Pusong Pinoy (Heart of a Filipino)

"LOVE IS AT WAR"SINGLE RELEASE/CHARITY EVENT

2012-02-06T22:11:00.000-08:00

Another group of AMAZING HEROES have stepped up to make a difference! I MANAGE STARS, a management company based in California, has joined us in our fight against poverty and our quest to promote literacy in the Philippines by donating part of the proceeds of their "LOVE IS AT WAR" project to help further our cause.

In partnership with MIH Marketing, they will be releasing a single called "LOVE IS AT WAR" performed by American Idol finalist, CLINT "JUN" GAMBOA, and the very talented, STACEY CACAL, at the ROLLING STONE LOUNGE in Hollywood on MARCH 2, 2012 at 9:00 p.m. Admission to this event is a donation of $10 or gently-used storybooks.

To our Southern California HEROES, we invite you to support this endeavor by attending this event. Click HERE to get your ticket or please send us an email at pusongpinoyorg@gmail.com for more information.

Hope to see you there! Together we will continue to make a difference! Thank you in advance!

THANK YOU FOR A GREAT 2011!

2012-01-29T17:28:00.000-08:00

BY USA-EAST COAST CHARTER TEAM LEADER IVY ANTONIO

Last year, Pusong Pinoy collected over 15,000 new and gently-used children's books, donated about 1 million pesos worth of goods and services, added more than 4,500 members on Facebook and provided assistance to 30 public elementary schools and day care centers, 3 communities and 5 outreach organizations in the Philippines.

It was a truly remarkable year for Pusong Pinoy! Sincerest thanks to our 33,520 members, generous donors and countless volunteers for making it happen.

Donna B. Rosario, our founder, wrote: "Pusong Pinoy acknowledges every HERO that helps us further our cause not because our donors or sponsors expect us to promote their generosity. We do it out of gratitude; for transparency purposes; to show that amidst all the hatred and chaos going on around us, GOODNESS ABOUNDS. We want to show the world that HEROES exist and that together, we could truly make a difference."

She also added that "Pusong Pinoy continues to exist because of your generosity. Hats off to all the leaders and volunteers of each public school, organization and ministry that Pusong Pinoy assists and believes in. THANK YOU, HEROES!"

Here are some of the reasons why we couldn't stop thanking our everyday heroes. And we are grateful for the opportunity to say our thank yous nearly every day! Join us as we take a look back at events that you have made possible:

Thank you for your continued support for our ongoing book drive! To date, approximately 33,000 new and gently-used children's books have made their way into the hands of eager readers from the majestic mountains of Benguet to the pristine shores of Palawan.

Through a heartwarming video, we watched in amazement as a young girl from Sitio Magagong, Malis, Brooke's Point, Palawan proficiently read lessons in English. Your book and school supplies donations not only helped her further develop reading and writing skills but also enhanced her ability to learn a foreign language.

She is one of thousands of kids who continue to benefit from the reading and literacy programs of various organizations, schools and communities we proudly support. We are committed to strengthening these partnerships and look forward to forging new ones this year.

Early last year, Pusong Pinoy further solidified its commitment to education as we launched our second annual scholarship project, "Donasyon para sa Edukasyon 2" (Donation for Education). We were able to continue providing scholarships to 17 existing scholars and managed to add 16 more with generous help from individuals and one of our partner organizations, ICONS Fil-Am Society of America.

Once again, all 33 Pusong Pinoy/Hilarian scholars were given a well-deserved opportunity to attend another academic year at De La Salle Lipa's Saint Brother Jaime Hilario FSC Learning Community, "a five year program that provides secondary education to highly motivated and qualified students whose economic conditions hinder them to acquire quality academic formation."

At a Christmas party held last December 19 for the students and their families, several scholars delivered heartfelt messages of thanks for the financial support they received from their sponsors. Their words of gratitude came with a solemn promise to always do their best to make their parents, not to mention their sponsors, proud.

Additionally, 14 young scholars, who otherwise could not have attended a public elementary school after graduating from Damascus Foundation's Learning Centre, one of our longtime beneficiary organizations, were able to do so after receiving financial support from several kind-hearted donors.

With your help, we were also able to provide funds used for the transportation and meal allowance of a handful of out-of-school youth so they can travel to Rio Tuba Testing Center for the 2011 Accreditation and Equivalency Test giving them a chance to earn their high school diploma.

Pusong Pinoy successfully completed its school supplies project, "Alay Mula sa Puso 2" (Gift from the Heart), which aimed to provide needy kids with the necessary tools to help them learn. With tremendous help from the Toy Run Foundation of New Jersey, more than 700 children from several public schools and organizations benefited from this worthwhile project.

We also held our annual food drive to support various feeding programs that provide nourishment to impoverished kids. We firmly believe that a child will be able to focus on learning on a full stomach. Your monetary donations and in-kind contributions have reinforced our efforts to provide food assistance to several schools and outreach organizations.

Moreover, our Birthday Blowout Program also gave us the opportunity to supplement these feeding programs. Throughout the year, Pusong Pinoy scheduled birthday celebrations at least once a month. This program provided another platform for those who wished to share their blessings as they celebrate their birthdays in a more meaningful way.

For the third straight year, we launched our annual Christmas Gift-Giving Project, "Pamasko ng Pusong Pinoy 3". We were able to spread the holiday cheer by providing slippers and food items to over 3,000 underprivileged kids and 650 families in the Philippines.

Coming on the heels of our year-end project, Pusong Pinoy was called upon to respond immediately to the needs of those affected by typhoon Sendong (Washi). We began accepting donations following the launch of our CDO (Cagayan de Oro) Relief Project. In less than a month, we were able to raise over PHP 300,000.00 used towards the purchase of relief supplies.

On December 29, Pusong Pinoy representatives coordinated relief efforts on the ground and personally delivered bottled water, slippers and hygiene packs to the Red Cross headquarters in Cagayan de Oro to benefit hundreds of typhoon victims in that area. Please keep the victims of typhoon Sendong in your prayers.

Last but not least, Pusong Pinoy became tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. All donations made to Pusong Pinoy are now tax deductible. As is our usual practice, 100% of your donations will be used for its designated purpose and will directly benefit your intended recipients. Thank you for choosing Pusong Pinoy to meet your philantropic goals and for believing in our cause!

Looking forward to an amazing 2012,

- PP League of Superheroes

PUSONG PINOY'S CDO RELIEF PROJECT

2012-01-26T01:36:00.000-08:00

ANNOUNCEMENT: Pusong Pinoy will have another relief operation at Cagayan de Oro today. Please visit our website for updates and photos. Thanks to all the HEROES who supported this project!

We completed our Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Relief Project in a matter of days raising over P120,000. Thanks to all our amazing heroes and superheroes who stepped up to help those affected by Typhoon Sendong by sending in monetary donations.

A big thanks to an outstanding Pusong Pinoy hero, EDWIN RODRIGUEZ of Quezon City, and his company, RCS LOGISTICS PHILIPPINES, INC., for partnering with Pusong Pinoy to ensure the success of this project. Edwin did not think twice when Donna Rosario, founder of Pusong Pinoy, personally asked for his assistance in the immediate delivery of goods to the evacuation center. He did not only offer his company's services, but he personally volunteered to go to CDO to deliver the goods on behalf of Pusong Pinoy.

On December 29, 2011, just 12 days after they communicated, Edwin took a flight from Manila to CDO. He went to the evacuation center and handed over thousands of slippers, bottled water, shampoos and bars of soap to the officials of the Philippine Red Cross CDO Chapter. Present during this handover were Philippines Red Cross Headquarters Chairwoman MYRA BALANDRA and Vice-Chair DR. MODESTO C. BABAYLAN. Pusong Pinoy salutes the Philippines Red Cross for their work at CDO in this time of crisis.

THANK YOU, EDWIN & RCS LOGISTICS PHILS INC.! As a long time HERO and supporter of Pusong Pinoy, Edwin knows that we value transparency, so he took a lot of photos to show how your donations were used and where exactly they were donated. To see more photos, please visit our Facebook page (keyword: pusongpinoy.org)

You are truly amazing, Edwin! Click HERE to read about another PP project with Edwin which raised PhP100,000 for our food drive.

PROJECT PPP III TURNOVER AT KABUYAO

2012-01-09T21:57:00.000-08:00

Once again, as part of our Christmas project, "Pamasko ng Pusong Pinoy 3", our Pusong Pinoy team took a 45-minute ride up the mountains of Mt. Sto. Tomas. The magnificent view of Baguio City was equaled by the amazing teachers and children who met the team with open arms. The bigger boys of the school readily queued up to unload the jeepney containing the goodies the kids will receive. All the rest stood in lines patiently waiting for the program to begin. They prepared dance, poetry and song numbers for Pusong Pinoy to show their utmost gratitude to the people who never fail to make them feel special. The teachers expressed their unending gratitude to the Superheroes and HEROES of Pusong Pinoy for the snacks and Christmas packages containing rice, noodles, sardines, and slippers for all students of Kabuyao Elementary School.

EACH STUDENT RECEIVED

(167 Students)

1 apple

2 packs of ramen noodles

1 can of sardines

1 pair of slippers

1 pair of gently-used jacket/sweater (to follow)

EACH TEACHER RECEIVED

(9 teachers)

2 bars of soap

1 shampoo

1 conditioner

1 small bag of assorted chocolates

3 1/2 kilos of rice

We would like to thank Pusong Pinoy Heroes ADO CABJUAN, NAJYA CABJUAN, and JEREMY DOBLE for helping in the distribution of goodies. Special thanks to our Pusong Pinoy team who were involved in this turnover: Philippines Core Team Leader NINGNING DOBLE, Team Leaders ADI LAPPAO and BYD BAWAYAN, and Vice-Team Leader JOANNE SUYAM. Lastly, thanks to all the PP HEROES for making this event possible!

PUSONG PINOY BOOKS WOW THE CHILDREN OF BURGOS, LA UNION

2011-12-22T23:33:00.000-08:00

BY PHILIPPINES CORE TEAM LEADER NINGNING DOBLE

I am so excited! I want to share with all of you several touching moments that I have experienced today! I think I have told some of you that while carrying out research on education reform I undertook a survey on the performance and impact of Project ABC in Burgos.

Project ABC is a program which aims to improve basic education in Burgos, through implementing a reading program. I visited 6 of 8 public elementary schools in Burgos, La Union to conduct the survey. And guess what? Of all the activities of Project ABC– and there are many activities for teachers, parents and students– those that created the most impact are the books donated by Pusong Pinoy for the children of Burgos on November 2009!

How did Project ABC use the books donated by Pusong Pinoy? Well, I guess it was hard work for the teachers and volunteers from the Municipal Hall of Burgos. The book donations for Project ABC were counted, sorted, leveled, accessioned, and divided for the eight public elementary schools. They were put in plastic bins, then distributed to the schools. Books stayed in each school for 3 weeks and were then rotated to the next school. In each school, the books are put in a corner, with one reading corner for each grade.

When I asked parents and teachers how they use the nice books in the reading corner, I was simply amazed when I heard the compliments. I had goose bumps while listening to their stories. The books we donated are being read over and over again by the children of Burgos. THEY JUST LOVE THEM!

Many of the books are now old and dilapidated. This is great news for Pusong Pinoy! Books are there to be used. The more dilapidated our book donations become, is evidence of how frequently they are being used by the kids!

That's why our latest donation, which was turned over today, is really appreciated by the teachers and parents. Now, they have more books to lend and to be read to the kids! They need all the books that they can lay their hands on! To them, this is not the time to stop… the kids are now enjoying the world of reading!

Just to let you know, here are some of the things they said about the transportable library program of Project ABC carrying Pusong Pinoy’s books. We could say that these can be considered as some of the “impact indicators” of our program- these are signs that the books are being used well.

1. The kids greet recess or lunch break excitedly every day. This is their, “Drop Everything and Read” (DEAR) time, when they can visit the reading corner and choose a book to read there, or take it home for the night. Mind you, some kids choose the same book over and over again! Reading recognition is enhanced with the repetition of words. The more often children see a word, the more likely that they won’t forget its meaning and spelling.

2. When the kids get home, they read the books on their own, or with their parents, siblings or even cousins. That's one book benefitting several kids at once!

3. With kids whose parents cannot read or write, the kids take the books home and read to their parents! Isn't that amazing? Our kids are reading to their "nanays" and "tatays". This literally brought tears to my eyes. The parents sit with them with proud tears in their eyes. Their kids are finally doing what they have always dreamed to do themselves– read! Now they feel that all their hard work to send their kids to school is really worth it.

4. Now, teachers find it easier to teach reading. Why? Because NOW, the kids WANT to learn how to read! Guys, we did it! We struck that cord in their little minds! They want to read! woohooo!

5. Some kids take the same book home over and over. They just can’t put the books that they love the most down. To them, they have fallen in love with the book. This is probably the reason why some books are now missing. The kids simply don’t have the heart to return them.

6. I only received one complaint from a teacher about the reading program. The teacher said: "Ma'am, why do the books stay for too short a time in our school? The kids have not yet finished reading them but after three weeks they're rotated to the next school" Still good news! That means, the kids want to read them ALL!

7. When the kids were asked where the nice books were - they all pointed in the same direction. They all knew where the book haven was! It is indeed their favorite part of the room. These kids have never experienced running their little fingers on smooth, colorful and exciting pages. Many of the smaller kids do not even recognize letters yet. They simply browse with wide eyes, as they make their own interpretations of the stories behind the illustrations. With these books, the little ones are being exposed to letters and words in a fun and engaging way. Pretty soon, they will memorize how these letters look. After all, reading starts with the alphabet.

These are just some of the wonderful things I heard today about the impact made by the transportable library program of Project ABC. This was made possible by Pusong Pinoy’s book donation to Burgos. I am not exaggerating when I tell these stories. I experienced the same reaction in every school that we visited.

I just can’t help but tell all the HEROES who donated books to this worthwhile cause and the SUPERHEROES who gathered books and made sure they were delivered to the intended recipients. Just want to let you know – WE ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK! We are not only doing the right things- we are doing things right! If we can make readers out of the Burgos kids, we can make them achievers for life!!! And who’s going to stop us from making readers out of the other marginalized children in the Philippines?

Thank you all for doing the book drives unceasingly… the program sure is working!

In the name of Pusong Pinoy,

TL Storm (Ningning Doble)

*Click HERE to read more about PROJECT ABC in Burgos, La Union. For book donations, please email pusongpinoyorg@gmail.com.

PP HERO JUDITH'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT LITTLE LIGHTS

2011-12-20T23:56:00.000-08:00

PP Hero JUDITH MILANO-MADAMBA of Los Angeles, California celebrated her birthday with the kids of Little Lights Ministry in Pasig during her visit to the Philippines. RUSSELL RUFINO and his dad along with CHASTA NECHVATAL who are also from California joined her at Little Lights in this special occasion. A hundred kids attended the celebration and they were surprised by Chasta with a tahiti dance performance. Pusong Pinoy would like to thank Judith for sharing her blessings with the kids of Little Lights Ministry!

Pastor Joseph and his wife, Jeanette, were very grateful to Judith for sharing her birthday to the kids of Little Lights. They stated, "Judith, Chasta, Rusell Rufino and Dad, you have given so much delight to this humble community and surely they will never forget the love you have extended to them. Our heartfelt thanks to all of you who came - to Ms. Chasta who made the children happy with her surprise tahiti dance presentation and most specially to you "Judith" for lovingly sharing your blessed day. Happy Birthday and wishing you God's wonderful blessings! To Pusong Pinoy - Thank you for keeping Little Lights in your mind and hearts. We love you all!"

Little Lights Ministry planted its humble beginnings at Sitio Tawi-Tawi along the riverbanks of the Pasig-Cainta boundary where drug dealing, drinking sprees, gambling, and street brawls are a way of life. Out of this concern, Little Lights was born. As the ministry continued its mission, they came across out-of-school and never-schooled children, which led them to start "Learning Lessons," a progressive Montessori-type learning system for ages 2 to 15 years. Little Lights currently serves to more than 1,000 underprivileged Filipino children and their love ones to have a better way of life. Deeply inspired and motivated by the works of Little Lights Ministry, Pusong Pinoy has been sponsoring their feeding and learning program since 2010.

PROJECT PAMASKO NG PUSONG PINOY III(PP's Christmas Gift-Giving Project)

2011-12-08T05:24:00.000-08:00

In the aftermath of two powerful typhoons that recently devastated the Philippines, it is critical to restore hope and spread joy in the hearts of thousands of disadvantaged kids this Christmas season.

With great fervor, we officially launch our 3rd annual Christmas Project, "PAMASKO NG PUSONG PINOY III". We are hoping to provide gifts to over 3,000 disadvantaged kids and 650 financially- challenged families this Christmas season. Please help us make their holiday season a meaningful one!

DONATE ONLINE

MAIL YOUR DONATION

Please make check payable to:
PUSONG PINOY
P.O. Box 546, Chino Hills, CA 92612

IN-KIND DONATION

For in-kind donation, please email us at
pusongpinoyorg@gmail.com

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CLICK BELOW TO SEE OUR CHRISTMAS PROJECTS THE PAST YEARS:

PAMASKO NG PUSONG PINOY I (2009)

PAMASKO NG PUSONG PINOY II (2010)

2011 PROJECT PPP III RECIPIENTS

DAMASCUS FOUNDATION (Bulacan)

EPHESUS HOME OF ABUSED CHILDREN (Bulacan)

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI OF SILAY CITY (Negros Occidental)

KABUYAO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Benguet)

PARISH SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE (PSAC) (Batangas)

CENTRAL SCHOOL OF LUBAO (Pampanga)

VALDEZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Pampanga)

LITTLE LIGHTS MINISTRY (Pasig-Cainta)

BOLNOK LEARNING CENTER (Palawan)
DE LA SALLE LIPA HILARIAN SCHOLARS (Batangas)

FILMS CHARITY HIKE 2011 IN HONG KONGFOR THE BENEFIT OF PUSONG PINOY

2011-12-03T23:49:00.000-08:00

Pusong Pinoy is honored to be the beneficiary of the

FILIPINO MOUNTAINEERS SOCIETY

CHARITY HIKE 2011

Sunday, December 11, 2011

8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Meeting Place: Jollibee Central, Hong Kong

This event is organized by FILMS in partnership with AM1044 Metro Plus Radio, Pinoy Tayo Sanman (PTS), Hong Kong News, Jollibee, and One Journey International Magazine.

HIKING SPECIFICATIONS:
Starting Point: Pok Fu Lam Reservoir
End Point : Victoria Peak
Difficulty: 2/5*
Enjoyment: 5/5*
Terrain: Mixed Road & Soil

GEARS:
Backpack with Bottle Container
Hydration Bag with Bladder (at least 1-2 liters)
Comfortable Shoes with reasonable spikes under the sole
Extra Shirt (to change after the hike)
Power Bars (snacks)
Hiking Sticks
Sun Visors (hat & sunglasses)
Personal Medicine (if needed, but Medics will be on standby)
Mini Towel (optional)
__________________________________________________

Come and join this monumental event as this will be FILMS' first-ever charity hike! Mark your calendar and get ready for this once-in-a-lifetime event that will touch your heart and help others this holiday season. The best part is that proceeds of this event will go towards Pusong Pinoy's Scholarship Program.

For more information, please contact:

JOEL BUHIA, FILMS Director/Founder

(M) +852 9712-9784
(E) filipinomountaineerssociet y@gmail.com

To learn more about FILMS, please visit their website at http://filipinomountaineerssociety.weebly.com/

PP'S CHILDREN FIRST INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION IN SCOTLAND

2011-11-28T21:36:00.000-08:00

You are all invited to the

CHILDREN FIRST
INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

Netherbow Gallery Space
Scottish Storytelling Centre

Edinburgh, Scotland

December 1, 2011 - January 9, 2012
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION

Since 2009, Pusong Pinoy (Heart of a Filipino) has donated over 30,000 children's books to established organizations in the Philippines. This exhibition will capture the essence of Pusong Pinoy's work in promoting literacy to eradicate poverty, where too many children have never seen a book or have limited access to books. Click here to learn more about Pusong Pinoy.

The Children First Exhibition is one of the many activities of the Scottish Storytelling Centre that aims to celebrate the world’s children. Thanks to the Scottish Storytelling Centre for showcasing Pusong Pinoy. Click here for calendar of events at the centre.

PP selected 30 photos out of 1,000 entries for this exhibition. Our sincerest thanks to all the HEROES who submitted their photos to help spread the word about the plight of Filipino children today and how Pusong Pinoy is making a difference in their lives. Congratulations to all the photographers whose amazing photos have been carefully chosen by our exhibition committee to be part of this event.

Thanks to everyone who made this project possible, most especially to our Scotland Team Leader DOUGLAS INNESS for organizing this event. TL Doug, you are a hero in the true spirit of Pusong Pinoy!

BOOK DRIVE AT FRANCIS LEWIS HIGH SCHOOL (FRESH MEADOWS, NEW YORK)

2011-11-11T23:20:00.000-08:00

Early this year, our very own New York Junior Team Leader NICOLE CAMPOS and her fellow Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) cadets held a book drive at Francis Lewis High School in Fresh Meadows, New York. These wonderful students completed a two-week book drive in fulfillment of their service learning project for the JROTC program. They collected a total of 150 children's books.

Thank you, JTL Nicole and to your fellow JROTC heroes, for spreading awareness about Pusong Pinoy. You're all outstanding heroes! We salute all of you for promoting literacy. THANK YOU on behalf of the many children who will enjoy these books!

For information on book donation, please send us an email at pusongpinoyorg@gmail.com.

PP BIRTHDAY BLOWOUT FOR RYAN LEBRON & GEORGE PACCERELLI AT PSAC

2011-11-03T23:56:00.000-07:00

"Pa, I thought you're giving me a party for my 9th birthday?" was the question our Junior PP Hero, Ryan Lebron, asked his dad. He replied, "Son, you will, but it will be a surprise and it will be special...wait ka lang (just wait)"

Special indeed because on Oct 1, 2011, Pusong Pinoy and Parish Social Action Committee (PSAC) organized yet another Birthday Blowout in celebration of RYAN LEBRON and GEORGE PACCERELLI, another Junior PP Hero. Both kids are based in California. The celebration was attended by more than 200 Saudiville and Karara (Batangas) children. Some brought their parents and siblings along. Patrol vans were even utilized to help some kids get to the venue safely due to the bad weather.

Surprisingly, the rain stopped pouring when the party started at 2:00 p.m. There were games and prizes in loot bags for everyone who participated in the activities. Guests were also treated with a wonderful meal of macaroni, bread, and juice. The fun-filled party ended at 5:00 p.m. and guess what, the rain started to pour afterwards. What a BLESSING!

Thank you so much, Ryan and George, for celebrating your birthday with the children of PSAC and for being real 'KUYAs' to all of them! This only confirms that heroism lies in every one of us, regardless of age and differences.

If you would like to celebrate your birthday the Pusong Pinoy way, please contact CTL Jay at tl.tinytony@ymail.com or VTL Carol Vega at vegacarol79@gmail.com.

COLONY OF HEALERS FASHION SHOW BENEFITING PUSONG PINOY

2011-10-27T21:12:00.000-07:00

You are invited to a fashion show by the COLONY OF HEALERS, the first-ever fashion apparel inspired by people in the medical field.

COLONY OF HEALERS FASHION SHOW

Saturday, November 5, 2011

8:30 - 10:30 p.m.
Rolling Stone Lounge

6801 Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood, CA 90028

Hosted by:

GISELLE TONGI

Performances by:

CLINT GAMBOA

MELODY DEL MUNDO

MARIELLE DELA CRUZ

Thanks, BRIAN MASAYON of COH, for choosing Pusong Pinoy as the beneficiary of this event. Part of the proceeds will be donated to PP.

Ticket Price is $10 at the door, but you can GET IT NOW FOR FREE:

WWW.COHGOESHOLLYWOOD.COM

enter code: COH to get your free pass

First 200 guests lined up at 8:30 p.m. will receive 200 swag bags.

Pass includes admission to the party after the fashion show.

Visit their website at WWW.COLONYOFHEALERS.COM

For more information about this event, please contact Brian Masayon

(626) 524-7579 or colonyofhealers@yahoo.com

LET'S GO, HEROES! SEE YOU THERE!

PP'S DAMASCUS FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

2011-10-17T21:56:00.000-07:00

BY LONDON TEAM LEADER MIKE HAYES

ROBERT TIANGCO, DAMASCUS FOUNDATION'S FOUNDER, RECEIVING A P50,000 CHECK

FROM PUSONG PINOY'S CORE TEAM LEADERS BENG DIZON AND SUSAN CHUA

Pusong Pinoy is a Facebook-based non-profit organization which started simply with our founder teaching her children about charity and giving, and has blossomed into a global network of volunteers and heroes, all helping the poor children of the Philippines. The organization is just over 2 years old now and has collected and donated over 30,000 books as well as medical items, food and clothing) for impoverished and marginalized children in the Philippines. It's amazing to think that we can help children rise up from the challenges they face, and give them such a great chance at a better life for themselves and their families.

For our current child-sponsorship project, we are working with the Damascus Foundation to sponsor 10 children who have graduated from their preschool learning center and are now going to an accredited public school. Earlier this year, we sent out a call for sponsors to help these children and we have now met that target. The good news is that the P50,000 collectively donated by our generous sponsors will cover four additional children. Now, all 14 children have sponsors to help them through the next academic year in elementary school!

So who are the Damascus Foundation?

The Damascus Foundation is one of our recipient organizations in the Philippines, helping the very poor and their children on a day-to-day basis. Pusong Pinoy works with the Damascus Foundation by helping gather and deliver donations to the Foundation, as we do with most all of our recipients. They do the work immediately to hand, and we assist with getting help in the form of donations, sponsorships, and awareness-raising, as well as direct donations. Click HERE to read more about our work with the Damascus Foundation.

In line with Pusong Pinoy’s permanent policy of complete transparency, we will be updating our sponsors personally with information on their sponsored children, and will be keeping our Facebook Wall and Pusong Pinoy website updated with the progress of the project in helping these children in such an important time of their lives. Watch this space, great things are just around the corner!

PP ELEMENTARY SCHOLARS

(School Year 2011-2012)

ABEGAIL DUANO
ANDREA NICOLLE TAMALLA
ARJAY AMANDY
ARLENE PEREZ
ERWIN PEREZ
GINA SARMIENTO
HEART GHEM DELA CRUZ
JASMIN FAJARDO
MICAELLA FAJARDO
MONICA GELUA
KAREN SARMIENTO
JANELLA LEGASPI
KYLA MAE LUCIANO
RAIZA MAE CASTRO

Thanks to the following HEROES for sponsoring these children.
You have helped them take one step closer to their dreams!
MARICAR CABASAG/GANO Excel
SARAH & JOWEE ENCINA
PINK ECHIDNA PRODUCTIONS
KARIN HAYES
CARMELITA MORDENO

PP'S CHILDREN FIRST INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION IN SCOTLAND

2011-10-01T23:15:00.000-07:00

Pusong Pinoy is inviting everyone to take part in the "CHILDREN FIRST INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION" at the Netherbow Gallery Space in Edinburgh, Scotland from December 1, 2011 through January 9, 2012.

This exhibition will capture the essence of Pusong Pinoy's work in promoting literacy to eradicate poverty, where too many children have never seen a book or have limited access to books. We are asking HEROES to submit images which will help us tell the Pusong Pinoy story. Sharing your photos will help us further our cause – to help eradicate poverty through the improvement of literacy for Filipino children. If selected, your photo will be printed to A3 size and will be a part of the exhibit. You will retain copyright.

LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF PHOTO ENTRIES:

October 21, 2011

We are looking for photos which illustrate Filipino child poverty as well as the positive actions that Pusong Pinoy has taken to alleviate it. Here are some ideas on which photos will qualify for exhibition consideration:

Pusong Pinoy: the beginning (how it all began)
Donors with collected books
Book drives (collected at events, in cars, in garages, etc.)
Mobile or transportable libraries (ex. Baclayon’s Books on Wheels, DLSL Book Mobile Reading Program)
Boxes being shipped
Reading programs showing shelves or crates of books, volunteers and children
A volunteer reading a story to a child
Kids reading
Recipients themselves showing different kinds of emotions
Pusong Pinoy scholars
Turnovers of donations to Pusong Pinoy recipients
Christmas project (Project Pamasko ng Pusong Pinoy)
Pusong Pinoy birthday blowout
Kids eating, reading, and listening to storytelling
Kids happily inspecting their goody bags
Pictures of sad kids or happy kids in a sad background
PP volunteers working
PP volunteers delivering packages

OR aspects that will get visitors concerned and interested:

The Philippines
Poverty in the Philippines
Filipino childhood
Filipino kids at play
Filipino life/street life in the Philippines
Learning in the Philippines
Children’s successes
PP work - making a difference
Work of recipient organizations

If you feel that you have strong images, please contact us via Facebook or pusongpinoyorg@gmail.com. You can also email your photos directly to:

DOUGLAS INNESS (PPC Link)

Scottish Pusong Pinoy Coordinator

douglasinness123@btinternet.com

We prefer the original photo files from your hard drives. Jpegs are fine. This ensures the best quality for printing. Photos posted on Facebook are reduced in size, decreasing their resolution. To ensure that we get the best quality photos, please email the photos in their original sizes. Of course, if you have a great image, just get in touch!

Let’s go, HEROES! Spread the love for the Filipino children!

JEAN TSE'S PP BIRTHDAY BLOWOUT AT PSAC

2011-09-19T21:58:00.000-07:00

BY HONG KONG CHARTER TEAM LEADER ANGEL JAY MARTINEZ

On Sep 18, 2011, a hero from Hong Kong, celebrated her birthday by sending children to a fun filled and memorable afternoon with delicious food, sweets, games and loads of prizes! The best thing about it is, this hero has done this before!

JEAN TSE, a Hong Kong based hero, celebrated her birthday the Pusong Pinoy way for the 2nd consecutive time. Similar to last year, her birthday party was attended by an estimated 150 kids with their families. This activity was held at Lipa City, Batangas with 16 volunteers from Parish Social Action Committee (PSAC) to ensure everyone had a superb time.

Macaroni, bread, sweets, and juice were on the menu while prizes were awarded to those who participated in the games and activities that day.

Jean, all we can say is "Thank You" for bringing smiles to the children's faces once again. May you be blessed twice fold for the selfless acts that you do each day. We, at Pusong Pinoy, will forever be thankful to Heroes like you and we will always be ready to organize birthday parties, such as this, for the benefit of less fortunate children back home. Looking forward to your birthday next year!

If you would like to celebrate your birthday the Pusong Pinoy way, please contact CTL Jay at tl.tinytony@ymail.com or VTL Carol Vega at vegacarol79@gmail.com.

PUSONG PINOY HEROES' RUN 2011

2011-09-11T05:35:00.000-07:00

BY PHILIPPINES CORE TEAM LEADER NINGNING DOBLE

Come rain or shine – Pusong Pinoy held the first Heroes Run on August 28, 2011 in Baguio City, despite the raging super-typhoon Mina. It was a great team effort, bringing together Pusong Pinoy heroes, superheroes, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters from around the world – united in a common goal – to spread the word about our cause.

Thanks to everyone who made it to the run! The storm truly brought out the HEROES in you. Thanks also to those who wanted to be a part of the run but was prevented from doing so due to the closing of all roads leading to Baguio City on that day. Runners, volunteers and Team Leaders from Baguio-Benguet, Manila and Hongkong braved freezing winds and rain to ensure that the HEROES who ran had a memorable experience. Proudly wearing their souvenir T-shirts, runners of all ages took on the typhoon with big smiles, cheers and laughter. PP is truly grateful to all the runners that signed up, all 706 of you and to all our amazing sponsors and supporters for always being there to support our projects.

Special thanks to Ms. Che Alberto and the Cool City Runners, UPPL Pusoy, Dawn to Dusk Mountaineers, BEGNAS Cultural Dancers, UP Shadows, the Noobs photographers of Pampanga, Ralph Quijano, and all our PP Superheroes for coming and helping ensure the success of our fun run despite the harsh weather condition. Because of our collective efforts, PP will be able to reach out to more public schools and more kids in the near future. Together, we are making a difference. Thank you HEROES!!!

* * * * * * * *

Although 706 Runners have registered, due to the typhoon, less than 300 Runners showed up but we are happy to announce that the rest of the food that was ordered for those who were not able to make it, did not go to waste. Our PP Team went to Baguio General Hospital and distributed the extra food to its patients.

PP HERO TRISTAN BERNARDO'S BIRTHDAY AT LITTLE LIGHTS

2011-08-31T19:44:00.000-07:00

Last month, Pusong Pinoy hero TRISTAN BERNARDO celebrated his birthday by sponsoring a PP Birthday Blowout with the kids and staff of Little Lights Ministry in Pasig. They all enjoyed a wonderful meal which includes spaghetti, hotdog with marshmallow on a stick, and cheeseburger. Thank you so much, Tristan, for touching the hearts of these kids with your generosity! Upon seeing the photos of his birthday celebration, Tristan wrote, "Thank you for celebrating with me! I miss the Philippines so much!"

Little Lights Ministry planted its humble beginnings at Sitio Tawi-Tawi along the riverbanks of the Pasig-Cainta boundary where drug dealing, drinking sprees, gambling, and street brawls are a way of life. Out of this concern, Little Lights was born. As the ministry continued its mission, they came across out-of-school and never-schooled children, which led them to start "Learning Lessons," a progressive Montessori-type learning system for ages 2 to 15 years. Deeply inspired and motivated by the works of Little Lights Ministry, Pusong Pinoy sponsors their feeding and learning program.

Special thanks to Pastor Joseph Casaje, his wife, Jeanette Casaje, and the entire staff of Little Lights Ministry for organizing this party. Pastor Joseph extends his warm wishes to the birthday celebrant and Pusong Pinoy - "Happy Birthday Tristan! May the Lord bless you - body, mind and soul. Thank you for sharing your blessed day with Little Lights! Thank you, Pusong Pinoy, for keeping us in your hearts! "

If you would like to celebrate your birthday the Pusong Pinoy way, please contact CTL Jay at tl.tinytony@ymail.com or VTL Carol Vega at vegacarol79@gmail.com.

PUSONG PINOY HEROES' RUN

2011-08-05T05:12:00.000-07:00

APL.DE.AP of THE BLACK EYED PEAS

DJ MIA of MTV'S AMERICA'S BEST DANCE CREW

ANNA/LA CHIKA of TFC'S ADOBO NATION

VIDEO CREDIT: NIKKI ARRIOLA - BESTGLOBALIMAGES.COM

POSTER BY PP QUEZON CITY TEAM LEADER LANCE BUCOY

Jog over to join the first ever

PUSONG PINOY HEROES' RUN

AUGUST 28, 2011

LAKE DRIVE, BURNHAM PARK

BAGUIO CITY

Free Breakfast & Pusong Pinoy T-Shirt

(limited to the first 300 registrants)

For more details, please contact the following coordinators:

COOL CITY RACE DIRECTOR - 442 6046
TL ADI LAPPAO - 09186767651
TL BYD BAWAYAN - 09496485356

VTL JOANNE SUYAM - 09195061088

VTL MAJOY TOYAOAN - 09082565098

TL NINGNING DOBLE - 09228019305

Registration ends on August 23, 2011

Registration Centers:

GABLETS RESTO & CAFE (Upper Session Rd., beside Narda's)

CARDELI CAFE (Military Cut-off Rd.)

UPPL PUSONG BOOTH (University of the Philippines Baguio)

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY BEING A SPONSOR OR A PARTICIPANT

This event will help us spread PP awareness to more heroes
and raise funds to help sustain our cause.
Let's do this HEROES! Together, we will continue to make a difference!

PUSONG PINOY IS THE BENEFICIARY OF MISS BEAUTY OF THE PHILIPPINES - USA 2011

2011-07-11T05:10:00.000-07:00

Press Release dated June 27, 2011 from Blufizz Marketing Group:

“Who will win the Miss Beauty of the Philippines-USA Crown and move on to Miss World Philippines?”

The Miss Beauty of the Philippines–USA organization is working in cooperation with Ms. Cory Quirino and CQGQ Inc. – license holder of Miss World Philippines 2011 to search for a candidate that will represent the Fil-Am community this September in Manila, Philippines for the Miss World Philippines Pageant!

The night of beauty and glamour will be at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles, CA on July 23, 2011. You are cordially invited to experience this Red-carpet event, which is promoting the “Beauty of the Philippines” - its people, culture and land. The first annual pageant will feature top community leaders, artists and industry tastemakers.

Proceeds of this pageant will be donated to PusongPinoy.org, a non-profit organization that provides assistance to organizations in the Philippines that have effective programs designed to help marginalized kids learn and appreciate reading by donating used books to their cause.

The competition for the Miss Beauty of the Philippines-USA title will be an event to remember. Featuring celebrity guest DJ MIA, of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew, to grace the DJ booth, choreography by Ruel Noora, sounds and lighting provided by G2 Audio and Lighting. Hosted by Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce co-founder Joe Arciaga and celebrity Giselle Tongi. Ms. Cory Quirino will be a guest of honor.

This event is expected to have 700+ attendees including the Philippine Department of Tourism, Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles, local business owners, entertainers, models, artists, and a general audience ranging from 14 years of age and above.

Presenting Sponsor:

Calayan Surgicentre Corp.
Flight ticket to Philippines sponsored by: Wilshire Travel Center
Hair and Makeup provided by: Cherry’s Hair Salon
Official Photographer: Studio 1003
Winner will get a scholarship from Elite Fashion Academy of Los Angeles – CEO Rene Esebag
Swimsuits provided by Bika Bazaar
Top 3 contestants will get $100 Gift Certificates from O-Skin Care
Rehearsal Outfits and Press-Con Attire provided by Prime Time Clothing.
Winner will receive a portfolio photo shoot from Hydee Abrahan

Tickets to this event can be ordered through www.wantickets.com -key word Miss Beauty of the Philippines, log onto www.MissBeautyofthePhilippines.com and/or contact:

RUSSELL RUFINO

Russell@blufizzgroup.com

310-591-8021

JUDITH MILANO-MADAMBA

Judith@blufizzgroup.com

310-494-6818

Media contact: AZE Media - Andy Z. Edralin andzedralin@yahoo.com

General Inquiries, Sponsorship Opportunities, Contestants, contact:
BLUFIZZ Marketing Group
4712 Admiralty Way Unit 1008, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Office: (310) 591-8021
info@blufizzgroup.com
www.BLUFIZZGROUP.com

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

To the Miss Beauty of the Philippines organizers:
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BELIEVING IN OUR CAUSE!

Please visit their website at

www.MissBeautyofthePhilippines.com

PP HEROES AIDEN & NICOLAS OLIVIER BIRTHDAY AT PSAC

2011-07-10T21:30:00.000-07:00

On May 2, 2011, our very own Arizona-based Team Leader JOCELIN OLIVIER and her wonderful husband, DR. MARC OLIVIER, threw a memorable birthday celebration thousands of miles away from home for their adorable twin boys, AIDEN and NICOLAS.

This year, the couple wanted to give their kids the gift of a lifetime by introducing them to the concept of sharing and giving by way of Pusong Pinoy's birthday party blowout.

A birthday party, attended by over 150 kids and their families from Centro and Labac, was held at Parish Social Action Committee (PSAC) in Banaybanay, Lipa City, Batangas to celebrate Aiden and Nicolas' birthday. Thanks to the Olivier family, these disadvantaged kids experienced a fun-filled day with fantastic food and games.

THANKS AIDEN & NICOLAS! YOUR BIRTHDAY REALLY BROUGHT SMILES TO THESE KIDS! THAT WAS A SPECIAL DAY INDEED!

For more information about our birthday project, please contact CTL Jay Martinez at tl.tinytony@ymail.com or VTL Carol Vega at vegacarol@mac.com. Click HERE to see past Pusong Pinoy's birthday celebrations.

PP's TURNOVER OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES AT SADDLE & KABUYAO ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

2011-06-05T06:08:00.000-07:00

Because of our kind-hearted Scotland PP Coordinator, DOUGLAS INNESS, and our heroes from TOY RUN FOUNDATION who have generously shared their resources, the children of Saddle Elementary School and Kabuyao Elementary Schools in Tuba, Benguet are now ready to face a whole new school year.

On June 4, 2011, Pusong Pinoy team distributed the following school packets to 151 children.

Writing Notebooks (prep to grade 3) -488
Composition Notebooks (grade 4-6) - 400
Pencils - 453
Black Ballpen (grades 4-6) - 100
Blue Ballpens (grades 4-6) - 50
Plastic Envelope - 151
Grade 1 pad paper - 51
Grade 2 pad paper - 35
Grade 3 pad paper - 15
Grade 4 pad paper - 17
Intermediate pad (for grades 5 and 6) - 33
Eraser - 302
Crayons (prep to grade 3) - 101
Sharpener - 151

We would like to thank our Pusong Pinoy Team led by Baguio-Benguet Team Leaders BYD BAWAYAN and ADI LAPPAO with their Vice-Team Leaders JOANNE SUYAM and MAJOY TOYAOAN, and Pasig PP Coordinator JENNY OLIVA. Our utmost thanks to our Pusong Pinoy volunteers for helping with this turnover:

ROSELYN DAMULO-ABASTILLA
JOVIE ANN DECOYNA
JOSEPHINE DEMOT
BERNADETTE KAWIG
EDGAR KAWIG, JR.
HECTOR KAWIG
LANI GRACE LAMARCA
ROXANNE MAGUINTO
ROSE MARY GRACE MONREAL
MELISSA JOY OLIVA SORIANO
JOSE SUYAM

Special thanks also to Philippines Core Team Leader NINGNING DOBLE and PP volunteers ADO CAJUAN, JEAN CABJUAN, and SHEILA LADINEZ for sorting and repacking of the school supplies for this turnover.

* * * * * * * * *

TOY RUN FOUNDATION is a New Jersey-based organization founded in 2000 by DENNIS JARIN to collect toys for needy children in their community. Last December, Mr. Jarin organized a hugely successful book and school supplies drive in New Jersey to benefit Pusong Pinoy's recipients. Click HERE to read more about Toy Run Foundation's donation to Pusong Pinoy. Six large balikbayan boxes were sent to the Philippines which were received by PP Team on February 2011. To learn more about this great organization, visit their website at http://www.toyrunfoundation/.

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR MAKING THIS EVENT A SUCCESS!

PP'S SCHOOL SUPPLIES PROJECT - "ALAY MULA SA PUSO 2"

2011-06-03T06:18:00.000-07:00

Poster by LANCE BUCOY (Philippines-Quezon City Team Leader)

It's an exciting time in the Philippines. School is about to start. Pusong Pinoy has once again launched a school supplies project, "ALAY MULA SA PUSO 2" (Gift from the Heart 2).

Imagine going through a school year with no notebook and pencil. That's how desperate the need is for so many children for basic school necessities. To respond to this need, Pusong Pinoy has been collecting donations for school supplies. This is our opportunity to assist financially challenged but highly deserving students with their school supplies. Last year, more than 500 children benefited from this project. This year, Pusong Pinoy is giving school supplies to more than 700 children from the following beneficiary public schools and organizations:

Saddleback Elementary School & Kabuyao Elementary School (Benguet) - 151 students
Parish Social Action Committee (Batangas) - 200 students
DLSL Hilarian Scholars (Batangas) - 33 students
Village of Hope Shelter for Homeless Kids (Bohol) - 33 students
Little Lights Ministry (Pasig) - 250 students
Damascus Foundation (Bulacan) - 45 students
Mobile School/Mini-Library c/o Jong Herrera, a DepEd Teacher (Palawan) - 50 students

We are once again calling on all HEROES to help! Please show your support for these underprivileged children by making a donation today. For information about this project, please send an email to pusongpinoyorg@gmail.com.

AN INSPIRING VIDEO - HAWAK KAMAY by YENG CONSTANTINO

2011-05-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

One of the videos shown at our event, "A TRIBUTE TO HEROES" on May 28, 2011. Thanks to NINETTE TENZA for her amazing rendition of the song, HAWAK KAMAY by Yeng Constantino!

VIDEO BY DONNA BERNARDO ROSARIO

LYRICS (English Translation)

Minsan madarama mo kay bigat ng problema

Sometimes you will feel the weight of your problem

Minsan mahihirapan ka at masasabing "Di ko na kaya"

Sometimes you will meet hardships and feel like saying "I give up"

Tumingin ka lang sa langit

Just look up in heaven

Baka sakaling may masumpungan

Maybe you might find something by chance

Di kaya ako’y tawagin

Perhaps you can also call me

Malalaman mong kahit kailan

You'll then know that we'll forever...

[chorus]

Hawak-kamay

Hold hands

Di kita iiwan sa paglakbay

I won't leave you in this journey

Dito sa mundong walang katiyakan

Here in this world of uncertainty

Hawak-kamay

Hold hands

Di kita bibitawan sa paglalakbay

I won't let go of you in this journey

Sa mundo ng kawalan

Here in this world of loss

Minsan madarama mo

Sometimes you will feel
Ang mundo’y gumuho sa ilalim ng iyong mga paa

That the world is starting to crumble under your feet

At ang agos ng problema’y tinatangay ka

And that your problems are sweeping you away

Tumingin ka lang sa langit

Just look up in heaven

Baka sakaling may masumpungan

Maybe you might find something by chance

Di kaya ako’y tawagin

Perhaps you can also call me

Malalaman mong kahit kailan

You'll then know that we'll forever...

[repeat chorus]

[bridge]

Wag mong sabihin nag-iisa ka

Don't ever say that you're all alone

Laging isipin meron kang kasama

Always remember that you have someone beside you

Narito ako oh, Narito ako

I'm just here, oh, I'm here

[repeat chorus]

Sa mundo ng kawalan

Here in this world of loss

Hawak-kamay, Hawak-kamay

Hold hands, hold hands

Sa mundo ng kawalan

Here in this world of loss

PP'S CONCERT - "A TRIBUTE TO HEROES"

2011-05-27T23:25:00.000-07:00

On the occasion of our second year anniversary, Pusong Pinoy will stage a benefit concert entitled "A Tribute to Heroes," a night dedicated to honoring our outstanding heroes and superheroes. Join us for a night of celebration and fantastic entertainment to raise funds for our cause. All proceeds will benefit Pusong Pinoy.

Since 2009, we have grown to a force of over 30,000 heroes worldwide via Facebook making a difference in so many lives - one book, one meal, one piece of clothing at a time. Our mission is to provide assistance to organizations in the Philippines with effective programs designed to advance the well-being of disadvantaged children, especially in the areas of education, health care, and social services with primary focus on their efforts to promote literacy through reading.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKET

For this event, we are also creating a Souvenir Program. It is in this light that we also invite you to be a major part of this endeavor by advertising through our Souvenir Program. Either by personal messages or business advertisements, this is an excellent way to get your message out that will be remembered by the hundreds of people attending the event. You have several choices and all proceeds will go to Pusong Pinoy’s causes.

For information about our souvenir program, please send us an email at pusongpinoyorg@gmail.com. Thank you and we look forward for your support!

APAC FASHION SHOW 2011

2011-05-25T22:36:00.000-07:00

The Appreciation of Pilipino American Culture Club (APAC) of Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, California is having its 4th Annual Fashion Show on May 26, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. PUSONG PINOY is the beneficiary of this event! Thank you to a group of HEROES that make up APAC of Saddleback College for choosing Pusong Pinoy as their beneficiary. They chose to step up and make an impact in the lives of disadvantaged kids in the Philippines without asking for anything in return. HATS OFF TO THESE OUTSTANDING HEROES!

Food truck Tapa Boy will be at the venue from 4:30 until the end of the show. They will donate a percentage of their sale to Pusong Pinoy. Thank you so much, Tapa Boy!

Ticket Prices are $10 Pre-sale and $15 at the door.
Get a pre-sale price $10 at the door by bringing 3 children's books for their Book Drive for Pusong Pinoy.

APAC is dedicated to providing a warm, social atmosphere for the betterment of knowledge of Filipino culture and traditions. Through their volunteer opportunities, they strive to empower its members with the chance to give back and serve their communities. Currently, they are discussing ways to promote and expand the Filipino Culture to their society.

JR PP HERO ALEX SONSALLA'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT PSAC

2011-05-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Another super fun-filled celebration happened at Transville, Banay-banay, Lipa City where more than 120 less fortunate children with their parents celebrated the birthday of our very own Hong Kong Team Leader Jinky Sonsalla's daughter, ALEX SONSALLA. There were food, games, drawing contests, and book reading sessions. Thank you, Alex, for bringing smiles to these children!

Special thanks to all the volunteers of Parish Social Action Committee (PSAC) for making sure this event was a success and most especially to PSAC President LIZA DE JESUS for coordinating this event with PP! You're all amazing!

If you would like to celebrate your birthday the Pusong Pinoy way, please contact our Charter Team Leader Jay Martinez at tl.tinytony@ymail.com or HK Vice-Team Leader Carol Vega at vegacarol@mac.com. Click HERE to see other Pusong Pinoy's birthday celebrations.

PROJECT LITTLE BITES FOR LITTLE LIGHTS II

2011-04-29T21:42:00.000-07:00

Once again, Pusong Pinoy had a food drive benefiting the children of Little Lights Ministry - "LITTLE BITES FOR LITTLE LIGHTS II". Part of the donation received from ICONS was used to purchase food items for this project. We are truly grateful to all the ICONS heroes for making this possible!

On April 15, 2011, our Philippines Team Leaders SUSAN CHUA, BENG DIZON, and LANCE BUCOY turned over the following food items to Pastor JOSEPH and JEANETTE CASAJE of Little Lights Ministry:

5 sacks RICE

30 kilos RICE NOODLES (Bihon)

20 kilos BEANS (Munggo)

2 sacks STICKY RICE

50 cans EVAPORATED MILK

40 kilos SPAGHETTI

40 kilos MACARONI

50 pkgs POWDERED JUICE DRINK

50 packs COCOA POWDER

25 kilos SUGAR

35 pails of BISCUIT

25 kilos OVALTINE

25 packs POWDERED MILK

25 kilos TOMATO SAUCE

50 sachets TOMATO PASTE

2 kilos KNORR CHICKEN SEASONING

2 kilos KNORR BEEF SEASONING

TOTAL CASH VALUE: PHP50,680

Little Lights Ministry, as part of Kerygma Asia, planted its humble beginnings in February 2010, at Sitio Tawi-Tawi along the riverbanks of the Pasig-Cainta boundary where drug dealing, drinking sprees, gambling, and street brawls are a way of life. Out of this concern, Little Lights was born. As the ministry continued its mission, they came across out-of-school and never-schooled children, which led them to start "Learning Lessons," a progressive Montessori-type learning system for ages 2 to 15 years. Deeply inspired and motivated by the works of Little Lights Ministry, Pusong Pinoy took on this project to help them continue their mission which is in line with ours - to promote literacy to eradicate poverty. Click HERE to read about other PP projects for Little Lights Ministry.

PSAC KIDS' FIELD TRIP TO ENCHANTED KINGDOM MADE POSSIBLE BY PP HEROES

2011-04-15T21:15:00.001-07:00

On April 14, 2011, the Parish Action Social Committee (PSAC) took 54 underprivileged kids to Enchanted Kingdom, a theme park in the Philippines, as part of their "Lakbay Aral" project. The tickets were donated by the aunt of PSAC's President LIZA DE JESUS.

When PSAC first received the tickets, they didn't have funds for transportation and snacks for the kids. That's when PP Heroes stepped in and made this field trip possible. This was the first time for these kids to be outside their community and they had a great day of fun!

Pusong Pinoy would like to thank the following PP HEROES for helping make this trip possible:

ICONS HEROES

ARAYPINOY.ORG

PP Team Leader DANA MARTY GALI

PP Team Leader ARNIE & Vice-Team Leader CHINKY FRANCISCO

NYLESOR TADEO of ISRAEL

WESTERN UNION - HONGKONG

************

PSAC has been a Pusong Pinoy recipient for almost two years. Their mission is to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate in the Philippines, not only by helping them with their needs, but encouraging a positive outlook on life. Special thanks to PSAC's President LIZA DE JESUS and all the volunteers for their tireless acts of kindness and generosity to the underprivileged kids in their community.

We also want to highlight ARAL PINOY.ORG, a non-stock, non-profit organization registered in the Philippines. It was founded by ANTONIO INGLES, a classroom and online instructor who believes that each learner is truly unique; endowed by God with talents and gifts. Aral Pinoy was inspired and born out of helping and working with the marginalized sectors of our society during his seminary days. It has been his vision to make a vital difference in the lives of Filipinos particularly by the rural poor: the indigenous people, the rural women, the fisher folks, the farmers, the rural youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities and the informal sector. Click HERE to read more about Aral Pinoy.Org.

KEVYN LATTAU CONCERT FOR THE BENEFIT OF PUSONG PINOY

2011-04-10T21:47:00.000-07:00

PHOTO CREDIT: ANDY EDRALIN

Pusong Pinoy was invited to the concert of Maricar Cabasag, Val Villar and 4828 Band on April 10, 2011. Ms. Cabasag, who is also Gano Excel's Vice-President, presented a check of $1,000 to Pusong Pinoy. This was a part of the proceeds from the Keyyn Lattau concert held in March. This donation was used to purchased school supplies for "Project Alay Mula Sa Puso 2011" and for the school assistance fund of four elementary students of Damascus Foundation.

Thank you so much, Ms. Cabasag and Gano Excel! Your donation had made an impact in the lives of disadvantaged children in the Philippines. We are in awe of your generosity and inspired by your compassion. May God continue to shower you with blessings as you share it with those who have nothing. Once again, our deepest gratitude.

We would also like to thank our partners, our ever reliable, always fabulous ICONS HEROES headed by Rhyan Deles for endorsing Pusong Pinoy to Ms. Cabasag, promoting the Kevyn Lettau concert, and continuously supporting Pusong Pinoy.

Special thanks to Alvin Reyes and the staff of Gano Excel for their warm hospitality and to Andy Edralin for the wonderful photos he took during this event!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The PROMENADE at GANO EXCEL in cooperation with iCONS
presents

KEVYN LETTAU
Up Close & Personal

Saturday, March 26 · 8:30pm

THE PROMENADE AT GANO EXCEL
4828 4th Street
Irwindale, CA

Part of the proceeds will benefit Pusong Pinoy
GREAT CONCERT FOR A GOOD CAUSE!
For ticket information, please call (949) 870-5411
or
email iconsfilamsocietyofca@gmail.com

THANK YOU SO MUCH, ICONS & GANO EXCEL!

ICONS CHARITY BALL FOR PUSONG PINOY

2011-04-08T07:12:00.000-07:00

BY LONDON PP COORDINATOR MIKE HAYES

On Feb 12, 2011, something amazing happened! People from all over (some from as far as England) came together to support a cause, to help those in need, and to party! The brilliant and wonderful people of ICONS Fil-Am Society of America really made it happen for us at Pusong Pinoy and we're so very grateful to everyone involved, especially iCONS members RHYAN DELES, CHERRY ORDONEZ, MICHELLE LARSON, LIL LACSON, APRIL VELASCO, MARICRIS BAUTISTA, TERRY VEGA, HEIDI SANTOS, GRACE FIGUES, and RICHARD LEBRON.

Without you, the event wouldn't have happened at all. Not only did you make it happen for us, but you made it a fantastic success, raising a great SIX THOUSAND DOLLARS for Pusong Pinoy. To be able to help so many children as a result of your generosity is a blessing beyond words. Thank you so much!

Photo by Ding Carreon

We also want to give a special thank you to the man who was the driving force behind the whole event from start to finish, without whom none of this would be possible, the fabulous RHYAN DELES, founder and leader of ICONS. Maraming maraming salamat po!

To those who missed the event, ICONS threw a huge party fundraiser for Pusong Pinoy at the Quiet Cannon Country Club in Montebello, California. It was packed with happy beautiful people all night long. Great music, drinks and company were all around from start to reluctant finish. Seldom has a happier, more generous, more beautiful, and more fun group of people been gathered anywhere this side of paradise. Pusong Pinoy is all about helping those less fortunate and remembering that it doesn't have to be a chore or a difficult and unpleasant thing, and every person who attended helped us prove that. You're all heroes, every last one of you!

We at Pusong Pinoy also want to thank the truly wonderful and amazing sponsors of the event who helped make it all happen. A huge thank you to Valerio's Bakery, Benny Bautista, Cherry's Beauty Salon, Cristina Callanta, Wilfredo Gadia, Jake Martin, Ruby Paredes and Son, Planet Pansit of West Covina, and the fabulous Lou Razon of Glendale. We appreciate your help so much, and want you to know we will remember your help and support. Maraming salamat po!

It sounds easy to say 'you're all heroes', doesn't sound like it means anything or carries weight. But it does. By helping us, even in the smallest way, you help a child in desperate need. And if that's not the act of a hero, then nothing is. All of us at Pusong Pinoy believe in the work we do, the children we help, and the people who help us, because of the actions of people like you. You keep us going, and through us you help those children - small, helpless and vulnerable, who need it more than most of us could ever imagine. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you all! You're heroes in a time when you're needed most. Salamat po, maraming salamat po!

HONG KONG JTL KERRI & PP HERO JAY'S BIRTHDAY BLOWOUT AT PSAC

2011-03-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

A double birthday celebration was held at Parish Social Action Committee (PSAC) for our very own Hong Kong Junior Team Leader KERRI ANNE MARTINEZ and her cousin JAY MARTINEZ.

Though they are miles apart, the cousins wanted to celebrate their birthday in a truly meaningful way by sharing their blessings with the children of PSAC in Batangas, Philippines. Their wishes were granted when food & drink, games, gifts, and prizes were given to more than 120 kids. Thank you so much, JTL Kerri and PP Hero Jay, for giving these kids a great time on your special day! We would also like to thank PSAC's President, Liza de Jesus, and the amazing PSAC volunteers for making this happen!

PSAC's mission is to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate in the Philippines; not only by helping them meet their needs, but also encourage a positive outlook on life. If you would like to celebrate your birthday the Pusong Pinoy way, please contact our Charter Team Leader Jay Martinez at tl.tinytony@ymail.com or HK Vice-Team Leader Carol Vega at vegacarol@mac.com. Click HERE to see past Pusong Pinoy's birthday celebrations.

TOY RUN FOUNDATION'S DONATION TO PP

2011-03-05T05:52:00.000-08:00

BY USA-EAST COAST CHARTER TEAM LEADER IVY ANTONIO

Last month, Pusong Pinoy acknowledged receipt of 6 large balikbayan boxes sent to the Philippines by DENNIS JARIN, Founder of Toy Run Foundation Inc. Dennis organized a hugely successful book and school supplies drive in New Jersey to benefit Pusong Pinoy's recipients last December.

On March 5th, members of PP's Philippine Core Team namely JOCEL ESTOQUE, SUSAN CHUA, BENG DIZON, CLAUDETTE LAGMAN, as well as Quezon City Team Leader LANCE BUCOY, got together to count and sort through hundreds of items donated by our generous heroes from Ocean County, New Jersey. Pusong Pinoy would like to acknowledge receipt of the following items:

BOOKS - 2,314
Crayons w/ hardcase by 64's- 17 boxes
Crayons by 24's- 76 boxes
Crayons by 48's- 3 boxes
Crayons by 36- 2 boxes
Glue- 6 bottles
Ruler- 30 pcs
Crayons by 96- 1 box
Crayons by 32's- 3 boxes
Crayons by 8's- 22 boxes
Crayons by 10's- 1 box
Crayons by 12's- 1 box
Crayons by 16's- 1 box
Colored pencils by 15's- 1 box
Colored pencils by 10's- 5 boxes
Colored pencils by 12's- 12 boxes
Glue sticks- 33 pcs.
Flashcards- 5 boxes
Fine tip markers- 1 box
Assorted erasers- 31 packs
Sharpeners-41 pcs.
Stapler set- 2 packs
Staple wires- 1 pack
Stationaries- 2 packs
Assorted erasers (loose)- 1 plastic bag
Colored markers by 10's- 9 packs
Colored markers by 20's- 6 packs
Colored markers by 12's- 2 packs
Hi-lighter by 3's- 1 pack
Ballpens (bundled) w/ eraser- 5 pcs.
Ballpens (bundled)- 60 pcs.
Ballpens by 12's- 3 boxes
Ballpens by 8's- 2 packs
Ballpens by 10's- 4 packs
Pencils by 20's- 17 boxes
Pencils by 24's- 7 boxes
Pencils by 16's- 3 boxes
Pencils by 60's- 3 boxes
Pencils by 8's- 47 packs
Pencils by 10's- 20 packs
Pencils by 12's- 5 packs
Pencils by 18's- 2 packs
Mechanical pencils- 2 packs
Pencils w/ eraser toppers- 13 pcs.
Loose pencils- 163 pcs.
Pencils (bundled) by 20's- 25 bundles
Notebooks- 19 pcs.
Yellowpad- 1 pack
Refiller- 1 pack

Recently, Pusong Pinoy sent out Certificates of Appreciation to these groups/individuals for their contribution towards the promotion of literacy among underprivileged children in the Philippines:

CHRISTINA JARIN, FRANCES JARIN, SUSAN SERRAO, KYLIE CLARK, MOLLY SAUER, KATELYNN BRISCHLER, ANEKA POWELL, PAIGE FAGAN, MAKENNA MILKOVTZ, MEGAN PAWLOWSKI, JORDYN DOUGET, JULIE BERTOTI, SAMANTHA ANDEER, VICTORIA COSTA, ALYSSA ELIA-WAY, WINNIE DADIA-FOY, VILMA DADIA, ROSZEL PILAPIL, GREG DELFIERO, RIC ESPINA, CAROLYN NICOSIA, LESLEY DANIELS, MARY BLOOD, MARY HAMMETT, PATTI GREENWOOD, KRISTIN MCKELVY & WITW, RITA PARKER, SHERRY FORTNER, JOHN MATUSKA, JR., BONNIE STRENO, LINDA DUGAN, LAUREN DANIELS, DENNISE LUBANSKI, BG PINNIX BRAUN, FREDERICK A. PRIFF SCHOOL STUDENT GOVERNMENT ADVISERS (DIANE SNEDDON AND BONNIE NELSON), STUDENT GOVERNMENT MEMBERS AND STUDENTS OF FREDERICK A. PRIFF SCHOOL & CUB SCOUT PACK 43

Last but not the least, to DENNIS JARIN for hosting these books and school supplies drive on behalf of Pusong Pinoy last December.

Once again, thanks to everyone for your participation and incredible support for Pusong Pinoy's ongoing book drive and upcoming school supplies project.

PP COMPLETED SCHOLARSHIP PROJECT

2011-03-01T21:24:00.000-08:00

We have now officially ended our 2nd Annual Scholarship Project - DONASYON PARA SA EDUKASYON 2 (Donation for Education). We are grateful to all the heroes who have given their support for this successful venture. We are not only sponsoring our 17 existing scholars, but we have added 16 more scholars!

Thanks to our generous HEROES for sponsoring the following scholars for another school year at De La Salle Lipa! You have helped these scholars take one step closer to their dreams!

1) Alvarez, Che-Che Recreo - Hong Kong TL Jinky Sonsalla
2) Calalo, Cheska Otico - Tony Velbis
3) Katigbak, Noriel Alqueres - Philippines TL Beng Dizon
4) Lajarca, Joyce Ann Remo - Caroline Zarate Boyle #1
5) Lospe, Rowena Palconit - Caroline Zarate Boyle #2
6) Mabiling, Israel Cuasay- CTL Bing Mordeno/Anonymous Donor
7) Magabo, Russel De Guzman - Team HONG KONG (CTL Jay Martinez/VTL Laica Martinez/JTL Kerri Anne Martinez/TL Jinky Sonsalla/VTL Kaz Soriano/VTL Cherryann Alix Solomon/TL Wys Vas-Villalobos/VTL Carol Vega/VTL Dang Rapio)
8) Mallilin, Peta Mikkaela Aquino - Corona TL Annali Palomo
9) Medina, Al John Paul Laiño - Hong Kong TL Wys Vas-Villalobos
10) Mercado, Cedrick Frenando - Deeno Tiglao & Marjorie Hagedorn Umali
11) Mercado, Lucky Bryan Tarrayo - Thelma Schuler
12) Montanez, Mark Aldrin - Regina Bondoc & Pia Nakao
13) Padilla, Georgia Macatangay - Thelma Schuler, Regina Bondoc & Pia Nakao
14) Ongkit, Jennesa Isidro - Anonymous donor c/o PPC Jocelin
15) Ramos, Dennica Hannah A. - Amy Canlas Reyes, Ryan Lebron/Noah & Nathan Rosario
16) Rueca, Hannah Algara - Anna Sevillano Flores
17) Villanueva, Ed Paulo - ICONS
18) John Reymart Nachor - ICONS
19) Fatima Bautista - ICONS
20) Joyce Rhodelene Fajarda - ICONS
21) Gissel Malabanan - ICONS
22) Marlyn Reyes - ICONS
23) Cherilla Kison - ICONS
24) Tricia Japson - ICONS
25) Anne Janine De Jesus - ICONS
26) Ma. Erika Banog - ICONS
27) Patrick John Honrado - ICONS
28) Noe Laylay - ICONS
29) Eunice Pagcaliwanggan - ICONS
30) Alex Francisco - ICONS
31) Mikko Valeros - ICONS
32) Jhun Kevin Sapatero - ICONS
33) Joyce Tubo - ICONS

Special thanks to our Arizona PP Coordinator JOCELIN OLIVIER for leading this project and to YENG LIBAT of DLSL for providing us all the information about the scholars! A formal presentation of the scholarships will be held this month. Please check our website for updates and pictures. Click HERE to read more about this project.

PUSONG PINOY'S TL JINKY & VTL LAICA'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT KES

2011-02-24T21:30:00.000-08:00

Last month, our very own Hong Kong Team Leader JINKY SONSALLA and Vice-Team Leader LAICA MARTINEZ celebrated their birthday by sponsoring a luncheon for 160 students and teachers of Kabuyao Elementary School (KES) in Benguet. They celebrated with games, prizes, and delicious meal from Mang Inasal (spaghetti, burger, and soda). Thank you, TL Jinky and VTL Laica, for celebrating your special day at KES!

Chocolates from our Scotland PP Coordinator DOUGLAS INNESS were also distributed during this event. This is truly a fun-filled day for the students!

Thanks to our Baguio-Benguet Team Leader ADI LAPPAO for organizing the party and to our Team Leader BYD BAWAYAN and PP volunteers for making this event a success!

If you would like information about Pusong Pinoy's Birthday Blowout Program, please contact CTL Jay Martinez at jayed@mac.com or Vice-Team Leader Carol Vega at vegacarol@mac.com. Click HERE to see other Pusong Pinoy's birthday celebrations.

****

SCHOOL PROFILE: Located atop Mt. Kabuyao, Tuba, Benguet, KES is approximately 7,000 meters above sea level. Because of its high altitude, the locale is considered an area of rain with temperature going as low as 3 to 16 degrees Celsius. During the summer, accessibility to water becomes a problem with the school's spring becoming the water source for the entire community. The school has one classroom for each grade level from 1 to 6 with full-time teachers mostly coming from the Tuba area. Although some students live close to the school area, others have to walk a mile or two just to attend school. The school has a mini library with very limited resources and instructional materials. Some are obsolete books and cannot be used as reference materials. KES has been a PP recipient since 2009. Click HERE to read more about KES.

BURGOS CHILDREN ENJOY BOOKS FROM PP

2011-02-15T22:55:00.000-08:00

BY DR. CORAZON L. ABANSI

On August 9, 2009, the Local Government of Burgos, La Union received a generous donation of books from Pusong Pinoy. The books were turned over to Project ABC (Ameliorating Burgos Children), a multi-sectoral project aimed at improving the literacy of public school children in the municipality through improved reading comprehension.

A total of 1,101 story books were catalogued according to grade levels by the volunteer teachers within the week. There were 43 books for Pre-elementary, 355 for Grade I, 207 for Grade II, 192 for Grade III, 25 for Grade IV, 96 for Grade V and 183 books for Grade VI. The pre-elementary books were housed in the Day Care Center of the municipality and this gave the kids the exciting experience of being introduced to very colorful and beautiful books. The grade level books were equally divided among the eight elementary schools of the municipality. The books were rotated among the eight schools so that the pupils and teachers will have the opportunity to enjoy all the books even if it means taking turns. To ensure that the books are protected and can easily be transported from one school to the next, they are stored in plastic crates purchased by the local government.

A meeting was held among the Project ABC Leader and the School Heads on the mechanics of circulating the books among them. Whenever possible, the local government provides the vehicle to transport the crates. Each school head dedicated a librarian who looks after the books while in school. The first delivery of books was made in September 1, 2009, each batch of books stayed in the school for three weeks.

Children are allowed to read during their free time and a “drop everything and read program” during recess time has been adopted by all schools to encourage the pupils to read as many books they can.
The teachers also devised simple borrower’s cards for students who wanted to bring a book home. After three weeks, the crate of books moved to another school while a new one arrived. This went on until all eight crates have reached each school.

The movement of books proceeded as scheduled except during the devastation of Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng when bridges were damaged and roads were eroded so the books stayed at the schools for more than a month. When the roads cleared, rotation continued but had to be carried by the students and teachers themselves in villages where the roads were still not passable by vehicles.

The designated librarians reported that, on the average, five books were not returned on time because either a student likes it and lends it to a sibling or cousin, or a teacher needs it to supplement her teaching. To date, the total collection is 5% smaller than its original number. However, the project has anticipated this and is consoled by the hope that any unreturned book continues to change hands and is still being read. We would like to believe that these books have become our children’s best friend. As Abraham Lincoln said, “The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who’ll get me a book I ain’t read.”

In behalf of the children, parents, and teachers, Project ABC would like to thank Pusong Pinoy for this gift of knowledge through books.

******

Dr. Corazon L. Abansi is an educator by heart and one of the implementers of Project ABC. She is the former Vice Chancellor for Academics and Research at De La Salle Lipa and is currently teaching at the graduate school of the University of the Philippines in Baguio City. She has also worked with various international and local organizations in the provision of quality public education in the Philippines. Working hand in hand with Synergeia Foundation, an organization that aims to uplift the quality of basic education in the Philippines, she became the Executive Director for Project K (Karunungan Para Sa Kinabukasan ng Kabataan) – an education reform program implemented to boost the literacy skills of more than 30,000 public elementary school pupils in Lipa City.

PUSONG PINOY'S "DONASYON PARA SA EDUKASYON 2" (DONATION FOR EDUCATION)

2011-02-01T20:19:00.000-08:00

Heroes and Superheroes, PUT YOUR GAME FACE ON! We have officially launched our 2nd Annual Scholarship Project - DONASYON PARA SA EDUKASYON 2! We need your help to ensure all 17 Pusong Pinoy/Hilarian scholars at De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) can continue their education this coming school year. Join us as we make a difference in their lives!

This scholarship is for Saint Brother Jaime Hilario FSC Learning Community at DLSL, one of the country's prestigious educational institutions. It is a five year program that provides secondary education to highly motivated and qualified students whose economic conditions hinder them to acquire quality academic formation.

Our scholars went through DLSL's screening process and are well-deserving of this scholarship. They worked hard all year long and are considered to be among the best in their class. One of Pusong Pinoy's scholarship recipients was named the top student in the entire batch.

Tuition is only P7,500 (approx US$182) for one (1) academic year at DLSL. Any donation will be accepted - you can solely sponsor a scholar or co-sponsor with other donors. The tuition went up from P5,000 to P7,500 for the upcoming school year. Here's a message from DLSL:

Please join this fundraising effort to enable these students to continue their education. Let's give them a well-deserved opportunity to advance into their sophomore year in high school.

If you wish to make a donation, please email our Arizona PP Coordinator JOCELIN OLIVIER at ja.olivier@gmail.com. Click HERE to read more about our scholars and this scholarship project.

*** U P D A T E ***

We are happy to announce that the tuition of existing Hilarian scholars will remain at P5,000.00 per school year. The new tuition will apply to new scholars only.

PAHK EVENT BENEFITING PUSONG PINOY

2011-01-25T21:52:00.000-08:00

CALLING ALL HONG KONG HEROES

You are invited to attend a Post-Valentine Cocktail Party hosted by the PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG (PAHK), an incorporated non-profit social organization representing members with business & social interests in Hong Kong and Philippines.

Thursday, February 17, 2011
6:30 to 10:00 p.m.
Spicy Fingers, Wanchai
** Unlimited standard drinks and finger food from 7-10pm **

RSVP info@pahk.com or pahkcom@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/TeamPAHK

Get a FREE raffle ticket for every children's book donated during the party. PAHK will also hold a book drive contest - any individual, company, or organization who donate the most number of children's books during this event will be awarded a special prize.

Pusong Pinoy sincerely appreciates and applauds the Board of Directors and members of PAHK for its tremendous support for the work that we do. Thanks to our Hong Kong Team Leaders JINKY SONSALLA and WYS VAS-VILLALOBOS, who are in the PAHK Board, for choosing Pusong Pinoy as a beneficiary of this event! Your organization will continue to inspire and motivate us to achieve our goals and enable us to further build bridges of support for needy children in the Philippines. THANK YOU!

ICONS EVENT BENEFITING PUSONG PINOY

2011-01-12T21:27:00.000-08:00

CALLING ALL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HEROES

You are invited to attend a Charity Ball hosted by ICONS FIL-AM SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA. Thanks to RHYAN DELES, ICONS President, and their members for selecting Pusong Pinoy as the recipient of this event! With generous help from organizations like ICONS, PP is able to effectively carry out its mission to provide assistance to marginalized kids in the Philippines.

An iCONIC Charity Ball to Celebrate Fashion, Glamour & Beauty

CLUB QC2020 (Quiet Cannon)
901 N. Via San Clemente
Montebello, CA
(323)724-4500

February 12, 2011
9:00 P.M.
(ages 21 & over)

Special gifts to the first 5 couples and raffle tickets all night long
Top 40's and hip hop by DJ Throbe (Papa RR)
Top 80's and discos with DJ Sal
Live band with April & Francis Velasco

To purchase tickets:
Call the ICONS hotline at 949-8475411
or
Email at http://www.blogger.com/Iconsfilamsocietyofca@gmail.com

LET'S PARTY WHILE SUPPORTING A GOOD CAUSE!

PUSONG PINOY ENDS YEAR ON A HIGH NOTE

2011-01-01T17:56:00.000-08:00

BY USA-EAST COAST CHARTER TEAM LEADER IVY ANTONIO

2010 was an amazing year for Pusong Pinoy! We capped off another productive year with the successful completion of our year-end project, Pamasko ng Pusong Pinoy II (Christmas Gift-Giving).

We continue to recognize the indispensable role that donors, supporters and volunteers play in our efforts to bring assistance to marginalized kids in the Philippines. We could not have reached this milestone without your enormous support.

Thank you for helping us bring joy to thousands of disadvantaged kids year-round. Thank you for helping us spread the holiday cheer all around. We salute each and every one of you!

Our accomplishments truly reflect the generosity, dedication and goodwill that characterizes each member of our Pusong Pinoy family. Recalling the outstanding contributions of Pusong Pinoy members worldwide, please allow us to share some of our key accomplishments in 2010:

JANUARY - Pusong Pinoy launched its scholarship project, "Donasyon para sa Edukasyon" (Donation for Education). We raised a total of P85,000 for 17 high school students who were able to attend one (1) year at De La Salle Lipa's Saint Brother Jaime Hilario FSC Learning Community (SBJHLC), "a five year program that provides secondary Christian and Lasallian education to highly motivated and qualified students whose economic conditions hinder them to acquire quality academic formation."

MARCH - PP embarked on our second food drive for Damascus Foundation, a non-stock, non-profit organization that provides a home for recovering drug dependents, street children and individuals with behavioral problems. Pusong Pinoy donated food items to Damascus valued at over P180,000 since our first food drive.

APRIL - PP announced Project “Alay Mula Sa Puso” (Gift from the Heart), our school supplies project. We collected brand new notebooks, backpacks, pencils, erasers and crayons for over 500 children at Kabuyao Elementary School (Tuba, Benguet), Damascus Foundation (Dona Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan) and children from the Mangyan tribes of Oriental Mindoro. Supplies were also provided for volunteer teachers at a Mangyan community school.

MAY - PP celebrated its first year anniversary. This celebration was made more meaningful when it coincided with the turnover ceremony of the P85,000 scholarship to De La Salle Lipa for our 17 PP Hilarian Scholars. In the United States, PP celebrated its anniversary at English Springs Park in Chino Hills, California.

AUGUST - PP launched project "Little Bites for Little Lights" to benefit Little Lights Ministry's feeding/educational programs. Over P35,000 worth of food items and school supplies were collected in just five days for hundreds of out-of-school youth in Sitio Tawi Tawi in Pasig City.

SEPTEMBER - PP became registered as a non-profit organization in the state of California. During this month, PP also kicked off "Project Lend a Hand" in collaboration with Photo Kalye, a Flickr-based group dedicated to raising social awareness about poverty. PP and PK distributed goods to about 100 kids at Ulingan Day Care Center in Ulingan, Tondo. Furthermore, our PP team traveled to Bohol and donated over 600 books to Baclayon Schools and Village of Hope. They also provided Accent Reduction Training for the elementary public school teachers and two photography seminars for the high school students of Baclayon.

NOVEMBER - PP launched its year-end project, Pamasko ng Pusong Pinoy (Christmas Gift-Giving) for over 3,000 underprivileged kids.

DECEMBER - PP distributed goods donated for Project PPP to our intended recipients valued at over P250,000.

Pusong Pinoy has collected over 20,000 books since our inception in May 2009. We helped several schools and communities build libraries as part of our ongoing efforts to promote literacy through reading.

Earlier this year, Pusong Pinoy also took part in medical/dental missions. Thanks to our generous donors, Pusong Pinoy was able to provide antibiotics for Parish Social Action Committee's dental mission in Batangas. We were also able to join Easter College Alumni Foundation's second blood drive held in Guisad, Baguio City last February. Pusong Pinoy was able to sponsor lunch and snacks for volunteers who provided free medical and dental services as well as a free lecture on "Violence Against Women and Children." Moreover, Pusong Pinoy raised over P30,000 for its medical assistance projects for two children who were in dire need of emergency medical treatments.

Throughout the year, several members celebrated their birthdays the Pusong Pinoy way. They sponsored a feeding program by providing lunch/snacks/party goods for kids belonging to some of the organizations we have partnered with. To date, we’ve had over 20 birthday celebrations at Parish Social Action Committee, Kabuyao Elementary School, Kids Hope Ministry, Little Light Ministry, Don Macario Bacani Elementary School, Breaking Barriers for Children and Ulingan Day Care Center. Many more birthday celebrations have been scheduled for the coming months. Click HERE for information about our birthday program and other ways you can help.

To all 28,721 heroes and superheroes of Pusong Pinoy, THANK YOU!

We look forward to your continued support in 2011!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU!

MARAMING SALAMAT PO!

PROJECT PPP II TURNOVER AT KAPANGAN

2010-12-29T00:05:00.000-08:00

BY PP HERO OLIVE GRACE BINWAG

Pusong Pinoy Team Baguio-Benguet, through the initiative of Team Leader BYD BAWAYAN and Vice Team Leader Joanne Suyam and in coordination with The Baguio Fountain of Life – Singles’ Ministry and Pastor MARLOU BERSAMIN of Heritage Bible Baptist Church, reached out again a little further as they shared a joy to the kindergarten and elementary students of Barangay Sagubo, Kapangan, Benguet on December 27, 2010.

Reaching Barangay Sagubo was a three-hour off-road trip from the City of Pines passing through roads and bridges still under repair after being washed out by the super typhoons Pepeng (2009) and Juan (2010). These calamities did not spare our target area.

According to Pastor Marlou, the community could have moved on if it were not because of the latter typhoon that destroyed most of their crops and livestock about three months ago. Just like other affected areas, we felt a pang somewhere in our guts. This sad feeling leaped away as we saw the kids running towards us when we reached the area. As young as you can imagine, the children gladly helped us carry the books and other items we brought up the hill where the temporary church building is standing. Considering the distance and off road trip, not to mention the ruined bridges, this four-year old church has had barely a support.

After few moments of catching up with the Sunday school teachers, parents, and children, we learned that some children hiked two hours to reach the church. Another thing that struck us was that the church is near the school where these children attend everyday. Imagine a two-hour hike to school everyday? Nevertheless, we did not hear nor see any sign of complaint among them. What we saw were excited children who can’t wait to enjoy and receive our gifts!

Before the turnover activity, the children prepared song numbers and a play which gave us the message “Jesus is the Reason for this Season.” They also handed out Christmas and Thank You cards which they personally made to show their deepest gratitude and appreciation for Pusong Pinoy. VTL Joanne did not expect such preparation of the children that her eyes welled up with joy. They also played games, candies were given to them, and everybody had so much fun!

As they settle down while enjoying the candies, they patiently waited for their gifts from PP heroes: school supplies, toys, slippers, rice, etc. The kids were most excited at the part when they have to pick a brand new pair of slippers. More than 40 children made it to this event. Some couldn’t make it becaue it was quite a hike to the church.

Here are the gifts that the children of Kapangan received:

Daycare - Preschool (13 students)
1 pair of slippers

1 coloring book

1 eraser
1 box of crayon

1 bracelet
10 pencils
1 kilo of rice

Grades 1 - 2 (10 students)
1 pair of slippers

1 eraser

1 bracelet
7 pencils
5 notebooks
1 kilo of rice
1 story-coloring book

Grades 3 - 4 (13 students)
1 pair of slippers

1 eraser
1 bracelet
3 notebooks

5 pencils
1 story-coloring book
1 kilo of rice

Grades 5 - 6 (9 students)
1 pair of slippers

1 eraser

1 notebook

1 pad paper

1 bracelet
5 pens

1 kilo of rice

For those children who were not able to attend, the school items were turned over to the Sunday Care Teacher Gemma and the remaining slippers were turned over to the church. The remaining kilos of rice were turned over to Pstr. Marlou. Because of the long hike to the church, some members eat at the church for lunch before going back to their homes. During this event, the mother members of the church provided snacks and lunch - kamote (sweet potato) and pinikpikan (traditional food of the Igorots).

As a culminating part of the activity, Pastor Marlou extended his thanks and gratitude to Pusong Pinoy especially to the PP heroes who were kind enough to share what they have to these children. He assured these gifts will be used in the right way and that these children will always be grateful for what they have received. He also instructed the Sunday school teachers to have a library corner where they can put the books so children can enjoy reading.

God bless Pusong Pinoy! May you reach out more children!

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thanks, Olive, for a wonderful article! A BIG thanks to you and VTL Joanne for bringing these gifts to the children of Kapangan. You're both amazing heroes! Thanks for bringing joy to these kids this holiday season!

List of items and PP Heroes/Superheroes who made this happen:

300 children's books
160 pencils
60 boxes of crayons
- 40 donated by TL Carl Bernardo (Newport Beach, USA)
- 20 from an Anonymous Hero (Anaheim, USA)
80 erasers -
- 80 erasers donated by VTL Cherryann Alix Solomon (Hong Kong)
120 notebooks -
- 80 donated by Conqui Bernardo (Ontario, USA)
- 40 donated by TL Wys Vas-Villalobos (Hong Kong)
60 coloring books
- 41 from an Anonymous Hero (Anaheim, USA)
- 20 donated by Emee Metiam Navarro Abad (Zambales)
60 kilos rice
- 60 donated by TL Wys-Vas Villalobos (Hong Kong)
60 chocolates
- 60 donated by Douglas & Jean Inness (Scotland)
60 pairs of slippers - 60 donated by Ian Solomon (Hong Kong)
Miscellaneous school supplies
- calculators, pens donated by Jovito Macatugal of Carson, California
Jeepney rental to transport items from Baguio City to Kapangan, Benguet
- donated by Encina Family (Manila)

PROJECT PPP II TURNOVER TO DAMASCUS

2010-12-28T17:39:00.000-08:00

On December 4, 2010, ROBERT TIANGCO, founder of Damacus Foundation, received donations as part of our Project Pamasko ng Pusong Pinoy II (Christmas Gift-Giving). Our Philippines team CTL JOCEL ESTOQUE, TL SUSAN CHUA, TL BENG DIZON, TL CLAUDETTE LAGMAN, TL EVANGELINE CRUZ REYES, and TL ADI LAPPAO presented the donations to Mr. Tiangco.

DONATED ITEMS
50 coloring books
50 crayons
100 cans of meatloaf
100 cans of sardines
50 cans evaporated milk
30 large pails of biscuits
30 kilos of Milo
44 cans (700 grams) of powdered milk
30 kilos of macaroni
20 kilos of spaghetti
5 gallons of cooking oil
2 boxes of used clothes, miscellaneous items
50 packs of chocolates
1 refurbished desktop computer, monitor & keyboard

Damascus Foundation is a non-stock, non-profit organization located in Dona Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan. It provides a home for recovering drug dependents, street children, and individuals with behavioral problems; and a preschool for the children of indigent families of the town. Damascus has been a recipient of Pusong Pinoy since last year. Click HERE to read about PP's previous donations to this organization.

Pusong Pinoy would like to thank the following PP Heroes & Superheroes who helped ensure that the kids of Damascus Foundation would have an enjoyable Christmas this year. Thanks for making a difference!

1. TL ARNIE & VTL CHINKY FRANCISCO (Fairfield, California) - 50 crayons, 50 coloring books & 16 kilos of macaroni.
2. MIRACLES SANCHEZ (Northern California) - 50 cans of evaporated milk, 4 kilos of Milo
3. PPC MIKE HAYES (London) - 5 pails of biscuits
4. ROWENA CHEE (San Diego, California) - 9 pails of biscuits
5. ANDY NG (Singapore) - 2 pails of biscuits
6. CHIE CARROLL (Kentucky) - 3 pails of biscuits, 3 gallons of cooking oil
7. PPC JENNY OLIVA (Pasig City) - 2 pails of biscuits, 2 kilos of Milo
8. PPC JOCELIN OLIVIER (Arizona, USA) - 3 pails of biscuits
9. ANONYMOUS HERO (Australia) - 6 pails of biscuits
10. SUBAIR KU (India) - 96 cans of meatloaf, 100 cans of sardines
11. TL ANNALI ANCHETA (Corona, California) - 10 cans of powdered milk
12. PRISCILLA TORRES ( San Jose, California) - 2 cans of powdered milk; 2 gallons cooking oil
13. EMEE METIAM NAVARRO ABAD (Zambales) - 2 cans of powdered milk (10 bxs of 150g)
14. TL HERBERT WENCESLAO (Orange County, California) - 4 cans of powdered milk
15. SANDRA CONCEPCION (West Covina, California) - 10 cans of powdered milk
16. TONY ABUDA & MARYLOU GAZA (Hesperia, California) - 6 cans of powdered milk
17. ELVIE HAYA (Whittier, California) - 4 cans of powdered milk
18. MATIE SISON (Ontario, California) - 1 can of powdered milk
19. CASPER FERNANDEZ (West Covina, California) - 4 cans of powdered milk
20. SOL OLLENDORFF (West Covina, California) - 1 can of powdered milk
21. ANONYMOUS HERO (Anaheim, California) - 20 kilos of Milo
22. GOYA CONCEPCION-NORIGENNA (Arizona) - 4 kilos of Milo
23.RAYMELYN GALOT (Pasig City) - 7 kilos of macaroni
24. PPC DOUGLAS & JEAN INNESS (Scotland)- 50 chocolate bags (in transit)
25. ANONYMOUS HERO (Hongkong) - 7 kilos macaroni, 20 kilos spaghetti, 4 cans meatloaf
26. EMZ ACEVEDO (California) - refurbished desktop computer, monitor, and keyboard

PROJECT PPP II TURNOVER TO ULINGAN

2010-12-28T06:56:00.000-08:00

On Christmas day, 100 kids at Ulingan Day Care Center received a bag of goodies each containing apple, juice, cupcake, toy, can of wow-ulam, margarine, two packs of ramen noodles, coloring book, box of crayons, three pencils, colored pencil, and a kilo of rice.

For all her hard work, Teacher JEMIMA of Ulingan Day Care Center received a gift bag from our very own Hong Kong Team Leader WYS VAS-VILLALOBOS and her husband.

Pusong Pinoy also donated 500 gently-used children's books for the Ulingan Day Care Center.

Thanks for sharing these photos, PEEGEE SILO, Photo Kalye President! Thanks to you and PK members for distributing the goodie bags at the Ulingan Day Care Center on Christmas day!
Special thanks also to our Philippines Core Team Leader SUSAN CHUA and PP volunteers for sorting and putting together the goodie bags.

Lastly, we would like to give a SHOUT OUT to our PP heroes who stepped up once again and donated the following items to make sure that the Ulingan kids and their family enjoy the holidays:

100 APPLES
200 PACKS OF RAMEN NOODLES

100 JUICE IN TETRAPACK

100 KILOS OF RICE

100 MARGARINE

100 CUPCAKES

100 WOW-ULAM (AFRITADA)

100 COLORING BOOKS

100 COLORED PENCILS

300 PENCILS
100 TOYS

500 CHILDREN'S BOOKS

TEACHER'S BAG:

4 APPLES

12 PACKS OF RAMEN NOODLES

1 KILO SPAGHETTI NOODLES

1 SPAGHETTI SAUCE

2 FRUIT COCKTAILS

1 CHEESE

5 KILOS OF RICE

2 ALL PURPOSE CREAM

2 CANS OF CORNED BEEF

1 CONDENSED MILK

List of PP HEROES/SUPERHEROES who made this possible:
1. TL JINKY SONSALLA (Hong Kong) -100 kilos of rice
2. PP TEAM HONGKONG - 100 colored pencils
3. VTL CHERRYANN ALIX SOLOMON (Hong Kong) -240 pencils
4. NATHAN ROSARIO (Chino Hills, California) -60 pencils
5. CARMELITA MORDENO (Los Angeles, California) - 100 juice in tetrapack
6. VEEGEE GARCIA (Quezon City) - 67 pks of ramen noodles
7. TERESA GADAONI (Australia) - 133 pks of ramen noodles
8. TL WYS VAS-VILLALOBOS & HUBBY (Hong Kong) - 100 Wow Ulam (Afritada) ;50 apples and PHP777 worth of items for the teacher
9. ANONYMOUS HERO (Hong Kong) - 100 cupcakes, 4 apples (teacher)
10. LYSSA & APOLLO PAGANO of Baguio City - 50 pcs margarine
11. DYNES TIGLAO (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) - 50 pcs margarine; 45 coloring books
12. MILETTE MANAOG (Quezon City) - 20 apples
13.THELMA ATTOCK (London)- 30 apples
14. VTL KAZ SORIANO (Hong Kong) - 54 coloring books

2010 PROJECT PAMASKO NG PUSONG PINOY II

2010-12-23T21:18:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Pusong Pinoy Heroes and Superheroes! We did it again! Another successful project because everyone came together and shared what they could to complete our list of items. Thanks to everyone around the world who shared their time, effort, and blessings to Project Pamasko ng Pusong Pinoy! Because of you, 3,000 kids will be very happy this Christmas.

Now that we have completed this project, the best part begins - seeing the smiles of these kids as we give them their gifts! (Click on the links below to see pictures of the turnover events at each location)

CENTRAL SCHOOL OF LUBAO

DAMASCUS FOUNDATION

DON MACARIO BACANI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

EPHESUS HOME OF ABUSED CHILDREN

HILARIAN SCHOLARS OF DE LA SALLE LIPA

KABUYAO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

KAPANGAN OUTREACH

KIDS HOPE MINISTRY

LITTLE LIGHTS MINISTRY

NARIS FAMILY

PARISH SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE

ULINGAN DAY CARE CENTER/PHOTO KALYE

PROJECT PPP II TURNOVER TO PSAC

2010-12-21T23:19:00.000-08:00

On December 20, 2010, PP Batangas Team Leader NINGNING DOBLE handed over the following items listed below to LIZA DE JESUS, PP Liaison and President of the Parish Social Action Committee (PSAC):

400 PAIRS OF SLIPPERS

400 KILOS OF RICE

800 RAMEN NOODLES

400 CHOCOLATE PACKS

400 SARDINES

200 COLORING BOOKS

200 CRAYONS

8 BOXES OF GENTLY USED CLOTHES AND TOYS

PP Heroes came together to provide gifts for the holidays to 400 families of Banay, Banay Batangas. We also provided coloring books and crayons for 200 kids. As an added bonus, Pusong Pinoy heeded the call of PSAC when we found out that they were still in need of 230 loaves of bread for their upcoming Christmas event, "Paskohan sa Parokya".

Thanks to our PP volunteers (DANILO ERAS, JR; EM CHARISSE BENEDICTO; JOHN DANIEL BELLEN; and SHARMAINE BELLEN) for helping TL Ning sort and repack the gift bags. Special thanks to Philippines Core Team Leader SUSAN CHUA for sending some of the items from Manila to Batangas. Most of all, thank you to all the PP Heroes for sharing your blessings so that 400 families may have a Merry Christmas this time of year. Hats off to all of you!

List of HEROES/SUPERHEROES that made this possible:
TERRY ADEVA & CHERRY ORDONEZ (West Covina, California) - 333 cans of sardines (Proceeds from Cosmic Bowling for a Cause)
HONEY ALIX (Bulacan) - 50 pairs of slippers
JOEL PAGSANJAN AMADOR ( Bulacan) - 50 pairs of slippers
CONQUI BERNARDO (Ontario, California) - 1 medium box of clothes
CRISTINA BERNARDO (West Covina, California ) - 1 medium box of clothes
ROBERT CATIMBANG (Quezon City) - 11 pairs of slippers
RICHARD DELA CRUZ (Bulacan) - 10 pairs of slippers
MARJORIE DIAZ (Batangas) - 72 pks of ramen noodles
JEREMY DOBLE (Batangas) - 10 pks. of ramen noodles
PP TEAM DUBAI - 1 box of toys
ENCINA FAMILY (Manila) - 5 sacks of rice
DOUGLAS & JEAN INNESS (Scotland) - 400 packs of chocolates
CHANTAL JIMENEZ (Batangas)- 216 pks of ramen noodles
EDUARD JULIANO (Dubai) - 24 coloring books
SUBAIR KU (India) - 134 pks. of ramen noodles and 50 cans of sardines
NINA ESCOBEDO LATONIO (Bulacan) - 100 coloring books
MARIBLE MEDENILLA (Bulacan) - 36 pairs of slippers
ROMMEL MEDENILLA (Cagayan de Oro) - 25 pairs of slippers
PPC JOCELIN OLIVIER (Tucson, Arizona) - 17 cans of sardines and 200 boxes of crayons
CRISTINA ONG (Manila) - 60 coloring books
MINA REYES & FAMILY (Chino Hills, California) - 1 medium box of clothes
MYRNA TANEDO ROMERO (Chino,California) - 300 pks of ramen noodles; 1 medium box of clothes
JAMIE DIANNE SANTOS (Muntinlupa City) - 25 pairs of slippers
CONNIE SOTO (San Diego, California) - 1 medium box of clothes and toys
TL OCHI TANEDO (San Diego, California) - 1/2 medium box of clothes and miscellaneous items
THELMA SCHULER (Hanford, California) - 1 sack of rice
KARL PATRICK SERRANO (Batangas) -72 pks of ramen noodles
VTL CHERRYANN ALIX SOLOMON (Hong Kong) - 193 pairs of slippers
VTL KAZ SORIANO (Hong Kong) - 16 coloring books
TONY VELBIS (Torrance) - 2 sacks of rice
LAN VUONG (Southern California) - 1 medium box of clothes

PROJECT PPP II TURNOVER AT KABUYAO

2010-12-17T21:55:00.000-08:00

On December 17, 2010, Pusong Pinoy team led by Baguio-Benguet Team Leader ADI LAPPAO paid a visit to the Kabuyao Elementary School and Saddle Primary School located at Tuba, Benguet to give gifts to 142 students and 7 teachers as part of our Project Pamasko ng Pusong Pinoy II (Christmas Gift-Giving of Pusong Pinoy)

EACH STUDENT RECEIVED
1 coloring book
2 pencils
1 pen
1 box of crayons
2 packs of noodles
1 can of sardines
1 kilo of rice
an apple
a cheeseburger
juice
a pair of slippers

EACH TEACHER RECEIVED
2 kilos of rice
3 packs of noodles
2 cans of sardines
a cheeseburger
juice

The school also received two refurbished laptop computers.

A message from Team Leader ADI LAPPAO:
"Thank you to all our Heroes and SuperHeroes who made this possible! Thank you to our PP volunteers CATHY SADANDOY, BETH SAGANDOY and her daughter ERICA, NERI RUNAS, JERRYNE CAPARAS, and RHOMES CAPARAS for helping Pusong Pinoy during this event. Heroes and Superheroes, you’ve made 149 people HAPPY this Yuletide Season! Once again, you've made a difference!"

List of items and PP Heroes/Superheroes who made this happen:

* Transportation expense to pick up items from Manila to Baguio sponsored by ENCINA FAMILY (Manila)
* Jeepney Rental sponsored by FAIRLANE INSO (Manila)

* 160 cheeseburgers

- 121 by MAYBEIL BERNABE (Qatar)

- 39 by CHAR URBANO
* 160 juice in tetrapacks by CHAR URBANO
* 156 kilos of rice by Arizona PP Coordinator JOCELIN OLIVIER
* 152 chocolates by Scotland PP Coordinator DOUGLAS & JEAN INNESS

* 308 ramen noodles
- 265 by Dubai Vice Team Leader Christina Carlos
- 16 by EDER MOLBOG (Dubai)
- 27 by EMEE METIAM NAVARRO ABAD (Zambales)
* 150 pens by Hongkong Vice Team Leader Cherryann Solomon
* 284 pencils by Hongkong VTL Cherryann Solomon & Nathan/Noah Rosario (California)
* 142 coloring books
- 80 by VHIC DE GUZMAN, JOYCE SAVERON, ERICH REGUNAN, ASTHER REGUNAN & SOL FERNANDEZ
- 53 by SHAWN SOLETA (San Bernardino, California)
- 9 by Hongkong Vice Team Leader Kaz Soriano
* 142 boxes of crayons by Arizona PP Coordinator JOCELIN OLIVIER
* 2 refurbished laptop computers for teachers use donated by EMI ACEVEDO (California)
* 142 pairs of slippers
- 50 by MILDRED HACA (Hongkong)
- 15 by EMEE METIAM NAVARRO ABAD (Zambales)
- 39 by ROBERT CATIMBANG (Quezon City)
- 10 by MR & MRS GERARDO SINOGAYA RAYALA (Bulacan)
- 15 by ROLANDO CASINTO JR & FRIENDS (Bulacan)
- 13 by NICOLE ANN DELA CRUZ (Bulacan)

Click HERE to read about other PP's projects for Kabuyao Elementary School.

PROJECT PPP II TURNOVER AT KIDS' HOPE MINISTRY

2010-12-15T05:36:00.000-08:00

On December 4, 2010, Pusong Pinoy turned over the following items to the Kids' Hope Ministry (KHM) for the 50 children they serve at the ministry:

100 PACKS OF RAMEN NOODLES

50 CUPCAKES

50 KILOS OF RICE

50 JUICE IN TETRAPACK

50 CANS OF SARDINES

50 CANS OF WOW ULAM (AFRITADA)

50 MARGARINES

50 COLORING BOOKS

50 BOXES OF CRAYONS

50 TOYS

50 CHOCOLATES

GENTLY-USED CLOTHES

KHM focuses on impoverished children 3 to 16 years old from squatters areas, slums, and other poverty-stricken areas in the Philippines. These children are oftentimes left to fend for themselves - hungry, malnourished, and left vulnerable to the allures of a life of crime, drug addiction, and prostitution. It is their mission to give this children a chance in life by providing them educational opportunities, feeding program, and basic needs (clothes and food). They also provide home and shelter to orphans and abandoned kids.

Our utmost thanks to the following PP Heroes for making sure that these kids have a memorable holiday this season:

1. REBECCA THOMSON of NC, USA - donated 50 coloring books, 50 crayons, 50 kilos of rice, 100 ramen noodles, 50 juice in tetrapack
2. TL BENG DIZON of Quezon City - donated 50 toys
3. TL VANGIE CRUZ-REYES of Quezon City - donated 50 cupcakes
4. ENCINA FAMILY of Quezon City - donated 48 sardines, 50 cans of Wow-Ulam (Afritada)
5. NELDA PALIGAR of Capital Holdings Inc of Ontario, California - donated 2 sardines
6. JAYLAH MAYORES of Pasig City - donated 20 apples
7. BELLE MANANSALA of Pasig City - donated by 20 apples
8. SHARON MAGCAMIT of Pasig City - donated by 10 apples
9. LYSSA & APOLLO PAGANO of Baguio City - donated 50 pcs margarine
10. WENDY TRANQUILINO of Las Pinas - 50 chocolate packs and used clothes

Click HERE to read more about KIDS' HOPE MINISTRY.

PROJECT PPP II TURNOVER AT EPHESUS

2010-12-14T05:39:00.000-08:00

This is the second year that Ephesus Home of Abused Children in Bulacan has been a recipient of PP's Christmas Gift-Giving Project "Pamasko ng Pusong Pinoy". Although we cannot show pictures of the kids, they were very happy to receive our gifts.

Thanks to the following PP Heroes for making this holiday season happy for these kids!

24 STATIONARY GIFT BOX

(pencil, eraser, gluestick, sharpener, ruler)

*donated by JTL Carissa Paccerelli (California)

24 CHOCOLATE/TREAT PACKS

*donated by Junior PP Hero G. Paccerelli (California)

200 PACKS OF RAMEN NOODLES

*138 donated by PPC Jocelin Olivier (Tucson, Arizona)

*25 donated by Eder Molbog (Dubai)

*37 donated by Jasmine & Nikolai Aleksiev (Dubai)

JR PP HERO VIVIENNE JACLYN SOLOMON'S BIRTHDAY & PROJECT PPP II TURNOVER AT LITTLE LIGHTS MINISTRY

2010-12-12T23:54:00.000-08:00

On December 4, 2010, Junior Pusong Pinoy Hero VIVIENNE JACLYN SOLOMON celebrated her birthday to coincide with our Christmas Gift-Giving Project (PPP II) at Little Lights Ministry in Santos Compound, Pasig City. The children of Little Lights were treated with fun, games, and delicious meal.

Pusong Pinoy Philippines Team (CTL JOCEL ESTOQUE, TL SUSAN CHUA, TL BENG DIZON, TL CLAUDETTE LAGMAN, TL EVANGELINE CRUZ REYES, and TL ADI LAPPAO) also joined in the celebration and gave christmas gift bags to 100 kids of Little Lights Ministry. Our utmost thnks to our PP Heroes for donating the following items, which were sorted, repacked, and distributed to the kids:

100 pairs of slippers
100 chocolates
100 cans of sardines
100 star margarine
2 sacks of rice
2 large bags of toys

A message from Pastor JOSEPH CASAJE of Little Lights Ministry:

"Happy Birthday to “Beautiful Vivienne Jaclyn Solomon”! The Little Lights Team of Tawi Tawi and Santos Compound express our hearfelt thanks to you and family for showering the kids with your love. Thank you for choosing our communities to be the venue for your birthday celebration. We and all the kids were truly blessed that day. May the Lord Jesus Christ continue His work in you that you will always find in your hearts the faces of our less priviledged brethren.

To you, Vivienne Jaclyn, we pray that you be blessed abundantly in mind, body and soul, growing up to be a fine and spiritual lady as you are now and as you are fashioned by Christ to be. To Mr. Ian & Ms. Cherryann Alix Solomon, parents of Jaclyn, our congratulations for a beautiful and awesome daughter and for making her grow up with love to her neighbor! Mabuhay po kayo!

Pusong Pinoy, the heart of every Filipino, once again blesses the 100 “LITTLE LIGHTS” of Santos Compound with gifts of slippers and bags of food items . Our thanks from the depths of our hearts for continually supporting our ministry and cause for the less privileged children. Thank you also for endorsing our communities to be the venue for your Heroes’ birthday celebrations. We rejoice and give glory to the Lord Jesus Christ for all your great efforts to touch the lives of our brethren."

Click HERE to read more about Little Lights Ministry.

List of HEROES/SUPERHEROES who made this possible:

100 PAIRS OF SLIPPERS
- 40 pairs - Ian Solomon (Hong Kong)
- 15 pairs - Winnie Jovita (Meycauayan, Bulacan)
- 2 pairs - Nicole Ann dela Cruz (Meycauayan, Bulacan)
- 12 pairs - Jake Solomon (Hong Kong)
- 12 pairs - Jacklyn Solomon (Hong Kong)
- 19 pairs - Vince Baldo (San Jose, California)
100 CHOCOLATES - Douglas & Jean Inness (Scotland)
2 SACKS OF RICE
- 1 sack - Restauro Family (Corona, California)
- 1 sack - TL Ochi Tanedo (San Diego, California)
200 PACKS OF RAMEN NOODLES
- 100 pks - Andy Ng (Singapore
- 23 pks - Jenny Oliva (Pasig)
- 77 pks - Veegee Garcia (Quezon City)
100 CANS OF SARDINES
- 67 cans - Regina Bondoc (Union City, California
- 33 cans - Nelda Paligar of Capital Holdings Inc (Ontario, CA)
100 STAR MARGARINE - Anonymous donor
2 LARGE BAG OF TOYS - donated by Team Dubai

PROJECT PPP II TURNOVER AT DMBES

2010-12-12T05:44:00.000-08:00

On December 11, 2011, a turnover ceremony was held at Don Macario Bacani Elementary School (DMBES) in Lubao, Pampanga. Helping in this event are the Kabalen Riders led by our Pampanga Team Leader PATRICK REYES. Also in attendance are our Philippines Core Team Leaders SUSAN CHUA, BENG DIZON, and VANGIE CRUZ-REYES. They all receive a warm welcome from the students of DMBES,

A total of 389 students each received 1 coloring book, 1 box of crayons, 1 kilo of rice, and 2 packs of ramen noodles. They were extremely delighted to receive their gifts despite having to wait in line under the scorching heat of the sun.

Special thanks to the following PP Heroes for their generous donations for DMBES:

389 COLORING BOOKS

66 donated by Eden Reyes (California)

230 donated by PPC Mike Hayes (London) and Chris Restauro (California)

22 donated by Dina Perez (Paranaque)

71 donated by VTL Kaz Soriano (Hongkong)

389 CRAYONS

50 donated by anonymous hero (San Juan City)

300 donated by PPC Jocelin Olivier (Arizona)

39 donated by TL Dynes Tiglao (Saudi Arabia)

389 KILOS OF RICE

353 kilos of rice donated by Jovito Macatugal & Mar Manalo (California)

36 kilos of rice donated by Tony Velbis (California)

778 PACKS OF RAMEN NOODLES

500 donated by Robin R. Salandanan (Pinagbuhatan, Pasig)

278 donated by Dina Perez (Paranaque)

We are also grateful for the support given by our special volunteers, the KABALEN RIDERS of Pampanga namely Brian Vera, Acey Vera, Lina Macapagal, Joey Villareal, Rico Cabrera, Gene Alfonso, Aboy Sigua, Cherril Alfonso, Raquel Reyes, Analyn Tegio Dimalanta, Rey Navales, Allan Jude Angat, Dennis Jethro Castro, Cedric Mayrina, Odon Quimabao, Richard Ayson, Leo Krismar Galang and Marlon Palo. You all did a wonderful job distributing gifts the kids!

Lastly, Pusong Pinoy could not have had a successful turnover ceremony without the valuable assistance of PP's Pampanga Public Schools Liaison, MARILYN LINGAD QUIAMBAO. Thanks for all your hard work and efforts! Please extend our sincerest thanks to everyone at DMBES for their valuable support!

Thanks for making this Christmas such a memorable one for the DMBES kids!

PP-HILARIAN SCHOLARS CHRISTMAS PARTY & PP HERO ED MARTINEZ BIRTHDAY PARTY

2010-12-11T21:27:00.000-08:00

As part of our Project Pamasko ng Pusong Pinoy II (Christmas Gift Giving), our Batangas Team Leader NINGNING DOBLE organized a Christmas party for our 17 Hilarian Scholars and their families on December 11, 2010. Along with Pasig PP Coordinator JENNY OLIVA and Quezon City Team Leader LANCE BUCOY, TL Ning distributed gift packages to our scholars.

EACH GIFT PACKAGE CONTAINS
1 pack tempura snacks (chips)
3 packs koolaid litro pack
1 pack OK filled cheese
1 pack RAM premium spaghetti 450g
1 pack RAM spaghetti sauce 225g
1 can Wow corned beef 155g
1 can 555 big sardines 250g
1 can 555 beef loaf 155g
2 cans 555 big sardines 250g
3 packs of ramen noodles

Our PP scholars and their families celebrated with good food, dance and song numbers, games and prizes, and inspiring messages for everyone to bask in the spirit of Christmas.

A message from TL Ning:
"The successful Pusong Pinoy Christmas party would not have been possible without the help of generous HEROES who shared their time, talent, and resources to bring joy to the scholars and their families this season of giving."

List of PP Heroes/Superheroes who made this happen:

♦ ED MARTINEZ of Hongkong for celebrating his birthday at this event by sponsoring 17 extra large lechon manok, pansit, chicken sopas, tarpaulin, and transportation expenses to ensure a fun-filled Christmas party for our Scholars

♦ ANABELLA KALAW DOBLE and ANABELLA “BELLA” DOBLE-JIMENEZ for providing the prizes for the games and food items for the gift package (chips, koolaid, OK filled cheese, spaghetti, sauce, corned beef, sardines, beef loaf)

♦ DE LA SALLE VOICES members for volunteering their time in packing the goods, facilitating the exciting games, and performing a beautiful Christmas medley

♦ PPC JENNY OLIVA and TL LANCE BUCOY for traveling from Manila to Batangas to show support and lend a hand to our Batangas Team

♦ NOAH and NATHAN ROSARIO for donating the cash incentive for the scholar who topped the Hilarian Level 7 (Noriel Katigbak)

♦ VTL JING PUNZALAN for donating a yummy chocolate cake

♦ YENG LIBAT for donating hotdogs on sticks

♦ KELSEY DOBLE for donating sticky rice cakes (sinukmani)

♦ GRAZIEL PAMPLONA and JEREMY DOBLE for donating ramen noodles for the gift package

***********

Christmas greeting from DLSL President, Br. Kenneth Martinez, FSC

Click HERE to read more about Pusong Pinoy's scholarship project.

PROJECT PPP II TURNOVER AT LUBAO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

2010-12-11T11:50:00.000-08:00

This was truly an exciting event as students from Lubao Elementary School waved Philippines flags upon the arrival of the KABALEN RIDERS led by our Pampanga Team Leader PATRICK REYES. Pusong Pinoy's Philippine Core Team Leaders SUSAN CHUA, BENG DIZON, and VANGIE CRUZ-REYES also attended the event and were elated by the warm reception.

Pusong Pinoy donated 1,000 children's books purchased from the proceeds of the "Bowling for a Cause" fundraising event organized by Cherry Ordonez and Terry Adeva. Some kids received free haircut and 1,700 kids received brand new slippers. Thanks to our wonderful PP Heroes for making this event a success!

List of PP Heroes who donated slippers:

- 400 pairs by PPC Douglas & Jean Inness

- 100 pairs by Adoracion, Rejie, Terese Manalansan & Valerie Francisco

- 250 pairs by TL Susan's friend

- 100 pairs by Caroline Zarate Boyle (Colorado)

- 72 pairs by Anonymous Kampampangan (Australia)

- 81 pairs by Vince Baldo (San Jose, California)

- 59 pairs by Cherry Rose Tanedo & Vic Tanedo (Dubai)

- 12 pairs by Madlyn Espinosa (Dubai)

- 12 pairs by Tatin Chua (Dubai)

- 12 pairs by Paolo Guillermo (Dubai)

- 12 pairs by Mercy Delima (Dubai)

- 12 pairs by Macaloyos Family (Dubai)

- 18 pairs by Togonon Family (Dubai)

- 6 pairs by Joan Bersabal (Dubai)

- 6 pairs by Michelles Reyes (Dubai)

- 6 pairs by Eduardson Maglente (Dubai)

- 6 pairs by Romeo Roldan (Dubai)

- 6 pairs by Ires Pacia (Dubai)

- 6 pairs by Cirilo Palomo (Dubai)

- 6 pairs by Demi Docena (Dubai)

- 121 pairs by Liza Soriano Brillante (Australia)

- 6 pairs by Ronaldo Bay (Dubai)

- 6 pair by Barry Erlanda (Dubai)

- 6 pairs by Alberto Bolonos (Dubai)

- 12 pairs by Reggie Montoya

- 6 pairs by Teodora Grajera (Dubai)

- 6 pairs by Benjie Alipio (Dubai)

- 6 pairs by Albert Telada (Dubai)

- 6 pairs by Ian Jorolan (Dubai)

- 6 pairs by Milagros Buen (Dubai)

- 6 pairs by James Pullen (Dubai)

- 6 pairs by Wally Nacua (Dubai)

- 6 pairs by Denish Agno (Dubai)

- 6 pairs by Laurice Licop (Dubai)

- 100 pairs by Ami Acal (Irvine, California)

- 40 pairs by Jocelyn Tubig (La Puente, California)

- 42 pairs by Louie Samin (Fontana, California)

- 40 pairs by Paulette Castillo (Fontana, California)

- 60 pairs by Edwin Bautista (La Puente, California)

- 19 pairs by Nelda Paligar of Capital Holdings (Ontario, California)

We would like to thank Pusong Pinoy's Pampanga Public Schools Liaison, MARILYN LINGAD QUIAMBAO, for organizing this event! Special thanks also goes to the KABALEN RIDERS of Pampanga namely Brian Vera, Acey Vera, Lina Macapagal, Joey Villareal, Rico Cabrera, Gene Alfonso, Aboy Sigua, Cherril Alfonso, Raquel Reyes, Analyn Tegio Dimalanta, Rey Navales, Allan Jude Angat, Dennis Jethro Castro, Cedric Mayrina, Odon Quimabao, Richard Ayson, Leo Krismar Galang and Marlon Palo for helping in the distribution of the gifts!

PP HERO TERRY ADEVA'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT LITTLE LIGHTS MINISTRY

2010-12-08T21:57:00.000-08:00

Last month, Pusong Pinoy hero TERRY ADEVA of West Covina, California celebrated her birthday by sponsoring a PP Birthday Blowout with 100 kids and 10 staff of Little Lights Ministry in Sitio Tawi Tawi in Pasig. The kids and staff were treated with cake and lunch from Mang Inasal. Terry also gave them goodie bags and backpacks. Thank you so much, Terry, for touching the hearts of these kids with your generosity! May God continue to bless you and your family! Special thanks to Pastor Joseph Casaje and the entire staff of Little Lights Ministry for the warm reception given to Terry and company.

Terry has been a supporter of Pusong Pinoy. She was one of the organizers of "Cosmic Bowling for A Cause", a PP fundraising event, held in August 2010 and she is organizing another event next year to support future PP projects. Terry, you truly are a hero!

If you would like to celebrate your birthday the Pusong Pinoy way, please contact our Hong Kong Charter Team Leader Jay Martinez at tl.tinytony@ymail.com or HK Vice-Team Leader Carol Vega at vegacarol@mac.com. Click HERE to see past Pusong Pinoy's birthday celebrations.

PROJECT PPP II DONATION TO THE NARIS FAMILY

2010-12-06T05:46:00.000-08:00

With the help of our always reliable heroes from the Parish Social Action Committee (PSAC) headed by Pusong Pinoy Liaison LIZA DE JESUS, two boxes of gently-used clothes, toys, shoes, and food items were delivered to the Nariz family. These 10 siblings lost their mother over a year ago due to tuberculosis.

At a very young age, they struggle to make ends meet. The older siblings rummage through garbage to find sellable items. Only two of the kids go to school. We have learned that their shanty was recently destroyed by their uncle in a drunken rage so they were forced to move to a smaller shack which could barely fit everyone.

We thank our PP Heroes who have donated clothes and toys in the past for sharing their generosity. Special thanks to the Macatugal Family of Carson, California for their donation of clothes and tenbackpacks. Thanks to Noah and Nathan Rosario of Chino Hills, California for sharing their clothes and toys with the kids, and to our very own San Diego Team Leader, Ochi Tanedo for donating soap, combs, toothbrushes for the entire family.

Click HERE to read more about the Naris Family.

PUSONG PINOY'S BOOK DONATION TO RECOP

2010-11-20T21:46:00.000-08:00

A message from Rural Educational & Outreach Program (RECOP):

Thank you so much for this wonderful video! Pusong Pinoy commends CHECCS OSMENA-ORBIDA and all the volunteers of RECOP. Your selfless concern for the welfare of the kids in Negros Occidental continue to inspire us to do more. Special thanks to our HEROES from Hong Kong and Dubai for the book donations and to NYLESOR TADEO of Israel for sponsoring the shipment of books from Manila.

RECOP is a team of volunteers who provide outreach programs and supplies to children and parents of impoverished communities in the mountains of Negros Occidental in the Philippines. In the mountains, schoolchildren are so bereft of resources. They have so little - no crayons, no notebooks, no picture books, a few pieces of pad paper. Most of them go hungry but they strive to go to school.

Normally, a student owns only one pair of footwear - rubber slippers. Most of the children go barefoot on the schoolgrounds for fear their slippers would wear out fast. In one of the schools, most of the students have never seen modeling clay or a watercolor paint brush.There is no electricity in these remote mountain areas. Only the most prominent family owns a generator-powered TV set. Most of the children have never been to town, much more to the bigger city. It is no wonder that most of the children drop out by Grade 4, a little after they have learned the basics of reading, writing, and mathematics.

By the age of 15, girls are set off to be married while boys work the land of their parents. Few complete high school and college is unheard of. RECOP believes that with exposure and resources, schoolchildren would learn how to build a better life. It is RECOP's hope that some would discover that they are not solely bound to the land they till and that there is a bigger world outside of what they know of.

Please help us continue to promote literacy! Donate a book now! For information on book donation, send us an email or contact the team leader in your area.

PROJECT PPP II - PAMASKO NG PUSONG PINOY (CHRISTMAS GIFT-GIVING)

2010-11-18T21:00:00.000-08:00

"There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child." - Erma Bombeck

PHOTO CREDIT: ARNOLD MELORIN OF PHOTO KALYE

Pusong Pinoy is closing 2010 with our biggest and last project for the year, the much-awaited PROJECT PPP II: PAMASKO NG PUSONG PINOY (Christmas Gift-Giving of Pusong Pinoy). Last year, we provided food, toys, and school supplies to over 1,500 kids. This year, we vowed to make it more memorable for 3,000 kids and families of the organizations we support. We are calling all HEROES to help and make a difference!

Due to the fluctuation of US$ to Peso, we are using US$1 to P40 conversion on our pricelist for this project. Prices reflected on our list are based on SM Hypermart's current prices.

Items	Price/Item
1 pair of Slippers	P20.00$.50
1 sack rice (50 kilos)	P1700/ $43
1 pc Ramen noodle	P6/$.15
700 g powdered milk	P185/$4.63
1 kilo Milo	P200/$5
1 gallon cooking oil	P25/$.63
1 kilo spaghetti	P75/$1.88
1 can evaporated milk	P25/$.63
1 pail biscuits	P230/$5.75
1 can sardines	P12/$.30
1 box crayons	P15/$.38
1 coloring book	P15/$.38
1 notebook	P10/$.25
1 eraser	P1.50/ $.04
1 juice in tetra pack	P6/ $.15

PROJECT PPP RECIPIENTS

DAMASCUS FOUNDATION, Bulacan
(50 kids)

*Click HERE to read the list of items and names of donors

KABUYAO ELEM. SCHOOL (Tuba, Benguet)
(152 kids and 7 teachers)

*Click HERE to read the list of items and names of donors

PSAC (Banay Banay, Batangas)
(400 kids/families)
400 PAIRS OF SLIPPERS
*193 donated by VTL Cherryann Alix Solomon (Hong Kong)
*36 donated by Maribel Medenilla (Meycauayan, Bulacan)
*25 donated by Rommel Medenilla (Cagayan de Oro)
*50 donated by Joel Pagsanjan Amador (Marilao, Bulacan)
*50 donated by Honey Alix (Sta. Maria, Bulacan)
*25 donated by Jamie Dianne Santos (Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila)
*10 donated by Richard dela Cruz (Meycauayan, Bulacan)
*11 donated by Robert Catimbang (Cubao, Quezon City)
400 KILOS OF RICE (8 SACKS)
*2 sacks donated by Tony Velbis (Torrance, California)
*1 sack donated by Thelma Schuler (Hanford, California)
*5 sacks donated by Encina Family (Manila)
800 RAMEN NOODLES
*134 pks donated by Subair Ku of India
*300 pks donated by Myrna Tanedo Romero of Chino, California
*216 pks donated by Chantal Jimenez of Batangas
*72 pks. donated by Marjorie Diaz of Batangas
*72 pks. donated by Karl Patrick Serrano of Batangas
*10 pks. donated by Jeremy Doble
400 CHOCOLATES
*400 donated by Douglas & Jean Inness (Scotland)
400 SARDINES
*50 donated by Subair Ku (India)
*333 donated by Cherry Ordonez & Terry Adeva (West Covina, California)
- proceeds of the Cosmic Bowling For A Cause
* 17 donated by PPC Jocelin Olivier (Tucson, Arizona)
200 COLORING BOOKS
*11 donated by Vhic de Guzman,Joyce Saveron,Erich Regunan,Asther Basquez
& Sol Fernandez.
*100 donated by Nina Escobedo Latonio of Meycauayan, Bulacan
*24 donated by Eduard Juliano (Dubai)
*60 donated by Cristina Ong of Manila
*5 - extra from previous PP project
200 CRAYONS
*200 donated by PPC Jocelin Olivier (Tucson, Arizona)
8 BOXED OF USED CLOTHES & TOYS (1 box pending)
*1 box donated by Reyes family (Chino Hills, California)
*1 box donated by Conqui Bernardo (Ontario, California)
*1 box donated by Myrna Tanedo Romero (Chino, California)
*1 box donated by Lan Vuong (Reseda, California)
*1 box donated by Cristina Bernardo (West Covina, California)
*1 box of toys (from Team Dubai)
*1 box donated by Connie Soto (San Diego, California)

DON MACARIO BACANI ELEM SCHOOL (Lubao, Pampanga)
(389 kids)
389 COLORING BOOKS
*66 donated by Eden Reyes (California)
*301 PENDING (PPC Mike Hayes/Chris Restauro)
*22 donated by Dina Perez (Paranaque, Metro Manila)
389 CRAYONS
*50 donated by an ANONYMOUS HERO from Manila (w/ TL Ian)
*300 donated by PPC Jocelin Olivier (Tucson, Arizona)
389 KILOS OF RICE
* 353 kilos of rice donated by Jovito Macatugal & Mar Manalo of Southern California, California
*36 kilos of rice donated by Tony Velbis of Torrance, California
778 RAMEN NOODLES
*500 donated by Robin R. Salandanan (Pinagbuhatan, Pasig)
*278 donated by Dina Perez (Paranaque)

KIDS HOPE MINISTRY (Paranaque, Metro Manila)
(50 kids)
50 COLORING BOOKS
*50 donated by Rebecca Thomas (NC, USA)
50 CRAYONS
*50 donated by Rebecca Thomson (NC, USA)
50 CHOCOLATES
*50 donated by Douglas & Jean Inness (Scotland)
50 KILOS OF RICE (1 SACK)
*50 kilos/1 sack donated by Rebecca Thomason (NC, USA)
50 TOYS
*50 from Team Dubai)
100 RAMEN NOODLES
*100 donated by Rebecca Thomason (NC, USA)
50 JUICE IN TETRAPACK
*50 donated by Rebecca Thomason (NC, USA)

KAPANGAN OUTREACH, Benguet
(60 kids)
300 CHILDREN'S BOOKS
160 PENCILS
60 CRAYONS
*40 donated by TL Carl Bernardo (Newport Beach USA)
*20 from an Anonymous Hero (Anaheim USA)
80 ERASERS
*80 donated by VTL Cherryann Alix Solomon (Hong Kong)
120 NOTEBOOKS - COMPLETED
*80 donated by Conqui Bernardo (Ontario, California)
*40 donated by TL Wys Vas-Villalobos (Hong Kong)
60 COLORING BOOKS
*19 donated by TL WYS Vas-Villalobos (Hong Kong)
*41 donated by an Anonymous Hero (Anaheim, California)
60 KILOS OF RICE - COMPLETED
*60 donated by TL Wys-Vas Villalobos (Hong Kong)
60 CHOCOLATES
*60 donated by Douglas & Jean Inness (Scotland)
60 PAIRS OF SLIPPERS - COMPLETED
*60 donated by Ian Solomon (Hong Kong)
MISCELLANEOUS SCHOOL SUPPLIES
*calculators & pens donated by Jovito Macatugal (Torrance, CA)
JEEPNEY RENTAL TO TRANSPORT ITEMS TO KAPANGAN
*donated by Encina Family (Manila)

LITTLE LIGHTS MINISTRY, Pasig
(100 kids)
100 CHOCOLATES
*100 donated by Douglas & Jean Inness (Scotland)
2 SACKS OF RICE
*1 sack donated by Restauro Family (Corona, USA)
*1 sack donated by TL Ochi Tanedo (San Diego, California)
200 RAMEN NOODLES
*100 donated by Andy Ng (Singapore)
*23 donated by Jenny Oliva (Pasig Philippiness)
*77 donated by Veegee Garcia (QC Philippines)
100 PAIRS OF SLIPPERS
*40 donated by Ian Solomon (Hong Kong)
*15 donated by Winnie Jovita (Meycauayan, Bulacan)
*2 donated by Nicole Ann dela Cruz (Meycauayan, Bulacan)
*12 donated by Jake Solomon (Hong Kong)
*12 donated by Jacklyn Solomon (Hong Kong)
*19 donated by Vince Baldo (San Jose, California)
100 CANS OF SARDINES
67 donated by Regina Bondoc (Union City, California)
33 donated by Nelda Paligar/Capital Holdings Inc (Ontario, California)
TOYS
donated by Team Dubai
100 STAR MARGARINE

CENTRAL SCHOOL OF LUBAO, Pampanga
1,000 CHILDREN'S BOOKS
*donated by Cherry Ordonez/Terry Adeva (West Covina, USA)
- proceeds from Cosmic Bowling for a Cause
FREE HAIRCUT TO 200 KIDS
1,700 SLIPPERS
*100 donated by Adoracion, Rejie, Terese Manalansan & Valerie Francisco
*400 - (Team Scotland)
*250 - (friend of TL Sansu)
*100 donated by Caroline Zarate Boyle (Denver, Colorado)
*72 donated by Anonymous Kampampangan (Melbourne, Australia)
*81 donated by Vince Baldo (San Jose, California)
*59 donated by Cherry Rose Tanedo & Vic Tanedo (Dubai)
*12 donated by Madlyn Espinosa (Dubai)
*12 donated by Tatin Chua (Dubai)
*12 donated by Paolo Guillermo (Dubai)
*12 donated by Mercy Delima (Dubai)
*12 donated by Macaloyos Family (Dubai)
*18 donated by Togonon Family (Dubai)
*6 donated by Joan Bersabal (Dubai)
*6 donated by Michelles Reyes (Dubai)
*6 donated by Eduardson Maglente (Dubai)
*6 donated by Romeo Roldan (Dubai)
*6 donated by Ires Pacia (Dubai)
*6 donated by Cirilo Palomo (Dubai)
*6 donated by Demi Docena (Dubai)
*6 donated by Ronaldo Bay (Dubai)
*6 donated by Barry Erlanda (Dubai)
*6 donated by Alberto Bolonos (Dubai)
*12 donated by Reggie Montoya
*6 donated by Teodora Grajera (Dubai)
*6 donated by Benjie Alipio (Dubai)
*6 donated by Albert Telada (Dubai)
*6 donated by Ian Jorolan (Dubai)
*6 donated by Milagros Buen (Dubai)
*6 donated by James Pullen (Dubai)
*6 donated by Wally Nacua (Dubai)
*6 donated by Denish Agno (Dubai)
*6 donated by Laurice Licop (Dubai)
*100 donated by Ami Acal (Irvine, California)
*40 donated by Jocelyn Tubig (La Puente, California)
*42 donated by Louie Samin (Fontana, California)
*40 donated by Paulette Castillo (Fontana, California)
*60 donated by Edwin Bautista (La Puente, California)
*12 donated by Jasmine & Nikolai Aleksiev (Dubai)
*121 donated by Anna Liza Soriano Brillante (Sydney, Australia)
*19 donated by Nelda Paligar of Capital Holdings Inc (Ontario, California)

BACLAYON SCHOOLS, Bohol
1,000 CHILDREN'S BOOKS
*previously donated by PP Heroes

ULINGAN DAY CARE CENTER, Tondo
(100 kids)
500 CHILDREN'S BOOKS
240 PENCILS
*240 donated by VTL Cherryann Alix Solomon (Hong Kong)
100 CHOCOLATES
*100 donated by Douglas & Jean Inness (Scotland)
100 JUICE PACKS
*100 donated by Carmelita Mordeno (Los Angeles USA)
200 RAMEN NOODLES
*67 donated by Veegee Garcia (Quezon City)
*10 donated by Subair Ku (India)
*133 donated by TL Nikki (Australia)
100 JUICE IN TETRA PACK
*100 donated by Carmelita Mordeno (Los Angeles)
100 KILOS OF RICE (2 SACKS)
*100 kilos/2 sacks donated by TL Jinky Sonsalla (Hong Kong)

HILARIAN SCHOLARS OF DLSL, Lipa, Batangas
(17 HS Scholars)
Click HERE for the list of items and donors

EPHESUS HOME OF ABUSED GIRLS, Bulacan
(24 kids)
24 CHOCOLATE/TREAT BAG - COMPLETED
*donated by JTL Carissa & George Paccerelli (California USA)
24 GIFT BOX (PENCIL, ERASER, GLUESTICK, SHARPENER)
*donated by JTL Carissa & George Paccerelli (California USA)
200 RAMEN NOODLES - COMPLETED
*138 donated by PPC Jocelin Olivier (Tucson, Arizona)
*25 donated by Eder Molbog (Dubai)
*37 donated by Madilyn Espino (Dubai)

For more information about PROJECT PPP II, please send us an EMAIL or contact the team leader in your area. Click here to read about our 2009 Project PPP.

PP AUSTRALIA TEAM LEADER NIKKI & ANGELO'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT KHM

2010-11-13T05:06:00.000-08:00

On November 13, 2010, our very own Australia Team Leader Nikki Lanaria and her good friend, Angelo Tiu, celebrated their birthdays at Kids Hope Ministry in Paranaque. What's truly inspiring was that TL Nikki made a special trip to the Philippines to be a part of this celebration. She brought cake and lunch from Mang Inasal to 50 kids of KHM. The kids also received treats on this special day.

Thank you so much, TL Nikki & Angelo, for sharing your blessings with the kids and staff of Kids Hope Ministry! Special thanks also to Mellany, Rose, and the entire staff of KHM for giving them an opportunity to give back.

If you would like to celebrate your birthday the Pusong Pinoy way, please contact our Hong Kong Charter Team Leader Jay Martinez at tl.tinytony@ymail.com or HK Vice-Team Leader Carol Vega at vegacarol@mac.com. Click HERE to see past Pusong Pinoy's birthday celebrations.

NEWPORT BEACH TL CARL BERNARDO'S BIRTHDAY & BOOK TURNOVER AT DMBES

2010-11-05T21:00:00.000-07:00

On November 5, 2010, Pusong Pinoy turned over 1,000 children's books to Don Macario Bacani Elementary School to help support their reading clinic. Thanks to our Pampanga Team Leader PATRICK REYES and PP Liaison MARILYN QUIAMBAO for organizing this event. Special thanks also to the following heroes and superheroes for making this event a memorable one:

Newport Beach Team Leader CARL BERNARDO

for providing snacks to 389 students in celebration of his birthday

London PP Coordinator MIKE HAYES &

PP Hero CHRIS RESTAURO of Corona, California

for providing food for the faculty and staff

PP Hero MARILEN TAKARA of Japan

for sponsoring the tarps used during this event and juice drinks for the kids

PP Hero TENG SORRETA

for delivering the books from Manila to Pampanga

THANK YOU SO MUCH! ♥

JUNIOR PUSONG PINOY HERO JADA ENCINA'S 4TH BIRTHDAY PARTY AT PSAC

2010-10-25T23:50:00.000-07:00

SERA JADA ENCINA's 4th birthday is a day she will definitely never forget. She traveled from Manila to Batangas with her parents, JOWEE & SARA, her brother, SEAN JEDI, and grandparents to celebrate her birthday with the underprivileged kids in Batangas. The celebration was organized by the Parish Social Action Committee (PSAC) with Pusong Pinoy Core Team Leader BENG DIZON.

The Encina family shared their blessings by hosting a McDonald's party for the PSAC kids. The kids were treated with food, games, and McDonald's mascot appearance. Jada and her family distributed 220 packs of McDonald's chicken and rice, apple pie, and cheeseburger. They also gave umbrellas, backpacks, slippers, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, powder, shampoo, and cologne to 150 kids of PSAC.

Those in attendance were also given free haircut. Special thanks to the 15 hairstylists from David's Salon headed by their senior hairstylist and assistant training directress Ms. LORNA SANDOVAL for giving the free haircuts!

This is truly a memorable day not only for Jada, but for the PSAC kids. Thank you so much, Jowee & Sara, for celebrating Jada's birthday the Pusong Pinoy way! You are heroes to these kids! PSAC's President Liza de Jesus said, "Thank you so much! This was truly an early Christmas for the PSAC kids!"

PSAC has been a Pusong Pinoy recipient for the past year. Their mission is to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate in the Philippines, not only by helping them with their needs, but encouraging a positive outlook on life. Click HERE to read past Pusong Pinoy projects with PSAC. For information about our Birthday Program, please contact CTL Jay at tl.tinytony@ymail.com.

JUNIOR PUSONG PINOY HEROES' BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT BBC

2010-10-22T23:52:00.000-07:00

October 22, 2010 was truly a special day for special kids at the Stimulation and Therapy Activity Center (STAC) of Breaking Barriers for Children (BBC) located at Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City. Cousins TY BUCK, NATHAN VILLAR, ISAIAH VILLAR, and GEORGE PACCERELLI celebrated their birthdays at BBC in conjunction with STAC's Children's Month and United Nations Organization (UNO) celebration. These cousins have always been supportive of Pusong Pinoy projects donating their own books, clothes, and toys for our cause, so it was no surprise when they celebrated their birthdays the Pusong Pinoy way. Thank you so much, Junior Heroes!

The celebration started with a parade of BBC kids wearing costumes of the country they represent as they rode on tricycles around town. The parade ended at STAC where the kids were treated with food, drinks, and treats. This is truly a birthday our Junior PP Heroes will never forget!

The Breaking Barriers for Children (BBC) Project is a joint initiative of the Katipunan ng Maykapansanan sa Pilipinas, Inc. (KAMPI) and the Danish Society of Polio and Accident victims (PTU). BBC provides free physical and social rehabilitation, stimulation activities, and pre-school training to poor children with disabilities ages 0 to 14 years old.

Special thanks to LOUELLA MATIDIOS of STAC for coordinating this event with Pusong Pinoy, and most especially to the staff of STAC for making this event a success.

If you would like information about Pusong Pinoy's Birthday Blowout Program, please contact CTL Jay Martinez at jayed@mac.com or Vice-Team Leader Carol Vega at vegacarol@mac.com. Click HERE to see other Pusong Pinoy's birthday celebrations.

PUSONG PINOY & PINOY TAYO SANMAN'S KARITON DONATION TO DYNAMIC TEEN COMPANY

2010-10-22T05:31:00.000-07:00

Last year, Pusong Pinoy in partnership with Hong Kong-based radio show, PINOY TAYO SANMAN (PTS) launched "Project Kariton Para Sa DTC". This project was completed in only 13 days raising P60,000 toward the purchase of karitons (pushcarts) for Dynamic Teen Company. Each kariton cost P30,000. The funds were sent to DTC in October 2009.

Volunteers of DTC push a “kariton” in the slum areas of Cavite. The "kariton" contains books and other educational materials to share with the children in these slum areas; hence, the term "Kariton Klasrum" (pushcart classroom). DTC's work has been recognized not only in the Philippines, but worldwide, and its founder, Efren Penaflorida Jr., was awarded the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year.

The first kariton was presented to PP Philippines Team in February 2010. At the same time, our PP Team brought chocolates, 500 pairs of slippers, and 1,000 toothbrushes to DTC as part of the 2009 Project Pamasko ng Pusong Pinoy. The second kariton was presented in July 2010 during the Mandela Day celebration organized by Efren Penaflorida and DTC in Quezon City.

KARITON #1

KARITON #2

This project was spearheaded by Pusong Pinoy Hong Kong led by Charter Team Leader ANGEL JAY MARTINEZ. Special thanks to PP HK Team Leader, JINKY SONSALLA, for sponsoring one kariton, but nevertheless, she still baked cookies to raise funds for the second kariton with the help of then-PPCs CAROL VEGA, KAZ SORIANO, and WYS VAS-VILLALOBOS. Hats off to Team Hong Kong for their hard work! Donations were also received from the Philippines and United States.

Thanks to all the HEROES and SUPERHEROES who made this project a huge success! Special thanks to Team Hong Kong and to all the fans of Pinoy Tayo Sanman for their tremendous support and generosity!

A word from EFREN PENAFLORIDA, JR. and KB MANALAYSAY...

PUSONG PINOY HEROES' BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION WITH PSAC KIDS

2010-10-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

For the second year in a row, our youngest PP Hero LJ MARTINEZ, son of our Hongkong Charter Team Leader Angel "Jay" Martinez, celebrated his birthday with the kids of Parish Social Action Committee (PSAC) at Saudiville, Banay-banay, Lipa City. Celebrating with him is another PP Hero ANTHONY MAPALAD, whose family went to PSAC to take part in the celebration. They are two amazing heroes who treated the PSAC kids with a fun day of games, lunch, and gifts. Thanks, LJ and Anthony, for sharing your special day with these wonderful kids!

Special thanks to PSAC President, LIZA DE JESUS, and the entire PSAC volunteers for organizing this birthday celebration. Pusong Pinoy commends PSAC for their tireless acts of kindness and generosity towards less privileged families around their area.

Click HERE to see other Pusong Pinoy's birthday celebrations. For more information about our Birthday Blowout Program, please contact CTL Jay at tl.tinytony@ymail.com.

PUSONG PINOY HERO JEAN TSE'S BIRTHDAY BLOWOUT AT PSAC

2010-10-02T21:48:00.000-07:00

On October 2, 2010, Pusong Pinoy Hero JEAN TSE of Hong Kong celebrated her birthday by sponsoring a luncheon for the kids of Parish Social Action Committee (PSAC) in Batangas through our PP Birthday Blowout Program. The kids celebrated Jean's birthday with food and games. This is truly a fun-filled day for the kids! Thank you so much, Jean! We would also like to thank PSAC's President, Liza de Jesus and the amazing PSAC volunteers for making this happen!

PSAC is an organization whose mission is to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate in the Philippines, not only by helping them with their needs but also encouraging a positive outlook on life. If you are interested in celebrating your birthday the Pusong Pinoy way, please contact CTL Jay Martinez at tl.tinytony@ymail.com. Click HERE to see other Pusong Pinoy's birthday celebrations.

PUSONG PINOY'S BOOK DONATION TO RECOP

2010-09-30T22:02:00.000-07:00

A message from Rural Educational & Outreach Program (RECOP):

Pusong Pinoy commends RECOP, especially CHECCS OSMENA-ORBIDA and all the volunteers. Your selfless concern for the welfare of the kids in Negros Occidental continue to inspire us to do more. Special thanks to our HEROES from Hong Kong and Dubai for the book donations and to NYLESOR TADEO of Israel for sponsoring the shipment of books from Manila.

RECOP is a team of volunteers who provide outreach programs and supplies to children and parents of impoverished communities in the mountains of Negros Occidental in the Philippines. In the mountains, schoolchildren are so bereft of resources. They have so little - no crayons, no notebooks, no picture books, a few pieces of pad paper. Most of them go hungry but they strive to go to school. Normally, a student owns only one pair of footwear - rubber slippers. Most of the children go barefoot on the schoolgrounds for fear their slippers would wear out fast. In one of the schools, most of the students have never seen modeling clay or a watercolor paint brush.There is no electricity in these remote mountain areas. Only the most prominent family owns a generator-powered TV set. Most of the children have never been to town, much more to the bigger city. It is no wonder that most of the children drop out by Grade 4, a little after they have learned the basics of reading, writing, and mathematics.

By the age of 15, girls are set off to be married while boys work the land of their parents. Few completes high school and college is unheard of. RECOP believes that with exposure and resources, schoolchildren would learn how to dream of a better life. It is their hope that some would discover that they are not solely bound to the land they till and that there is a bigger world outside of that which they know of.

Please help us continue to promote literacy! Donate a book now! For information on book donation, send us an email or contact the team leader in your area.

PROJECT LEND A HAND - IN THE EYES OF PUSONG PINOY HERO DOUGLAS INNESS

2010-09-28T23:19:00.000-07:00

Project “Lend a Hand” touched the lives of 100 preschool children at the Day Care Center at Ulingan, Brgy. Vitas in Tondo, Manila. Pusong Pinoy Team Leaders worked in partnership with Flickr-based photographers, Photokalye, led by Peegee Silo. Volunteers trudged through mud and trash to deliver essentials to the small day care center in the “ulingan” or charcoal-making area along the coast of Manila Bay in Tondo.

Children entertained volunteers by singing songs taught to them by DSWD social worker, Teacher Jemima. After this, the bags containing rice, groceries, school supplies, and snacks donated by PP donors from around the world were distributed by PK and PP members and parent and community volunteers.

As we approached the site, through a chaos of tricycles, people and a blur of colour, the pungent smell of decomposing waste slowly invaded our car. On such a hot, humid day, the smell intensified, as we steered through puddles along a heavily-rutted track. Rubbish and mysteriously-bundled plastic waste lined the road. People wore camouflage – blending with the same tired, jaded colours as the rubbish around them. A palette of tired brown. The brightest sparkle came from their shaded, quizzical eyes.

Bright blue bags of food and the gleaming delivery 4x4 truck, dazzled in the light. Clean, fresh, new. Eager helpers unloaded the heavy bags- two each. A comic balancing act of bags, cameras, scarves and umbrellas ensued, as small, dark figures climbed tentatively up a mountain of compacted waste. The surface of decomposing plastic was strangely spongy- like walking on a water bed of bubble wrap. A man-made, no-man’s land. Feet were placed carefully, gingerly. Occasionally, oozings of mud, seeping fluids and excrement had to be negotiated, as feet slid in unpredictable directions.

In the distance, machines gouged out chunks of decomposed waste. A welcome breeze blew over this alien landscape, teasing our nostrils with the pervading smell of wood smoke.

This was Ulingan...

Slithering down a slope, we reached the shanty. Random boards, planks, sheeting had been persuaded to reluctantly become ramshackle buildings. Dust and soot covers everything in a tired grey blanket. A monochrome world. Dark water laced with rubbish lapped spindly foundations. Narrow alleys between houses led off to piles of rubbish. People gazed unblinkingly from the cool security of shadows and doorways. Distorted strains of music could be heard. A welcome drink of just-too-warm fizz failed to quench thirsts – the straws of different lengths, the colours faded.

One side of the track was in hot shadow: the other in bright, blinding heat. Heavy blue bags now cut raw grooves into hands. Trickles of sweat run. A crowd ahead, under a bright Pusong Pinoy banner, clustered round the day care center. Volunteers stumbled through the throng, over piles of sandals, teetering up a steep ladder, into a small, softly-lit room. A small library, torn posters – an attempt at cheeriness. The teacher accepted coloured pencils, eager to bring more colour to this grey world.

Wide eyes gaze up at the visitors, in patience and expectation. Fresh faces, runny noses – some in crisp white, others in faded colours. Adidas, Polo, Juicy – imitation designer brands: incongruous. An electric fan in the ceiling struggles to stir the heat, as we taste our sweat and feel overwhelmed. We feel as if we want to give everything.

Chocolate cup cakes and orange juice treats are enjoyed. Eyes widen. Smiles at last. The tension broken. The children come to life – smiles, laughter, tears. Just children. The blue and white bags are distributed and a pair of slippers and a toothbrush added. An orderly queue: eager hands. Some stay, some leave, with anxious adults waiting outside. We climb down the steep wooden steps – back to the street. Now, volunteers are more relaxed, the task accomplished – a difference made. A few moments of giving – the result of weeks of planning, donating and organizing.

As we re-trace our steps, children wash and clean using new soap and toothbrushes.

The charcoal-making site is on the return route. Ramshackle carbon-black sheds look as if they’ve been blitzed – a fragile chaos of charred wood. Fumes intensify, toxic smoke chokes your throat, invades you. Everything is seen soft-focus through a haze of grey. Dark ghosts in the smoke, burning wood, packing, silently. The cleanest things in Ulingan are the neat, white bags of charcoal. Converting waste into money - it’s a big price to pay.

Further on, we pass homes made from a confetti of rubbish. Inside one heap a peaceful sleeping face can be seen, swathed in a cocoon of waste.

After a cooler warm drink, we returned to Manila. Trying to comprehend, rationalize, understand. The pervading influence of wood smoke and Ulingan was on our clothes for days and will remain in our minds forever…

Douglas Inness is from Ayrshire, Scotland. He was the Head of English in a secondary school. Now, he devotes his time to his passion - photography. Pusong Pinoy extends our utmost gratitude to Douglas for joining the team and significantly contributing to the project efforts to provide a variety of goods for the kids of Ulingan. We would also like to thank his wife, Jean Inness, for celebrating her birthday during this event.

Click HERE for more information about PROJECT LEND A HAND.

PUSONG PINOY HERO's 40TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT KIDS HOPE MINISTRY

2010-09-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

PP Hero REGGIE SAMSON PELAGIO did not think twice on how she would celebrate her 40th birthday this year. Reggie and her mom, BONA FIDELIS S. PELAGIO, a retired teacher from Don Bosco Makati, celebrated this special day with the children of Kids Hope Ministry (KHM) in Paranaque. They brought lunch from Jollibee, cake, and treats for the kids. Thank you so much, Reggie, for making these kids special!

When asked why she decided to celebrate her birthday the Pusong Pinoy way, Reggie replied, "I went to your website to learn more about Pusong Pinoy and I was amazed when I saw all the kids. That's when I decided to have my 40th birthday with these kids. After coordinating with PP and KHM staff, my birthday happened at Kids Hope. I was so happy because I know all the kids were happy, too!"

KHM focuses on impoverished children 3 to 16 years old from squatters areas, slums, and other poverty-stricken areas in the Philippines. These children are oftentimes left to fend for themselves - hungry, malnourished, and left vulnerable to the allures of a life of crime, drug addiction, and prostitution. It is their mission to give this children a chance in life by providing them educational opportunities, feeding program, and basic needs (clothes and food). They also provide home and shelter to orphans and abandoned kids. KHM currently serves 135 kids in their centers in Paranaque, but they actually serve more during their feeding programs at Smokey Mountain, Mangyans in Mindoro, squatters in Paranaque, etc. We salute Kid's Hope Ministry for their mission which is in line with ours - to promote literacy to eradicate poverty.

Would you like to celebrate your birthday the Pusong Pinoy way? If so, please contact CTL Jay at tl.tinytony@ymail.com. Click HERE to see other Pusong Pinoy's birthday celebrations.

PUSONG PINOY SHINES ANOTHER LIGHT

2010-09-25T06:07:00.000-07:00

Last month, Pusong Pinoy launched a major project - LITTLE BITES FOR LITTLE LIGHTS. We collected food items and books for the benefit of the children of Little Lights Ministry. Thanks to our wonderful heroes, we completed this project in only five days!

Little Lights Ministry, as part of Kerygma Asia, planted its humble beginnings in February 2010, at Sitio Tawi-Tawi along the riverbanks of the Pasig-Cainta boundary where drug dealing, drinking sprees, gambling, and street brawls are a way of life. Out of this concern, Little Lights was born. As the ministry continued its mission, they came across out-of-school and never-schooled children, which led them to start "Learning Lessons," a progressive Montessori-type learning system for ages 2 to 15 years. Deeply inspired and motivated by the works of Little Lights Ministry, Pusong Pinoy took on this project to help them continue their mission which is in line with ours - to promote literacy to eradicate poverty.

On September 25, 2010, our Philippines Core Team Leaders SUSAN CHUA and VANGIE CRUZ REYES gave the following donated items to Little Lights Ministry:

2 SACKS of STICKY RICE
50 CANS of EVAPORATED MILK
30 KILOS OF SPAGHETTI
50 PACKS OF POWDERED JUICE DRINK
25 PACKS OF COCOA POWDER
5 SACKS OF RICE/50 KILOS PER SACK
25 KILOS OF SUGAR
30 KILOS OF ELBOW MACARONI
50 LARGE PAILS OF BISCUIT
500 CHILDREN'S BOOKS
200 NOTEBOOKS
412 PENCILS

The next day, the rest of the Philippines Core Team (CTL Leader JOCEL ESTOQUE, TL BENG DIZON, and TL CLAUDETTE LAGMAN) visited the children of Little Lights Ministry and distributed children's books. The children also enjoyed delicious snacks from donations of this project - biscuits and champorado (chocolate porridge). Our thanks go to Pastor JOSEPH CASAJE and his ministry for their dedication to these kids. Once again, thanks to all our wonderful heroes for making this project a success!

PP HERO JEN CAMAGAN'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT PSAC

2010-09-25T05:31:00.000-07:00

Pusong Pinoy hero JENECA CAMAGAN of Hong Kong celebrated her birthday with the kids of Parish Social Action Committee (PSAC) in Abra, Lipa City in Batangas. The celebration started with a birthday mass followed by games and lunch. Thank you so much, Jeneca, for sharing your blessings with the kids of PSAC!

We would also like to thank PSAC President Liza De Jesus and the entire volunteers that make up PSAC for their tireless acts of kindness and generosity towards less privileged families around their area.

If you are interested in celebrating your birthday the Pusong Pinoy way, please contact CTL Jay Martinez at tl.tinytony@ymail.com. Click HERE to see other Pusong Pinoy's birthday celebrations.

PUSONG PINOY'S DONATION TO PSAC'S DENTAL MISSION

2010-09-25T05:28:00.000-07:00

Parish Social Action Committee (PSAC) in cooperation with Lipa Dental Society completed a free dental mission at San Vicente Ferrer Parish in Batangas. Pusong Pinoy is proud to be a part of this event by donating P5,000 towards the purchase of antibiotics. Thanks to an anonymous Pusong Pinoy Hero from California for making this donation possible!

Special thanks to PSAC's President, LIZA DE JESUS, and all the volunteers for making this event a success! You've really made a difference to the community!

PSAC is an organization whose mission is to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate in the Philippines, not only by helping them with their needs but also encouraging a positive outlook in life. PSAC had been a recipient of Pusong Pinoy the past year. Click HERE to read more about past PP projects with this organization.

A SPECIAL PUSONG PINOY'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT BBC

2010-09-17T05:27:00.000-07:00

On September 17, 2010, Pinoy heroes CATHERINE CABE KOO and JUBELYN NEMENIO celebrated their birthdays with the special kids of Breaking Barriers for Children (BBC) located at Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City. Their birthdays was celebrated in conjunction with STAC 18 Grand Socialization, BBC's monthly socialization activity. The kids and their parents had so much fun with food and games. What a way to celebrate their special day!

Breaking Barriers for Children (BBC) Project is a joint initiative of the Katipunan ng Maykapansanan sa Pilipinas, Inc. (KAMPI) and the Danish Society of Polio and Accident victims (PTU). BBC provides free physical and social rehabilitation, stimulation activities, and pre-school training to poor children with disabilities ages 0 to 14 years old.

Thanks Cat and Jubelyn for bringing smiles to these children! Special thanks to ASTRID DE LA CERNA, for coordinating this event with PP, and most especially to the staff of BBC for making sure this event was a success.

Would you like to celebrate your birthday the Pusong Pinoy way? If so, please contact CTL Jay at tl.tinytony@ymail.com. Click HERE to see other Pusong Pinoy's birthday celebrations.

PUSONG PINOY'S FAMILY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT PSAC

2010-08-31T21:21:00.000-07:00

It was no surprise when PP Hero TERRY ADEVA gave her family a birthday blowout the Pusong Pinoy way. She has been a supporter of Pusong Pinoy and recently organized a fundraising event to help purchase books for Pusong Pinoy's ongoing book drive.

Happy Birthday, BENNY and ASHLYNNE ADEVA! You truly are a family of heroes! Thank you so much for sharing your blessings with the children of Parish Social Action Committee (PSAC).

PSAC is an organization whose mission is to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate in the Philippines, not only by helping them with their needs but also encouraging a positive outlook in life. We commend Liza de Jesus and the entire volunteers that make up PSAC of San Vicente Ferrer Parish Church in Lipa City for their tireless acts of kindness and generosity.

If you are interested in celebrating your birthday the Pusong Pinoy way, please contact CTL Jay Martinez at tl.tinytony@ymail.com. Click HERE to see other Pusong Pinoy's birthday celebrations.

PUSONG PINOY'S BOOK DRIVE AT PBCA

2010-08-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

Pusong Pinoy would like to thank the PHILIPPINE BADMINTON CLUB OF AMERICA for hosting a book drive on August 7, 2010 in Arcadia, California. A total of 659 new and gently-used children's books and 16 activity books were collected during this drive. Thanks to West Covina Team Leader DAN PASAMONTE for spearheading this event. Also present during this event were PP Founder DONNA ROSARIO, USA-West Coast Charter Team Leader BING MORDENO, Newport Beach Team Leader CARL BERNARDO, Los Angeles County Junior Team Leader CARISSA PACCERELLI, and PP hero YVETTE VILLAFUERTE.

PBCA is a group of badminton enthusiasts dedicated to the enjoyment and promotion of badminton, both as a sport and recreational activity. Their group aims to develop friendship and camaraderie among its members as well as with other groups or individuals who play badminton. Although they carry the Philippine name and color, membership is open not only to Filipinos, but also to other nationalities.

To join PBCA, contact Jun Bautista (President) at (951) 313-7492 or Ding Sayson (Secretary) at (909)538-6340. PBCA plays regularly at the Arcadia Badminton Club located at 12336 Lower Azusa Rd., Arcadia, CA 91006.

If you or your group is interested in having a book drive, please email us or contact the team leader in your area. Join us in reaching out to underprivileged kids in the Philippines. These are children who have never seen a picture book in their life or those who attend schools with minimal or no library facilities. Let's provide these kids the books they need. Promote literacy to eradicate poverty!

PUSONG PINOY ANONYMOUS HERO'S BIRTHDAY BLOWOUT AT PSAC

2010-08-21T21:16:00.000-07:00

A PP HERO from Hong Kong who wants to remain anonymous made over a hundred kids very happy when he celebrated his birthday the Pusong Pinoy way on August 21, 2010. With his sponsorship, the Parish Social Action Committee (PSAC) kids from Tampoy, Lipa City, Batangas, attended this birthday celebration with games, treats, and luncheon.

Liza De Jesus, PP Liaison of PSAC, said, "Salamat po sa isang araw na saya sa pagbibigay ninyo ng mga ngiti sa mga batang ito!" (Thanks for a day of happiness for giving smiles to these kids!)

Pusong Pinoy commends Liza and the entire volunteers that make up PSAC of San Vicente Ferrer Parish Church in Lipa City for their tireless acts of kindness and generosity towards less privileged families around their area.

If you are interested in celebrating your birthday the Pusong Pinoy way, please contact CTL Jay Martinez at tl.tinytony@ymail.com. Click HERE to see other Pusong Pinoy's birthday celebrations.

PUSONG PINOY'S COSMIC BOWLING FOR A CAUSE

2010-08-20T21:36:00.000-07:00

The countdown begins for our bowling event spearheaded by USA West Covina Team Leader DAN PASAMONTE. In partnership with TERRY'S ESSENCE OF BEAUTY and CHERRY'S BEAUTY SALON, we invite SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HEROES to join us to our:

COSMIC BOWLING FOR A CAUSE
Sunday, August 29, 2010
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Covina Lanes
1060 W. San Bernardino Road
Covina, California
(626) 339-1286

$20 Adult/$10 Kids includes 2 hours of cosmic bowling. Food will also be served. 100% of the proceeds will be used to purchase books for Pusong Pinoy recipients. Please contact TL Dan at (909) 569-7821 or Terry at (714) 683-8077.

Please support our book drive. To date, we have collected and shipped over 14,000 children's books to underprivileged kids in the Philippines, but we need more. Let's help open the eyes of these children to a world of learning and give them a chance to leave a life of poverty. These are children who have never seen a picture book in their life or those who attend schools with minimal or no library facilities. Those who are school-aged children and still can't read. BC Forbes said, "Upon our children, how they are taught, rests the fate or fortune of tomorrow's world." Let's give these children a chance. Promote Literacy to Eradicate Poverty!

BOWL FOR A CAUSE and MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

PUSONG PINOY'S PROJECT LEND A HAND

2010-08-19T20:31:00.000-07:00

After completing our last project in five days, Pusong Pinoy took no time in launching another one, "PROJECT LEND A HAND". In partnership with PHOTO KALYE, we are asking our heroes for donations to benefit 100 kids of Ulingan Day Care Center and their families.

List of items to be given per child:
FOOD ITEMS:
2 kilos rice
2 large cans of sardines
5 ramen noodles
1 bottle of soy sauce (1 liter)
1 bottle of fish sauce (patis)
1 juice (tetra pack)
2 cupcakes for snack

BASIC NECESSITIES:
1 soap
1 toothbrush
1 toothpaste
1 washcloth
1 pair of slippers

SCHOOL SUPPLIES:
1 pencil
1 sharpener
1 eraser
1 box of crayons
1 drawing notebook
1 pad paper

ULINGAN, TONDO is a slum area in Manila. Children and adults alike gather uling (burned wood/charcoal) which is the source of income for the residents of the area. Hence, the name "Ulingan". They also sift through the ashes in hopes of finding nails they can resell. The children should be out playing, but instead risk burns, infections, and a host of other dangers trying to earn money for their family. Pusong Pinoy may not have the power to change their environment just yet, but perhaps by giving them the basic necessities, we may set them on the path to a better way of life.

PHOTO KALYE is a Flickr-based group dedicated to raising social awareness about poverty. This special group of photographers donate their time and resources to better the lives of the kids of Ulingan. Photo Kalye has been a partner of Pusong Pinoy since the beginning of our group. They were the recipient of the proceeds from the photo exhibit "Ulingan Underexposed" we hosted last year in Manila as well as our book drive and 2009 Christmas project for the kids of Ulingan. Thanks to all the AMAZING KALYETOGRAPHER HEROES for using their God-given talent to show Pusong Pinoy heroes that the kids of Ulingan exist and that they are in need of our assistance. Thanks PHOTO KALYE for your genuine concern for their welfare!

PHOTO CREDITS: PEEGEE SILO a.k.a. PEDRO GERARDO, President of PHOTO KALYE

* * * * * U P D A T E * * * * *

Thanks to all our wonderful heroes! We completed this project!

Special thanks to the following extraordinary heroes for making this project a success:
*PP volunteer, Teng Sorreta, for transporting all the goods from San Juan to Tondo, Manila.
*PK President, Peegee Silo, for coordinating the activity with Ulingan Day Care Center and with the PP and PK volunteers.
*PK members and Project Lend a Hand volunteers who helped carry the goods to the Ulingan Day Care Center and distribute the bags to the kids.
*PP Philippine Core Team members CTL Jocel Estoque, TL Susan Chua, and TL Dette for packing all the bags to be distributed to the recipients.
*PK members Caroline Maralit and Joey Rico for providing 200 cupcakes as snacks for the kids.
*Dr. Mildred Agres for sponsoring the payment of 2 PP tarpaulins for this project.
*Lastly, thanks to all the generous donors and sponsors for helping us complete the list of goods for this project:

500 ramen noodles - received from Dr. Scot Muir of Ayrshire, Scotland
33 large cans of sardines - received from Dr. Scot Muir of Ayrshire, Scotland
167 large cans of sardines - received from Douglas & Jean Inness of Ayrshire, Scotland
100 toothpastes - received from Douglas & Jean Inness of Ayrshire, Scotland
100 bottles of soy sauce (1 liter)- received from Douglas & Jean Inness of Ayrshire, Scotland
200 cupcakes - Photo Kalyetographers Caroline Maralit & Joey Rico of Philippines
50 pairs of slippers - received from TL Nikki Lanaria of Australia
50 pairs of slippers - received from Ate Luisa of Planet Pansit, West Covina
100 washcloths - received from Carla Maralit-Apacible, Michelle Maralit-Samson, Trixie Maralit, Annabelle Maralit-Zaldarriaga, and Ces Lindog of Philippines
100 coloring books - Anonymous hero from Paranaque
4 sacks of rice - Anonymous Hero from Quezon City
100 large soap - Anonymous Hero from Batangas
33 pcs. of juice (BIG) - Anonymous Hero from Batangas
100 toothbrush - Dr. Mildred Agres of New Jersey
100 drawing notebooks - Dr. Mildred Agres of New Jersey
100 pad papers - Dr. Mildred Agres of New Jersey
100 erasers - Dr. Mildred Agres of New Jersey
100 boxes of crayons - Dr. Mildred Agres of New Jersey
100 sharpeners - Dr. Mildred Agres of New Jersey
100 bottles of fish sauce (patis) - Dr. Mildred Agres of New Jersey
100 pencils from previous PP collection

PROJECT LITTLE BITES FOR LITTLE LIGHTS

2010-08-08T22:37:00.000-07:00

On August 8, 2010, Pusong Pinoy launched Project "LITTLE BITES FOR LITTLE LIGHTS" benefiting the children of Little Lights Ministry led by Pastor Joseph Quila Casaje of Kerygma Asia.

Kerygma Asia planted its humble beginnings in February 2010 at Sitio Tawi-Tawi along the riverbanks of the Pasig-Cainta boundary where drug dealing, drinking sprees, gambling, and street brawls is a way of life. Out of this concern, Little Lights was born. As the ministry continued its mission, they came across out-of-school and never-schooled children which led them to start "Learning Lessons," a progressive Montessori-type learning system for 2 to 15 years old. They also provide feeding and hygiene programs.

Deeply inspired and greatly motivated by the works of Ptr. Joseph and his brethren, Pusong Pinoy launched this project to help them continue their mission which is in line with ours - to promote literacy to eradicate poverty. In addition to the 500 children's books we are giving them, we are also asking for donation of school supplies and food items. We need to feed these children to nourish their mind.

We are calling on all our kind-hearted HEROES to put your hearts into this wonderful cause. Here is a list of items most needed by Little Lights and the community they serve:

Biscuits - 50 pails (P230/$5.20) – COMPLETED
Sugar - 25 kilos (P51/$1.16) - COMPLETED
Evaporated Milk - 50 cans (P25/$.56) - COMPLETED
Rice - 5 sacks (P1,500/$35) - COMPLETED
Sticky Rice - 2 sacks (P2,500/$56.82) - COMPLETED
Juice Drive - 50 packs (P60/$1.36) - COMPLETED
Elbow Macaroni - 30 kilos – (P62/$1.40) - COMPLETED
Spaghetti - 30 kilos – (P97/$2.20) - COMPLETED
Cocoa Powder - 25 packs – (P72/$1.64) - COMPLETED
Pencils – 412 - COMPLETED
Notebooks – 200 - COMPLETED
Books – 500 - COMPLETED

Every little bit helps. Make your contribution count. Please consider making a donation today.

************* U P D A T E **************

We completed this project in FIVE days! Thanks to the following heroes who made this possible:

10 large pails of biscuits - Newport Beach TL CARL BERNARDO
19 large pails of biscuits - Texas TL DANA MARTY GALI
100 notebooks - CONQUI BERNARDO (Ontario, CA)
550 children's books - MIKE HAYES (London)
14 kilos of elbow macaroni - Orange County TL HERBERT WENCESLAO
21 large pails of biscuits - PROJECT PEARLS (San Francisco, CA)
16 kilos of elbow macaroni & 5 kilos of spaghetti - NYLESOR TADEO (Israel)
25 kilos of sugar - West Covina TL DAN PASAMONTE
15 kilos of spaghetti - Fairfield TL ARNEL FRANCISCO & VTL CHINKY FRANCISCO
9 kilos of spaghetti - PAULA & ADRIA GALI (Texas)
5 sacks of rice - SEAN & JADA ENCINA, kids of Sara & Jowee Encina (Manila)
50 packs of powdered juice - SEAN & JADA ENCINA (Manila)
7 packs of cocoa powder - SEAN & JADA ENCINA(Manila)
1 sack of sticky rice - TONY VELBIS (Torrance, CA)
18 packs of cocoa powder - TONY VELBIS (Torrance, CA)
1 kilo of spaghetti - TONY VELBIS (Torrance, CA)
100 notebooks - TONY VELBIS (Torrance, CA)
412 pencils - HEROES from Dubai
1 sack of sticky rice(malagkit) - PP Team HK

PUSONG PINOY HK VTL KAZ SORIANO'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT PSAC

2010-07-31T21:12:00.000-07:00

Despite heavy rain, the volunteers of Parish Social Action Committee (PSAC) gathered Centro-Labac kids in Lipa City, Batangas on July 31, 2010 to celebrate PP Hong Kong Vice-Team Leader KAZ SORIANO's birthday. Food and beverage were served. A birthday mass celebration was held and the kids played games during this fun-filled celebration. VTL Kaz said that this is her best birthday ever!

This is truly a great way to celebrate a birthday - seeing the joy and laughter of children removed from bitter poverty and enjoying a day of fun with food, games, and prizes! Click HERE to see other Pusong Pinoy's birthday celebrations at PSAC. If you are interested in celebrating your birthday the Pusong Pinoy way, please contact CTL Jay at tl.tinytony@ymail.com.