Category Archives: Giving Back

Starbucks and HOUSE Foundation Partnership Fosters Bigger Dreamers

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Starbucks and HOUSE Foundation Partnership Fosters Bigger Dreamers

Beyond each cup, Starbucks serves a purpose far bigger than coffee. For years, the global coffee brand has grown and set itself apart because of its simple but powerful mission: To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.

Inside its stores, Starbucks has cultivated a culture of warmth and belonging where everyone is welcome, while outside of its stores; it has always strived to create a positive impact in the lives of its partners (employees) and the communities it serves.

When it comes to its partners, Starbucks nurtures their talents and passion and empowers them to fearlessly pursue their dreams.

Roemil Formalejo, a beneficiary from the HOUSE Foundation, is one of these dreamers. As a program scholar, Roemil was able to continue his college education and because of the foundation’s

Roemil Formalejo, a beneficiary from the HOUSE Foundation, is one of these dreamers. As a program scholar, Roemil was able to continue his college education and because of the foundation’s partnership with the brand, was given an opportunity to work as a Starbucks barista.Roemil Formalejo_3

Roemil Formalejo from Starbucks Pacific Center Binondo

According to Roemil (or Roy), his experiences at Messy Bessy, the business sector of HOUSE Foundation, and at Starbucks molded him into a better person, “Noon, ang liit ng tingin ko sa sarili ko at sa pangarap ko. Before, gusto ko ganito lang, pero na-realize ko na dapat hindi ko nili-limit ‘yung sarili ko o ‘yung pangarap ko. Kasi alam ko na naman na nahubog na ‘yung sarili ko, doon na ’ko nagkaroon ng mas mataas na pangarap [Before, I thought lowly of myself and my dreams. For me, they were okay, but soon I realized that I should not limit myself and my dreams. When I had already molded myself that was when I had higher hopes].”

Roemil is just one of a few chosen HOUSE Foundation beneficiaries who were welcomed into Starbucks. Under both HOUSE Foundation and Starbucks, the learners are equipped with important work skills and positive values.

Since 2017, Starbucks and HOUSE Foundation have partnered to support two batches of learners. With the two organizations’ strong advocacy for education, the beneficiaries have also come to realize the value of receiving proper education.Ariel Mabini_2

For Ariel Mabini, another HOUSE Foundation learner working at Starbucks 6750 Ayala, education was the least of his priorities before he became a scholar of the foundation. As the eldest son, Ariel had always focused on working to provide for his family without much interest in continuing his college education. However, this all changed when his brother, also a HOUSE Foundation beneficiary, suggested that he apply as a scholar. Since then, Ariel has managed to find the perfect balance between school and work. He has even excelled as a partner, winning several employee awards including the ‘Be Welcoming Partner’, ‘Best in Customer Support’, and ‘Partner of the Year’, and is set to graduate in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Management from Manila Business College.

Though from separate branches, both Ariel and his batch-mate Romeo Tapay, have been recognized by Starbucks for their can-do attitude and dedication. After graduating with a degree in Accounting, Romeo has continued to serve as a full-time Starbucks partner and has been awarded ‘Partner of the Quarter’ for two quarters in a row. Being part of Starbucks, Romeo was inspired to go after bigger dreams and is now saving up and working hard to study law. While Romeo dreams of becoming a lawyer in the future, he also loves working as a partner because each day gives him the opportunity to meet new people.Romeo Tapay_1 Romeo Tapay_2

“Masaya ako sa Starbucks kasi bawat araw, ‘yung makakaharap niyo sa register or ‘yung gagawin niyong drink ay para sa ibang tao. Habang nagiging barista ako, gusto kong gumawa ng kape para sa iba kasi gusto ko ‘yung kape nila maging special. Sabi nga ng store manager ko, dapat ‘yung customer hindi lang sa kape natin bumabalik, kundi sa kung paano natin sila kinakausap or ‘yung connection natin sa kanila. So, lalo akong naging passionate sa pagiging barista. Ang sarap kasi sa feeling na masarap ‘yung ginagawa mong kape para sa iba [I’m happy at Starbucks because every day, I face new people at the register and each drink I make is for a different person. As a barista, I like making coffee for other people because I enjoy making each cup special for them. As our store manager said, customers should not just return because of our coffee but also because of how we interact with them and our connection with them.  So, I became more passionate in my craft as a barista. It’s such a fulfilling feeling when you know that you’ve made delicious coffee for others],he shared.

Clariza Capili_1

Just like Romeo, Clariza Capili also enjoys meeting and connecting with customers and shares that one of the most memorable lessons she has learned from was to always smile. “So, ‘yung memorable sa ’kin sa Starbucks is ‘yung laging naka-smile kasi. Sa Starbucks kasi kailangan mo mag-connect, doon din namin nade-develop ‘yung mga ibang customer na nagiging friends na namin. Kapag pumapasok ka, ang saya lang [So, what’s memorable for me about Starbucks is how we always smile. At Starbucks, we have to connect, and that’s how we develop relationships with our customers who eventually become our friends. Whenever you step into the store, it’s always so happy],she said.

Despite going through tough times after her father’s death, Clariza always found a way to smile through it and stay strong. Now, Clariza will be the first to graduate in her family with the help of the HOUSE Foundation and continues to make them proud as she works hard as a Starbucks partner.
HouseFoundation_StarbucksPartners-2 House Foundation Starbucks Partners with Asst Manager for PR and Global Responsibility Denise Barrameda

Though coming from different walks of life, the paths of these inspiring partners have crossed at the HOUSE Foundation and now at Starbucks. Starbucks has strived to be an enabler of moments of connection every day and now it has brought together these partners where they eventually found a family, not only at the HOUSE Foundation but also in their new Starbucks homes.

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About House Foundation

The Helping Ourselves through Sustainable Enterprises (HOUSE) Foundation, the official non-profit arm of Messy Bessy, was formed in 2016 with the vision of replicating the social model successfully tried and tested by Messy Bessy. HOUSE Foundation also aims to help more at-risk young adults who were previously trafficked, abused, incarcerated, and impoverished get a second start in life by providing them with high school or college education and employment opportunities while studying.

About Starbucks Philippines

December 4, 1997, the Philippines had its first taste of the Starbucks Experience with its very first branch at the 6750 Ayala Building in Makati City. Starbucks has since won the hearts of the Filipinos. The opening of the 6750 Ayala store marked an important milestone in our history – the Philippines became the third market to open outside North America. The tradition of warm hospitality, constant need for connection, and love for coffee – these are the qualities that make Starbucks Coffee and the Filipino people a great culture fit. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.ph

Mini BBQ

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Find out what the advocacy is of Mayor of Mindoro, Anthony Villarosa @anavillarosa He was Mayor for 9 years. My favorite dish that night in their house. The best part is in the end – the “taba”  I love anything mini. Only P 110.00 for a dozen sticks. He also lost 25 pounds in 4 months by doing Intermittent fasting. For mini bbq Anthony and Ana brings it in from Mamburao and you can buy frozen or cooked – contact (0917) 814 1173 #h2hgivingback#h2hpork #h2hbbqMini BBQ HearttoHeart (1)Mini BBQ HearttoHeart (2)Mini BBQ HearttoHeart (3)

Old Navy Concludes Rise Against Hunger Campaign

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OLD NAVY PHILIPPINES DONATES MEAL PACKS TO FEED 22,000 CHILDREN

 In partnership with Rise Against Hunger Philippines, Old Navy Philippines donated 1,800 Fortified Meal Packs to help end world hunger

In celebration of the season of giving, Old Navy Philippines recently concluded its month-long campaign with Rise Against Hunger Philippines (RAHP) and donated 1,800 Fortified Meal Packs for RAHP’s feeding program. Funds from the donation came from generous Old Navy customers who purchased Fortified Meal Packs worth P100 at any Old Navy store. In return, customers enjoyed P100 off when they purchase any Old Navy item. Each Fortified Meal pack is enough to feed 12 to 15 children with food enriched with the vitamins and minerals they need.

Old Navy concludes Rise Against Hunger Campaign HearttoHeart (3)

Meal Packing Event

Specialty Lifestyle Concepts, Inc., a subsidiary of Store Specialists Group, Inc. which exclusively distributes Old Navy in the Philippines, gathered their employees at Bonifacio High Street and packed Fortified Meals enough to feed 22,000 children. The Rise Against Hunger meal packs are composed of rice, soy, dried vegetables or fruits, flavoring mix, and a vitamin and mineral sachet. Each meal pack contains a sachet of delectable flavoring mix such as Chicken Arroz Caldo, Beef Congee, Fish Flakes, Champorado (chocolate), and Ginataan (coconut milk). The savory meals contain dried vegetable mix of squash, alogbate or malabor spinach, camote or sweet potato tops, and saluyot or Jute Leaves. The Ginataan pack contains dehydrated fruit mix of orange, sweet potato, banana, and mango. The vitamin and mineral sachets inside the meal packs contain 23 essential vitamins and nutrients that children need such as Calcium, B Vitamins, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Iron.

Old Navy concludes Rise Against Hunger Campaign HearttoHeart (2)Old Navy concludes Rise Against Hunger Campaign HearttoHeart (1)

About Rise Against Hunger Philippines

Formerly known as Stop Hunger Now, Rise Against Hunger is an international hunger relief organization that distributes food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable, mobilizing the necessary resources to end hunger by 2030. Rise Against Hunger is driven by the vision of a world without hunger. Their mission is to end hunger in this lifetime by providing food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable and creating a global commitment to mobilize the necessary resources.

About Old Navy

Old Navy is a global apparel and accessories brand that makes current American essentials accessible to every family. Originated in 1994, the brand celebrates the democracy of style through on-trend, playfully optimistic, affordable and high quality product. A division of San Francisco-based Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS), Old Navy brings a fun, energizing shopping environment to its customers in more than 1,000 stores around the world. For more information, please visit www.oldnavy.com.

About Specialty Lifestyle Concepts, Inc.

In the Philippines, Old Navy is exclusively distributed by Specialty Lifestyle Concepts, Inc. (formerly Casual Clothing Retailers, Inc.), a member of SSI Group, Inc. Old Navy is available at Bonifacio High Street, Estancia in Capitol Commons, Glorietta 3, Robinsons Galleria, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, and SM Megamall. Follow Old Navy at Facebook.com/OldNavyPH on Facebook or @OldNavy and @ssilifeph on Instagram, or visit www.ssilife.com.ph for more information.

Overflowing HOPE: Starbucks builds another classroom with Hope in a Bottle!

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Overflowing HOPE: Starbucks builds another classroom with Hope in a Bottle

Ever since it was established in the country in 1997, Starbucks has always been known to brew handcrafted beverages for coffee lovers. Since 2012, however, the company has also been brewing opportunities for young Filipinos to better their lives through simply serving Hope in a Bottle.

In partnership with Hope in a Bottle, Starbucks Philippines (Rustan Coffee Corporation) has been retailing the purified drinking water in their stores nationwide, to generate funds needed to build public school classrooms in areas where they are most needed. Upon construction, the facilities are donated to schools identified by the Department of Education Adopt-A-School program, to help address the problem of classroom shortage. The department is set to deliver 81,000 classrooms to address the shortage which affects more than 2.5million students.

100% of the profits from selling Hope in a Bottle go into building the classrooms. The social enterprise has built four classrooms for Starbucks, including one in H.N. Cahilsot Elementary School in General Santos City, and two classrooms at the Lt. C. Villafuerte Sr. Elementary School in Davao City.

Starbucks classroom

Recently, officials of both partners have unveiled another classroom donated by Starbucks at the Archbishop Emilio Cinense Memorial Integrated School (AECMIS) in San Felipe, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

“We would like to thank Starbucks for being a donor of our new classroom. This will benefit not only our students for this current schoolyear but also all the future generations of students here in San Felipe,” said Felisa Cabaobas, AECMIS principal.

The principal noted that before HOPE and Starbucks donated the new classrooms, students from different grade levels shared old, poorly ventilated classrooms through a morning and afternoon “shifting” schedule. This meant that every day, teachers had less- time to teach their subjects while students had to learn as much as they can in the same amount of time, in such a poor learning environment.

Addressing educational and environmental impacts

To be occupied by Grade 11 students, the Starbucks classroom is made of eco-bricks from a compact mixture of cement and post-consumer plastic, making it stronger than regular concrete hollow blocks. This is the program’s first classroom to be built with eco-bricks.

HOPE considers the latest classroom construction a breakthrough in their advocacy since it addresses two main concerns: education and the environment. “Eco-bricks provided us with the unique opportunity to upcycle thousands of plastic bottles per classroom, so we have committed to using them in all of our builds starting 2018,” said Joie Ann BalaongHOPE program officer for education.

Partnership brings hope to students

More than building and donating classrooms in far-flung and devastated areas, Friends of Hope and Starbucks share in the vision and passion of making education more accessible to students, giving them hope for a brighter future.

“We are happy to be partnered with HOPE. At Starbucks, we believe in making a difference in the communities we engage in. In this case, we believe that every Filipino has the right to quality education by providing them with a conducive learning environment, and this is what our partnership delivers,” said Jo-Ann Ramos, Starbucks Philippines marketing manager.

In mid-2019, Starbucks is set to turn over its 5th classroom, which will also be constructed using eco-bricks, as part of its commitment to education and the environment, and is already looking forward to building more classrooms and being a vehicle for positive change among the youth.

Apart from helping build new classrooms, Starbucks is also committed to refurbish and rehabilitate school facilities to solve classroom shortage through its partnership with non-profit organizations, Teach for the Philippines and Renovate to Educate.

The program gives Starbucks partners (employees) the opportunity to help rebuild classroom chairs and tables, repair classroom doors, and repaint comfort rooms, even fabricate blackboards and shelves through various initiatives, including the Starbucks Planner promotion.

To date, the Renovate to Educate program has rehabilitated fourteen (14) schools in Metro Manila, Laguna, Baguio, Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro City with the help of more than 800 Starbucks partners.

Starbucks builds another classroom with Hope in a Bottle HearttoHeart (3)

The well-ventilated and lighted Starbucks classroom is made of sturdy eco-bricks using recycled plastic to provide students with a safe and conducive learning environment.

Starbucks builds another classroom with Hope in a Bottle HearttoHeart (2)

Students of Archbishop Emilio Cinense Memorial Integrated School in San Fernando, Pampanga thank Starbucks and Friends of Hope for the gift of a new classroom.

Starbucks builds another classroom with Hope in a Bottle HearttoHeart (1)

Friends of Hope, Starbucks and school officials lead the unveiling of the new classrooms. Photo shows (from the left) GenerationHope Inc Commerical Director Bambi Defensor, Starbucks Philippines marketing manager Jo-Ann Ramos, Starbucks Philippines category manager Jamie Silva, Starbucks Philippines assistant category manager for food Celine Lichauco, and AECMIS principal Felisa Cabaobas.

Starbucks builds another classroom with Hope in a Bottle HearttoHeart (4)

AECMIS students are excited to sample the Starbucks beverages prepared in the Starbucks Venti Van which visited their school in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Rustan’s, Go Share, and Northern Luzon Command Brings the Enchantment of Christmas to Isabella

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Rustan’s, Go Share, and Northern Luzon Command Brings the Enchantment of Christmas to Isabella

Launching its Christmas campaign, Enchant the Holidays with Rustan’s, the country’s top luxury shopping destination treated customers to a series of fun activities and delightful performances at Rustan’s Makati and Rustan’s Shangri-La last October 20 and 21.

While the shoppers of Manila enjoy the festive season and its accompanying deals and thrills, Rustan’s also brought an enchanting start to the Christmases of the people of Isabella. Working with the Go Share organization and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Northern Luzon Command, Rustan’s VP for Store Development and Expansion Michael T. Huang participated in the All-in-One Bayanihan program for Dinapigue, a town located along the coast of Isabella.Rustan_s, Go Share, and Northern Luzon Command Christmas in Isabella (28) Rustan_s, Go Share, and Northern Luzon Command Christmas in Isabella (20) Rustan_s, Go Share, and Northern Luzon Command Christmas in Isabella (19) Rustan_s, Go Share, and Northern Luzon Command Christmas in Isabella (3) Rustan_s, Go Share, and Northern Luzon Command Christmas in Isabella (18)Dinapigue used to be a thriving mining town, but its main and biggest source of income has dried up, signaling a time for the people to leave Mother Nature to replenish her gifts. With not a lot of sources for income, the locals including the indigenous katutubo are left in need of basics like food, shelter, clothing and medical assistance.

Rustan’s, with the help of Go Share, a non-profit, non-secretarian and non-political organization, worked with the Northern Luzon Command to help bring volunteers and stakeholders to the hard-to-reach areas, carrying along with them donations and supplies.

The Northern Luzon Command offered medical and dental aid, as well as training for first aid response to make sure the katutubo and locals of Dinapigue are ready in case of a calamity.  Almost 4,000 people benefitted from the activity.Rustan_s, Go Share, and Northern Luzon Command Christmas in Isabella (15) Rustan_s, Go Share, and Northern Luzon Command Christmas in Isabella (11) Rustan_s, Go Share, and Northern Luzon Command Christmas in Isabella (10) Rustan_s, Go Share, and Northern Luzon Command Christmas in Isabella (7) Rustan_s, Go Share, and Northern Luzon Command Christmas in Isabella (5)

The children of Dinapigue were given toys, clothes and shoes from Rustan’s Children’s Department.

Rustan’s, Go Share and NoLCom are very grateful for the warm welcome they received from the Agta people of Dinapigue, Isabella.

Go Share

Go Share is a Network on Line organization. It is a non-profit, non-secretarian and non-political, composed of selfless individuals like doctors, dentists, businessmen, teachers, lawyers, artists, employees, military and police personnel, engineers, students, among others. The organization goes to critical and unchartered areas, offering Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Response and volunteers for Patriotic missions. Go Share also partners with different organizations, foundations, hospitals, and companies and corporations for their CSR initiatives. All-in-One Bayanihan is Go Share’s mission, a culture-fit activity.

Northern Luzon Command

The Northern Luzon Command, known officially as the NoLCom, is one of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Wide Support Commands Combating Terrorism and Insurgency in Northern Luzon. Their mission is to conduct support operations to establish a condition wherein the well-being of the people of Northern and Central Luzon are protected and enhanced. Under the NoLCom are the 5th Infantry (Star) Division, PA; 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, PA; 1st Tactical Operations Wing, PAF; and Naval Forces Northern Luzon, PN.

ANDRES BARRIOQUINTO UNVEILS “PORTRAITS” AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM TO SUPPORT THE ASIAN CULTURAL COUNCIL GRANT

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This year’s ACCP @asianculturalcouncil is a unique and very special one since it’s a one man show – Andres Barrioquinto @barrioquinto – with 18 commissioned portraits.

 “He is a multi awarded artist.  Recipient of the Metrobank Foundation award in 2009.  One of the 13 artist awardees given by the CCP way back in 2003.  He has also been recognised by his alma mater The Univ of Stock Tomas with the Benavidez award in 1999 and 2000 for his outstanding achievements in regional, national and international engagements.” – Ernest EscalerACCP 2018 HearttoHeart (1)He will be giving a substantial percentage of theproceeds to the ACCP.
The exhibit will be held at the National Museum @natmuseumph from Nov. 8-15. ACCP 2018 HearttoHeart (7) See the other portraits of Cecile Ang @cecileangBen Chan @bcbench Grace Ang @graceang28 Sheila Romero @sheilaromero8 Grace Baja @gracebbajaand more. ACCP 2018 HearttoHeart (3)ACCP 2018 HearttoHeart (2)

Ea Marie Torrado

Grants Awarded

2016 | Dance | United States

for a six-month fellowship to research and explore contemporary dance practice in the United States
ACCP 2018 HearttoHeart (6) ACCP 2018 HearttoHeart (5)  Congratulations to the Asian Cultural Council of the Philippines on its 55th year anniversary. Truly a momentous occasion

 Board of Trustee Ernest EscalerACCP 2018 HearttoHeart (4)

 Board of Trustees for the ACCP Foundation President Maribel Ongpin, Mercedes Zobel, Dr. Cuanan, Malu Gamboa, and Rajo Laurel with Andres Barrioquinto and his wife Iya and manager Derek FloresACCP 2018 HearttoHeart (8)

ANDRES BARRIOQUINTO UNVEILS “PORTRAITS” AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM
TO SUPPORT THE ASIAN CULTURAL COUNCIL GRANT

 

Embracing the shared value of giving, outstanding artist Andres Barrioquinto unites with the Asian Cultural Council (ACC) as it celebrates its 55th anniversary this year through a special benefit exhibition of portraits.

Unveiling on November 8, 2018 at the National Museum of Fine Arts, “Portraits by Andres Barrioquinto” highlights the artist’s creative progression as he expresses his personal take on contemporary portraiture. The show features a collection of eighteen (18) portraits, representing a cross-section of industry leaders, patrons, creatives, and connoisseurs, among them, Cecile Ang, Grace Ang, Grace Barbers–Baja, Abigail Binay-Campos, Ben Chan, Angelita Almeda-Cruz, Baby Araneta-Forés, Juliana Gomez, Richard Gomez, Lucy Torres-Gomez, Small Laude, Jessica Kienle-Maxwell, Josie Cruz Natori, Sheila Romero, Robbie Santos, Audrey Tan-Zubiri, Bea Zobel, and Kevin Zonnenberg.In the Blossom (self portrait) by Andres BarrioquintoBarrioquinto takes this privilege to give back by supporting young Filipino artists and future grantees of the ACC Philippine Fellowship. To date, over 400 Filipino artists, educators and scholars across arts disciplines have been supported by the ACC grants program since 1963, through the stewardship of ACC New York and ACC Philippines Foundation.

For 2018, recipients of the ACC Grant are Joseph Keith Anicoche (theater actor-director and performance curator), Marika Constantino (visual artist, curator, program director), Maria Joselina Anna G. Cruz (museum curator), Zeny May Recidoro (art writer, curator), Anna Margarita Reyes (dance artist, filmmaker), Elena Comendador & Elizabeth Roxas (Interdisciplinary artists, choreographers, educators), and Grace Nono (music performing artist, ethnomusicologist-scholar). They join the company of esteemed ACC fellowship alumni–National Artists Jose Joya,  Ramon P. Santos, and Alice Reyes; multi-awarded artists and some of the most dynamic trailblazers in the arts scene–Gino Gonzales (Theater Design), Myra Beltran (Dance), Dr. Patrick Flores (Museum Studies), Delphine Buencamino (Theatre), Dexter dela Peña (Film), and Leeroy New (Visual Arts), to name a few.

In partnership with the National Museum, “Portraits by Andres Barrioquinto” goes for a special week-long run until November 15, 2018 at the Pres. Sergio Osmeña Hall, National Museum of Fine Arts, Padre Burgos Avenue, Manila.

Andres Barrioquinto

Andres Barrioquinto was born in Manila and spent his teenage years in Hongkong. He returned to the Philippines in the late 1990s and studied painting at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) College of Fine Arts and Design.

He has held more than 25 solo exhibitions and several group shows in the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Hongkong, Taiwan, and South Korea.

Barrioquinto has received various awards and recognitions such as the MetroBank Foundation’s Aces Award for Continuing Excellence (2009), which was awarded 11 years after winning the foundation’s 15th Young Painter’s Annual Painting Competition in 1998. He was one of the winners of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Thirteen Artist’s award in 2003, and a back-to-back recipient of the UST Benavidez Awards in 1999 and 2000.

His painting “Alcoholic” (2005) is in the collection of the Singapore Art Museum while an image of his work “The Chameleon” can be seen on the walls of Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center at the Washington State University. His works have been sold in various auction houses such as Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Larasati, and Leon Gallery. His other works can be found in private collections throughout Asia.

For 2019, he is set to hold his first solo show in New York City in March and will be in London for a come back solo exhibition in September.Andres_B in studio(credit Jinggo Montenejo) Andres_B at work (credit Jinggo Montenejo)

Artist’s Statement

My work is perhaps more sharply individualized than the realist, therefore more dramatically my own, sometimes to the point of eccentricity. My works’ individuality becomes more natural when I’m interested in probing my own soul rather than reflecting the world of ideas, and in expressing my inner world than revealing a basic harmony around us. I paint images so exaggerated or distorted that they take us away from the familiar world into one of emotion and feeling. In their most extreme, these expressions may even become hysterical or nightmarish.  I also try new means of expression, seeking new direction, exploring new mediums and methods of working. (photo credit: Jinggo Montenejo)

GRANTEES of the Asian Cultural Council  Philippine Fellowship Program for 2018 

Theatre

JOSEPH KEITH (JK) ANICOCHE

Born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, JK is a Manila-based performance-maker, curator, storyteller and educator. He is a Theater Arts scholar of the Philippine High School for the Arts who went on to finish a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film and Audio Visual Communications at the University of the Philippines in Diliman. He is the artistic director of contemporary performance company Sipat Lawin Ensemble (SLE) and festival director of Karnabal Festival: Performance and Social Innovation. He has also been involved in various projects as a facilitator of arts – based activities on psychosocial first aid sessions in disaster and conflict areas.

His recent directing works were performed in the Asia Triennial of Performing Arts , Melbourne (2017); Project tour in Japan, Korea and Australia; NCCA-supported “Likhaan” tour in Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Los Baños and Manila (2016).  His work as a storyteller is showcased at the Museo Pambata while his art practice was featured in a documentary film during the 2016 Tokyo Performing Arts-Asian Artist Interview Series.

The ACC grant will support his research study on theater for civic engagement and education, observe socially-engaged performance-making, and attend theater workshops.JOSEPH KEITH (JK) ANICOCHEAs one of the movers of independent contemporary community performance-making in the Philippines, I, together with my company the Sipat Lawin Ensemble, will establish an alternative art school with a thrust: development of “new culture” with focus on understanding of the conditions of Conflict and Climate. The ACC fellowship will be a good grounding for me as an artist, educator and cultural worker.”

Curation / Visual Arts

 ANNA MARIKA LISSA CONSTANTINO  

Marika Constantino is a visual artist, freelance writer and program director. She finished a degree from the UP College of Architecture to further studies at the UP College of Fine Arts, with Art History as her major.

She has participated in significant arts exhibitions in the Philippines and abroad, and has contributed to a number of global publications. Marika also works as an independent curator and researcher, and is co-directing the programs of 98B COLLABoratory and the First United Building Community Museum in Escolta, Manila.

She was selected as one of the Global Cultural Fellows of the Institute of International Cultural Relations at the University of Edinburgh, and participated in a cultural leadership program at the Kings College in London, United Kingdom.   The ACC grant will support her research on the existing alternative art schools (their pedagogy, sustainability, mission, logistical requirements, challenges and rewards) in the United States, New York in particular.ANNA MARIKA LISSA CONSTANTINO“All resulting research will have a direct impact on 98B, the artist-run initiative that I help co-direct. This will have a wide reach and effect not solely on my individual practice but more for the community that I am part of and that we are constantly building. Having an “educational” space that concentrates on art, design and creativity that will benefit a wide audience will add to the relevance of art and culture in an area that is often neglected in our local society.”

Curation

MARIA JOSELINA ANNA GONZALEZ CRUZ

Maria Joselina has been at the helm of the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD), DeLa Salle-College of Saint Benilde as Director/Curator since 2012.

She also worked for the Lopez Museum and Singapore Art Museum.  She has curated the Singapore Biennale in 2008, (network) Jakarta Biennale in 2009, and the Philippine Pavilion for the Venice Biennale in 2017. She also conducted curatorial projects with the Jewish Museum, Sørlandets Kunstmuseum, the Next Wave Melbourne, and have had visitorships & residencies with Asialink, Mondriaan Foundation, Norway, Center for Contemporary Art, Singapore, and as Fellow of the Nippon Foundation’s Asian Public Intellectuals.

With an undergraduate in communications, minor in Philippine Art, she pursued a post-graduate studies in art history at University of the Philippines, after which she studied Curating Contemporary Art (MA) at the Royal College of Art, London.

The ACC grant will support her study on successful Filipino-American artists and other migrant artists. Her research will look at their practices, artistic production, the institutions who have supported them and their production engagement with the art system, and how these feed into the globalised art system.MARIA JOSELINA ANNA GONZALEZ CRUZ“I am at that point in my career where I would like to devote a period to research on an idea or a phenomenon which i am sure will be highly relevant in the next few years for Philippine art… it must be pointed out that despite the ‘openness’ that Filipinos have towards various art practices, there is an underlying almost unspoken resistance towards Filipino artists who have grown up and developed their practice abroad; more so if they are successful. The fellowship will enable me to engage with these artists, and the players within the infrastructure that have supported and continue to support their development as artists.”

Art Criticism

ZENY MAY RECIDORO

May is a poet and art writer who has been publishing since 2011. She has also been collaborating with various visual and performance artists since 2014.

She graduated cum laude with a degree in Art Studies from the University of the Philippines (UP) in 2014. She was also awarded best undergraduate thesis for her work on women artists and psycho geography. She has contributed to the Cultural Center of the Philippines Encyclopedia for Philippine Art -Visual Arts volume and taught at the University of Santo Tomas. She has also worked as museum assistant at the UP’s heritage museum, Bulwagan ng Dangal and is currently curating exhibitions and writing books on contemporary Filipino artists for the Erehwon Center for the Arts.

The ACC grant will support her graduate scholarship, Master of Fine Arts, major in Art Writing at the School of Visual Arts in New York.  ZENY MAY RECIDORO

Dance/Cinematography

ANNA MARGARITA REYES

Madge began her journey at age three with the Halili Cruz School of Ballet (HCSB). She was a guest of the Philippine Ballet Theater (PBT) before accepting a full scholarship from Steps Dance Studio (2004) where she trained in classical ballet (obtaining Distinction Honors from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), modern, and jazz.

In 2007, she won the Luva Adameit Prize at the 2007 National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA), and debuted as Odette in Swan Lake (2008). She joined Ballet Philippines (BP) in 2009 and became Soloist after starring in Sleeping Beauty (2011). She has also performed with BP at the Shanghai World Exposition (2010), and at the Philippine Pavillion Gala, Salvador Dali exhibit (2011), Art Science Museum Singapore.

With a degree in Visual Communication at the University of the Philippines (UP), Madge explored cinematography for her dance film (2015 Best Thesis), “Improve,” a learning tool for Filipino contemporary dancers and choreographers. Her recent venture, “Entablado,” is a platform that merges dance and film through projection mapping and large scale installations (BGC Arts Center Festival, June 2017).

The ACC grant will support her interdisciplinary study on the art of screen dance or dance film and collaborate with fellow dancers and filmmakers in New York.ANNA MARGARITA REYES

“My study goes beyond the merging of dance and cinema by successfully transposing movement onto tape that is key to the new, augmented field of dance film. Building a unique vision, I strive to promote installations of value, which engage viewers to question the world around them, thus generating wider audiences. Bringing it down to a local setting, the progression of my study will not only educate the Filipino audience with a more dynamic medium, but can also help uplift the local art scene by giving it a more grounded approach for thepedestrian to experience.”

Collaboration (Design & Dance)

ELENA COMENDADOR and

 Elena Comendador was born in Cotabato and migrated to the USA at age 11. She began her professional dance career at age 16, performing at Dayton Ballet, Hartford Ballet, Field Ballet, Joyce Trisler Danscompany, and Connecticut Ballet. She received her BA degree in Women’s Studies at Columbia University and her MFA in interdisciplinary Arts at Goddard College. She is on the faculty of The Ailey School and also an Associate Professor of Dance at Marymount Manhattan College in New York City.

As interdisciplinary artist, Ms. Comendador frequently uses the stage as her canvass, exploring fine line between sculpture, installation and costume, defying the conventions of shape and form.

Elizabeth Roxas was born in Manila and became the youngest member of Ballet Philippines. She danced with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, Ohad Naharin and Joyce Trisler Danscompany before she became the first Filipina to join the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater where she was a principal dancer from 1984-1997. Roxas worked with many well-known choreographers including Alvin Ailey, Katherine Dunham, and many more. She performed in the Emmy Award –winning PBS specials “Two Dove” and Judith Jamison’s “A Hymn for Alvin Ailey” and was featured in a 1997 Dance Magazine cover article. Avenue Magazine named her one of the 500 most influential Asian – Americans.

Roxas restages Alvin Ailey’s works and is an integral part of the Ailey Legacy. She is on the Horton technique faculty at The Ailey School and is a freelance choreographer.

The ACC grant will support their collaboration to conduct a 2-3 weeklong workshop for pre-professional and professional dancers in Manila. The intensive dance art experience will involve collaboration, exploration and experimentation with movement as it relates to wearable sculptural forms. The creative process as “living” installation project hopes to be housed in Ayala Museum.ELIZABETH ROXAS ELENA COMENDADOR

Music /Graduate Studies

GRACE NONO (Dr. Grace Nono Aves), 2008 grantee

Born and raised in the river valley of Agusan in northeastern Mindanao, Grace Nono is a Philippine music performing artist, ethnomusicologist and scholar of Philippine shamanism, and Director of the Tao Foundation for Culture and Arts.

She has performed in over 60 cities and venues in over 20 countries in Asia, Europe, and North America. Grace writes about Philippine shamans’ voices in conversation with issues of gender, religion, and transnationalism. She has published two award-winning books with a third one on the way. With her team at the Tao Foundation for Culture and Arts, they run the Agusan del Sur-School of Living Traditions.

She has spent five years in New York University to complete her doctoral studies in Ethnomusicology. Moreover, since her expertise is interdisciplinary, she had to enroll for a second masters to take up courses in Religion and Gender at Yale University. Grace received her Bachelor’s in Humanities and Master’s in Philippine Studies from the University of the Philippines, and her Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from New York University. She has received over 45 awards for her artistic, scholarly, and cultural leadership contributions.

The ACC grant will support her 2nd year studies at Yale Divinity School.  As an Ethnomusicologist, she is currently enrolled in a Masters in Religion Program, with a focus on Women, Gender, and Sexuality.GRACE NONO“As an interdisciplinary scholar who writes at the intersections of indigenous music, religion and gender, but who has hardly taken any courses in religious and gender studies, it is necessary for me to address the gaps in my education. My scholarly pursuits directly inform and influence my artistic practice and larger community work.”

 

HELP END WORLD HUNGER WITH OLD NAVY

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HELP END WORLD HUNGER WITH OLD NAVY

 Get a P100 discount at Old Navy for every donation

Do good and feel great with #OldNavy! In celebration of World Food Day, Old Navy will join Rise Against Hunger Philippines for a month-long campaign this October.  During the campaign, customers may purchase a Fortified Meal Pack worth P100 at any Old Navy store, which will be donated to the beneficiaries of Rise Against Hunger Philippines’ feeding program.  In return, customers will enjoy P100 off when they purchase any Old Navy item for a minimum purchase of P1,000.  Each Fortified Meal pack is enough to feed 12 to 15 children with food enriched with the vitamins and minerals they need.  The Fortified Meal Packs will be available at Old Navy stores every Friday to Sunday from October 5 to November 18, 2018.

The Rise Against Hunger meal packs are composed of rice, soy, dried vegetables or fruits, flavoring mix and a vitamin and mineral sachet. Each meal pack contains a sachet of delectable flavoring mix such as Chicken Arroz Caldo, Beef Congee, or Fish (Anchovy) Flakes. Local ingredients produced in family or community gardens are used to provide livelihood to people in need. Meals are packaged locally by volunteers which encourages people to get involved in the movement to end hunger.

About Rise Against Hunger Philippines

Formerly known as Stop Hunger Now, Rise Against Hunger is an international hunger relief organization that distributes food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable, mobilizing the necessary resources to end hunger by 2030. Rise Against Hunger is driven by the vision of a world without hunger. Their mission is to end hunger in this lifetime by providing food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable and creating a global commitment to mobilize the necessary resources.

About Old Navy

Old Navy is a global apparel and accessories brand that makes current American essentials accessible to every family. Originated in 1994, the brand celebrates the democracy of style through on-trend, playfully optimistic, affordable and high quality product. A division of San Francisco-based Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS), Old Navy brings a fun, energizing shopping environment to its customers in more than 1,000 stores around the world. For more information, please visit www.oldnavy.com.

About Casual Clothing Retailers Inc.

In the Philippines, Old Navy is exclusively distributed by Casual Clothing Retailers, Inc., a member of SSI Group, Inc. Old Navy is available at Bonifacio High Street, Estancia in Capitol Commons, Glorietta 3, Robinsons Galleria, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, and SM Megamall. Follow Old Navy at Facebook.com/OldNavyPH on Facebook or @OldNavy and @ssilifeph on Instagram, or visit www.ssilife.com.ph for more information.

SSI Group, 30 Years of the Curated Life

On its 30th year, the SSI Group partners with one of the world’s leading banks, Citibank, to bring the Curated Life to every Filipino with rewarding shopping experiences and perks. With a retail network of over 600 stores and various retail format offerings, the SSI Group continues to make an impact on the lifestyle values of its consumers, by inspiring, enabling, indulging, and rallying them to live a life well-lived—a life that’s well-curated.

2018 WORLD SIGHT DAY

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The Timbang Family from Tarlac have a rare genetic form of inherited congenital cataract that has left three generations partially blind. In 25 years, the Fred Hollows Foundation has never had a case like this, with so many members of a family affected.

LeP Fred Hollows-Timbang FamilyLike any grandmother, Lola Iluminada Timbang wants only the best for her children and grandchildren. But unfortunately, seven of her children had cataracts, who in turn passed it on to their children. “The kids are lucky if they can finish grade 6 because they can’t even see the blackboard,” Lola said. Theirs is a hazy world and sunlight is unbearable.LeP Fred Hollows-Constancia“I approached several doctors, but it was too expensive, between 50,000 and 70,000 pesos,we just couldn’t afford it,” said Layla Jake Timbang, mother of 10-year-old Marlon Jake. She worked as a housekeeper in Jordan for two years but could not save enough money for the operation. For Layla, her husband’s family history of cataracts came as a surprise. “I didn’t realise at first, because it was always night when he courted me, so he didn’t squint,” she laughed. “It was only after I got married that I found out about the family’s eye problems.”LeP Fred Hollows-NeneWith help from the Fred Hollows Foundation and the Tarlac Provincial Hospital Eye Center, 18 of the Timbang children had their eyes fixed on a weekend. After just a few hours, the patches came off and their blurry world is now clear.LeP x Fred HollowsLeP Fred Hollows-FHLeP Fred Hollows-ScreeningLeP Fred Hollows Braille PackagingLeP Fred Hollows Limited Edition SetsLeP Fred Hollows Facts2LeP x Fred Hollows Invite PosterFor seven-year-old Maia Janella Garcia, it’s a revelation. She can see clearly and wants to use that opportunity to help others. Her cousin, Danielle Joshua Pagco, also seven, wants to be an astronaut and travel to his favorite planet, Jupiter. As her grandchildren open a new chapter in their lives, Lola Iluminada’s vision for future generations of the Timbang family is now a lot closer to what she always wanted.LeP Fred Hollows-Kids

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