‘Kaluluwa Kolectivo’ (Soul Collective) Connecting Community and Spirituality

Posted on June 7, 2015 by Dale Asis
Kaluluwa Kolectivo (Soul Collective)

Kaluluwa Kolectivo (Soul Collective)

In 2000, I’ve met Irene Juaniza.  I have always admired her and her community organizing work – training young immigrant leaders in the San Francisco Bay area, organizing low-income working class families in Chicago’s south side,  fighting for the rights of restaurant workers in Chicago. She is one of the very few Filipino Americans that I knew that are working as community organizers. Irene truly believes that we could affect the change that we wish to see in the world.

In 2014, our paths have crossed again and this time in deeper meaningful ways than I ever would have imagined. The Bayanihan Foundation is proud to support the group that Irene helped spearhead, Kaluluwa Kolectivo (Soul Collective).  The Kaluluwa Kolectivo is exploring the connection between community and spirituality.  The collective consists of e Armea, Stephanie Camba, Crystle Diño and Irene Juaniza.

Kaluluwa Kolectivo participants (left to right): Stephanie Camba, Crystle Dino, Irene Juaniza, e Armea

Kaluluwa Kolectivo participants (left to right): Stephanie Camba, Crystle Dino, Irene Juaniza, e Armea

What is the Kaluluwa Kolectivo (Soul Collective) all about? 

The Kaluluwa Kolectivo  explores how Filipino pre-colonial indigenous spiritual practices are continued to be used in everyday life to build thriving communities. The collective’s upcoming trip to the Philippines originates from creating community in order to support the participants’ personal and collective spirit work. Having met through varying social and political endeavors, they are building relationships and supporting each other’s spiritual paths. Although each path varies, the Kaluluwa Kolectivo share a common understanding – we are all spiritual beings living a human existence. For Kaluluwa Kolectivo, it understands “spirit” as guided by a process of inquiry and action to address the question: “How do we live as genuine expressions of the Divine Source through every thought, action, and intention?”

The Kaluluwa Kolectivo participants will be traveling in the Philippines for over two weeks.  They will seek out and learn more about spiritual practices before the advent of Spanish and American colonialism. They will seek out these practices as they are played out in simple and daily routines, whether through cultural practices or overt spiritual spaces.  The Kaluluwa Kolectivo participants will explore their indigenous spirituality at the same time mirror their own spiritual process. This trip is the start of a journey and perhaps will last beyond this first visit.

When will the Kaluluwa Kolectivo travel to the Philippines?

From June 23 to July 7, 2015, the participants of the Kaluluwa Kolectivo will be traveling to the Philippines with the three NEXTGEN Fellows: Jane Baron, Marc Butiong and Jeselle Santiago.  Both Kaluluwa Kolectivo participants and NEXTGEN Fellows will be visiting different regions of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. They will visit Cebu, Samar, Tacloban, Iligan and Manila.  Then from July 7 to July 10, 2015, the Kaluluwa Kolectivo participants will travel to the Cordilleras in northern Luzon.  In each site, the Bayanihan Foundation will provide the travel logistics, connect them to potential partnerships and help them relationships with the local community. The Kaluluwa Kolectivo participants will also bring goods and gifts to each place from books to wheelchairs, based on what the community thinks they need.

Why is the Kaluluwa Kolectivo doing this?

The participants of the Kaluluwa Kolectivo have been involved as community activists and organizers for a long time. They have been engaged in the arts and in varying social justice issues. Irene and the Kaluluwa Kolectivo participants have created spaces for themselves and others to critically reflect, to re-imagine, to build relationships, and to take action. The common goal of the Kaluluwa Kolectivo community work is to assert and support self-determination. This intention echoes the Collective’s commitment to build community through each individual’s freedom to live and love as their Genuine Self.

I will be traveling with the Kaluluwa Kolectivo. I will also share the insights of our trip through continued community building. Many of the friends and family of the Kaluluwa Kolectivo have heard their song. They have organized and went door knocking; marched at an action; attended a workshop; danced at one of the fundraising events; sat in a healing session; or traveled with the Collective in ceremony. The Kaluluwa Kolectivo is a community. We invite you to continue this path with the Kaluluwa Kolectivo as we journey together.

How can you help?

I urge you to donate and support the worthwhile efforts of the Kaluluwa Kolectivo. You can donate at their online fundraising page http://bit.ly/1Gtfchc Your donation will go towards travel costs, stipends, honorarium, safety materials and other necessary expenses.  All donations will be going to the Bayanihan Foundation to support the work fo the Collective.  Your donation is tax-deductible as permitted by law.

Kaluluwa Kolectivo image with traditional bamboo and 'batik' (traditional dyed) cloth prints

Kaluluwa Kolectivo image with traditional bamboo and ‘batik’ (traditional dyed) cloth prints

Kaluluwa Kolectivo Participant Bios
e:
Hi. I’m e. I’m a quiet kinky fat transmasculine genderqueer Filipino living and loving in Chicago, the city I was born and raised in. I am my mother’s daughter and my father’s son. I have a strong relationship with the moon, love working with my hands and building little buildings as well as community. I’m a Pisces sun, Taurus rising, and Gemini moon. I’m a platonic husband to 4 people, best friend to three, and a lover of my community and chosen fam.

Stephanie:
I am an undocumented, queer, Chicago based Pilipin@ storyteller, writer, poet, singer, MC, healer, organizer, and all in all funny person. I am on this path to meet my family for the first time in 24 years, to connect with the land I come from and where my ancestors have lived and died, to learn and grow with and from the people and places I interact with, and to let the vibrations of my motherland live through me and allow me to sing our stories and memories of a more just world until we are all free. I launched my fundraising site earlier than the rest of the crew because of additional fees I needed to pay in order to apply for travel as an undocumented person. I’m a Gemini sun, Libra rising, and Leo moon.

Crystle: 
I am a Chi-Pinay- multidisciplinary artist, mover and Filipino Martial Artist, believer in healing energy, cultural bearer, and Ninang/Tita/Pinsan/SisterHermana/Daughter/Kaibigan/HomeGirl/Sun/Mahal/Lover.  I am deeply grateful and over-joyed that my path is allowing me to re-connect to my Motherland once again.  I am excited to embark on this journey with my KaKol Pamilya in remembering carefully the love, power, and presence of our Ancestors and strengthening the connection of the knowledge and gifts that are within us to be shared with our community.  I am ready and open to step from a place where fear and shame no longer live, but where Heart and Mind are aligned.  I am stepping in rhythm to Tiwala, Tiwala na…   Scorpio. All. Ova. This.

Irene:
Born in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, I honor my Batangueña and Waray ancestry, and call on the Babaylan essence as I walk the Spirit path. Leo sun, Scorpio rising, Sagittarius moon, I gift the element of fire to our Kolectivo. Whether cultivating movement consciousness through community building or Soul work, I call on my Divine self to bring forth the perfection of love, life, and light in all that I see, speak, and do. I AM all that I AM.

Twitter: @KaKolectivo
Instagram: KaluluwaKolectivo

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NEXTGEN: ‘Pagbabalik’ (Coming Home) Fundraising Dinner

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Dale Asis

2015-05-31 17.37.31

The Bayanihan Foundation recognized the ‘Kaluluwa Kolectivo’ (Soul Collective) participants and awarded NEXTGEN Travel Scholarships to three deserving recent college graduates. Please see pictures from the dinner below.

James Castillo, Bayanihan Board Member, presenting NEXTGEN Fellows: Jeselle Santiago (University of Illinois at Chicago), Jane Baron (Loyola University Chicago), and Marc Butiong (University of Illinois at Chicago).


2015-05-31 19.17.10

Irene Juaniza presenting the KaluluwaKolectivo (Soul Collective) purpose and members. From left to right; Stephanie Camba, Crystle Dino, Irene Juaniza, and E Armea

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The guest enjoyed purple jam cake for dessert.

2015-05-31 19.19.09

Dinner attendees enjoyed a delicious Lechon and Filipino comfort food

To see more photos from the Pagbabalik Dinner please Bayanihan’s Facebook page by clicking this link. 

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Young Filipino-Americans First to Win NEXTGEN Scholarships

Posted on May 24, 2015 by Dale Asis

In 2008, I received the Chicago Community Trust Fellowship and I had the rare opportunity to travel back to the Philippines and visit my mother’s native village in Bicol, in the southernmost tip of Luzon Island, the largest island in the Philippine archipelago. There I was confronted with the poverty in the region and of my own distant relatives.  I had the chance to travel back home and I saw the connection between the desperation of my family and the overwhelming number of immigrants who feel they must migrate to seek a better life.  This was a turning point in my life.

In 2015, I want to offer that same opportunity to young Filipino Americans to go back home, discover their roots and at the same time offer them opportunities to become long-term partners for change in the Philippines.  I had the tremendous support of the Bayanihan Foundation board members and the NEXTGEN Travel Scholarship came about. Special thanks go to Rebecca Bardach and the Center for International Migration and Integration (CIMI) for inspiring me to do this work.  After a rigorous and competitive selection process, I am proud to announce the three young Filipino Americans first to win NEXTGEN Scholarships for 2015. The NEXTGEN Fellows will visit the Philippines in June 2015 for 14 days. They will rediscover their homeland and cultural heritage, connect with their relatives, explore opportunities to volunteer and encourage them to be long-term partners for change in the Philippines.

Young Filipino Americans First to Win NEXTGEN Scholarships – Fellows of 2015

Jane Baron

Jane Baron, Loyola University Chicago 2016

Jane Baron, Loyola University Chicago 2015

Jane Baron immigrated to the US when she was nine years old. She recently obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Loyola University Chicago. During her four years at Loyola, she was involved in Kapwa, a Filipino student organization on campus and became President of Kapwa in the 2014-2015 academic school year. She was also a Women of Color Scholar and a Social Justice Research Fellow at Loyola. Outside of school, she was an Impact Fellow and Kinetic Instructor at Asian Americans Advancing Justice—Chicago.

Marc Butiong

Marc Butiong, University of Illinois at Chicago 2016

Marc Butiong, University of Illinois at Chicago 2015

Marc Butiong is a recent graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Business Management and a minor in Finance. He served as a student leader for multiple organizations on campus and will apply the same dedication as a bridge-builder for the Bayanihan Foundation. This will be his first trip to the Philippines and first opportunity to experience the homeland through diaspora philanthropy. He will begin his professional career with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan in July 2015.

Jeselle Santiago

Jeselle Santiago, University of illinois Chicago 2017

Jeselle Santiago, University of Illinois at Chicago 2015

Jeselle is a recent college graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago, with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and a Minor in Asian American Studies. She has a heart for helping others and hopes to make a positive impact in the mental health field. She was born in Manila, Philippines then raised in America—and she embraces her truly Filipino American identity. With the generosity of the Bayanihan foundation, she will finally have the opportunity to explore this identity further.

Posted in Diaspora Giving, philanthropy, Youth leadership development | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Computer Donations Point Giporlos Students to the Future

Posted on May 14, 2015 by Dale Asis

Giporlos National Trade School, local high school in Giporlos, Samar Philippines

Giporlos National Trade School, local high school in Giporlos, Samar Philippines

In March 2015, I went back to Giporlos, Samar Philippines and donated used computers to Giporlos National Trade School, the local high school in Giporlos, Samar, Philippines. Since 2014, the Bayanihan Foundation has invested in long-term sustainability efforts in Giporlos and other towns in Samar devastated by super typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest typhoons ever recorded to hit landfall.

(left to right): Dale Asis and Evelyn Castillo of Bayanihan Foundation Worldwide donating computers to Benjamin Campomanes, Principal of Giporlos National Trade School

(left to right): Dale Asis and Evelyn Castillo of Bayanihan Foundation Worldwide donating computers to Benjamin Campomanes, Principal of Giporlos National Trade School

Through the generous donation of Linda and John Jamrozy and other donors of the Bayanihan Foundation, I was able to buy used computers in Chicago and donate them to the Giporlos National Trade School.  Evelyn Castillo of the Bayanihan Foundation ensured the smooth transition and donation of the used computers. Evelyn will also follow-up and make sure that the computers will be put to good use. The school’s computer lab was completely devastated during typhoon Haiyan and so the used computer donations were warmly welcomed.

High school students watched attentively during the brief ceremony donating the used computers to the high school in Giporlos Samar

High school students watched attentively during the brief ceremony donating the used computers to the high school in Giporlos Samar

Many of the students were excited to used the computers. High school sophomore student, Hector Fabillar of Giporlos National Trade School in Samar, Philippines expressed his gratitude on the recent donation of used computers from the Bayanihan Foundation. Hector said that he’s excited to use the computers and learn to use Auto-CAD software to help him in his dream to become an engineer someday. The used computer donations are another example of the Bayanihan Foundation’s extending its resources to help for the long-term.

The Bayanihan Foundation is planning to have a fundraiser in Chicago, Illinois on May 31, 2015. 97% of all funds raised go directly to programs like used computer donations like these. Will you consider donating and helping the Bayanihan Foundation fulfill its mission of Filipinos abroad helping Filipinos at home?

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NEXTGEN: Pagbabalik (Coming Home)

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Dale Asis

Nextgen 2

You’re Invited
NEXTGEN: ‘Pagbabalik’ (Coming Home)
Fundraising Dinner
To Benefit:

    • NEXTGEN: ‘Pagbabalik’ (Coming Home) Travel Scholarships for Second Generation Filipino Americans to travel back home and develop sustainable projects
    • ‘Kaluluwa Kolectivo’ (Soul Collective) understanding indigenous Filipino spiritual practices
    • Rehabilitation Efforts After Super Typhoon Haiyan
    • Community Projects and Partnerships in the Philippines

Eventbrite - NextGen: "Pagbabalik" (Coming Home)

Sunday, May 31, 2015
Private Reception, 5:30 PM
Program & Dinner, 6:30 PM
Little Quiapo Restaurant,
6259 N. McCormick Blvd. Chicago
Filipino home comfort food & nine-course buffet including lechon

Raffle at the Event

Entertainment by
NEXTGEN Second Generation Filipino American Artists

Suggested donation: $55 individual, $100 for a couple*

Click on the button below to buy your tickets 

Eventbrite - NextGen: "Pagbabalik" (Coming Home)

*Your donation may be tax deductible under the law. Please consult your tax advisor. Thank you for your support.

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Spirit of Bayanihan in Dingle – Construction of Homes for the Indigent are Underway

Posted on April 16, 2015 by Dale Asis
Housing construction starts in Dingle, Iloilo (April 2015)

Housing construction is underway Dingle, Iloilo (April 2015)

The construction of new homes for the indigent in Dingle, Iloilo is well underway (see construction photos).   The homes are being built through the generous donation of the PFK Family Foundation and the partnership of the municipality of Dingle and mayor Dr. Rufino Palabrica. The homes are being built in Dingle, Iloilo and the families were chosen after a rigorous application procedure and a lottery system instituted by the municipality of Dingle.

 These homes are very modest and small compared to American suburban home standards. Despite being small, such a home is such a tremendous blessing, especially to Filipino homeless families.  They are provided a secure roof over their heads; sewage pipes; clean running water;  electricity; access to public schools; a paved road that leads to the highway and the main town.

Construction of new homes in Dingle, Iloilo (April 2015)

Construction of new homes in Dingle, Iloilo (April 2015)

But most of all, the Bayanihan Foundation plans to partner with Dingle Mayor Rufino Palabrica and the municipality in the building and creation of a cacao (raw chocolate) processing plant that will potentially become a source of local income for the residents.  Giving them a home creates a stable home and life environment for their children, so that the parents could support their children to fulfill their hopes and dreams. A good home makes a difference.  I am fortunate to partner with the PFK Family Foundation and the municipality of Dingle to help fulfill people’s hopes and dreams and make a difference in their lives.  A good home creates communities and good homes can become realities.

Construction of new homes in Dingle, Iloilo (April 2015)

Construction of new homes in Dingle, Iloilo (April 2015)

Posted in Diaspora Donors, homelessness, housing, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

The Spirit of Bayanihan in Dingle, Philippines

Posted on March 31, 2015 by Dale Asis

In February 2015, I attended the groundbreaking ceremony of 40 new homes to be built in Dingle, Iloilo. I also helped inaugurate the new hospital lobby waiting areas at JP Rizal Memorial Hospital in Calamba, Laguna. It was fun to join all the fanfare and celebration of these inaugural events. But it also made me pause and think.  Beyond the hoopla and the fanfare of these celebratory events, I reflected on these larger questions:  What is Bayanihan?  What is the real impact of this work beyond the ribbon cutting ceremonies?  Who will benefit from this work? Why am I doing this philanthropic work in the first place?

(standing left) Evelyn Castillo interviewing children of Dingle, Iloilo

(standing left) Evelyn Castillo interviewing children of Dingle, Iloilo

A Good Home Gives Children Hope.  The answer came to me when Evelyn Castillo and I interviewed nine girls and boys from Dingle, Iloilo. The nine children and their families are the recipients of homes being built in Dingle, Iloilo, Their families were chosen after a rigorous application procedure and a lottery system instituted by the municipality of Dingle.  The homes are being built through the generous donation of the PFK Family Foundation.  I interviewed nine young girls and boys from Dingle and I heard their hopes and dreams. Some of them want to become teachers. Some wanted to become a doctor or a nurse.  One girl wanted to become a police officer; a boy wanted to become a pilot.  That was the answer.  The Bayanihan Foundation is helping these young girls and boys fulfill their dreams by giving their families a secure home and a roof over their heads.  The Foundation’s support and supervision in building of these homes will help make the dreams of these young girls and boys a reality. Ten to twenty years from now, when these young children become adults I am hoping they have fulfilled their dreams of becoming doctors, nurses, police officers and productive citizens of Dingle. I also have fulfilled my dream of making a difference in people’s lives for a good home gives children hope.

What is the real impact of this work beyond the ribbon cutting ceremonies?  Who will benefit from this work? Why am I doing this philanthropic work in the first place?

Homeowner Christine Panero (standing center) shows her home to Dane Dizon (standing left) and Dale Asis (standing right)

Homeowner Christine Panero (standing center) shows her home to Dane Dizon (standing left) and Dale Asis (standing right)

A Good Home Makes A Difference.  The answer came to me when I visited the home of Mr. Jonery and Mrs. Christine Panero with their six-year-old son, Christian. The Panero family is one of the recipients of the homes being built in Dingle.  They were gracious enough to open their home to me. What I saw was a modest home. There were lots of fresh vegetables and even a papaya fruit tree planted in the front yard.  I went inside their home and I saw a smallish sized living room with a tiny dining area and a basic kitchen. I also saw a small backyard where they hang their laundry and an outdoor ‘dirty kitchen’.  I went back inside their home and they showed me their two bedrooms and one bathroom with a shower. It is definitely a very modest home, compared to American suburban home standards. Despite being small, such a home is such a tremendous blessing, especially to Filipino homeless families.  They are provided a secure roof over their heads; sewage pipes; clean running water;  electricity; access to public schools; a paved road that leads to the highway and the main town.  But most of all, the Bayanihan Foundation plans to partner with Dingle Mayor Rufino Palabrica and the municipality in the building and creation of a cacao (raw chocolate) processing plant that will potentially become a source of local income for the residents. So beyond the hoopla of the ribbon cutting, the real impact of the Bayanihan Foundation is the assistance it can give to the Panero family and 40 other families to have a decent home. Giving them a home creates a stable home and life environment for their children, so that the parents could support their children to fulfill their hopes and dreams. A good home makes a difference.  I am fortunate to partner with the PFK Family Foundation and the municipality of Dingle to help fulfill people’s hopes and dreams and make a difference in their lives.  A good home creates communities and good homes can become realities.

Posted in philanthropy, Philippines, Poverty | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Bayanihan Foundation Offering Pagbabalik (Coming Home) Travel Scholarship

Posted on March 6, 2015 by Dale Asis

The Bayanihan Worldwide Foundation is offering the Pagbabalik’(Coming Home) Travel Scholarship for travel to the Philippines this summer 2015

In 2015, the Bayanihan Foundation will sponsor travel and accommodations for up to three young adults ages 18 years old and above to visit the Philippines for 14 days. The immersion trip is coordinated to promote diaspora philanthropy; know more about Filipino culture; learn about the foundation’s sustainable projects; connect and develop the participant’s potential sustainable projects; and connect with relatives and the participant’s heritage. The NEXTGEN Travel Program is scheduled for June 23, 2015 to July 7, 2015 and travel to four different islands in the Philippines.

Participants of the 2014 Environmental Youth Camp, Cebu, Philippines

Participants of the 2014 Environmental Youth Camp, Cebu, Philippines

If you are interested, please come to an Informational Session

on Monday, March 9, 2015

5 – 7 pm

DePaul Lincoln Park Campus

LPC Arts and Letters Room 412

2315 N. Kenmore Avenue; Chicago, IL 60614

**Pizza and Pancit will be served

Here is the link to the Bayanihan next-gen project application online:

http://fdnbayanihan.org/current-projects/nextgen-volunteer-program-in-the-philippines/

For additional information, please contact Mr. Dale Asis of the Bayanihan Foundation.

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Groundbreaking Housing Project Demonstrates Hope for the Future

Posted on March 1, 2015 by Dale Asis
Municipality of Dingle and Bayanihan Foundation celebrates ground breaking ceremony of construction of 40 new homes in Dingle (left to right): Ms. Evelyn Castillo, Bayanihan Foundation Liaison; Mr. Jessie Alecto, Vice Mayor of Dingle; Mr. Dale Asis of Bayanihan Foundation; Dr. Rufino Palabrica (Doc Pinoy) Mayor of Dingle

Groundbreaking ceremony of construction of 40 new homes in Dingle (left to right): Ms. Evelyn Castillo, Bayanihan Foundation Liaison; Mr. Jessie Alecto, Vice Mayor of Dingle; Mr. Dale Asis of Bayanihan Foundation; Dr. Rufino Palabrica, Mayor of Dingle

(left to right): Febbie Ann Deatras Celo of Dingle; Evelyn Castillo of Bayanihan Foundation; and Mark of  survey the new homes in Dingle, Iloilo

 

 

 

 

 

 

In February 2015, I was proud to take part in the groundbreaking ceremony for 40 new homes in Dingle (pronounced ‘ding-leh’), Iloilo. The Bayanihan Foundation is partnering with the Municipality to provide 40 families with new homes equipped with running water, electricity, bathrooms and the comforts of a modern home. This project has been made possible by the generous contribution of the PFK Family Foundation. Dr. Rufino Palabrica, mayor of Dingle (affectionately called Doc Pinoy) has been the catalyst in making this project a success. He leveraged the funding and provided the roads, electricity and sewer connections and other infrastructure to make this housing project possible and affordable for deserving families.

(left to right): Dale Asis of Bayanihan Foundation and Marfe Quinlat, Municipality of Dingle Agricultural Officer, in charge of the cacao processing plant

(left to right): Dale Asis of Bayanihan Foundation and Marfe Quinlat, Municipality of Dingle Agricultural Officer, in charge of the cacao processing plant

Ripe cacao bean, the raw ingredient for fine chocolate

Ripe cacao bean, the raw ingredient for fine chocolate

But most of all, Doc Pinoy and the Municipality of Dingle have secured funding for a plant to process organic cacao beans into raw chocolate. The chocolate processing plant will be built near the housing project to provide much-needed jobs and economic development to the town of Dingle. The Bayanihan Foundation hopes to provide the connections abroad to fetch better prices for the town’s organic chocolate and potentially create higher income for the local families in Dingle.

Laying the initial foundation during the ground breaking ceremony of 40 new homes in Dingle, Iloilo

Laying the first foundation during the groundbreaking ceremony for 40 new homes in Dingle, Iloilo

Foregound: Children living in Dingle, Iloilo that will potentially live in the 40 new homes. Background (left to right): Evelyn Castillo, Dale Asis, Dr. Rufino Palabrica and Mr. Jessie Alecto

Foreground: Children living in Dingle, Iloilo who will potentially live in the 40 new homes. Background (left to right): Evelyn Castillo, Dale Asis, Dr. Rufino Palabrica and Mr. Jessie Alecto

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I would like to share two personal reflections of this special and momentous occasion for the Bayanihan Foundation:

(left to right): Vicente Yanesa graduating from College of Nursing 2008 and Dale Asis

(left to right): Vicente Yanesa graduating from College of Nursing 2008 and Dale Asis

1. Providing housing and education and giving the gift of choice. In 2008, I was able to provide a scholarship for my cousin’s son, Vicente Yanesa, to study nursing, my first act of philanthropy. I was proud to make a difference in Vicente’s life and thought that, like many nursing graduates at that time, he was going to migrate to Chicago and work there. But the gift of education gave him the power of choice. He chose to stay in Bicol and practice his profession there. He now works in a local hospital and helps his family. In 2015, I cannot help but reflect that the gift of housing will bring choices to 40 families and their children. I cannot help but admire the impact of the generous gift that the PFK Family Foundation will have in giving these families security, a roof over their heads, and the power of choice. Many years from now, I will look back with pride knowing that I participated in this project and made an impact on the lives of 40 families, giving them a choice and a decent life.

(left to right): Dr. Rufino Palabrica, Mayor Dingle; Mr. Romeo Aguirre, Dingle Housing Association President; Evelyn Castillo, Liaison of Bayanihan Foundation

(left to right): Dr. Rufino Palabrica, Mayor of Dingle; Mr. Romeo Aguirre, Dingle Housing Association President; Evelyn Castillo, Liaison of Bayanihan Foundation, surveying the new homes

2. Finding dedicated public servants like Dr. Palabrica. The news tabloids are filled with stories of corrupt politicians and mismanaged projects. However, we should not lose hope that there are still many people in public office who want to serve and help the community. Dr. Rufino Palabrica (Doc Pinoy) stands above the crowd. The moment I met him he showed his selflessness and dedication to serve the municipality of Dingle. He has managed to build the existing 20 homes in Dingle at a reasonable and manageable cost. Doc Pinoy leveraged the municipality’s finances and infrastructure to support the building of these homes. The housing project is built near the main road; it’s close to the elementary and high schools; and all the homes have access to clean running water. Mayor Palabrica demonstrates that dedicated and honest public servants still exist and should be supported in their careers of public service.

You can view more pictures of the groundbreaking ceremony in Dingle, Iloilo by clicking THIS LINK: https://bayanihanprojectsmoveforward.shutterfly.com/

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‘Adorables’ Fulfill Dream of Protected Waiting Area for Hospital Patients

Posted on February 21, 2015 by Dale Asis

Ground breaking ceremonies at JP Rizal Memorial Hospital (left to right): Dr. Borlongan, Carminda Aldeza, Dr. Ronaldo Catindig, Jeff & Penelope Krogmann, Christine Krogmann, Evelyn Castillo, Gov. Hernandez, Mrs. Hernandez, Brian Aldeza, Atty. Rebanal, Angelita Alviar & Rosemarie Aranza

Ground breaking ceremonies at JP Rizal Memorial Hospital (left to right): Dr. Borlongan, Carminda Aldeza, Dr. Ronaldo Catindig, Jeff & Penelope Krogmann, Christine Krogmann, Evelyn Castillo, Gov. Hernandez, Mrs. Hernandez, Brian Aldeza, Atty. Rebanal, Angelita Alviar & Rosemarie Aranza

On February 17, 2015, I joined Carminda Aldeza and her family in the groundbreaking ceremony of two new hospital lobby areas for the JP Rizal Memorial Hospital in Calamba, Laguna, the only charity hospital in the Laguna area, located 100 kilometers south of Manila. The hospital serves over 20,000 indigent patients and it’s the only medical facility for miles that provides charity care.  However, it did not even have a proper hospital lobby. All indigent patients have to wait out in a makeshift shed with a few corrugated metal sheets attached together as a roof and a few slabs of wood as benches. I’m glad that it was a nice sunny day when I visited.  I wondered what happens when it rains and you have to wait out in the open?

Makeshift hospital lobby of the Calamba Municipal Hospital

Makeshift hospital lobby of the JP Rizal Memorial Hospital

 

Woman holding infant waiting in JP Rizal Memorial hospital

Carminda Aldeza and her legion of volunteer Filpinas called ‘Adorables‘  (Carminda Aldeza, Dr. Dorothy Anoina, Aurora Gagni and Eva Torres) immediately got to work and fundraised for the hospital lobby project, in honor of my late cousin Peter Aldeza, honoring his memory, his goodwill and his legacy. The new lobby will offer protection from the elements while patients wait to be seen by doctors.

(left to right): Dr. Dorothy Anoina, Eva Torres, Aurora Gagni, Carminda Aldeza and Dale Asis

Filipina women working together in Bayanihan spirit at a fundraiser in Carminda Aldeza’s home (left to right): Dr. Dorothy Anoina, Eva Torres, Aurora Gagni, and Carminda Aldeza, with Dale Asis

I am proud that the Bayanihan Foundation made it possible that the charity donations of the ‘Adorables’ became a reality and made real impact in people’s lives in Calamba, Laguna. After construction, the new hospital lobby will be used by over 20,000 indigent patients every year that otherwise would have to wait outside in the elements.  ‘The Adorables’ demonstrated that the four golden Filipino values are alive and well:

  • ‘Tiwala’ (trust)
  • ‘Kabalikat’ (interdependence, sharing responsibilities)
  • ‘Pagkakaisa’ (mutuality, helping each other)
  • ‘Tradisyon’ (traditional values of helping ‘bayanihan’)

The family of the late Peter Aldeza at a fundraiser in Carminda Aldeza’s home (left to right): Jeff Krogmann, Christine Krogmann with baby Penelope, Carminda Aldeza, Carminda’s father, Brian Aldeza

I also would like to extend my sincere thanks to Evelyn Castillo of the Bayanihan Foundation and Dr. Doreen Sales for all their help in making this project possible, despite first challenges in implementing the project.

Posted in Health, philanthropy, Philippine poverty | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment