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