Heart2Heart was at Tessa’s house at 7:30 am and there were already quite a number of people going through the many things that Tessa had for sale.  This is one of the most organized Garage sales I have ever been to.  

1.)  All the items were properly sorted by category

2.)  Most of the items had price tags

3.)  They had receipts to give to the customers

4.)  There were guards by the gate to check all the people going out and checking the items with the receipt 

5.)  There were people in charge of the different responsibilities - pricing, cashiering, guarding, etc etc. 

Thank you to Tessa for generously sharing her blessings.  She has a lot of blessings, a lot things for herself but she generously gives them away too….. for charity.  Popsie was telling her to send down more toys since the toy department was running out and the next thing you knew, she sent down more toys :-) 

As soon as Tessa came down to greet everyone and check on the sale, the ambience of the whole event changed.  She just has this personality that is so alive and fun.  Then she brought down her Ipod and put some music!  That was so cool!  A garage sale with music!  :-) She is just as colorful as the many things that she had in the garage sale.

Being the Sea Princess, she had some fish decorations hanging in her tents…

Some friends of Heart2Heart came over and cousins of Tessa stopped by before their saturday biking routine…

Tessa’s husband, Dennis 

Popsie seemed to be the head honcho of everything.  I found her so amusing as she would talk to the customers and try to explain not to bargain so much as the proceeds would go to the “mga batang may bulate.”  She is so funny!  Then she was the one responsible for placing the price tags on the items the day before

All proceeds go to the National Orthopedic Hospital - psychiatric ward for kids.  They will buy nebulizers, medicines and pediatric wheelchairs.  Also, the proceeds to go to around one thousand children in Roxas City, Capiz for deworming.  

Marlon was the one in charge of pricing the items especially the clothes, gowns, shoes and accessories of Tessa

I was surprised to see my bootcamp classmate Girlie.  She is part of batch ‘81 and was in charge of the first shift.  She was the cashier listing down all the items in the receipt and accepting payments.  It was a tough job as the lines were long very early in the morning.

Tessa had any many things to choose from, not only her fashion items that she is known for. There were home items, picture frames ( with her photos in them ), children’s clothes, DVDs, some electronic items, sofas, chairs, and toys.

 

Some of the customers of course wanted to have a picture with the celebrity

 

Time to shop again and then next year maybe you will have PART2!  Thanks Tessa for your generosity.  I am sure you were attached to many of your things that had sentimental value to you, but yet you willingly shared them with others who will benefit from them.  You will surely be helping a lot of children.  Thanks also to Assumption batch ‘81 for spearheading the event!  What a great idea!

 

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“Jesus was a carpenter, and a builder. Through Habitat, we have been privileged to become builders, too, not only of houses, but of families, lives and hope.” - Former US President Jimmy Carter

Habitat for Humanity Philippines is a nonprofit, Christian housing ministry that works both to eliminate poverty housing and to make adequate housing a matter of conscience and action. 

Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller and his wife Linda. Its headquarters is located in Americus, Georgia, USA. Today, it has a presence in nearly 100 countries and territories, and has built more than 175,000 houses, providing nearly 900,000 people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter.

 

 

In the Philippines, the first local affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International were established in 1988. Today, Habitat for Humanity Philippines has built more than 15,000 houses in more than 100 communities, and has a presence in 20 provinces and 29 cities with 25 affiliates and 21 satellites. 

 

   

website: Habitat for Humanity

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From my cousin, Ana 

allow me to share a spring cleaning idea through which you can also help the less fortunate.  most of us lament the state of the philippine education system. one of the reasons being that there is such poor access to quality books.  my very generous, socially minded cousin martin recently introduced me to the acts of hope for the nation (ahon) foundation. ahon has set a goal of collection one million books for donation to public elementary schools, particularly those in depressed areas. the books need not be new at all. ahon will take almost any type of book, new or old.(they should be intact, of course.) it can even arrange pick-up of your donations. thus, if you are cleaning up around the house, you might want to consider ahon as a beneficiary for your no longer needed reading materials.for those of you who have children, this might be a good pre-summer activity to make the shelves clear for summer reading. maybe the free shelves are needed for the psp or the wii? :) :)   

 

from some other kind-hearted friends abroad, i got the idea that since so many of them shop very energetically whilst here, they arrive in manila with extra suitcases filled with toys, books and clothes to donate when they arrive. they then go back home with the same luggage filled with all their finds. ahon also has an adopt a library and a scholarship programme through “pathways”, a related organization. more details on the scholarship programme below. for those who are in the position to share even more, “pathways” is a most worthy endeavour.

if you would like to contact ahon, its contact details are as follows:   

3rd floor, topy’s place, industria corner economia streets bagumbayan   1100 quezon city, metro manila    phone: (02) 683-0262, local 106 or 109    email: ahonfoundation@gmail.com    blog site: www.ahonfoundation.blogspot.com donating old books is such an easy way to share. if you are interested in learning about the pathways scholarship programme, these are the contact details:   

contact person: solvie nubla    

phone: (02) 426-6001, locals 4048 and 4049

e-mail: info.pathways@gmail.com

website:  http://www.pathwaysphilippines.org 

    

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I heard about this from my cousin, Ana.  I thought it was a great idea and a very easy way to help..my foundation helps kids too and provides almost the same activities for the less fortunate kids.  So, this our way of helping ATD.

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March 25, Tuesday - 4:00 pm

Heaven on the Fifth, Rustan’s Makati

Essenses Foundation by Rustan’s celebrates Women’s month through the launch of the book by Isa Lorenzo ( who is also a Board of Trustee for the foundation ) which features Filipinas.  Heart2Heart thinks it is a great feature, a great subject.  Why look elsewhere when we have many Filipinos right in front of us who are great achievers. 

The photo exhibit was launched last January of 2006 and it has gone through several countries throughout the world- The US, Paris and soon to be in Belgium.  My photos do not justify the real photos since it was difficult to take photos of the photos ( probably done on purpose ) - so do stop by Rustan’s to visit the exhibit.

And now, the photos were compiled in a book which was launched mid last year.  Do get a copy of the book which aside from the photo, has a short story on each Filipina featured. Isa says that the book is small because it is meant to be a children’s book for kids with small hands.  She wants the future generation to be able to read the book so they will be inspired by the 30 Filipina women who have made a difference in our society.  

For every P 1,500.00 sales from the book of Filipinas, P 500.00 will be given to Essenses Foundation.  

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Enjoy the rhythms of the salsa, rhumba, chacha, pachanga, mambo, and other latin beats as interpreted by Ballet Philippines. Featuring the Guitar Friends Ensemble and Salsa Manila.  The sounds of South America take center stage as Ballet Philippines ends its 38th season with the sensual, flamboyant rhythms of the salsa, rhumba, bossa nova, reggae and Caribbean music. Envision images of hot, languid days at the beach and sultry nights embraced by passion and desire. All in all, this promises a scorching night. 

 

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Thank you Tito Joey Soriano for making us a part of your worthwhile endeavor.  It has been a long long time that we had gone to the Cultural Center of the Philippines.  Mom used to take us as little girls  to watch ballet almost every month and we remember having to dress up as it was a formal event.  Me and my sister enjoyed it, then we realized that all this stopped.  Suddenly the Cultural Center had been very quiet…..

We are grateful that Tito Joey had introduced us again to the Arts and we hope that he will continue to inspire many to patronize the arts and the Filipino talent. Latin Heat proved this and it was a beautiful and entertaining show.  Perfect to start the summer too with all the dancing heat!  It was our first time to see ballet mixed with Latin dance. I had asked Tito Joey to give me a copy of the beautiful speech he gave that evening - though he did not have it scripted, he was able to write it down all over for me because I want to share it with you.   Do take time out to read it….

 

Mrs. Imelda Romualdez Marcos, brainchild of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, his excellency Ambassador Adnan Basaga of Turkey and his beautiful wife, Mrs. Oja Basaga, friends, ladies and gentlemen:

            Before we go up to the main theater lobby for the latin night shindig, allow me first to thank the major sponsors this evening. The first is a commercial bank and thanks to Mrs. Frannie Aguinaldo Jacinto the Bank of the Philippine Islands is the major sponsor. The second is a private individual and thanks to Mrs. Marvi Cojuangco Yulo, her mother Mrs. Imelda Ongsiako Cojuangco is the second major sponsor.

            You know ladies and gentlemen. One thing that really bothers me is when someone says to me: “You know, Joey, I really don’t support the arts. I would rather support programs that help the poor.” And that is all very noble, no question about it but it still baffles and frustrates me when I hear this remark because in truth, art in all its forms is the wealth of any nation. It is the life and blood of a people because it is part and parcel of their culture. It is what makes and identifies us.

            Art is what touches our senses. It is what eases the mind and unstresses our body. It is what uplifts the spirit and moves the soul. It is what makes us human. And if majority of talented Filipino artists had the financial backing and monetary resources then the word “starving artist” would no longer exist in our country. Unfortunately, here in the Philippines as opposed to countries in the west and even those around Southeast Asia where the government and much of the private sector support the arts, in this country, art is considered a last priority. It is not a necessity but a luxury. And sad to say golf and tennis and shopping and coming out in the society pages of a newspaper is far more of a necessity than the sheer joy and quiet appreciation of art.

            And I think that the Bank of the Philippine islands understands this problem wholeheartedly because they hone Filipino talent. They allow Filipino artists to spread their wings. To be acknowledge, admired and appreciated and they give them a future. And I also take my hat of to the Bank of the Philippine Island because they not only serve their customers and clients as a bank but they also serve the nation as well by allowing the Philippines to flourish and prosper. And I hope and pray that other banks and financial institutions and corporations will do the same with equal passion in the near future.

            In the same manner, Mrs. Imelda Ongsiako Cojuangco has always been a patron of the arts. Ever since I can remember she has always been a chairperson, a director, a trustee of organizations that involved themselves with Filipino art and culture. Again I hope art and talent not only because of the prestige and adulation and socializing involved in attending the opening of an art exhibit or a gala premiere but because you honestly care as dependable citizens of our country.

            To these two entities I express my deepest gratitude for their largesse and generosity just as I would like to thank each and everyone of you here tonight. You who have given one five, three, five, ten, fifteen thousand without batting an eyelash. And I know many of you have said “basta ikaw Joey, we will support you.” But it’s not I who you support. It is these ballet dancers, these talented performances whom you have given your blessings because you have allowed them to shine and you have embraced their talent. And because of your kindness you have made the Philippines, our country, a little better, a little richer, a little greater even just for tonight.

            Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. Mabuhay tayong mga Pilipino lalung-lalo na ang sining Pilipino na kusang nangangailangan ng tulong ninyo.  Magandang-magandang gabi po.

 

Ballet Philippines Website:   http://www.ballet.com.ph  

Cultural Center of the Philippines website:  http://www.culturalcenter.gov.ph/    

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Last October 2002, The Wharton-Penn Club of the Philippines reached a milestone as the Board of Trustees officially establishes the Wharton Penn Club Foundation , dedicated to support graduate studies at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, as well as in other schools and universities in the Philippines. It was through Ben Punongbayan’s expertise that the creation of the WPC Foundation was made a reality.  

The Foundation’s incorporators and officers are Sandie Poblador (President), Peter Coyiuto (Vice President), David Lim (Treasurer in Trust), Feliza A. Peralta (Corporate Secretary), Benjamin Punongbayan, Tony Andal, James de Jesus, Edwin Villanueva, and Mark Villar.

Board of Trustees
President	:	Sandie Poblador
Vice-President	:	David Lim
Corporate Secretary	:	James de Jesus
Treasurer	:	Regina Alvarez
Trustees	:
		Fely Atienza Peter Coyiuto Manny Herbosa
		Conrad Marty Lindy Theodoropoulos

Wharton Penn Club of the Philippines Board of Trustees
President	:	George Siy
Corporate Secretary	:	Kenneth Uy
		Trustees:   Carlo Antonio Vince Concio Eric Gotuaco Mike de Jesus Conrad Marty  Rommel Panganiban Lizette Peralta

The Wharton Club and Foundation has had many events and activities in the past, but An Evening of Gold was an exceptional one.  It was a beautiful evening for a great cause.   Thank you to the many of who have helped - the generous sponsors, the organizers, the bidders in the auction and for all those who attended the ball.  

 

The objectives of the Fund Raising Event is for Fellowship for US University & Ivy League Alumni, It aims to enrich US-Philippine Socio-Cultural Ties and to benefit the Bahay Pagasa Project of the PLDT and Smart Foundation.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

Entertainment by RJ Jacinto and his band, Playhouse Kids, Regine Velasquez, Bimbo Cerrudo and the Rockin Revival Band.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Congratulations to Wharton Club Foundation President, Sandie Poblador, for always spearheading the activities of the Club and the Foundation.  Your leadership and untiring efforts and energy is much to be admired.  

Thank you very much to Manny Pangilinan, also a graduate of Wharton and past President of the Club and served in  the  Wharton Advisory Board for Asia, for his constant support in all the Club and Foundation’s endeavors.  His unending kindness and generosity throughout the years is unmatched.   

 

 

 

• To establish the BAHAY PAG-ASA YOUTH CENTER as a separate corrective and transformational facility exclusively for convicted youth offenders
• To administer a wholistic formation/transformational program with emphasis on basic education, spiritual formation, life and livelihood skills.
• To provide an interfaced support system for the youth offenders after their release composed of the family, the school or workplace, the church, and the community to ensure successful re-integration.
• To pilot, assess and improve the program so that it may serve as a model for youth rehabilitation which maybe replicated in other areas of the country.  

Thank you to the whole team from PLDT and Smart for making this night possible.     

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Congratulations to Ton Concepcion for a successful race! We need more people like Ton who can help make our world a better place.  An idea or a desire to help is more meaningful when it becomes a reality and action is taken to implement and achieve that desire.  It takes a lot of guts and a lot of hard work to organize an event, and you lead it and you made it all happen! 

The race was successful because:

1.)  You were able to raise funds to preserve our environment, to save Tubbataha reef

2.)  The event created awareness of a beautiful place, nature, and in our very own country

3.)  You created a wholesome atmosphere for kids to enjoy and at the same time learn and help save their environment in their small little way.  Even pregnant women walked the race…It was a race that everyone who wanted to support the cause could join.

4.)  Thousands of people supported and joined the race

5.)  And everyone enjoyed!!! 

Looking forward to the next race in 2009! 

website:  www.condurarace.com   

 

All out support from the family of Ton, including his dog who also ran the race!  Heart2Heart’s favorite participant! 

 

 and FRIENDS!!!

 

 

 The race started promptly at 6 am…..The 10k runners started first, followed by the 5 k then the 3k.

 

 

 

Loved these fish characters in the race!   

The finish line…. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previous entry:   

A Race to Save the Reef -Condura Race for Tubbataha 08

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