Global non-profit shelter organization Habitat for Humanity today signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine government’s National Housing Authority and the City of Tacloban for a rebuilding project following Typhoon Haiyan. At this project site Habitat will build 852 houses for families that lost their homes to the natural disaster that struck the Visayas region of the Philippines two months ago.

“Signing this agreement in Taclobanis a major step in Habitat for Humanity’s long-term rebuilding efforts following Haiyan. Safe, decent shelter provides the platform on which much of post-disaster assistance is built – health, water, sanitation, livelihoods, safety, education – and is one of the most pressing issues currently facing Haiyan-affected families,” said Rick Hathaway, Habitat for Humanity Asia-Pacific Vice President.

Over the coming weeks and months, Habitat will continue its disaster response efforts and aims to distribute up to 30,000 shelter repair kits and build 30,000 homes, depending on availability of funding.

The 852 homes will be built at a 10-hectare resettlement site in the barangay (municipal ward) of Kawayan, provided by the City of Tacloban.

Shelter repair kits contain plywood, lumber, galvanized iron sheeting, hammer, handsaw and nails. Habitat provides training of safe building practices when conducting shelter repair kit distributions.

Donations can be made at http://www.give2habitat.org/philippines/ReBuildPhilippines

The title says it all! Is there something you could give to the Philippines?

When you say something, first thing that pops up anybody's mind is anything materialistic. Not everyone has the capability of giving out something in kind immediately.

Just like in my case, I don't have that much to give; so instead of settling for 'in kind' gifts, I find it worthwhile to simply provide part of my time out of compassion or 'malasakit'.

As one of my idols in journalism once said, compassion can be contagious. Show compassion to a stranger and that stranger can be compassionate to another.

With this, Globe continues what has started last year with #GLOBEProjectWonderful2014.

How about you?

If there is one thing you can give to the Philippines, what is that gift?

COMMENT AWAY!

First, it was Patti Austin who I got to meet personally. And just last December, after the New Year Eve's concert, One Heart One Voice, I had that chance of meeting the man behind the 90's hit song 'You Gotta Be' - ASH:LEY INGRAM.

Who would have thought that Ashley has been living in the country for two years. As he told when we had a chance to talk before the concert, he fell in love with the country's hospitality. He also found his calling here.. He owns an English learning school in Alabang as well as a music studio. 

After Patti Austin's concert last December..

But what's different from his school apart from others? He teach English not by speaking but by singing.. I am as curious as you are right now! I have never encountered such school. I've worked in the call center industry but that technique wasn't integrated in the training. More of his school once I have the chance to visit it.

For now let's concentrate to this new song he composed for those affected by Typhoon Yolanda, entitled NEVER GIVE UP.

Ashley is very passionate about the Filipino people and recently traveled to the UK to help raise money for the victims of Yolanda. The song he just wrote will be featured in a compilation album by Star Records.

File photo from Patti Austin's Facebook page..

Never Give Up recently had it's final version recorded with the one and only Patti Austin. The works is still in progress. Watch out for its release!

Seldom will one get that rare chance to see a star-studded show such as this one. Imagine cast from MISS SAIGON and LES MISERABLES onstage. Do You Hear the People Sing? is scheduled for a 2-night performance at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila on January 29 and 30, 2014.

Featuring our very own Lea Salonga, David Harris and Marie Zamora with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Gerard Salonga.

The concert is intended to help rebuild homes for the Yolanda victims through Habitat for Humanity.

2013 will end and 2014 will start full of hope especially to those affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). 

Grammy winner Patti Austin will be joined by some of the Philippines’ most popular performers and a fantastic live band in a concert celebrating the New Year, commemorating the indomitable Filipino spirit, and contributing to a better future.

Part of the proceeds will be donated to the victims Typhoon Haiyan for relief efforts. Patti Austin will personally lead a continuing effort to design and build houses in Tacloban through Habitat For Humanity.

The overall tone of the event will be joyous and upbeat, signifying a “Brand New Day” in the Philippines as the country and the world join together in gestures of celebration, goodwill and support. Patti will perform the hit songs which have made her a huge star in the Philippines and worldwide.

Also, OPM Icons have pledged their support for the said concert which includes Richard Merk, Martin Nievera and Lea Salonga as her special guests during the night at the Solaire.

Another fund-raising performance will take place at the Fairmont Raffles Hotel (in Makati) on December 31, 2013 as Patti Austin celebrates New Year.

Tickets will be marketed and sold through Laurel Media outlets, the Solaire Casino and Resort (for the December 29, 2013 show) and Fairmont Raffles Hotel (for the December 31, 2013 show), and thru TicketWorld at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.

Brand New Day is presented to you by: Solaire Resort & Casino, Philippine Airlines, PLDT Fibr & Department of Tourism together with Patti Austin, Barry Orms, Laurel Media Company & Baruch Gayton Entertaiment Group.

While One Heart One Voice is presented to us by: Fairmont Makati, Philippine Airlines, PLDT Fibr & Department of Tourism.

A benefit concert for the rehabilitation of Typhoon Yolanda victims is slated to take place on December 21, 2013 at 7:00 pm at the Citizen's Business Bank Arena, in Ontario, California.

Dubbed "Philippines Relief Concert: All Star Charity Show," the concert was the fruit of a conversation between Mr. John Gummoe of the Cascades, and Mr.Danee Samonte of Steve O' Neal productions. Both Mr.Gummoe and Mr. Samonte had heard about the desperate situation of the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda, and wanted to come up with a fundraising event. American musical artists, most of who have performed in the Philippines, heard about the devastation wrought by Typhoon Haiyan. They immediately wanted to get involved in this concert that would help raise funds for rehabilitation efforts.

More than 10 classic artists are set to perform on December 21. Among them -- John Ford Coley, John Claude Gummoe of the Cascades, Rex Smith, Ron Dante (the original lead singer of The Archies), Bobby Hendricks (from the original Drifters), Kyle Vincent, Frank Stallone, Classics UV, Dick and Dee Dee, Chris Montez, The World Famous Platters, Dennis Tufano (the original lead singer of The Buckinghams), and Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods, and a special appearance by the "The Hitman" David Foster. 

"Our audience can expect a night of great music and charity. We will walk down memory lane by listening to the greatest hits of these artists," says Eugene Flores, of All Access Concerts. "We can also enjoy the show knowing that with each ticket bought, 100% of the proceeds will have a direct effect on rebuilding the lives of the victims of typhoon Yolanda."

Proceeds of the concert will be coursed through Habitat for Humanity Philippines's Rebuild Philippines program and ABS-CBN foundation international. 

True to its vision of “life in all its fullness” for every Filipino child, World Vision launched ‘Celebrities for Children: Race for Hope’ last April with the objective of acquiring child sponsors with the help of celebrity challengers. Six months after its launch, World Vision culminated the campaign with a thanksgiving event held at Annabel’s Restaurant in Quezon City last October 29, 2013.

TV host Christine Bersola-Babao, entrepreneur Cristalle Belo Henares, movie and TV actress Anne Curtis and beauty queen Miriam Quiambao were the celebrities who responded to the call and accepted the challenge.

The celebrities had to “race” to get the most sign ups through referring their friends and families to be child sponsors. By the end of the campaign in September, the celebrities have collectively referred sponsors for 189 children.

“This event is to recognize our celebrity sponsors for their selfless commitment in our ministry for the children. These four women have reinforced the fact that beauty is reflected in the abundance  and overflow of a person’s heart,” said World Vision Associate Director Jun Godornes.

About World Vision 

Founded in 1953, World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. It is a mission that World Vision has never given up on and has only strengthened with the help of local governments, communities, and partners from the business sector.

Students of Leyte Progressive High School (LPHS) of Tacloban City, who evacuated to Manila after being affected by the wrath of Typhoon Yolanda, can now enroll at various Chinese Schools in Metro Manila. The following school announced additional assistance:.

1.   Chiang Kai Shek College: offers to accept students from Leyte displaced by typhoon Yolanda with free tuition fee, free school uniforms, and free dormitory.

2.   Hope Christian High School: free tuition fee, free school uniforms and free dormitory.

3.   St. Stephen High School : Free tuition fee and  free school  uniforms.

4.   Xavier School: Free tuition fee

5.    Sampaloc Chong Hua School: Free tuition with 500 pesos rewards for students  getting high grades at the end of the semester.

This effort is supported by LPHS Alumni Association- Manila Chapter to provide assistance to the LPHS students in need.

For inquiries, please contact Ms. Letty Uykim at mobile number 09173061291.

Uplifting and inspirational depictions of personal triumphs and milestones marked the winning entries for the 2014 Vision Petron national student art competition, which were honored in awarding ceremonies held last 10 October 2013 at the Old Senate Hall of the National Museum.

In the momentous year of Petron’s 80th Anniversary, the theme Lakbay Tagumpay—A Journey of Triumphs and Milestones echoes the corporate slogan “Fuel Success”—shining the spotlight on journeys towards personal success and the essential values of passion, determination and hard work.

Interpreting this year’s theme, student artists from all over the country submitted a record-breaking 2,000+ entries in five competition categories, namely: painting (oil/acrylic and water-based media), photography, t-shirt art design, and vide0\o-making. 

Petron President Lubin B. Nepomuceno remarked, “We believe that the youth plays an essential role in nation-building. Through Vision Petron, we engage them to give their thoughts on relevant issues, use their creativity, and through their art, become catalysts for positive change.”

Holding the awarding ceremony at the National Museum, home of the country’s art treasures such as the magnificent Spoliarium by Juan Luna, was seen as a significant move linking a new generation of young Filipino artists to a rich, cultural heritage of Filipino masters who have made a mark in the global art scene. 

Renowned luminaries joined Petron in judging the entries, thus making this one of the most prestigious national student art competitions. In the painting category, the board of judges included national artist Abdulmari Imao as chairman, and national artist Napoleon Abueva, Danilo Dalena, Elmer Borlongan, Alfred Esquillo Jr., and Raul Isidro as members.

The photography panel is headed by Wig Tysmans, one of the country’s top portraitists and commercial photographers, along with George Tapan, Edwin Tuyay, Sonny Yabao, Ernesto Enrique, and Denise Weldon.

The t-shirt art judges were led by Raul Isidro, a respected abstract painter specializing in lithography and printmaking. With him were BG Hernandez, Jay Aldeguer, Justin Nuyda, and Ramon Cruz.

For the new video-making category, the board of judges included FAMAS hall of famer Romy Vitug, Laurice Guillen, Raymond Red, Horacio Severino, and Mary Ann Neri who joined the painting and photography categories as well.

Fittingly, the Vision Petron program is itself a winner, having garnered the 2013 Anvil Awards Hall of Fame from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), as a communications tool that has won more than five awards of excellence through the years. 

Vision Petron is a partnership between Petron Corporation and the youth, both sharing a common advocacy of preserving Philippine art and culture, values, traditions and skills. As a national student art competition, it is open to all talented students enrolled in a regular university or college course, or in tutorial art and photography classes.   It is also a venue for filmmakers, musicians, performance artists, art enthusiasts, and all Filipinos to converge and be one through their shared love for Philippine art and culture.

Petron believes that everyone has his/her own unique perspective on things and that this uniqueness can be expressed in so many different ways.  This is the inspiration behind Vision Petron — the belief that free artistic expression remains intrinsic to nation-building.

For decades, poverty has been one of the major social problems in the country. Recent research shows that more than one quarter of the Philippine population or 27.9 percent are below the poverty line. According to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), that a family of five has to earn at least Php 5,458 per

month, just enough to put food on the table.

Two main factors that cause poverty in the Philippines are rapid growth of population and unemployment. 

The second cause is one problem that a social enterprise organization is now addressing to contribute in solving. 

In line with its campaign #MyNewPhilippines, the Kalesa Kinulayan Philippines Peoples’ Organization, Inc. or KALESA conceptualized a system and technology that aims touplift the plight of millions of poor Filipinos and also encourage other working and financially-able Pinoys to be enterprising. 

KALESA believes that in order for the country to progress, the Philippines needs to generate more opportunities on its own, create businesses and jobs for many. One way of doing it is through the KALESA

KALESA is into the distribution, retail and marketing of goods through its organized mobile channels. The organization is best described by its revolutionary mobile stores called the KALESA e-Carts.

THE KALESA TECHNOLOGY

The KALESA e-Cart is an all-friendly roving store. 

It is environment-friendly for its battery-operated technology. It runs up to 60 kilometers per battery charge. It can adequately cover enough area for an eight to 12 hour shift of merchandising.

The KALESA e-Cart’s highly-customizable body is also business-friendly since it can be designed for a specific advertisement of a brand and company. The relatively lightweight sturdy cart, can accommodate up to 600 kg of goods. 

It is consumer-friendly, since KALESA e-Carts are mobile, it can go to almost any place within the range of its district or baranggay distribution. Plus, prices of the carried are at the most affordable rate, making way for retailing and wholesaling capability of the KALESA distribution in every area.

KALESA DISTIBUTION IN EVERY BARANGGAY

KALESA organization is eager to set-up distribution centers across the Philippines. With distribution centers set-up in many places in the country, the organization can reach out to many Filipinos and give them opportunity to do business and employment.

Each KALESA distribution center in a baranggay can at least help 50 poor Filipino families.

KALESA coordinates with a local church for a listing of the indigents in the area. KALESA then selects and trains willing and qualified people to sell goods via the electric carts. Each operator is called KALESA Ambassador.

Each KALESA e-Cart is designated to two (2) indigent families. They take turns for a 24-hour shift of the cart. Giving them opportunity to earn. The KALESA Ambassadors earn through profit sharing, thus, making them entrepreneurial.

KALESA distribution centers also employ other people for its clerical, accounting, technical and marketing jobs - paving the way for more opportunities for people who opt to take employment than selling. 

KALESA NEEDS HELP TO HELP OTHERS

KALESA, with its new campaign, #MyNewPhilippines, is out is on its infant stage and needs all the help it can get to fund and to raise more distribution centers across the country and help as many Filipinos as it can.

The organization offers four programs for concern Filipinos to participate in this social enterprise: iGive, iPartner, iCare and iShare.

iGive

KALESA is taking baby steps in organizing and setting up. As a social enterprise, it runs on funds for its social service advocates. Concern individuals can also contribute in the works of fabricating more KALESA e-Carts for more indigents to benefit. 

KALESA is now raising 10 million pesos to fabricate additional 100 carts to help at least 200 families. 

Cash donations can be deposited at any BPI branch to Kalesa Kinulayan Philippines Peoples Organization, Inc. with account number: 00-0793-2207-74.

iPartner

iPartner gives opportunities to companies, enterprising individuals, overseas Filiipino workers (OFWs), company or government employees to partner with KALESA organization in different ways. 

Companies can be suppliers of goods to be sold in KALESA distribution chain or as advertisers on the e-Carts, while enterprising individuals can be baranggay or district distributors in different areas.

KALESA is a way of revolutionizing the local retail and distribution system, and this is a chance for many companies and individuals to take part in doing business for their own while helping indigent people within an area. 

KALESA is offering the distributorship in baranggay and district levels. Investment on KALESA baranggay distribution center is at Php 2.5 million, inclusive of MyHouse Pre-fab warehouse good for 100 sqm., Php 500,000 worth of initial goods and lease of four (4) KALESA e-Carts. 

KALESA distribution centers can be set-up in one month or more, depending on the terms. 

iCare

iCare is a volunteer program of KALESA for people to share their time, skills, knowledge and care to the organization. Willing and able Filipinos are needed by the organization to push the potential of the cause to finish greater tasks.

iShare

In the advent of social media, KALESA believes in the power the influence of every Filipino. Philippines being the social media capital of the world, KALESA hopes that concern individuals can share the pages of KALESA to their friends and relatives, making it highly-visible to the public. 

iShare encourages Filipinos to like, follow and share the social networking accounts of KALESA on Facebook, Twitter  InstagramYouTube and its website at www.KalesaPhilippines.com

For more information about the KALESA organization visit their website at www.KalesaPhilippines.com or email them at info@KalesaPhilippines.com or contact them at 0908-433-3373 or 0942-832-2787.

You may refer to the following for more info. You can also like, follow and share KALESA’s social accounts. 

WEBSITE: http://www.KalesaPhilippines.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/KalesaPhilippines

TWITTER: @KalesaPH

INSTAGRAM: @KalesaPH

YOUTUBE: KalesaPH

E-mail: Social@KalesaPhilippines

Manila, Philippines, March 17, 2013 — During the actual turnover ceremonies of 7,434 units of rechargeable solar lanterns by Department for International Development (DFID) - Government of the United Kingdom to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). UNHCR is taking responsibility for a USD 1.8 million program entitled “Ensuring Protection of Typhoon Bopha (Pablo) affected population in Mindanao.” DFID’s provided funds were used for purchase and distribution of 7,434 rechargeable solar lanterns. The main objective of the distribution of the solar lights is to enhance the protection of persons of concern to UNHCR who have been affected by Typhoon Pablo. The distribution aims to provide protection and a sense of security and connectivity.  Particular attention will be given to persons displaced who are also in conflict-affected areas, remote locations and those who are members of indigenous communities in Compostela, Laak, Monkayo, Montevista, New Batan, Baganaga, Boston, Cateel of Region XI and Bunawan, La Paz, Loreto, Sta. Josefa, Veruela, Lingig of Caraga Region in Central Mindanao, Philippines. From left to right: UNHCR Representative to the Philippines Bernard Kerblat and UK Ambassador to the Philippines Stephen Lillie during the turnover ceremonies.

Years back, I saw the unbelievable effect of Ondoy in certain parts in Metro Manila. I never thought it would happen again. Not only that it happened, de jevu as many called it, it got worst. Every city in Metro Manila suffered from knee deep to 2-story high floods.

I may have none to donate as much but I was able to helped out a friend's friend. We delivered a few groceries to a house in Pasig. First time I saw a flood that high..

I saw other people staying in their homes (2nd storey). Wish I could help everyone but can't. Yet I felt fulfilled to be able of assistance in a small way I'm capable of.