Tapulanga Foundation Extends Help to Scholars' Families during COVID-19

As our country was greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, quarantines and lockdowns were strictly implemented by our government over cities and provinces to help control the spread of the virus. With this, many of our fellow citizens lost their livelihoods and were in distress about the situation.

Through the help of our very generous and committed donors, Tapulanga Foundation was able to extend help to 118 families of scholars by giving groceries and rice (to many, at least 2 to 3 weeks in a row) since March 31 until today.

Our grocery package consisted of 10 cans of sardines, 2 cans of beef loaf or sausage, a dozen eggs, and 10 packs of noodles with 3 - 5 kilos of rice. In the first few weeks of the quarantine, we included laundry and bath soap and a pack of Fita cookies.

Words cannot express how thankful these families are to everyone who extended financial help during the quarantine period. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU VERY MUCH, and God bless and reward you!

Feed the Hungry Inc., Washington D. C. Chapter visits St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City

Last February 15, 2017 members of Feed the Hungry, Inc. Washington DC chapter visited and distributed set of hygiene kit to more than 400 scholars of Tapulanga Foundation, Inc., Serenaded by Swedish saxophonist Mr. Anders Paulsson.  Hygiene kit includes: toothbrush, toothpaste, bath soap, hand towel and a pair of socks.

View more photos here.

The Coory and the Bactong Families Meet

Last October 31, TF donors Damian and Lisa Coory visited St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City (SFAS) and met their scholar, CJ. The Coory's used to sponsor the Bactong brothers, CJ and Casey, when they were in grade school, as their mother taught in SFAS. The Bactong brothers transferred to another school when their mother left SFAS to teach in the public school. Their father joined the SFAS faculty last school year and upon CJ's request, he transferred back to SFAS as 10th grade scholar with the Coory's support once again.

The Coory and the Bactong family with Ms. Micmic Golez, Executive Director of TF.

Please visit our website, www.tapulanga.org to learn more about the our activities, news and events.

Christmas Giving Program 2016

Tapulanga Foundation, Inc., has once again spread the love through the Christmas Giving Program to every scholars and the neighboring communities last December 2016.  A week-long giving program started last December 17 as Grade 10 scholars were treated to a whole-day of fun at the Campuestohan Highland Resort in Talisay City.  

26 Grade 10 Tapulanga scholars at Campuestuhan

On December 19, the preschoolers had fun and received gifts from their respective sponsors at the SFAS Edgardo Ledesma Hall.  They were treated to play to a pop-up balloon and snacks.

The next day, December 20, the foundation went to Jose Cuaycong Elementary School and distributed gifts to more than 200 students and 8 teachers.  Each students got a toy and a noche buena pack. At the same day, about 70 Hda. Lonoy residents also received their gift packs.

Students from Jose Cuaycong Elementary School

Hda. Lonoy gift recipients

On December 21, the main event wherein the Grade 1 to Grade 9 scholars of St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City gathered at the covered court and received their gifts, had fun and snacks.  The grade 1 to 3 scholars were also treated to play to the pop up balloon while the grade 4 to 9 scholars got the chance to take home a photo bookmark from the photobooth by MetroClick.  Faculty and staff of SFAS and Tapulanga Foundation also received gift packages with ham.

SFAS Faculty and Staff and Tapulanga Scholars during the Gift Giving, December 21, 2016

And on December 23, total of 21 College and Grade 11 scholars were treated to lunch at Chicken House Silay while Hda. Tinihaban recipients gathered at the Our Lady of Nativity Chapel, each received a spaghetti gift pack.

Lunch at Chicken House Silay for College and Grade 11 Tapulanga scholars

Hda. Tinihaban gift recipients

View photos on the links below.

December 17 Grade 10 at Campuestohan
December 19 Preschool's Gift Giving
December 20 Jose Cuaycong Elementary Gift Giving
December 21 Grade 1 to 9 Gift Giving
December 23 College and Grade 11

Please visit our website, www.tapulanga.org to learn more about the Foundation's activities, news and events.

Susan Benin-Presto Meets Her Scholars!

Last October 20, TF donor Susan Benin-Presto from the USA visited St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City with her mother, Lydia Benin, her brother (and TF Vice President), Joey Benin and sister-in-law, Bing Ledesma-Benin. She met her scholars, Kenneth Amaro, Kinder and Keith Sotis, Grade 2 and had a short chat with them.  

Ms. Susan with her two scholars, Keith and Kenneth

Top (L-R) Bing Benin, Susan Benin Presto, Lydia Benin and Joey Benin
Bottom (L-R) Keith Sotis and Kenneth Amaro

Joey, Bing, Lydia, Susan and Ms. Mic

Thank you so much Ms. Susan and family for taking time in meeting your scholars and visiting the school!

"I want to thank the Tapulanga Foundation again for giving me a chance to sponsor kids such as Kenneth and Keith. Visiting them and the school is one of the great memories that I will treasure. Seeing the smile on the kids' faces is just an expression of the joy in studying at St Francis. I felt very welcome and it felt like everyone appreciated our visit. It was good to know from Micmic that kids have to pass a test in order to be admitted at St Francis and it really proved that all the kids enjoy learning by their gestures. It was examinations day when we visited so most of the kids were so focused on their tests but they all greeted us with a smile and a "Good morning Miss/visitors" greeting!

I've sponsored kids from different organizations but this was the first time I've visited the kids at St Francis through the Tapulanga Foundation - I no longer see my financial support but rather I see an established bond with Kenneth and Keith which I will have the opportunity to expand my relationship with them and receive God's grace. My visit also gave me assurance of the the Tapulanga Foundation's financial stewardship. I believe that Kenneth and Keith are going to get a good education! Thanks again to Micmic, Gen and to the teachers...may you be blessed and may you continue to be a blessing!" - Mrs. Susan Presto

For more news and updates, please visit our website:  www.tapulanga.org

Toiletries for Tapulanga Scholars!

A BIG THANK YOU to Leah, Joseph and Coby Castillo, Letlet Estacio, Marjorie Defensor Lopez, Mano Morales, Irma Escalona, Belle Cohen and Gia De la Pena for donating toiletries to the Grade 9 and 10 scholars last October 19, 2016 at St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City. 

Please visit our website:  www.tapulanga.org.

Ms. Joann Miraflores Visits SFAS

Last October 10, Ms. Joanne Miraflores visited St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City and met the scholars of her cousin, Mrs. Ana Gonzaga-Layaoen.  Her daughter, Monica, came with her and she brought gifts to the scholars from Ms. Ana.

From left to right (bottom): Khrys Rhyn, Monica (Ms. Joann's daughter), Zoe, Ms. Joann and AJ

Scholars of Ms. Ana: Khrys Rhyn with his mother, Marechris, Zoe and AJ

Thank you so much Ms. Ana Gonzaga-Layaoen for your thoughtfulness and thank you Ms. Joann for sharing your time with the children.


Please visit our website:  www.tapulanga.org

Two Birthday Celebrations in One Day!

Last October 5, TF donors Ana Gonzaga-Layaoen and Rina Yan sponsored birthday treats for their scholars, Alvin Secapore and Alrhie John Coja.

TF donor Ana Gonzaga-Layaoen has been very thoughtful and generous as this is her second year to treat her scholar, Alvin, on his birthday.  This year, she treated the whole family to lunch at Chicken Deli at The District Ayala in Talisay City. Alvin also received a red race car toy on top of his birthday cake.

Alrhie is one of Ms. Rina Yan's scholars and on his birthday, his family was treated to lunch at Mang Inasal in Silay City. He also received gifts and a birthday cake.

A BIG thank you to Ms. Ana and Ms. Rina for having such a BIG heart!  You both made Alvin and Alrhie very happy on their birthday!

More photos here.

Visit our website, www.tapulanga.org.

Mrs. Mitos Gloudemans Visits SFAS

Last September 30, Mrs. Mitos Bayog-Gloudemans with husband, Tony, and good friend, Atty. Connie Rivera, visited St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City for the first time and met her scholar, Ruel Badian, Jr., a Pre-Kindergarten student.  Mitos chose Ruel to be her scholar during the 60 Scholars Challenge last summer.

"Our visit to your school and meeting Ruel was very emotionally rewarding. Hope that it won't be too long for us to visit him again." Tony and Mitos Gloudemans

Visit our website:  www.tapulanga.org

Kristine Labayen Reyes Finds Joy in Sending Kids to School

TF donor, Kristine Labayen Reyes, visited St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City last September 6 and met her new TF scholars, Pauline and Aina Mae.  Kristine finds joy in supporting Tapulanga Foundation and sponsored a scholar a couple of years ago and decided to sponsor again this school year 2016-2017.  

Kristine Reyes and her scholars, Aina Mae Paciño and Pauline del Sol, 7th graders.

Kristine with her girlfriends (L-R): Alaine Borja, Kristine Reyes, Aina Mae, Pauline,
Leizel Esteban, Joy Araneta and Trixia Aspan.

Kristine conversed with the school principal, JR Abello.

"It was really nice to see the girls and meet them. They seem to be well behaved, respectful, and studious. I hope I can get to know more about them; their interests, their dreams, their challenges. I can feel that they have a lot of potential and I would really like to inspire them to dream big and study hard to achieve bigger things in life." by Kristine Labayen Reyes


Please visit our website, www.tapulanga.org to learn more about the foundation's activities, news and events. 

Mrs. Lolita Jardeleza Visits SFAS Once Again

Last July 26, Mrs. Lolita Ledesma-Jardeleza visited St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City once again and met five of her six scholars.  Her 6th scholar is in Grade 11 at Riverside College in Bacolod City.  Ms. Inday, as she is fondly called by everyone, was on vacation from the United States of America and brought along her son, Rob, and her five grandchildren.

L-R Back: Darby, Libby, Billy, Maddie, Danny and Eva
Front: Leenen, Aileen, Ms. Inday, Lorebeth, Mariel and Lorie

Ms. Inday has been one of Tapulanga Foundation's most loyal and generous supporter for many, many years.  In 2004, she taught at the school for six months.  She attends the yearly benefit dinner in Maryland.  Some of her children also support their own scholar at St. Francis through the foundation.

Ms. Inday with SFAS Principal JR Abello

Mr. JR Abello, school principal, gave them a tour of the school, including the new building and the mud chapel.

Please visit our website, www.tapulanga.org to learn more about the foundation's activities, news and events. 

Mrs. Jerebeth Abordaje Meets Her Scholar for the First Time!

Last June 30, TF donor Jerebeth Abordaje visited St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City for the first time and met her 7th grade scholar, Alkin Sellado.  Ms. Jerebeth joined the 60 Scholar in 30 Days Challenge 2016 last summer.

"I was happy and excited to meet Alkin in person. Being able to help someone attain a quality education is a privilege for me because I want to give hope that someone's life or a family for that matter will someday be economically better. I pray that Alkin will persevere to do his best with this opportunity for his sake, his family and his future generation."  by Jerebeth M. Abordaje


Please visit our website, www.tapulanga.org to learn more about the foundation's activities, news and events.

Mrs. Geegee Catral and Dra. Bernardita Gabriel Finally Met Their Scholars!

Last June 9, on the first day of school, TF donors Mrs. Geraldine "Geegee" Catral of Beacon School and her mother, Dra. Bernardita Tolentino-Gabriel, visited St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City and met their scholars for the first time!  Ms. Geegee has been a sponsor since 2014 through the 75 Scholars in 30 Days Challenge.  She sponsors one child to school and sponsors three lunch meals of scholars.

L-R: Ms. Geegee with her lunch meal scholars, Ashly Santillan, Mark Canicula and Abby Libo-on
and her full scholar, Richelle Bernasol.

Dra. Gabriel sponsored a scholar in 2014 for one school year then sponsored a new scholar during the 60 Scholars in 30 Days Challenge in April of this year.

Dra. Bernardita Gabriel with her new scholar, Cheriemel Piedad.

    

The donors gave new backpacks to their scholars.

L-R: Dra. Bernardita Gabriel, Ms. Geegee Catral, Ashly Santillan, Mark Canicula, Abby Libo-on, Cheriemel Piedad and Richelle Libo-on
Back L-R: Micmic Golez, Mrs. Tet Pison-Regalado and Dra. Giselle Gabriel

Also, see Ms. Geegee's post on her FB account in this link.

A Yearly Visit of TF Donor-Siblings, Mary Ann Deduque and Andy Ledesma

Last May 3, as the enrollment process started at St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City, Mrs. Mary Ann Ledesma-Deduque with children Johann and Kayla met up with their TF scholar, Bryll, with his sibling Glenn and mother, Elna. Together with Mary Ann was his brother, Andy, who is also a TF donor with daughter Francheska. 

(Back L-R) Andy, Francheska, Mary Anne, Elna
(Front L-R) Kayla, Johann, Bryll and Glenn

Mary Ann started sponsoring Bryll last school year when she joined the 60 Scholars Challenge 2015.  They toured the school and the kids had fun on the children's playground.  

Mrs. Deduque expressed her enjoyment during the time she visited the school and meeting Bryll for the second time in this Facebook post.  The Ledesma siblings with their family visit their hometown Silay every summer and they have now added a visit to St. Francis of Assisi School as well.

The Peters Family Meet Their Scholar for the First Time!

Last April 22, TF donors Patrick and Katrina Peters visited St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City and meet their scholar, Jasmine Joy Eguid. 

The couple brought their 4-month old son, Sawyer and Katrina's sister, Joyce. They have been sponsoring Jasmine for the last 5 years since she started Pre-Kindergarten in 2012.  Jasmine is now in 3rd grade.  They brought Jasmine a gift set of coloring materials.

"Hello! My name is Kat and I live in Montreal with my husband Pat. I first found out about Tapulanga through my friend, JR Abello, whose sister Micmic is Executive Director of the foundation. I started with partial sponsorship of a scholar every year for several years and when I met Pat, we started supporting a scholar together. Would you believe that after all these years, we have never been to St. Francis of Assisi School in Silay City, where our scholars go to school? So Pat and I were both very excited when we had the opportunity to visit the school during our recent vacation.

We met our scholar Jasmine, who came with her mom and sister. It was also nice to finally meet Genalyn and Micmic who both do a very good job with updating us not just on our scholar, but also with the school and the foundation’s activities. They took us on a tour of the campus, which was quite spacious and well maintained. Since it was summer, there was no class, but we saw many students who were participating in the summer classes that the foundation had organized. We were impressed with the summer program as it gave students the chance to participate in a variety of activities outside of coursework, such as sports, music, dance, and art. We also loved seeing how the school has adapted to the realities of its environment. I enjoyed seeing the campus chapel made of mud, while Pat thought it was cool how the chairs were made of steel so they would not float away during the occasional flooding that happens when typhoon season arrives. 

It was a short but eventful visit. We’ve seen with our own eyes the amazing work Tapulanga and St. Francis of Assisi School are doing to provide educational opportunities to young ones who would otherwise not have the resources to go to school. Pat and I are very proud to be part of Tapulanga and will continue to support their endeavors in the future. Thank you Micmic, Gen and Jasmine for hosting us during our trip!"

Summer Visit from the Olorga Family and Mrs. Azucena

Last April 15, TF donors Jackie Lou Velasco-Azucena, and Joe and Joy Olorga visited St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City and met their scholars for the first time.

The Olorgas were on vacation from the US with their son, Logan.  They have been sponsoring Mariel Sadio, who is in Grade 3, since 2012 when she entered SFAS in Pre-Kindergarten. They chose her as their scholar during the 35 Scholars Challenge in April 2012.

Jackie Lou has been supporting Tapulanga Foundation since 2005. She also helps in sponsoring other school needs of 10th grader Jhane Rose Coja.  

"On April 15, we finally got the chance to meet Mariel, our scholar since pre-kindergarten. It was quite nice to see her in person after several years of exchanging photos and messages via Facebook and email. It was very rewarding to see her doing so well in school and be able to gradually achieve her dreams in life with the help of the Tapulanga Foundation.  We also met our scholar's mother, Malou.

Thank you, for giving us a tour around the school grounds. We feel glad to see the school improving and growing, as well as giving the opportunity to help the students reach their goals in life. We will definitely come back and visit the school whenever we are in the Philippines." by Joe and Joy Olorga


"Last April 15, I went to St. Francis school to meet with my scholar Jhane Rose to see how she is. We had a small talk and told me she's doing well in school and that she'll be in grade 11 next year. Wishing her all the best and hope she keeps up her good grades." by Jackie Lou Velasco-Azucena

The Koutsavdis Share Their Blessings

Last March 18, Mrs. Mary Bayaban-Koutsavdis visited SFAS and brought gifts for her four scholars. She met her two new scholars for the first time, Rico and Christy.  Ms. Mary had previously visited the school several times in the past, and together with her husband, Evangelos, first sponsored a student in 2011 and have added one new scholar every year.

"Whenever I go on vacation in Negros I always look forward to visit St. Francis to meet our scholars. It always gives me joy in my heart to see them. My husband and I are thankful that we can share our blessings with these children." by Mary Koutsavdis

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