Monday, July 3, 2017

Precious Moments Restaurant and Gift Shop

Finally, I was able to visit the Precious Moments Restaurant & Gift Shop. I find it awesome because it houses Precious Moments dolls that bring back childhood memories. These items are for sale, by the way.
Precious Moments dolls originated in the US and was created by Sam Butcher. The co-owner of the Precious Moments Restaurant and Gift Shop in the Philippines named Mr. Jojo Sonillo once worked in Precious Moments-US. They have a doll factory in Iloilo established in 1984 that supplies dolls in US and in Canada that provides scholarship to deserving students in the province.

In 1989, Butcher opened the Sampaguita Gardens in Aklan, a Christmas-themed resort you can visit all-year round which houses a gift shop selling Precious Moments items . This helps support local employment. 

They have a collectors' club called PPMCC where Mr. Sonillo is also the president.The business is not just selling figurines but also about making a difference by providing jobs to the people in the communities.Also, 10 percent of their sales is given to their foundation, [the Samuel J. Butcher Foundation] that provides medical and dental missions, feeding and gift-giving to underprivileged children. 

In 2012, they opened Precious Moments in Laredo St. in Makati, but eventually transferred to Palanan, Makati, to accommodate a growing number of customers. They offer catering, party venue, gift ideas and even coffee in their cafe called SamBrew.
Please support this establishment because of their advocacies. 
Precious Moments Restaurant & Giftshop is located at No. 95 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Palanan, Makati City and is open from 9 am to 9 pm, Mondays to Sundays. For inquiries, call (02)887-5252, (02)387-1092
P.S. According to Mr. Jojo Sonillo, they will soon transfer to San Juan Del Monte so better dropby NOW. Moments are so precious. 

Samburger  (named after Mr. Butcher), is a massive 8-inch burger with tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and lettuce. 
Good for 3-4 persons.
Classic Samburger with chips is at P145 
while Premium Samburger (double-patty and is served with fries instead of chips is at P245).

Black Forest Cupcake at P60.00. 
It has a candle because we requested it (for free) because it's my birthday month. An early celebration of my July 26 birthday. 
As the crew handled this to me,  a Happy Birthday Song was played. You made me happy like a child. Such a precious moment! 
Thank you!  

When you buy a pillow (P250), 
you support their advocacy in helping children with cancer 
in Taguig.


Newsletter that published articles about their events and outreach activities

Mr. Jojo Sonillo, President of Precious Moments Manila
He said that they used to donate these toys 
for Bantay Bata Foundation.

with my friends and Mr. Jojo Sonillo, President of Precious Moments Manila

Donation box located inside the store. 
You might want to donate old toys 
and pre-loved clothes for their outreach projects. 

Saturday, February 18, 2017

DREAM-A-DRUMS Project (Mt. Timbak Outreach Year 5)

This outreach project was dubbed as "Dream-A-Drums" because it was our priority to raise funds to buy drumset for the church in Mt. Timbak in Benguet. 

It has been said that music has the power to communicate messages and emotions that words cannot capture. Noong nakaraang taon, nakapag-donate ang MAFIA sa pakikipagtulungan ng ALAB ng apat na gitara. Ngayong taon naman, drumset para sa kanilang simbahan ang ating inihandog. 

"Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!” --Psalm 150:1-6 

Pasasalamat sa mga sponsors for cash donations para makabili po tayo ng drumset. 

Mommy Teteth 
Sir Dennis 
Aydol Jane of Presidents Toastmasters 
Ms. Cris Batanes
Tito Eboy 
TL Iris 
Amigang Jo and Friends
Ged La Loo and Friends
Teacher Alen 
Mommy Sandy 
Lakwatserong Angel 
Mam Liza Tuazon and Friends

Aside from the drumset, we also distributed books, pre-loved clothes and toys, colorful pairs of socks, and lootbags with goodies and snacks. 
We would also want to thank the following: 

Sir Chino Camacho of Hiyas for the books 
Elementary classmates Johnboy and Mhelai for the socks. 
Ms. Oyet Dolon and friends for some pairs of socks and storybooks 
POVEDA Teachers for the socks and school supplies 
CAAES- Main Teachers (Mam Mariane and Mam Jocelyn Crema) 
Mam Liza Tuazon for other goodies 
WAGAS Family for the animal hats, pre-loved clothes and shoes 
Your generosity makes all of this possible. 

Pasasalamat sa Victory Liner Inc para sa ilang complimentary tickets. God bless your good company. 

We would also want to thank all MAFIAs who joined us in the climb-- Wagas Family, mam Liza Tuazon, Tito Gener  and Tita Ruffa, Kap Ged La Loo, TL Iris, amigang Jo, Teacher Che, Teacher Gelda, Yuri and son Izaak, Cyril, and our PHSA student Noreen.

Special thanks to Mark and Cris.Mga angels ko kayo. <3

We also had storytelling and art session.Nagkaroon din ng "libreng gupit" courtesy of my beautiful Tita Ruffa. 

It was a very unforgettable experience. The weather's BRRRYcold but their hearts were all so warm. It's our 5th year and as we bid goodbye (as we are going to look for another mountain to do outreach projects), we would like to thank everyone. Thanks for all the support. Most importantly, for the friendship.Keep on climbing...with a purpose. MABUHAY!

"Climb the mountain not to plant your flag, but to embrace the challenge, enjoy the air and behold the view. Climb it so you can see the world, not so the world can see you."
--David McCullough Jr.


                     A BRRRRy cold November. Arrived around 5:00 AM at Victory Liner Terminal-Baguio.

      MAFIA's photo-op at the Highest Point




The newly-consructed "shade" (not against the heaat of the sun but against strong wind and downpour of rains. Better go back to the van because 'twas really cold outside. 
This can be also a stop-over to go to the restroom downstairs.
About thirty minutes to Mt. Timbak.

Ate Josie's family. Photo-op after the mass. 
Our event coincides with their house blessing.


At a very young age, this kid from Timbak can play the guitar really well.


The facade of a Josie's house. Photo from the left was taken just a year ago after our last visit.
It's all because of the hardwork of ate Josie and her husband in their flower farm.



Our Tita Ruffa's "free haircut program".

Storytelling session with Ate Noreen, Teacher Gelda, and Teacher Mars.

Bracelet-making with Teacher Che,Amigang Jo, and TL Niks.


Distribution of Story Books



Thank you very much to OMF Publishing for the books.


Hi-5 to Year 5!

The DREAM PROJECT! Thanks to all the sponsors.

Brunch before going back to Baguio.



Pics at the summit



Salamat po sa limang taon, ate Josie! 

Ipinagbubuntis pa lang ni Yuri si Izaak noong umakyat s'ya sa Timbak...ngayon naglalakad na.


Salamat, mga ka-MAFIA. Sobrang maasahan kayo. 

SIDE TRIP.Just like this STOBOSA Hill, you made my life more colorful. Salamat sa friendship! :) 

Friday, March 11, 2016

Mabining Mandirigma

STEAMPUNK MUSICAL. Bago sa pandinig ko. Nakakaaliw. Nakakatuwa. Nakakaiyak. NAKAKABILIB!ASTIG!

Pasasalamat sa pagkakataong mapanood ito kasama ang aking mga co-teachers at ilang piling mag-aaral. Nawa'y marami pang mga guro ang makanood. Gawing platform ang teatro para sa pagkatuto.

Quotable quotes:
*Masipag at marunong ka. Kaya mong iahon ang iyong sarili. Nasa iyong mga kamay ang iyong kinabukasan.

*Ang taong mapagtanong ay ikinukulong.Mapait na sumpa ang maging marunong.

* Patawad, ina.Di magagawang sikilin ang sarili't magbulag-bulagan.

*Aking ikamamatay kung di matitighaw ang matinding pagkauhaw sa laya't karunungan.

*Batang nawalan ng kamay,magkakaroon ng pakpak.Ang mga naulila,magkakaroon ng anghel.
Lahat ng bagay ay may dahilan.

*Tuyot na ang iyong mga paa kaya yayabong ang iyong isipan, titibay ang iyong kalooban, mamumukadkad ang iyong kadakilaan.


*Pangalagaan mong huwag madungisan ang iyong dangal.Ang dangal ang ubod ng iyong pagkatao.

*Lahat ng tulong ko sa gobyerno ay boluntaryo.

*Di ko kailangan ng suweldo para magawa ang gusto ko at pinanininiwalaan ko.

*Nasa pagmamalasakit ang tagumpay.

*Nasa pagkakaisa ang ating paglaya.Mahirap bang mag-isip bilang Pilipino?

*Mahirap mapantayan ang integridad ni Mabini kaya konti lang ang kanyang inapo--mga senador na makabayan, mga empleyadong laban sa katiwalian...

*Ang gobyerno natin ay sa taumbayan.

*Isa lang ang Katipunan at 'yun ay ang Pilipinas

*PAUNLARIN MO ANG BAYAN MO AT KASAMA KANG UUNLAD.


Salamat po, Tata Nanding Josef, Mam Carmela Millado Manuel, at Direk Chris Millado. Mabuhay ang Tanghalang Pilipino!


Pagbati sa mga bumubuo ng produksyon. NATATANGI at WORLD-CLASS!
More than a SUPERB production, it's an eye opener. 
MAHALIN ANG BAYAN NANG HIGIT SA IYONG SARILI.

P.S. I both watched the 3PM (matinee) show and the 8PM (gala) show where David Ezra and Arman Ferrer played Emilio Aguinaldo, respectively.



Ms. Liesl Batucan played the title role in "Mabining Mandirigma". 
Having a great talent in acting, dancing, and singing, get ready to get WOWed by her performance.
She did put up a very good job!Congratulations! 


David Ezra bilang Emilio Aguinaldo, Pangulo ng Unang Republika ng Pilipinas.
Pagbati sa iyong napakahusay na pagganap!
(FYI: Anak siya ng tanyag na mang-aawit na si Dulce. No wonder. Kanino pa ba magmamana?)


Si Antonio Fernandez Ferrer o Arman Ferrer naman ang gumanap na Aguinaldo sa gala (8PM) show.
Mangingilabot ka sa kanyang makapangyangyarihang tenor na boses.

Ang mga gumanap na Ilustrados. Nakakaaliw ang kanilang performance!

Hindi pahuhuli ang mga kabababihan ng Tanghalang Pilipino Napakahuhusay din!

Ang mga dagdag na karakter na napakahuhusay ding umawit at gumiling!


Kasama ang direktor ng Mbining Mandirigma na si Chris Millado




Kasama ang Artistic Director ng Tanghalang Pilipino at Executive Producer ng Mabining Mandirigma na si Tata Nanding Josef.





"Masipag at marunong ka. Kaya mong iahon ang iyong sarili. Nasa iyong mga kamay ang iyong kinabukasan."
Kaming mga guro mula sa pampublikong paaralan sa Las Pinas ay nagbibigay-pugay sa napakagandang produksyon ng‪#‎MabiningMandirigma‬.Kaisa kami saadbokasiya at adhikain ng Tanghalang Pilipino na gamitin ang teatro bilang lugar ng pagkatuto.
Ang aming mga natutuhan mula sa inyong palabas ay ibabahagi rin namin sa aming mga mag-aaral.



DepEd Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro:
"Maganda ang kwento ni Mabini pero mas maganda ang kanyang hamon para sa Pilipino ngayon. Sana yung boto na ating gagawin sa susunod na ilang buwan ay boto para sa bayan at hindi para sa sarili, para sa Pilipinas at hindi para sa bulsa."
https://www.facebook.com/tanghalangpilipino/videos/vb.305622389604147/604392543060462/?type=3&theater


Pasasalamat kay Madam Carmela Millado Manuel (Company Manager ng TP) at sa Office of the Mayor ng Las Pinas para sa ticket ng aking mga estudyante. 



Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Tahan-tahanan Christmas Party (2014)

Tahan-tahanan is a haven for kids stricken with cancer. It is located at the basement of East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon City. Every December, volunteers organize Christmas Party for the kids. This is headed, of course,  by Dra. Victoria "Marvie" Abesamis, a pediatric oncologist at EAMC.
 
 
The Invitation
Christmas was just around the corner that time. With all those songs, decors, and lights, it was hard not to get the holiday spirit. And here’s MAFIA's way of sharing our blessings.

Thanks sa effort mong mag-costume, ate Reg!

Si TL at si Prince
Paborito ni Prince ang mamon kaya dinalhan siya ni TL.
 
So much thanks to Minie's group for the lootbags given to the kids.
 
Inspiring speech by JC Baxia
He represented C & E Foundation that donated 2 boxes of books for the children of Tahan-tahanan.
 
 
Myzobel and kuya Dom
 
 
Happy faces of cancer patients and survivors while watching some of the performers.
 
Mawawala ba naman si Jollibee?
 
Happy Family
Atleast man lang sa araw ng Pasko, kumpleto sila.
 
 Maraming salamat, mga ka- M.A.F.I.A. (Mars And Friends In Action)!
 
"I remember when Barbra Streisand used to sing "The Best Things in Life Are Free." And so are the most powerful things. Compassion. Reading to children. Mercy. Tender touch. Sweet thoughts. Forgiveness. Prayers. Meditation. Love. Respect. Peace."
~ Marianne Williamson


Backgrounder: I have been a volunteer storyteller at Tahan-tahanan since 2010.It was 2012 when I found out that my father has a cancer. Syempre, nagulat ako at nagtanong. Bakit naman ang Tatay ko pa.

This photo was taken year 2012 when I consulted Dra.Marvie regarding my father's condition. I considered her a friend so I decided to talk to her.
We've met each other because Tito Dok is our common friend. 
When my father was confined in the hospital,I went to her office at EAMC (she was not the physician of my father,though) and showed her the medical results. I told her, "Doktora, di na naman po kayo iba sa akin. Sabihin n'yo na po ang totoo.Sa inyo lang ako naniniwala. Ano po yung nakikita n'yo dyan (dun sa mga results)." Gusto kong pagaanin kaya tinanong ko na lang kung ano yung mga pagkain na bawal kay Tatay. Then she looked at the film nung mga results."Mars, kumalat na yung spot.Ibigay mo na ang lahat." I remember, umagos talaga ang luha ko. Alam na.After 6 months ng treatment sa Tatay ko, sumuko na s'ya. Masakit pero kailangang tanggapin.
During Tahan-tahanan's 4th anniversary (Feb 2015)
I want to thank Dra. Marvie for all the moral support she has given me.

Mars as volunteer storyteller
“I love life, even when bad things happen to me. I can’t stop loving it. Every season of the year comes with a promise that something wonderful is going to happen to me someday.”