Monday, March 7, 2016

TF Scholars Raymart and Mariel Sadio

Raymart and Mariel Sadio are both in 3rd grade at St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City.  Their father Renante, works as a night-shift security guard at SFAS and their mother Malou weaves "nipa", a material for thatched roofing.


Raymart and Mariel have been TF scholars since they started Pre-Kindergraten at SFAS. This coming school year, their youngest brother, Renante, Jr., is hoping to study in SFAS with his siblings and be a TF scholar as well.


The Sadio siblings are just a few of the many aspiring young students to receive not just quality education at SFAS but also a chance for a better life as TF scholars.  Tapulanga Foundation is about to launch its "60 Scholars in 30 Days Challenge" and we are looking forward for you to be a part of this wonderful cause.





Wednesday, March 2, 2016

The Katalbas Siblings (Czarina and Ed) meet their Scholars (Laurine and John Rey)

Last February 12, siblings Czarina and Ed Katalbas, with their sister-in-law, Babes and nephew Ricky, visited St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City and met their scholars Laurine Estardo (Grade 3) and John Rey Capa (Grade 9). They became sponsors of Laurine and John Rey when they joined the 50 Scholars Challenge in April 2013.  Czarina was a member of the Babes of Bacolod group in Los Angeles who helped raised funds and promote the programs of Tapulanga for many years.

L-R Laurine Estardo, scholar of Czarina and John Rey Capa, scholar of Ed
 
To Czarina and Ed, your generosity is greatly appreciated.  Thank you for taking the time to meet your scholars and visit the school. 

L-R Babes, Laurine, Czarina, John Rey, Ed and Ricky.

My sister and I visited our respective scholars as part of our very brief stay in the Philippines. And it was such a humbling experience to meet Micmic and Gen who showed us what Micmic’s family do to honor and continue the legacy of her grandma who founded the St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay. One can really sense the nobility and kindness of their undertaking in providing priceless life experience to kids who would otherwise be set in a different path.  The balmy weather, simplicity, charm and the welcoming spirit that pervaded the atmosphere of the school, where kids greeted us “Good morning visitors” at every turn, made me yearn to go back in time to be a kid again even if for just a moment and relive it like our scholars.  Such innocent, sweet and very lucky kids to be under the wings of the Tapulanga Foundation.  My utmost thanks to all of the wonderful people of the St. Francis of Assisi School and the Tapulanga Foundation. by Ed Katalbas