65 More for QC

I dispatched 65 earsavers to the swabbing personnel of the Quezon City Health Department. I finished this batch on my birthday, and it was sent out a day after I turned 34. I hope that the frontliners who will receive these earsavers will be spared from the Covid-19 virus, and that they will remain safe as they fulfill their duties.

Please join the Earsavers for Lifesavers PH Facebook group to volunteer as a crafter, materials sponsor, or delivery angel. Every bit of help counts as we continue to motivate our healthcare frontliners as they battle the corona virus.

Let us all stay safe and healthy!

25 For UST

I dispatched 25 earsavers yesterday to the UST Hospital Department of Pediatrics. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve this hospital as this was where my grandmother was confined when she was being treated for cancer. She received the best care here until her last breath.

I would like to acknowledge Bea Tuquero for the photos of my earsaver on a UST frontliner. It always makes me happy to see my earsavers in action.

Please help us reach more frontliners by joining the Earsavers for Lifesavers PH Facebook group! We welcome crafters, delivery angels, and materials sponsors. Together, let us help fight Covid-19 with yarn and a lot of good vibes!

Sharing Joy at NCMH

I recently dispatched 60 earsavers to the National Center for Mental Health. I enjoyed crocheting this batch while attending Zoom meetings and webinars.

The biggest reward for making these earsavers was receiving these photos from Nurse Jendy Lou Mendoza. It warms my heart to see my handmade creations reach their owners. I hope that these will alleviate their pain as they cure the sick.

Now crocheting more earsavers for frontliners! Together, let us all flatten the curve!

60 For NCMH

I donated 60 earsavers to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) last May 18, 2020. I am still crocheting earsavers for our frontliners amidst the transtion from ECQ to MECQ. While the quarantine status has been modified, I am aware that our healthcare workers are still working double time to battle Covid-19. Thus, I am still helping alleviate the pain caused by medical-grade masks that these hardworking individuals have to wear.

Please support Earsavers for Lifesavers PH either as a crafter, delivery angel, or materials sponsor. Any help will go a long way in boosting our frontliners’ morale and of course, motivating crafters who want to do their share at home.

Take care, and may God bless us all!

80 for Sta. Ana Hospital

I dispatched 80 earsavers to the Covid Ward frontliners of the Sta. Ana Hospital. I feel blessed to have finished this batch as this week was quite challenging for me. Amidst overcoming a few personal setbacks, I kept on crocheting. And before I knew it, I was able to send these to the frontliners who need them most.

Please consider volunteering for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH by joining our Facebook Group! We need crafters, delivery angels, and materials sponsors. No help is too small for our frontliners who risk their lives everyday to cure the sick. Those of us who can stay at home can still do our share and be there for our modern-day heroes.

God bless us all!

100 For East Ave

I donated 100 earsavers to the Laboratory Department of the East Avenue Medical Center today. It is an honor for me to serve a hospital located near home. I am praying for all the frontliners who risk their lives everyday as we fight Covid-19. I consider this as my simple contribution to help ease the burden of our health care workers.

The photos (except for my selfie) were generously provided by Rita Sebastian, a medical technologist at East Ave. I am volunteering for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting crafters to frontliners who need earsavers made for them.

Let us help our frontliners flatten the curve by staying home, practicing social distancing when outside for necessary errands, and wearing face masks. And let us please find ways to give supplies to these brave workers because they are the ones who keep us safe from the virus.

God bless us all!

Heart for Healing

The locket that I ordered from Pulseras by Kim’s fundraising sale has finally reached my hands! My heart-shaped locket is made of stainless steel and gold-filled chain, which are premium materials that can withstand the test of time. As always, Kim has packed my purchase with love, and a note was even included to thank me for my support.

The locket came with a photo-printing service. I sent Kim a picture of me with Piolo, the cuddly lab who always hangs out with me at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. This will serve as a reminder that this quarantine situation is only temporary, and that I will see Piolo again when the time comes.

I am so glad that I supported this fundraiser to help fight Covid-19. I am praying that a cure and a vaccine will be developed very soon. For now, let us all stay at home and do our share to support our brave frontliners!

A Positive Impact

I went shopping the other day for purposeful items which will benefit our heroic frontliners. I want to help in my own small way during the enhanced community quarantine. Fortunately, two of my favorite brands have offered to make it easier for me to pay it forward.

Rags 2 Riches has recently released their summer collection aptly named Sol. It is a joyful collection of bags and clothes made of upcycled materials. As always, each item is made by Filipino artisans.

Proceeds will go to frontliners and families affected by the pandemic. This was enough for me to support this worthy cause.

Image from Pulseras by Kim

Another local brand that I continue supporting is Pulseras by Kim. The jewelry brand has recently dropped a fundraiser collection to benefit frontliners as well. I bought this locket, which featured a free photo printing service with each purchase. Of course, this made the decision to purchase easier.

Shopping for a cause is one of my favorite things to do. I hope that you will also support brands that pay it forward, because we can all make a difference even while at home.

Bread and Coffee

It’s already the middle of week three under enhanced community quarantine. I am the family tribute so to speak. I am the one buying food for the household. This is not a problem for me as I am naturally a foodie. And I’ve been missing the outside world a lot.

I am lucky to have a bakery and coffee shop inside our neighborhood. The cafe is run by a charity that employs people with special needs, so this makes me really happy.

I bought bread for the week and also got myself a coffee jelly. It was lovely to have barista-made coffee after three weeks at home. It was simply amazing.

I will never take food and coffee for granted again.

Ben&Ben launches online event to raise funds for COVID-19 relief

Ben&Ben is set to hold a massive fundraising online showcase entitled, “Puhon: A Ben&Ben FB Live Event for the COVID-19 Efforts.” 

The nine-piece collective will be performing some of their biggest hits for a one-hour live stream show while staying in their respective homes. 

The Facebook Live Jam will happen on March 27, 2020 (Friday) at 7:00 PM. It will serve as a launch pad for the band’s community-initiative website, www.puhon.ph, which aims to inspire, uplift and boost the collective morale of all the key stakeholders of the COVID-19 response through uplifting stories, music, art, and more. 

The platform will also provide an opportunity for people to contribute to the ongoing efforts in helping the frontliners and urban poor community affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

“As artists, we believe that in a crisis like this we are calledto do what we can to help—may it be by sending messages of hope, making efforts in raising funds for this crisis, or others,” shares the band in a statement. 

All proceeds from this project are to raise funds for COVID19 test kits, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and nutrition support for frontline healthcare workers, and relief goods for daily wage earners.

The upcoming online concert is in partnership with YSEALI, Limitless Lab, and the Asian Institute of Management - Team Energy Center For Bridging Leadership.

Source: Sony Music

Bayanihan Musikahan reveals this week’s lineup for online fundraising concert

Bullet Dumas, Gloc-9, Morisette, Chito Miranda, and more to perform and raise funds for COVID-19 relief.

After a successful first few days of Bayanihan Musikahan,featuring Ryan Cayabyab, Ebe Dancel, Karylle, Sponge Cola, Top Suzara, Noel Cabangon, Bayang Barrios and Mike Villegas, Jazz Nicholas, Davey Langit, Keiko Necessario, and more, the concert series continues for another round of online performances this week. The marathon online concert is the biggest citizen-action juggernaut to raise funds and immediately address the food and personal protection needs of the most vulnerable Filipinos in the National Capital Region.

The star-studded fundraiser, expected to run for at least two weeks with three to five concerts a day, heightens momentum with individual showcases from a wide range of genre:

March 23, 2020 – Monday:

5:00 PM – Nyoy Volante

6:30 PM – Bullet Dumas

8:00 PM – Nino Alejandro

9:00 PM – Ito Rapadas and Jimmy Antiporda of Neocolours

March 24, 2020 – Tuesday:

4:00 PM – Jim Paredes

7:00 PM – Lara Maigue

8:00 PM – Gloc-9

9:00 PM – Ice Seguerra​

March 25, 2020 – Wednesday​

TBD – Morissette

TBD – Martin Nievera

March 25, 2020 – Thursday​

7:00 PM – Tim Pavino

8:00 PM – Jett and Rafi Pangan

9:00 PM – Juris

10:00 PM – Chito Miranda

March 25, 2020 – Friday (Visayas / Mindanao artists)​

7:00 PM – Jewel Villaflores

8:00 PM – Jacky Chang

9:00 PM – Eamarie Gilayo

March 26, 2020 – Saturday 

7:00 PM  – Joseph Gara

8:00 PM – Johnoy Danao

9:00 PM – Chud Festejo

10:00 PM – Kent Charcos

March 26, 2020 – Sunday 

8:00 PM – Sitti Navarro

9:00 PM – Hopia Tinambacan

As the pandemic threatens to affect the most vulnerable Filipinos, the digital concert, streamed live on Facebook, represents quick citizen response to catastrophe. The project creates an opportunity for ordinary Filipinos to be at the forefront of efforts to help their kapwa-taumbayanfind the strength to survive, and hopefully best, the lethal impact of the pandemic.

“We call on our citizenry to heed the call of the times, to stay at home and to prevent at all costs the spread of this virus that has wreaked havoc all over the world,” National Artist for Music and lead organizer Ryan Cayabyab shares in a statement. “And while doing so, be reminded that there are many, many of our brothers who are in dire need of assistance in the form of food and medical supplies. This is a call for citizen action. All of us are in this together. We the artists are there to throw a lifeline to the most vulnerable among us: Bayanihan na tayo! Any amount you can donate will all help our kababayans who are in dire need. Tulungan natin sila sa abot ng ating makakaya.” 

Share your love and send your donations to: pymy.co/pbsp

The initiative, started by Ryan Cayabyab, Trina Belamide, Dan Songco, Jay Adlao Block, and Marian Pastor Roces, is partnered with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSB). The NGO’s Likhaan, Samahang NagkakaisaPantawid Pamilya, Caritas Manila, and Oxfam Pilipinas are undertaking targeting survival kits delivery.  

Source: Nyou

Taal Relief Goods

I recently spent two days packing relief goods for Taal Volcano eruption victims. We filled dry bags with supplies to help victims get back on their feet.

To continue helping Filipinos in time of disasters, I highly recommend ABS-CBN Foundation. You may like their Facebook page to be updated on upcoming relief operations and donation drives.

Godbless you!

Katsu for Taal

I recently supported Yabu’s katsu for a cause. All proceeds from their sales last January 28 would go to Taal victims. Since I love Yabu and charity, this was a no-brainer for me.

I had the menchi katsu set and a cold pale pilsen. It was an amazing lunch, and it felt great to help out.

Please join me in doing more for others this year. It’s easier than you think!

He Cares This Christmas

Here are a few reasons why volunteering for He Cares Mission is a good idea:

You get to serve delicious lunch to underserved children.

You get to be with friends! Here I am with college friend Kath.

You will believe in God’s providence! Their kitchen is enough to restore my faith in a generous God.

You will bond with the kids who are essentially the heart of the mission.

You will be reminded of God’s mercy and love, with every plate you serve to these children!

Please consider being a donor or volunteer at He Cares Mission! For more information, please visit their Facebook page.
God bless you!

Israeli Outreach

Last November 27, I was invited to join the outreach of the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines in Manila. I was honored to receive the following prior to the event:

EMBASSY OF ISRAEL MANILA

PRESS RELEASE

שגרירות ישראל שגרירות ישראל

מנילה, פיליפינים מנילה, פיליפינים

The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines, in cooperation with the Jewish Association of the Philippines and the City of Manila, will visit the Sta. Ana Elementary School for an outreach event.

A story-telling session and gift-giving program will be held together with the teachers and kindergarten pupils of the Etz Ha-Haim from the Jewish synagogue. The Jewish Association of the Philippines will also donate books for the school as an early Christmas gift.

Sta. Ana Elementary School was specifically chosen because of Angela Briana Alforque, a five-year-old Filipina, who showed her love for Israel by dressing as Miss Israel during the United Nations Day celebration in Manila. She chose to dress as Miss Israel following the crowning of Israel’s Noy Ben Artzi as Miss Congeniality at the Miss Asia-Pacific International pageant in the Philippines on October 9.

This was my second time to be a invited by the Embassy. The first one was during the opening of the Common Ground art exhibit at UP Diliman. I was eager to be a part of this event as I also love volunteering. It was a perfect opportunity to merge my advocacy and friendships in the diplomatic corps.
The theme of the event was Israel and Manila: Reaching Out to Strengthen Relationship, and I saw firsthand how it was implemented. Students from both Israel and Manila were able to interact with each other when they had the storytelling session. The atmosphere was warm and friendly, and I know that this is just the beginning of this relationship.
This may have been touted as an early Christmas offering, but I know that this initiative will spark a cultural exchange that will last beyond the holidays.

It is important to continue to strengthening relations between Israel and the Philippines. The two countries have common faith origins and values such as hospitality and friendliness. To start the cultural exchange with the children will instill in them the power of acceptance and inclusion. This will then bring forth a lifelong passion for openness.

To end this article, Amb. Rafael Harpaz has mentioned that this gift-giving is simply a celebration of the long history of the close relations between Israel and Manila. Israel and the Philippines have a government to government agreement to accept overseas workers with no placement fees, which he greatly appreciates. This gathering which started with Angela’s costume as Miss Israel has really touched him and he hopes that Israel will be a part of more cultural exchanges between the two countries.

It was an honor to be a part of this day, and I hope to witness more exchanges between Israel and the Philippines.

Colorful Walls

I spent my Saturday painting walls at the Navotas Learning Lab of MoveEd. It was inspiring as I was able to make a pre-school in an underserved community more colorful. I also enjoyed being in the community for a day. Simple joys like buying a soft drink from a variety store was worth the early call time and traffic.
To volunteer or donate to MovEd, please click here! They are willing to partner with anyone who believes that education is a tool to nurture our future. I hope to see you in future MoveEd events, and may we all work together to help others learn, share, and grow!

He Cares This Christmas

Yesterday, I got to help out at the feeding party at He Cares Mission. It is a nonprofit that serves food to street children every Saturday, while conducting values and worship classes. I like serving food to the kids because I feel grateful that I can brighten up their day somehow. It gives me all the warm fuzzies to see them smile while eating nutritious food.
Please consider serving and volunteering at He Cares Mission too! Please message them on their Facebook page so that you too can feel blessed and happy in their ministry.

Negros Fair 2019

I spent my Friday at the Negros Trade Fair 2019. It is a fair that I visit annually, and I’m there mostly for the delicious food! I had boneless chicken inasal, piaya, bignay juice, and brewed coffee. I also bought myself a wooden necklace and a beaded bag handmade by inmates.

I love supporting local! I hope that you will also get to attend events that showcase the best of the Philippines to the world.

September Offering

Yesterday, I offered my time to Moved.org, a nonprofit founded by Filipina philanthropist Alex Eduque. It was my second time to volunteer for the organization. My first time to do so was last month, which I considered as my birthday treat to self. Yes, I consider volunteering as a luxury. Here are some of the reasons why:

• Volunteering keeps me busy whenever I am off-duty from freelance work and family obligations

• My ability to work both alone and with a team is improved by volunteering

• I get to serve others and expect nothing in return

• I get to meet new friends!

• I make the most of my time by doing something I love

• I get to share my blessings and resources, even if it is just time

My heart grows bigger whenever I offer my time to benefit the needy, the disadvantaged, and those who simply need my help. As I sorted and assembled worksheets for preschool students in NCR, I was able to clear my mind from the seemingly petty issues I am facing. I realized that I am fortunate enough to have an education and continuous opportunities within my reach. I have time to help others and share what I have. And most of all, I get to be thankful for all the blessings that enable me to serve.

Please do check out Moved. Hope that you can also help them in the future!

The Force and The Furs

Yesterday, I tried a new waxing salon for the first time. It was a relaxing place to chill out while getting my grooming done

Then, I had Kipp’s Fried Chicken for lunch. Their chicken burger steak meal comes with macaroni salad that is reminiscent of kiddie parties. The old timey taste of the meal brings back childhood memories, which was perfect on a Sunday afternoon.

After my hearty meal, I went to the PAWS Pet Cafe at Vertis North. Their pop-up cafe always draws a crowd of passionate animal advocates. I attended their last day because I could not miss out on their Star Wars-themed costumes and intergalactic ambiance!

I had a lovely time with their Doctor Dogs, who are therapy animals at work. They visit schools, hospitals, and offices to spread positive vibes and good cheer.

They provided me with comfort and messy kisses! I already follow some of the doctor dogs on social media, and their daily photos give me positive vibes.

To learn more on how you can donate to PAWS, please visit https://paws.org.ph/!

Before going home, I had Cocina Peruvia’s chicken pasta in huancaina sauce. It was a flavorful party in my mouth! I will definitely order this again.

Furs, the Force, and food. Just three things that make my heart warmer on a Sunday. I can’t wait to enjoy more of my simple pleasures next weekend!