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.

A SURPRISE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

TF scholar, Gina Jamora, celebrated her birthday for the very first time when her donor sent her birthday cake, noodles (for long life), ensaimada, meat pie and juice. 

She blew 13 candles and expressed how grateful she is to celebrate her special day with her friends/classmates and family.  Her mother tearfully expressed her gratitude as well on the support of the donor for Gina’s schooling. 

To Gina’s donor, who wants to remain anonymous, we express a heartfelt thank you to you and your family! 

Maria Martinez-Concepcion's visit to St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City

Maria Martinez-Concepcion, together with her son, Joseph, and her siblings, in laws, nephews and nieces visted St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City last July 3, 2015 and met 4th- grader scholar, Eughene.

"Seeing Eugene, a recipient of a good deed was a wonderful experience for all of us. One good deed may not seem much but can you imagine if everyone did something nice for someone else, the cycle of generosity and kindness can help make us all better people." shared by Mrs. Concepcion.

Maria's husband, Jerome, has supported Eughene since her pre-kindergarten days. He first visited the school in 2007, where he met his first Tapulanga scholar, Ryan, who has now already graduated.

Lunch Meal Program 2015: Make a Kid Healthy and Happy!

Tapulanga Foundation’s Lunch Meal Program continues to provide free lunch meals for scholars, teachers and staff every school day in a year. The program started June 2008 that provides free daily lunch to scholars from 1^st to 10th grade. Mothers volunteer in preparing and cooking different nutritious meal each day. A meal consists of a cup of rice and a soup viand (with some meat or fish and vegetables). For only Php2,000 or $50, you can fill a student’s empty stomach with a nutritious meal for the whole year!

“The Lunch Meal Program helped me stay healthy and gain energy and focus on class activities.” by Nicole Joy Varela Grade 10 student

“I really don’t have time to cook early in the morning and bring food to school, so I’m thankful that there will be always food here.” by Rico Arevalo Grade 7 student

“I can finally eat right and healthy because of the vegetables that they serve every day.” by Christine Joy Navigar Grade 4 student

For this school year, we prepare 285 meals a day. We still have 30 students who need sponsors. Help us fill the stomach of these kids as they go to school every day.