a number of my friends already supported my Birthday Project. I’m so overwhelmed with the generosity that my friends showed me.

As of today, I already have Php 11,400 on hand for the benefit of Grace to Be Born shelter. I’ll be meeting up friends by next week for their in-kind donations.

Again, thank you so much for your kindness. This will make a difference to you and to the shelter we’re helping.

God bless!

== UPDATE As of 2011-10-20 ==

I already have Php 16,000 for the benefit of Grace to be Born shelter.

Featured in Manila Bulletin column of KCAT CAN!

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KCAT CAN is a column in Manila Bulletin that is written by Maria Kathrina Lopez Yarza.

Kcat Yarza

photos grabbed from http://www.kcatyarza.com

Kcat is one of my schoolmates in Don Bosco School, Sta. Mesa. She is a batch higher than me. She was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) in August 2004 and from then on struggling with all the complications of her ailment. However, despite of these challenges she’s encountering in her life, she remains to be positive in life and believes that while there is life, there is hope.

Her article This journey called life was featured in Manila Bulletin who definitely inspired a lot of people all over the world. Because of this, she was on the top of the list of Manila Bulletin’s Top 10 who can and already a contributor of MB’s Students and Campuses’ special education (Monday) issue.

Today’s column, Bayanihan and Baby Liam shares about Baby Liam‘s condition and is helping them raise fund for his treatments. The baby was born prematurely with a severe chronic lung disease. His family is now asking for help buy his medications to be able to survive.

Kcat Manila Bulletin Article

In line with this, she also featured my Birthday Project 2011 since it is for the benefit of Grace to Be Born‘s shelter. A home for unwed mothers and abandoned babies.

GRACE BE BORN

Kathleen is one of my schoolmates in high school. She is celebrating her birthday this September. She finds joy in giving to the needy through the small projects she has joined in, so she decided to celebrate her birthday by doing a worthwhile project.

Her chosen beneficiary is “Grace Be Born Ministries”. It is a non-profit shelter for unwed mothers to be and abandoned babies. Currently, the ministry is in need of diapers, formula milk, feeding bottles, maternity and baby clothes, toiletries, and other household items. You may donate in goods and in kind, just visit: http://birthdays.kathmadula.com

Truly, she continues to inspire people and even extends her help to those who are also in need. A remarkable act of generosity is only one of the many impressive traits that you can find in Kcat. May we all be moved and be influenced by her great love and compassion of life.

Kcat Yarza

photo from http://www.kcatyarza.com

To know more about KCAT, you can check out her online accounts listed here:

Personal Page and Online Store
Facebook Fan Page

If you have questions about KCAT, you can reach her thru kcatyarza@yahoo.com.