A Generous Heart

November 19

Mr. Mitch Gatuslao-Remitio visited St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City for the first time. He met his Tapulanga scholar, Annika Intal, a Grade 6 student.  Mr. Remitio was on a short vacation to be with his friends and family in Bacolod City.   He toured around the school campus and has expressed his interest in helping out the school's football team.  Mr. Remitio became a donor thru the 60 Scholars in 30 Days Challenge last April 2015.

"When I went home to Bacolod a few days ago, one of the things that I wanted to do was go to St Francis of Assisi School.  I had the chance to meet my scholar, Annika.  I asked her what her ambition was in life.  Without any hesitation, she answered that she wanted to become a doctor or an engineer.  Coming from a little girl, this warmed my heart a lot because you could see in her the determination and the drive to succeed in life even though the odds are against her.  I have no doubt that she will be able to achieve her dreams because when I looked at her report card, it was full of A's.  I absolutely salute her parents who gave her the will to succeed.  To Annika, you will be my scholar forever.  I hope that you will be able to achieve your dreams.  Stay humble and always pray to God.  Thanks for taking the time out to meet me."

Inspired to Help at a Young Age

October 29

Tapulanga Foundation donor Gerard Matti Lachica and his brother Gabrille and visited St. Francis of Assisi School  of Silay City.  They are both based in the USA and are visiting family and friends in Bacolod City.  Gerard met his scholar Dane Precious Ibañez, a Kindergarten student, and visited her classroom. Gerard (age 22) is inspired to share his blessings to Tapulanga Foundation and he is one of the youngest donors of the Foundation.

"My experience visiting the foundation and the school was a great experience. The school was really nice, students were friendly and respectful. This was the first time I met my scholar Dane and she was so cute. Helping her in her studies and seeing how thankful she is and happy just makes my heart melt and makes me feel like I'm doing something right in my life. Kudos to Tapulanga Foundation for a job well done. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to help other people. God bless and more power to you now and in the future." 

Being an Accountant: A Dream Come True for Julie Ann Estardo

8 years ago, Julie Ann Estardo dreamed of being an Accountant.  And she pursued her dream when she took up Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Major in Management Accounting at Colegio de San Agustin Bacolod.  Her dream became a reality when she graduated 2 years ago (2013), passed the board and is now working as the Loan Clerk at Rural Bank, Inc. in Talisay City.

Julie Ann (second from the right) with colleagues in Talisay Rural Bank, Inc.

Julie Ann shared this, "Life had been busier ever since I started working but it is not so new to me since I have been a working student during my college years ... the only difference now, I am working with pay.  When I graduated in 2013, I remembered applying to 2 commercial banks where I did not receive any response.  A credit firm and manufacturing/delivery company texted me for an interview but I did not pursue them anymore since Talisay Rural Bank, Inc. was the first to respond to my application.  I love my work, I am enjoying it.  I was an accounting clerk when I first entered the bank and was appointed as Loan clerk this year having new responsibilities.  I am loaded with work, especially every board meeting, end of month and end of quarter but I like doing many things or multi-tasking since it is like time is just passing by.  Though the compensation is not that high, I still think that working in this kind of institution is my field of work and I am thankful to be in this heartwarming environment where my colleagues are mature, respectful, caring, experienced and kind.  This might be my stepping stone as I plan to enter a commercial bank maybe after a year or two."

Julie Ann (left) with her twin sister, Joice Ann

She would not have attained her dream without the help of one person to whom she is very thankful to.  She said, "I am grateful to my aunt, not just because I am her niece but I know many people would also think that she is a wonderful, loving, warmhearted, hardworking, caring, God fearing, kind and generous person.  She is a selfless person who I adore the most.  She supported my studies (from Kindergarten to high school at St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City thru Tapulanga Foundation) until I graduated college.  She did the same with my eldest sister and twin sister.  And until now, she still supports the tuition fees and other expenses of our 2nd to the youngest sister and our youngest brother who is currently studying at UP Miagao.  I admire her and will always be grateful to her.  She helped me become what I am now.  Also I would like to thank God for making our aunt an instrument of His Love for us.  I believe it is all His plan and I trust Him always.  I  also thank my parents for bringing me into this world, for nurturing me not just physically but intellectually and spiritually.  The same goes to my teachers from kinder to college."

Please click on this link to read the article about her in 2007.

Eat.Share.Love.2015

We would like to thank our generous donors in supporting this event.

Platinum sponsors

L'Fisher Hotel
Tinihaban Agricultural Corporation
Dynamic Builders Construction

Gold sponsors

Hawaiian Philippine Company

Silver sponsors

IECComputers
Silay City Mayor Jose Montelibano
The Mercantile Insurance

Patrons

Prudential Guarantee and Assurance, Inc.

 PJL Auto Center

Silent Auction donors

Please click here to view the donors.

If you are interested to be a sponsor or silent auction donor, here are our various packages:

Platinum Sponsor – P20,000.00

• Your COMPANY NAME and/or LOGO at the top on all printed materials (tickets , posters, tarps)
• Your COMPANY NAME and/or LOGO on our website, social networking sites and blog
• Your COMPANY STREAMER (2 feet x 6 feet) displayed inside the main venue and in the reception area of L’Fisher Hotel during the event
• EIGHT TICKETS to the “Eat. Share. Love. 2015” event
• Special recognition by the Master of Ceremonies

Gold Sponsor – P10,000.00

• Your COMPANY NAME and/or LOGO at the bottom on printed materials (posters and tarps)
• Your COMPANY NAME and/or LOGO on our website, social networking sites and blog
• Your COMPANY STREAMER (2 feet x 6 feet) displayed in the reception area of L’Fisher Hotel during the event
• SIX TICKETS to the “Eat. Share. Love. 2015” event
• Special recognition by the Master of Ceremonies

Silver Sponsor – P5,000.00

• Your COMPANY NAME and/or LOGO on our website, social networking sites and blog
• Your COMPANY STREAMER (2 feet x 6 feet) displayed in the reception area of L’Fisher Hotel during the event
• FOUR TICKETS to the “Eat. Share. Love. 2015” event
• Special recognition by the Master of Ceremonies

Patron – P3,000.00

• Your NAME or COMPANY NAME on our website, social networking sites and blog
• TWO TICKETS to the “Eat. Share. Love. 2015” event

Silent Auction Donor (item/s or gift certificates)

• Your NAME or COMPANY NAME on our website, social networking sites and blog
• ONE TICKET to the “Eat. Share. Love. 2015” event (for a minimum of Php2,000 worth of item/s or gift certificates)

For Gold sponsors, we request for confirmation of sponsorship and submission of your company name or logo on or before October 15, 2015 as this will be printed on the posters and tarps.  You may email your company logo in .jpg format to mgolez@tapulanga.org. For more information, please contact Micmic Golez through mobile phone number 0998-1732788.

 Tapulanga Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization.

Your support is greatly NEEDED and APPRECIATED!

A Birthday Surprise Celebration for AJ!

October 5 was the most special birthday for Alvin John or "AJ" as he turned 10!  For the first time in his life, he celebrated his birthday with a "party" at his house in Zone 12A, Talisay City.  This was made possible thru the generosity and thoughtfulness of his TF donor, Ana Gonzaga-Layaoen of ABC Sunnyvale Child Care in California, USA, who requested the help of the foundation to give a surprise birthday celebration to her scholar.  Ms. Ana was the first donor to choose a scholar during the 60 Scholars in 30 Days Challenge last April.

The birthday celebrant, AJ, with his family (top) and best of friends in school (bottom).

His classmates in school surprised AJ in his home.  The party food included sotanghon, pork barbecue, fried chicken, rice and juice drinks with his mother's valenciana and chicken menudo. AJ blew his 10 candles on his birthday cake with blue balloons behind him and wished for "more birthdays to come!" 

AJ's father, Rizalino, shared how AJ was born.  They rode a trisikad (a bicycle with small cab at the side to carry passengers) to get to the hospital from Talisay to Silay while his wife, Ma. Jernalie, was in labor and about to give birth to AJ.  

Ms. Ana's good friend, Mrs. Joy Quidato-Pastoral, brought gifts for AJ.  He excitedly opened his gifts: clothes, toy car and his favorite gift was a soccer ball!

AJ and his parents were so happy and with a grateful heart, they are very thankful to Ms. Ana for the great joy she has brought not only to AJ but to the whole Secapore family.  

For more photos, click here. 

Art Exhibit 2015

September 2015

A group Art Exhibit "Redemption" by Kansilay Visual Artists Society (KanVAS) is being held at the Phinma Gallery-The Negros Museum in Bacolod City until September 30. KanVAS has chosen Tapulanga Foudation as a beneficiary as they share the same advocacy in helping less fortunate children.  Thru the exhibit, they will be able to take part in helping Tapulanga provide educational scholarships, a chance for a better life.  

The opening of Redemption Art Exhibit was attended by the artists themselves, Christian Octoso, Dennis Castañeda Valenciano, Ramon De los Santos, Roland Dayon, Char Laine, Chalmer Relatorre, Leonardo Samson, Akan Tha, Chevin Cuba, KC Don, Fe Sumagaysay, Zards Saballa and Jayem Y. Valenciano and Tapulanga Foundation's Project Coordinator, Paolo Rossini Fortaleza.

There are different mediums of artworks displayed in the gallery;  Paintings in oil on canvass, watercolor, acrylic and Sculptures made in terracotta and mixed media.  Their artworks depict the ways the children get to attend school.  The eagerness and the will to invade obstacles, no matter how far and how difficult.

For more photos, please click here.

To view the Redemption Catalog, click here.

The group also visited St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City last September 16 and held a short Art workshop to Grade 3 students.  They taught the students how to draw their Christmas Cards.

"I like the feeling of helping out kids on their artwork." Leonardo Samson

"I really enjoy the activity, the kids are polite and very fun to be with!"  Analyn Trespicio

"The school's environment is so homey and the kids are not that unruly, well-disciplined."  Divina Peñaflor

For more photos, click here.

Inspired to Share Tapulanga to Friends

September 9

Pocholo and Janice Perea are based in Dubai.  Janice had started a partial scholarship of her scholar back in 2010.  Last year Pocholo and Janice decided to do a full scholarship as part of the 60 Scholars in 30 Days Challenge in April 2014. During their recent home trip, they visited St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City.  Together with Janice's mother, Mrs. Tita Ordinario, they met their scholar, Chrismaine, a 7th grader and visited her classroom.  

"Visiting our scholar and the school inspired me to invite more friends to support Tapulanga Foundation." by Janice

They gave their scholar half a sack of rice, gift certificates for grocery and a little cash for Chrismaine's snacks in school.

Happy to Help! JP and Angeli dela Peña and MM Cusi visit SFAS!

September 7

Tapulanga Donors JP and Angeli dela Peña with their son and MM Cusi visited St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City.  The dela Peña family eagerly met their scholar for the first time. Hans is a new student and is in Grade 6.  They brought him a gift of assorted art materials.  Angeli's sister, Janine Totengco-Go is also a TF donor and they met her scholar, Ma. Cristyl, a 7th grader and gave her a gift from Janine as well.  This was MM Cusi's second visit to the school. She met her scholar, Prince, when he was in Kindergarten and he is now in 2nd grade.

JP, Angeli and their son and MM went around the school learning about the school's history and how Tapulanga Foundation was founded.  They were particularly interested in the school's implementation of the Dynamic Learning Program for all grade levels.

"It was a very humbling experience and I now feel more than honored to be a part of this great organization." by Angeli

"I am grateful for the opportunity to help.  It was great to see Prince again.  It reminded me that the small things we do to help can mean a lot to other people.  More blessings to your foundation and your school."  by MM 

A Heartwarming Experience Meeting Kirby and Jerzel

Ina Morales and her friends, Kim Joseph and Cheska Lacson met Kirby (Kindergarten) and Jerzel (Grade 3), who are both scholars of Ina's Mom (Dr. Melinda "Baby" Sarabia-Morales).  Ina and her friends were visiting from Manila and they brought gifts for Kirby and Jerzel and shared candies to their classmates.

"Visiting the school was a heartwarming experience for me, knowing that a real difference is being made in these students' lives" --- Ina Morales

Our Scholars: Jeremy and Philip Deogracias

The greatest success we'll know is helping others succeed and grow.

Jeremy and Philip Deogracias are siblings who graduated from St. Francis of Assisi School in Silay City and were Tapulanga Foundation scholars.

The eldest, Jeremy "Jem", graduated as 2nd Honorable Mention in 2010.  She entered SFAS in Kindergarten and became a TF scholar from Preparatory until High School.  Jem donors were Mr. Boy Severino and Mr. and Mrs. Kumar and Deena Sujanani.  Jem attended college at the University of St. La Salle-Bacolod taking up Bachelor of Science in Psychology through an Academic Scholarship from USLS and Tapulanga Foundation. She graduated Cum Laude last March 2014!  Jem's first job was at GC and C Group of Companies as Administrative Staff for 10 months and is currently an HR Assistant at HEM Tower Solution Inc., a Manpower Agency. She is also pursuing her Masters Degree in Psychology at USLS-Bacolod.

Philip "Ping" entered SFAS as a Preparatory student and became a TF scholar on his 2nd Grade until High School.  His sponsors were William and Joanne Serelis.  He graduated in 2011 and was awarded the Captain Gregorio S. Oca College Scholarship Grant by Tapulanga Foundation.  He entered seminary at Marian Missionaries of the Holy Cross in Silay City for 2 years then transferred to Pollatinne Seminary in Barangay Bata in Bacolod City.  He is now on his graduating year studying Philosophy at the Sacred Heart Missionary in Bacolod. Phil is praying to continue the 2-year Novitiate, then 3 years of Theology and finally Ordination to become a full-pledged Priest. 

Their parents are managing their own food "carinderia" business  and Jem is also helping them out financially as Phil is about to graduate from the seminary.  Jem and Phil are the pride of their parents and of Tapulanga Foundation for they are helping each other and doing what they love to do. 

Jem, second from the left, with colleagues at HEM Tower Solution Inc.

"First, I am thankful for the Catholic foundation that SFAS has cultivated in us (me and my brother, Philip.) It has greatly helped us become the persons we are right now.  I am thankful to Ms. Mic for believing in me and for continuing my scholarship and my brother's scholarship until college. I am also thankful to Sir JR and Ms. Ging for their emotional support back when I was in high school; to our parents, for letting us explore our skills and capabilities and for trusting us in our decision-making. Lastly and most importantly to our Lord. Looking back where I am standing right now, I can see that He has spun my life's thread beautifully. He has given me people to help us and support us in a lot of ways. Now, I strive hard to help my family and be able to give back to the school."  Jeremy 

Ping, first on the left first row, during the inauguration of the First Pallottine Missionary House 
in Bacolod and welcoming of the Pallottine Missionaries here in the Philippines

At Sacred Heart Seminary School of Philosophy

"My dream of becoming a priest started during my days in SFAS. I believe that God has planted in me a wonderful vocation of full service through priesthood. I will always thank Ms. Melit Gustilo, my former CLE teacher for years. She was the one who taught us how a true Christian should be, to be a person of hope, faith and charity. She was the key to my acquaintance of God's love, that made me realized that I also must share that same love of God to others. And all the staff of SFAS, especially my teachers in elementary and high school. Some of them have become my close friends, mentors, and guide. Sir JR Abello, my CLE and Economics teacher when I was in high school, and my adviser during my third year in high school. All the things I learned from Ms. Melit, he concreted. I was inspired more when he allowed us to visit the different faiths, those people of good will that are not Catholic Christians. Lastly, the Tapulanga Foundation. I was never any academic person. I didn't excel in studies, but Ms. Mic always trusted me. And giving me the opportunity to become her college grant is the big manifestation of her support and trust in me." Philip

Thank You to the Dupont Volunteer Recognition Program

DuPont is an American chemical company that was founded in July 1802 as a gun powder mill by Éleuthère Irénée du Pont.  In 2014, DuPont was the world's fourth largest chemical company based on market capitalization. (1) 

Thru the 2014 DuPont Volunteer Recognition program, DuPont honored nearly 320 employees.  Established in 1998, the program recognizes employees or teams of employees who share their time and talents to improve the quality of life in their communities.  On behalf of each honoree or honoree team, US$1000 is awarded to the organization where the community service is performed. 

Cesar "CJ" Regino, the HR Direct Center Leader of DuPont Manila, nominated Tapulanga Foundation to the 2014 DuPont Volunteer Recognition program.

"CJ has been helping a little boy go to school in their home province of Negros Occidental for the past 3 years in partnership with an NGO called Tapulanga Foundation.  Through his contributions, the child is able to continue his studies.  Cesar also makes sure to send the family Christmas gifts, and they are constantly updated about his performance in school and his life at home. " - DuPont

CJ, with wife Ruchel, visited St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City last January 5, 2015 to meet their scholar, Bredyn John, for the first time.  Bredyn is now in 1st grade. 

Last August 28, TF President, Dr. Jo-an Ledesma-Millonado attended the awarding cermony at DuPont Philippines Corporate Office in Pasig City, during the company's Core Value Day, and received the monetary donation. 

Dr. Jo-a Millonado with Mr. Azham Zahid, DuPont Corporate Communication Manager

Tapulanga Foundation is grateful to receive such a blessing and is honored to be recognized by such a prestigious company like DuPont, who promotes volunteerism among employees. 

1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wifi/DuPont

The Success of Project 800

Project 800 was launched in July in celebration of Nutrition Month.  To promote awareness and importance of proper hygiene and cleanliness, Tapulanga Foundation gave out toiletries and other supplies to scholars at St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City.

The foundation was blessed with donations of 800 packs of toiletries including bath soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes and toothpastes.  Our most generous contributions came from ACS Manufacturing Corporation, manufacturer and distributor of Shield soap and Unique toothpaste.

The toiletries were distributed on August 12 to all the scholars from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 10, including teachers and staff.  Before the distribution, Ms. Micmic Golez gave a short speech on the importance of proper hygiene.  TF board member, Bugsy Bongco, who spearheaded the project and the Sales Representative of ACS, Dandy Divinagracia were also present during the distribution of toiletries along with a special appearance from Unique Toothpaste's mascot.

We also want to express our gratitude to these kind-hearted people who made this project possible: Anonymous Donor, Bugsy Bongco, Arla Rose Perez, Cathy Sy, Eva Sabidong, JC Cachero, Sarah Navarro, Joy Lee, Vina Marcos-Rossuck, Dr. Joan Grace Trasmonte-Baticos, Mae Concepcion-Ravadilla, Carla Moñozca-Longa, Josette Gustilo, Trixie Ledesma-Servida, Cris Bocol, Aniceta Javelo, Dr. Julius de la Cruz, Confydent Dental Clinic of Dr. Eltton Fritz Lim and Dra. Dianne Margaret Lim, Kristine de Guzman and Atty. Jessica Hilado, Atty. Roy Santos and Atty. Fidel Valeros of PJS Law Office. 

 

For more photos, click here.

Building Hope for the Arriola Family

Mrs. Patricia Arriola and Mr. Jose Arriola are one of the beneficiaries of Tapulanga Foundation's Typhoon Yolanda House.  They live peacefully in a village across SFAS surrounded by fish ponds. 

It is a 1-kilometer walk or a 15-minute ride through a habal-habal, a Filipino term for a motorcycle ride with an extended backseat.  To reach their house, you will have to pass through a narrow rocky road through the sugarcane fields and fish ponds.  

Patricia and Jose have four children.  Jose works as a rice miller to support their family's needs.  Their children are recipients of educational scholarships from Tapulanga Foundation.  Their eldest, Pia Jean graduated from SFAS and is currently taking up BS Education in Carlos Hilado Memorial State College.  Her other siblings Princess Joy (Grade 9), Kaselle (Grade 8) and Prince Justin (Grade 2) are in SFAS.

Their old house was just one-bedroom so the other two siblings mostly slept at their relative's house next door. After the devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda, through the assistance of Tapulanga Foundation, they were able to build a two bedroom house, where they can all now fit in.

"We are really thankful and grateful to Tapulanga Foundation for generously extending help to us.  We hope that they can help more families and children to have a better future," Mrs. Arriola added. 

A Special Visit of Kindness

TF Donor Ana Gonzaga-Layaoen of ABC Sunnyvale Child Care in California, asked a good friend, Mrs. Joy Pastoral, to meet her scholar AJ last July 21 at St. Francis of Assisi School in Silay City. Mrs. Pastoral brought the shirt and the toys she sent for AJ.  Mrs. Layaoen was the first donor to choose a scholar during our 60 Scholar in 30 Days Challenge campaign, which was launched last April 1, 2015. 

 

"The opportunity of visiting SFAS and seeing AJ, made me remember the saying, Kindness begets Kindness.  We can make a difference in the lives of others when we remember the kindness we received from other people.  Let us pay it forward," shares Mrs. Pastoral. 

"When I was growing up as a child, my mom would bring me to the orphanage and I enjoyed helping out and being around with children.  I sincerely love and enjoy giving someone the opportunity and the chance to fulfill a part of their dreams, and will continue to help others." shares Mrs. Layaoen. 

Erwin and Matti Borres visit to St. Francis School of Silay City

Tapulanga Foundation donors Erwin and Matti Borres with their two boys, visited St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City last July 16 and met their scholar, Rain, and his mother and younger brother. They have been TF donors since 2012 when they sponsored Rain in kindergarten.  Rain is now in 2nd grade ... thanks to the Borres family!

Meeting our scholar Rain was a very moving experience for our family. To see the face of an innocent eager child, thankful for the gift of education, is a joy that can never be described, Matti Borres shared.

They also met TF donor Fiona Borres-de Luca's scholar, Christine, with her parents.  Fiona joined in building the Akubo Prayer Mudhouse in summer 2010 at SFAS.  She has sponsored Christine's schooling since she entered in pre-kindergarten. Christine is now in 4th grade ... thanks to Fiona!

TF Scholar Kyle Barnuevo Embraces College Life

Tapulanga Foundation scholar Kyle Barnuevo has embraced the biggest challenge of his academic life: college. He is an incoming 2^nd year student of BS Fisheries at the University of the Philippines – Visayas. 

We had the chance to talk to him about his experiences and struggles on his freshmen year.

How was your first day in college?

It was a great culture shock to be at UP Visayas. Where I came from (St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City), I was used to the discipline. But in college, you are free to do everything you want. So it’s up to me on what attitude to take, how I will dress up and how I will deal with my professors. It’s really different from where I came from so I needed to adjust and adapt the new school environment.

Where do you live?

My boarding house is situated outside UP. I eat my daily meals in a nearby “karinderya.” The house is exclusive for UP students and they share experiences and helpful knowledge to me often. 

How is UP life so far?

UP life is a lot more different than how my life went on during my high school years. I am now far away from my parents and I have to do all things all by myself but with their guidance. There are a lot of things happening in the campus: academics, sports, organizations, student government, and social life.

Do you have any affiliations with any club organizations?

I am a member of the University of The Philippines Icthyophilic Society, an organization that aims to help members achieve the excellence of their mind, body, and spirit and uplift the fisheries profession. They are my family here in UP. It is been in existence for 50 years. We have a hundred members composed of students and research assistants. Some of the members are already outside the country and some of them are teachers here. I joined this organization because I know I can hone myself here, my character, leadership, and my social life.

What are the challenges that you have encountered so far?

Academics. I admit that it’s really hard and a bit challenging. I really make sure that every vacant time is spent in studying because this is the only way that I can show that I am deserving of the help that Tapulanga Foundation is giving me. 

Do you have any message for your donors?

To all my donors, what you gave is the biggest blessing for me. You have helped me and my family more than you know. 

Kyle's ambition and courage to pursue his dreams is something to be admired. As he embraces the challenges of being a college student, Tapulanga Foundation continues to support him all the way together with the help of his generous donors.

Thankful for the Opportunity to Help

Tapulanga Foundation donors Cecille Ledesma and Gina Severino-Regalado met their scholars for the first time in St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City last July 10.

I consider myself blessed to be able to give Kimberly the opportunity to better herself through education. She is a sweet girl. Kudos to Tapulanga Foundation for giving me this opportunity.

Cecille has been a TF donor since 2010, starting with sponsoring a child to join the yearly Silay Summer Workshop of the foundation. In 2013, she decided to sponsor a child, Kimberly, to start Pre-Kindergarten. Today Kimberly continues to study in SFAS and is now in 1st grade.

This is Leanne. Her timid smile and whispered thank you created the sunshine for another grey and gloomy day :) My note for her today: "Fairy tales can come true. You gotta make them happen, it all depends on you." - Tiana (Princess and the Frog)

Gina started to support TF thru the Babes of Bacolod in Los Angeles when she attended their first yard sale fundraiser in 2004. In 2013, she sponsored her first lunch meal scholar.  She has been sponsoring Leanne’s lunch meal since last year. 

American Composer visits St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City

American composer and conductor, Joseph "Joe" Curiale, and his friend Erel Bucayan visited St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City on July 2 and shared cute purses to 1st to 3rd grade scholars and met Tapulanga Foundation board officer, Joey Benin, at the 
P U N O N G.

"My recent visit to St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City was an inspiration. The loving atmosphere, and warmth of the students and faculty made it clear that this is a school where real education can be found. Having the good fortune of Executive Director Ma Carmela Abello Golez serving as my tour guide, it was easy to understand how this was achieved. It requires strong and intelligent vision, backed by love, compassion, and unbending dedication to reach and maintain such a high and noble goal. I look forward to visiting again as soon as possible," Dr. Curiale shared.