Good Sight = Good Education

After several screenings to determine their vision correction needs, new set of SFAS teachers ( Ms. Yvette Jaranilla , Ms. Louren Purisima, Sir Jomar Eguid, Ms. Luzel Estrobo, Ms. Catrina Deriada and Ms. Cindy Dumdumaya ) and students (Miguel Lavilla, Ajay Gonzales, Nicole Monge, Reymart Navarette and Justine Duyo)  were given FREE EYEGLASSES this school year 2012-2013. This has been a project of the Tapulanga Foundation for many years already to provide a better sight to those who need it the most.

Since it started, the program has seen that providing eyeglasses to the students did not only make them see better but had other good effects such as boosting their self – confidence, increasing their class participation and better performance in school.

“By the time my eyeglass was given to me, I was very happy. It is because it helped me a lot. I am very thankful because I can now see writings clearly." - Justine Duyo , Grade 9 student 

“The eyeglass has been very helpful to me especially in my studies. I could clearly read now the writings on the board even if it is far. I am very happy and thankful for it. “ – Miguel Lavilla, Grade 9 student

“Thank you for the eyeglass because I can see things far from me. Thank you also for the school for helping me with my eye problem.” – Ajay Gonzales, Grade 5 student

“I am very thankful that in this institution, not only is the education of the children their concern but also the teachers, especially for those of us who have difficulty in reading and seeing things clearly. Thank you for my eyeglass. “ – Ms. Catrina Deriada , Grade 4 Adviser 

“Thank you for the Tapulanga Foundation because they have given me an eyeglass which I can use everyday especially when I am doing paper works.” -  Ms. Louren Purisima, Science & Social Studies Teacher 

Eat. Share. Love. 2012 Benefit Dinner

A BIG thanks to all who supported the 4th annual benefit dinner of Tapulanga Foundation, Inc. held in L'Fisher Hotel last November 16, 2012.  La Proa Halls 1 and 2 were filled with more than 200 people; everyone enjoyed the buffet dinner and at the center of the hall, the silent auction of over 100 items was displayed.  Congratulations to Matthew Ledesma for winning the raffle prize of a Kindle HD Fire.

The chorale and dancers of St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City, of whom mostly are scholars of Tapulanga Foundation, showcased their talent during the evening.

Not only did we have more attendees this year, thanks to all the generous sponsors and donors, we were able to double sponsorships this year both in cash and in kind donations. We raised a total of Php305,500 to include the raffle and dinner tickets.

The menu for the evening was Potato Italian Salad, Lasagna, Beef Steak Tagalog, Chicken Teppanyaki, Pan Fried Fish Fillet with Tarragon Herb Butter, Buttered Mixed Vegetables and Chocolate Cake.

Thank you to all our sponsors:  Gold - L'Fisher Hotel, Hawaiian Philippine Company, Mandala Centering Place, Philippine Sugar Corporation and Tinihaban Agricultural Corporation; Silver - Ayala North Point, C2 of Universal Robina Corporation, Calea Pastries and Coffee, Dynamic Builders Construction, Gerard Dacles Photography at the Wedding and Events Gallery, Hon. Mayor Jose "Oti" Montelibano and the People of Silay City, Mr. Roberto Abello, Orix Metro Leasing & Finance Corporation, Standard Insurance Company, SVG Schuurmans & Van Ginneken Philippines, The Mercantile Insurance and anonymous donors; Table - Associacion de Hacenderos de Silay-Saravia, Crown Agri-Trading Corporation, Datalink Technologies Inc., Magallanes Shell Service Station, Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Pedrosa, Mr. and Mrs. Jiel Arcillas, Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Yanson, PJL Auto Center, Prudential Guarantee and Twin Shell Service Station; Minor - Hotel Pagcor Bacolod, Bellicimo Enterprises, Betty Bantug Benitez Foundation, SWIP Travel, The GiggleBugs Gift & Party Shop, ACTS Food Corporation, Anton and Gino Lopez, Jojo and Rolyn Ponce, Hon. Vice Mayor Mark Golez and Trinkets.

Thank you as well to all our silent auction donors:  21 Restaurant, 27^th Bascon, Aboy’s Restaurant, Ann Co Cakes, Art Energy, Azatri Souvenirs, Bacolod 18^th Street Palapala, Café 1925, Café Uma, Chicken House, Corazon Chiofalo, Deco’s Original La Paz Batchoy, Felicia’s Café and Restaurant, Grill Guru, Hacienda Crafts Company, Heart Warmers, Heirlooms Pacifica, Janice Ragona, Joey Ledesma, Jojo Regollo, Joy Barreiro, J’s Fine Jewelry, June Abello, Juvy Intal, Kamiseta (Robinson’s), Kiculo, Livewell Spa, Lizzie Ledesma, L’Kaisei Japanese Restaurant, Lopue’s East Centre, Mafi Segovia, Margie Abello, Miren Desserts and Café, Nature’s Village Resort Hotel and Restaurant, Negros Grace Pharmacy (Silay City branch), Negros Saturn Marketing, Nickelodeon, Octagon Computer Superstore, Papel Handicrafts, Pinky Lizares, Play Studio, Reeds & Weeds, Sarabia Optical (Robinson’s), Spa Natura, The Handmade Gallery, The Sugarland Hotel, The Suites of Calle Nueva, The Travel Lounge, Ting Cristales and Trattoria Uma. 

The BIG Task of Parenthood

The parents of the high school scholars of Tapulanga Foundation stopped for half a day from work  last October 20, 2012 to have some time of reflection, prayer and inputs on parenting.

This was facilitated by SFAS teachers and Campus Ministry directors, Sir Jomar Eguid and Sir Leonard Guinabo who talked about parenting.  Some parents were given the chance to share their experiences as parents as well.

One of the touching moments that made them cry was when the parents read the letters from their sons and daughters.

PERFECT ! It’s realization time.  The recollection made us realize how to become a good parents , good models to our child. It made me think about the things I haven’t done to my children.  – Mrs. Roxanne Artillo

I appreciate so much the effort of the teachers that encouraged us parents to become better parents .  – Mr. Noel Delos Santos

I don't regret that I attended the Parents Recollection. It reminded me of my great responsibility as a parent. I’ve also realized my “ kakulangan” to my children.  - Mrs. Hazel Bacaoco

A "Changing" Seminar for the Benefit of TF

St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City faculty and staff, together with other students, faculty, parents, businessmen and professionals from Negros, attended an "inspiring" seminar entitled "I Change: Winning Disciplines for Change" by Francis J. Kong at the University of St. La Salle Bacolod last September 22, 2012. 

Tapulanga Foundation, Inc. was one of the seminar's beneficiaries, together with the Kalipay Foundation Scholarship Fund and One La Salle Scholarship Fund. Other speakers were Alex Lacson (Faith in the Filipino), Yeng Remulla (On Starting Something) and Lois Yasay (Starting a Passion Revolution) who were also applauded for their inspiring sharing. The crowd was given the task to make a survey of the things, traits or habits that they want to change and they want to achieve. It was an avenue in gaining tips and techniques establishing DISCIPLINE within Filipinos. Francis J. Kong emphasized that “good people do not retire, they refire” which inspired all especially the SFAS attendees.

“To attain success, I learned that I need to have more patience in life, be strong and do my best in everything I do.” – Ms. Elena Coja, Grade 1 Adviser

“I learned that discipline is the best factor to change.  I especially like the three do’s: just do it, do it yourself and do business honorably.” – Ms. Maricel Navigar, Assistant Vice Principal and Preschool In-Charge

“I learned to have a positive outlook towards life no matter how hard it is.”

 – Ms. Rosemarie Iglesia, Grade 3 Adviser

“I learned that I have to develop more character and aim high. Most of all, I learned that I don’t have to stop learning.” – Ms. Leda Ibugan, Grade 2 Adviser

“I learned that discipline is the road to success.” – Ms. May Santillan, School Librarian

Sharing Hope 2012 MD - Thank You for your support!

Our heartful thanks to our guests last week at Sharing Hope 2012.  We had about 130 guests at Kahler Hall in Columbia, Maryland.  Our event started promptly at 5pm and we ended the silent auction shortly before 8 pm and picked the winners of our raffle.  Marcella Glasgow won the iPad, Bryan Teague won the Microsoft Surface tablet (to be delivered when it comes out in a few weeks), and Cindy Kolodziejski won the Google Nexus table.

We couldn't have done this without everyone's support including those who weren't able to join us that evening but still sent in their generous donations and bought raffle tickets.  We hope many of you will join us again next year.  Together with all the pledges we received, we raised more than $17,000.  Thank you for these blessings to support our programs in the Philippines.

Thanks to Mari Abello for the wonderful pictures from the event.

Here's a video we showed at the event showing students in their various activities at SFAS.

And here's a video taken during our presentation.

North Star (from Fort Washington) provided the catering and the desserts were made by Margie Abello and Chrissy Jardeleza.

Our menu for the evening was Lechon (Roast Suckling Pig), Pork and Chicken barbecue, Chicken Adobo, Lumpia Shanghai (pork), Vegeteble Springrolls, Bijon and Sotanghon noodles, Mongo (Beans) with Spinach (vegetarian), Beef Caldereta (with carrots, red peppers, peas and potatoes), Fried Plantains, Mango Pastel, Pili Squares, Cassava Cake, Leche Flan, Meringue, Fried Rice and White Rice.

Thank you to our sponsors, Akubo, Teresa Hoffman MD & Associates, Design Essentials, Susan Clack, LB Hand Therapy, Randy and Renee Reyes, Law office of Ria P. Rochvarg, and Law office of Katherine Taylor.

Thank you to all our silent auction donors --- Margie Abello, Mari Abello and Lisa Kornerup, Jack and Madeleine Castro, Susan Clack, Clyde’s Restaurant, Coventry School for Dogs, Midge Crystle, Custom Media Options, Melinda Derrick, Ellicott Mills Brewing Company, Karen Gerald, Ramon and Marianne deGuzman, Ging and Michael Graham, Pat Hiban, David Hobby, John Hossli, Neal and Virginia Jarvis, Leelyn’s Restaurant, Maryann Laing, MD Dermatology of Maryland, Robert McAllister, Kathy Miller, Jackie Panowicz, Percworks, Scott and Judy Pelletier, Pub Dog, Jose Raymundo, Joanie Reisfeld, Lia Ridout, Faith Riggs, Alvin and Babsie Sanico, Sarah Sauder, Steve and Becky Sauder, Molly Scheufele, Frankie Schwenk, Joanne Serelis, Aaron and Meghan Sommers, Bob and Sue Strauss, Michelle Taylor, and Toby's Dinner Theatre of Columbia.

Inspiring Dreamers through the Years

For over 10 years of granting educational assistance, Tapulanga Foundation has inspired students in gaining quality education, especially in St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City. Two graduating high school scholars, RJ Navigar and Jean Mate, continue to have a chance at better lives because of Tapulanga Foundation.

Aside from receiving financial benefits for school-related expenses, Tapulanga Foundation scholars have been treated to free summer workshops, medical benefits and enriching field trips.  RJ and Jean have been attending two summers of hip-hop dance workshops and RJ has attended two acting workshops as well.

Both come from financially-challenged family backgrounds. RJ’s mother works for ten years already at SFAS and is presently Preschool In-Charge and assistant to the Vice Principal while his father is a farm worker. His brother (an SFAS alumnus) is now in 2^nd year college (with a college scholarship) and his younger sister is currently in Grade 1 (also at SFAS and a Tapulanga Foundation scholar). Jean’s mother is an office clerk while her father works as a sales agent for a telecommunications company.   Her brother (an SFAS alumnus and sports scholar of TF) is in his 2^ndyear at LCC-Bacolod. 

How long have you been Tapulanga scholars?

RJ:       It’s been 11 years since I was in Kindergarten.

Jean:  I’ve been a Tapulanga Scholar since 2010, when I was in 2^nd year High School.

How is your senior year so far?

RJ:       I’m sad to think about it, but that’s life. We (my batchmates) are enjoying our time together.

Jean:  My Senior year has been so busy so far. But still, I’m enjoying it as it is my last year being a Franciscan.

What are your feelings as this is your last year in SFAS?

RJ:       I’m sad but I am PROUD of my Alma Mater. It has raised me as a good

student, enhancing my skills and developing my individuality.

Jean:  As this is my last year in SFAS, I am cherishing my 2^nd home and bonding more with my classmates.

What are your plans/dreams after SFAS?

RJ:       I’m planning to take up Bachelor of Secondary Education, Major in MAPEH (Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health). I want to pursue it at USLS (University of Saint La Salle) or CSA-B (Colegio de San Agustin-Bacolod).

Jean:  After graduating, I plan to take up either Tourism or Mass Communications. I am hoping to enroll in LCC (La Consolacion College) or USLS.

What message can you give to the Tapulanga Foundation?

RJ:       First and foremost, thank you for making me a scholar at SFAS.  It has been my “cocoon” (for 11 years), but time will soon come that I will spread my wings like a butterfly, ready to soar high in my life. I will try my best to return and help my fellow Franciscans too.

Jean:  I’m really thankful to Tapulanga Foundation because they shouldered all my school expenses the past three years. It has been a big help for me and my family especially that we lack the finances. I also thank my sponsors because they believed that I can get high grades and I am worthy to become their scholar.

With high hopes, the foundation, as well as the school, sees bright futures for these two scholars.  Hopefully, the two will be granted scholarships when they will enter college, allowing them to continue exploring their infinite possibilities and reaching their dreams.

Carinderia to Canteen: Ruby Barnuevo’s Micro-credit Story

It was only three years ago that Mrs. Ruby Barnuevo was still a struggling food vendor in Hacienda Lugway, Silay City. Although cooking was her passion, she struggled to make ends meet for her family. Today, she owns a stall in the canteen of St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City (SFAS) with the help of Tapulanga Foundation’s micro-credit program.

“The food business has always appealed to me. With the micro-credit loan of the foundation, I don’t have to worry that much about finding capital for my business.” said Mrs. Barnuevo, 43 years old. She lives in Hacienda Lugway, with her husband, Judy and their five children: 3rd year high school student Kyle Dominic, 4th grader Kara Fraancheska, 2nd grader Kier Vincent, and pre-kinder Jude Bryan – all students of SFAS and scholars of the Tapulanga Foundation.

“I loan 6,000 pesos and pay on a weekly basis for two months. It all works out quite well and I get to have extra money at the end of the day for savings. Sometimes my husband helps me out and so does some my children.”

 The low interest rate of 1 percent a month and after two months she is able to renew her loan again makes her livelihood easier and more stable as she always has ready capital for her business.  She plans on adding a new livelihood project since her current business is going well. “I would like to go back to raising pigs since we already have a pigpen at home.” adds Mrs. Barnuevo.

Like the other beneficiaries, micro-credit allows her to support her family and eventually make a difference in her community.

“It’s really nice to get to do what I love –which is cooking –and make a sustainable living out of it. Micro-credit makes all of this possible. I am really thankful.”