The Year That Was...On Volunteerism

"The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, 
but by the depth of the commitment 
to make a difference in the lives of others." 
- DeAnn Hollis

MAY 7-8,2012. ZAMBALES OUTREACH. We had storytelling sessions in four schools in Zambales namely Iba Elementary School, Nagyantok Elementary School, Subic Elementary School, and Olongapo Elementary School. The project was spearheaded by Ms. Bea Torres of National Book Store Foundation.Part of the G-skwela (Galing skwela) Project was the construction of the library and book donations  to the chosen schools.

MAY 25, 2012. We were invited to do storytelling.

The storybook that we used was "Bolet Bolate" written by Dr.Luis P. Gatmaitan. 

Ms.Rina Tiangco who is a Toastmaster/teacher/storyteller/artist/cancer survivor (Yes! You'll be amazed with her energy and enthusiasm) suggested that we act out the story and so we did. The children enjoyed it as well as the parents who were given lectures on nutrition and cleanliness. The children were served lunch and afterwards, distribution of school supplies to the pupils of Inigan Elementary School.It was a fun-filled,worthwhile activity indeed. 

Thanks to Medicard Foundation and the people in the community.

Inigan Elementary School is a public school located in Rodriguez, Rizal.

AUGUST 12, 2012. As a grade one teacher, I'm always surrounded by energetic kids who keep running around and seem like doing non-stop talking. But this time, I'm with kids who were just sitting down and whose mouth were covered by face masks. And yes, you guessed it right. I'm with the kids of Childhaus in Quezon City. We did storytelling and have some fun games with the kids. They were served Jollibee foods courtesy of PHP (People Helping People), a volunteer organization also.

DECEMBER 1, 2012. I told myself  that as much as possible, I'll be doing outreach project whenever I climb and so the this project was formed. Thanks to sir Jet Reyes for providing all the information I needed to have a coordination with Nanay Josie, a concerned citizen who accommodated us when we arrived at the place. We had storytelling session to the kids of 

Mt. Timbak. I would like to thank Ms. Jenny Torres of OMF Publishing 

and Charlot Cachuela of Museo Pambata for the book donations

 in Mongoto Elementary School.

Thanks also to my fellow mountaineers and fellow Toastmasters who supported the said event.

VIPs I've Met in 2012!

Part of my journey is meeting people whom I've known for a long time 

(well, because they're kinda celebrity) but have just met in person in 2012.

They're an inspiration to me and I looked up to them.

So here they are...

RICKY LEE. Who wouldn't know Ricky Lee especially if you're a "showbiz-person"?  

Sir Ricky or Tatang (who is a self-confessed Noranian), 

is the scriptwriter of the phenomenal HIMALA of ate Guy.

I love him! He's so BIG in the movie industry and yet, very humble.

We were introduced to each other by Dok Luis Gatmaitan. 

Thank you,tito Dok for making it possible.

Sir Ricky gave me one of his books (SI TATANG AT MGA HIMALA NG ATING PANAHON)...
with an autograph, of course.
Perfect as a birthday gift!

This happened during the Cinemalaya 8 last July 24, 2012 at the CCP.

ROBERT ALEJANDRO."Kuya Robert" as he was fondly called in the children's program ART-isKOOLl in GMA 7 has been an inspiration to me because he has this certain aura that is very positive. 

He looks very calm and down-to-earth.
Plus the fact that he is a responsible journalist.
I was not disappointed when I met him in person because he is really a nice guy.

Little did he know that I'm really a fan of him when I was still a kid.
I love the segment in his program wherein he's making an artwork out of a name.
I wish I made him do that with my name when we met!(There's next time, anyway!)

And because I knew that he's one of the owners of Papemelroti,
I patronize that specialty store.

I even memorized that Papemelroti means Patty/Peggy/Meldy/Robert/Tina.

Those are the names of his sisters who also own the store.

It was nice meeting him at Mind Museum
during the 2nd National Children's Book Awards
with FREE museum tour courtesy of National Book Development Board (NBDB).
Special thanks to Beverly Wico-Siy for heading the event.

I will never forget the date July 28, 2012--two days after my birthday.
It was the day I've met Kuya Robert!
Indeed, ART is-KOOL...and GOD is GOOD!
Thanks for this rare opportunity.