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Educate, Enrich and Empower underprivileged girls in the Philippines

Friday, December 30, 2011

It is 2012 ! So what??

 Is it  really 2012 ?? What does this mean?? Some of you might say " so what?" it's another year.  Some might say 2012 - year of CHANGE? that's what they said about 2011.  Did you change? for the better? or did you get worse?


For my own interpretation, new year is a new beginning. My chance for a DO - OVER!

I told myself in 2011, I will read more and I did! ( read 4 books ) doesn't sound a lot but I did.

Enough is Enough ! - how much shoes do I need? How much purses do I buy? NO new purse but did buy shoes ( but always giveaway old pair to either Goodwill or send it our moms back home)

What do we do for 2012?
Oprah has this show Super Soul Sunday where we are given assignments rather than resolutions.

Check it out and perhaps it will help you be more fulfilled with love rather than STUFF.

Here are some of the Assignments :

1. Shift your thinking
2. Decide what you really  need in life
3. Let go
4. Learn the Power of One
5. Appreciate Nature

Friends, whatever you wish to accomplish, do in 2012 is all up to YOU! 





Thank you for following us in 2011 and we hope to see you more in years to come.
On behalf of the F.L.A.G Team, we wish you and your family peace, joy and love in 2012.
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Monday, December 26, 2011

Another chance to make it better

As 2011 draws to a close, like you I reflect on what has happened this past year.  One thing I know that I can't stop asking myself is " what is my real purpose in life". I celebrated my 40th birthday this year, it was wonderful! Now what????


Still trying to figure this out... What my husband and I know for sure is we will never stop helping others.  Our charity is very small ( for now ) but our hearts are big.  Just look at the girls' faces when they opened the presents from friends and family who unselfishly thought of others during the holiday season.









For all of our followers, donors, friends and family, we thank you for your continuing support.  We look forward to another chance to give hope, faith and love to the underprivileged girls of the Philippines. 




Thank you for stopping by,

 Hugs,

 The F.L.A.G team

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Monday, December 19, 2011

I was born today. 40 years ago

40 years ago, Monica Vera , oldest of 3 daughters born in Manila, Philippines.  Not sure why my dad named me "Monica".  I never had the chance to ask him before he died.  My mom can't remember either.

I want to reflect on the last 40 years of life ( i can't even  remember want happened yesterday.. sigh ) , It would be nice to start to document the next 40 years of my life.


Here's some of my highlights: ( i think)

1. I sang in a choir for Pope John Paul II.

2. I was part of the Sound of my Music play in school ( can't remember what grade )

3. I was 14 when I left my mom and dad with sister to go to Canada for a better life.

5. At 16, I was back home.

6. At 17, I was heart broken ( twice)

7. 19, met my husband, 20 we got married and had a baby.

8.  at 28, the big D ..  (yes..long story)

9. 30.. start over..

10.  40 now..kids are all grown up, devoted part of my life in service to others through F.L.A.G and again re-discovering what I will do next.  Maybe I should start writing the next 40 years of my life ? ( hmm..)




For those of you Club 40 members, how does it feel being 40??





Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again,

Hugs,

Monica

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Monday, December 12, 2011

Super Mom No. 2

I started a new topic  called " Super Moms" a month ago.  These are moms who came to us to ask for small loan to start their own business.  Our first mom was Adelyn ( posted November 15 ).   She bought her stove and  ingredients for her small store and now up and running.  Stay tuned for her progress.


The word got around and second mom approached us for the same idea and we are so happy to start this new business with her.  Like Adelyn, Che-che would also start a small business by becoming a banana vendor.  The initial start up cost is $50. ( ladies, that's not even a price for a good pair of shoes in North America).  The buzz in any charity or non-profit organization is starting a micro loan for women in developing countries.  It has been proven when women are given this opportunity, the business will not only grow it will flourish.  She will be able to feed, cloth and educate her family. 

We wish her good luck and pray for her success.
This is Che-che with her daughter , 15 years from now she will be walking with her when she graduates college.



Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again,

Hugs,

The F.L.A.G team


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Visit us www.flagphil.com

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Christmas in the Philippines

Just so you know, Christmas in the Philippines starts September 1st.  As soon as the month hits "BER"  ( brrr..) the sound of Christmas has began. For us probably way toooo early, for Filipinos they can't wait to start.

Here's a sneak peak of some of our Traditions that we still preserve today:



Christmas Lantern - the original Christmas lantern is made of Japanese paper and sticks of bamboo.  Fast forward, they are now made of shells, plastics, aluminum in different shades. Here's mine displayed on my front window.







  
Midnight Mass - one week before Christmas, all Catholic Churches are open for Midnight masses. 
   


Rice Cakes ( Bibingka ) - best to describe this delicious delicacy we always eat after Midnight Mass .  Made of rice, coconut, cheese and salted egg . 











Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs,
From the F.L.A.G Team
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Sunday, December 4, 2011

All I want for Christmas - Birthday is...

Yes, for the last 40 years, I probably been robbed of birthday presents since my birthday is so close to Christmas.. " what do you want for your Christmas - Birthday gift?"

For this milestone birthday, I don't really know what I want so I started making a list.  This list became pretty looooooooooooooong!  and expensive. Oh by the way.. hubby is planning a party... sshhh! I found out about it ( men are not good party planners!)

Not sure how old I was when  I got this doll, it was from my grandparents sent from Canada to the Philippines. I think I was about 4 years old in this picture. Back then, this is all I wanted nothing more nothing less.

Kidding aside, I had a wish this year to go to Europe with my husband for our 40th birthdays but did not happen. We had 3 trips this year ( Manila, Chicago, Dominican Republic), I think we are still pretty blessed to have done so many great things and visited so many different places.

So what do I really want for my birthday???. I really don't know. I have a few weeks to figure it out.



Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again,

Hugs,

Monica

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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

40 years on earth

age 4

For the past week, I have been trying to think what to blog about.  We have
some exciting news on our Super Moms but no specific details yet.
The packages for the girls have not arrive so can't blog about that.
Not to be conceited, I think I need to talk about the milestone birthday coming up.
Dec 19
Thanks Google, nothing really major happened on this day.
Famous person Jake Gylenhall - is he even that famous?

Why am I here? What is my purpose?

I am who I am. I am here and I matter.
40 years on earth. Thank God.
I read this today, certainly one of many favorite quotes to live by (trying!)

I choose to live by choice not by chance, to make changes not excuses,
to be motivated not manipulated, to be useful not be used,
 to excel not compete. I choose self-esteem not self-pity,
I choose to listen to my inner voice not the random opinion of others."
Here's to the next 40 years.


Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again,
Hugs,
Monica
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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving Birthday !!

 November 24, 1994 - Jordan Matthew de Belen born 9lbs ! Yes, people he was 9 lbs. and all naturale .


In celebration of American Thanksgiving, we are also  celebrating my youngest son's 17th birthday.  I remember my husband driving on the highway shoulder because our house was in the east end and the hospital on  the west end ( in the middle of rush hour morning traffic!) We got there and the delivery went smoothly ( they gas me mind you ).  He was the cutest baby ( he still is!)


He is now a senior in high school, sigh! learning the anatomy of the body so he can help the society to be more conscious about their well being.  So far so good ( I think !). We are doing something right.  Like I always tell my boys growing up, being a parent did not come with any manual. 

Here are a few funny and AHA moments with Jordan:

Mom: Jordan, did you hate me when I use to give you lots of timeouts when you are small?

Jordan: No, time outs don't work Mom! we just sit there and think of what we're gonna do next !!

Lesson no. 2

Mom: Jordan, do you want a new phone for your birthday? like a nice touch screen phone?

Jordan: I don't need a new phone, this phone is good enough. I will let you know when I need one, so far this has been working well. ( his phone is 4 years old!)

He will be facing the next chapter of this life next year when he goes to college.  He is still my baby no matter what.


December 2010


Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again,

Hugs,

Monica

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Monday, November 21, 2011

One of our angels moved away

The city of Manila is tough especially when you live in such poverty.  Sometimes you have to choose between food and education.  Most parents will choose food just to survive and just BE.


El Jhane's parents decided to move out of city and back to the province. Where life is so simple, air is clean and maybe start a farm.  Food will never be a problem. That's what's wonderful about  living in the province. You can survive.

We will miss her and her friends will miss her.  We hope she goes to school wherever she may be.

Although this is sad news for F.L.A.G,  this is also an opportunity for us to take in another girl within the neighborhood.  There are lot of girls who are in the same situation as El Jhane. As a matter of fact, we have 20 girls right now on our waiting list. 


We will always have a spot for El Jhane in our hearts...



We will miss you El Jhane ! 

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again,
Hugs,
The F.L.A.G team
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Visit us www.flagphil.com
 

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Start a business for just $30

Readers,

Correction, the mom's name in this picture is Adelyn.


If only that's true here in North America. In the Philippines, you can start a business for as low as $30.

F.L.A.G is happy announce that we are starting a micro loan for the moms of F.L.A.G.  One of the reasons we started F.L.A.G is to break the cycle of poverty in the Philippines.  We believe education is key to unlock this problem.  With 97 Million people in the Philippines, more than half of our citizens live in extreme poverty and desolation.  As a result, the parents are not able to send their children to school. 

We reached out to the moms and discussed if they would be willing to start a business if F.L.A.G would fund the cost.  We are surprised to hear that all of them are willing to work and be responsible for their families if only they were given the funds to start.


Let me introduce , Adelyn she is the mother of Chrisdel, she is the top student of F.L.A.G last school year.  Adelyn  did not finish high school nor elementary. To support her family, she washes clothes for rich families around the neighborhood.  She would like to start a small food business just outside her house. She needs $30 for all the ingredients and equipment.  ( we spend that in one day ! Starbucks  AM $4.15, Lunch $10 to $15 , Starbucks PM $4.15 , am I exaggerating?)


For Adelyn , there is hope of relief.  She can work from home, watch her small children, buy food for her family and eventually she will be the one who can help her children finish their education. What a nice feeling that would be!


 
"There is a special place in hell for women who don't help other women" - Madeline Albright.



Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again,

Hugs,

The F.L.A.G team


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Visit us www.flagphil.com

Friday, November 11, 2011

Meet Charlotte Rose

It has been over a week since she came in to our lives.  Once again we have been blessed, an angel - Charlotte Rose my niece.  She is the 4th addition to the family ( I have 2 boys, and my sister one boy Austin ).


How precious she looks in her cozy little place, nice and warm. Gosh, I miss the smell of babies! Really!


Charlotte Rose
 Rose is my maternal grandmother's name, my sister has been her favorite when she was growing up. She kinda look like Charlotte because she has very thick hair ( sorry we had to put the hat on because the Aunts have gone crazy with dressing her up).


She is another addition to GIRL POWER of our family and one day I will tell her about F.L.A.G and I'm very sure she will be my advocate for our cause.  At the end of it all, I want to leave this organization to my family and hopefully continue to spread the word.


Thank you for stopping by,


Hugs,

Monica

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Monday, November 7, 2011

Should we stop pageants?

Most recently, Miss World , 1st runner up is from the Philippines, Gwendoline Rhuias. The Philippines has been put on the map when it comes to pageants within the last 2 years. We have Shamcey Supsup Miss Universe 3rd Runner Up, Venus Raj, Miss Universe 2010 1st Runner Up. It is an honour to be recognize especially coming from a third world country.  But the question is should we continue with this?  I don't know the answer to this and not trying to start a movement to stop it either. It is one of those, things that make you go hmmm???


This is my own beauty pageant - and the winner is Irysh. Most recently Irsyh came in FIRST amongst her class in Math beating the older kids? I was blown away by this as I recall how she was when I first met her. 


2010 - she barely spoke a word nor even smile

Next visit - she was a little comfortable with me

Here she is .. What a pose! She is ready to be the next Miss World !


Should we still continue with pageants?? What type of pageants should we have? Would people watch it if we have pageants of girls around the world who made significant transformation??


Thank you for stopping by !



Hugs,
On behalf of the the F.L.A.G team

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Friday, November 4, 2011

No lootbags required, just a cake !

I can still  remember when I used to prepare for  my kids' birthdays.  It was supposed to be fun for them and for me.  For weeks, I would  go crazy on decorations, loot bags etc.  Every year will be a different theme - movie night, Chuckee Cheese, swim party. You name it , I did it!   My teenage boys still remember them up to this day.

Here's what our FLAG volunteers do to prepare for our birthdays.  As we are a small school ( for now) , it doesn't  take a village to have the community share the chores around our small church.  No machinery required!
our volunteers helping each other to make our school a better place

After all, we have something special to prepare for.  We are celebrating 2 birthdays in October.  A board, some markers, some balloons and a lot of creativity, we are ready for a PARTY!


Great Job !!!

Our Birthday girls - Chrisdel and Faith


Pansit, ice cream, bread

For our girls who didn't celebrate their birthdays in the past, this is a treat.  I can just imagine how they must be feeling that day.  No fancy lootbags, no frills, no elaborate decorations. 

Thank you for all the blessings, the girls praying before their meal

Yum!
After a long week of emails, voicemails, meetings,  this is what I get to see at the end of the day.  It makes it all worth it. 


Thank you for stopping by !


Hugs from,

 the F.L.A.G team


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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Financial Date

Doesn't sound romantic? does it? But had to be done.  I have committed to my husband to have this date at least once a month.  Let's just say, I forgot when the last time we had one.  It is long OVERDUE! that's for sure. 

When my husband and I decided to open the school in 2010, we knew what we were getting into.  It was our savings that we put into this project.  I don't have any regrets to this day as I have received triple the blessings since then.  Do I long for a new fall bag ? yes, new boots yes, yes. But the question is do I need them? The answer is always NO. 

I don't deprive myself of shopping for a few things here and there, just be smart about it.  No need to "keep up with the Kardashians" all the time. Retail Therapy is always good but it is band aid solution for me as it doesn't solve anything. We just came back from a budget vacation for a week and we had a blast!!

Not to be a Debbie Downer, but do we really need all the stuff we have today?? Do we really need to spend $6.8 Billion on Halloween?  Maybe I am in a different place in my life today, trust me I was the impulsive shopaholic few years back ( no confessions here, I don't think 5 Hail Marys , 5 Our fathers will cut it ).



2 sweet little girls celebrating their birthdays
Chrisdel and Faith
They are the reasons why the Financial Date needs to happen.  Chrisdel and Faith celebrating their birthdays , YAY! yes, this is better feeling  than getting brand new boots or bag.


Thank you for stopping by!


Hugs,

F.L.A.G Team

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Monday, October 31, 2011

7 billionth baby and it's a GIRL !

Today, there are several reports circulating around the world about the 7 billionth baby.  One of those babies was  born in the Philippines 2 minutes to 12 midnight on Oct 31.   It was also predicted he or she will be  born within the poorest of the poor.  The prediction was right.  Danielle Ray Camacho was born in the Philippines, mother stay-at-home-mom and father a driver who probably earns close to nothing compare to us here. 

She has been added to the 600 million girls who will not have access to proper education.  Like any parent, they have  hopes and dreams for her. Would love to meet her one day and I can be wrong, her parents will probably be able to work very hard to give her the life she deserves. Who knows maybe 5 years from now, we had solve the global poverty problem? Again, one can hope.





Our girls at F.L.A.G will not be part of that statistic and we will make sure of that. With your support we can continue to bring more in and stop global poverty... one girl at a time.



Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again,

Hugs,

The F.L.A.G team


Follow us on twitter.com/flagphil

Visit us www.flagphil.com

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Educating children in Dominican Republic

After a week of much needed rest with my husband in Dominican Republic, we are fortunate to have visited a school funded by the tourism industry in Dominican Republic.  Similar to F.L.A.G, the children in this school came from underprivileged family and  education is not accessible to everyone.  Ages varies from 6 to 12 and they are schooled for 9 months.  After they complete, they are able to attend a government funded school on which they will continue elementary to secondary education.

One of the school buildings funded by private tourism company in Dominican Republic

It is a good feeling to know  that education is a universal right for all walks of life - it doesn`t discriminate race, color, background. Once education is given, it is the most POWERFUL thing one could ever have. It opens to limitless opportunities and doors of possibilities. 

I am so happy that someone out there has the same vision as my husband and I.  If only we had more to offer so that we can extend our support to all the girls around the world.  One can wish and dream.
We are blessed to have the means to give back and still have a restful vacation however it is also heartbreaking to see children who are not getting the same opportunity our kids have today.


There are 600 million girls around the girls who do not have access to education, 600 million! F.L.A.G has 23 of those girls. What if one in every household in North America supports one girl.. wow! I think we can make a difference .. One girl at a time.

She will go places! I know that for sure!




Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again,

Hugs,

The F.L.A.G team


Follow us on twitter.com/flagphil

Visit us www.flagphil.com

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

The award goes to..

.. She could be a sister from another mother.. she loves to eat ( like me!) She also awarded me with the ..( drum roll please !)




Thank you coolbeanmommas ( www.coolbeanmommas.com) Never heard of it but hey, I got an award way too cool !



The Liebster Award is to spotlight up-and-coming bloggers with less than 200 followers.

 
Here are the rules.  Upon receiving the Liebster Award, you must do the following:

1.  Copy and paste the award on your blog.

2.  Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.

3. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.

4.  Have faith that your followers will spread the love to other bloggers.

5. And most of all - Have fun!


Sorry guys, I was not succesful adding the linky thing, so I wrote the blog site below. Please stop by and visit them. Everyone deserves an award, don't you think?




www.coolbeanmommas.com


My Photo
http://www.momfrommanila.com



Spanish Pinay
 
 
 
 
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My Photo
 
 
Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again,
Hugs,
The F.L.A.G team
Follow us on twitter.com/flagphil
Visit us www.flagphil.com
 
 

Thursday, October 13, 2011

She is out of the closet!

.. WORK  closet that is and straight to Ava Grace's closet ( click at her button to visit her blog).Over the years I have met a lot of women at work, some stayed as colleagues, acquaintances and only a few has become my closest BFF's.  I will miss her a lot as she has decided to be a SAHM.  Like any other mom, she juggled family, career and LIFE.  Somehow besides all that  glamour ( let's call it that) something is missing.. she is missing her baby girl.  Who wouldn't? She is soo adorable. I wouldn't call it tough decision, it was the right decision ( in my opinion ) to be with her baby girl every step of the way.  Unselfish, unconditional. Most importantly, she has become a huge advocate of F.L.A.G donated toys, clothes, and by spreading the word throughout RHOW. 


For the second year, she has donated to our shoe box program ( she loves this idea!) plus 2 boxes from her friend whom she had shared our charity with.  Very few friends and family has believed in us.  But not her.  She believes in the cause and will support in any way she can.







Thank You S ! ( http://www.avagracescloset.blogspot.com) this one is for YOU!




Thank you for stopping by!

Hugs,

F.L.A.G team






Tuesday, October 11, 2011

What are you thankful for???

We just celebrated our Thanksgiving this past weekend.  One jam packed celebration with turkey, ham and overdose of dessert.  I am very much thankful for another addition to our family, my sister is having another baby this month , a GIRL!  I can't wait to meet her and I know I will spoil her to death. 


I am very thankful on how F.L.A.G has changed our lives.  This mission has been a blessing for our family eversince. Here's a quote ..  "Be thankful for what you have and you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough." - Oprah .

When is too much ..TOO MUCH ? When do we stop? You can only answer that.  I can only share with you how this experience has changed our lives. 

The girls just outside of our church

F.L.A.G students in prayer






Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again,

Hugs,

The F.L.A.G team


Follow us on twitter.com/flagphil







Thursday, October 6, 2011

Because I am a girl ...

Because I am an advocate for all girls' causes , I have joined several movements that focuses on girl's rights.  One of them is Because I am Girl- Canada., http://blog.becauseiamagirl.ca.  This is how I started writing my blog. Asking questions such as - what am I passionate about? What is my purpose in life? how can I change the world in my own little way?

Don't get me wrong, I do read your fashion, tips, family and all the fun stuff. So keep em coming! Because I am speaking to moms out there who has daughters, who are sisters, grandmothers, I know this is the right audience and platform for me.


Making this change is not easy.  It was a huge lifestyle shift to the right direction. I have never been sure in my whole life.  I grew up in the ugly streets of Manila, we had nothing but the basics. I was once part of the statistics below:

1. Over 500 million adolescent girls and young women live in the developing world.

2. 21% of girls age 15 to 19 around the world are already married.

3. Almost 50% of girls between 15 and 19 years old believe that a husband is justified in hitting or beating his wife under certain circumstances.

4. 100,000 girls are child soldiers.

5. Each extra year of education increases a girl’s income by 10 to 20% and means she is more likely to have a smaller, healthier family and to start to break the cycle of poverty in which so many communities are trapped.

6. Girls’ literacy rates are 13% less than boys worldwide.

7. 15% of girls worldwide can’t read and write.

8. In Sub-saharan Africa, 33% of girls between 15 and 24 years old can’t read and write!

9. Only 88% of school aged girls are enrolled in primary school – and only 77% actually attend on a regular basis.

10. Only 60% of all secondary school aged girls are enrolled at school.

11. A sixth of the world’s young people live on less than $2 a day, including 12 million girls in sub-Saharan Africa who live on less than $1 a day.

12. 27% of girls living in the least developed countries are involved in child labour.

13. Young women who are economically empowered in decent, secure work or successful small businesses, and who enjoy equal rights to property and land ownership, are better equipped to create a solid future for themselves, their families and communities.

14. An economically independent young woman has more power in the home to make decisions that affect the health and education of family members.

15. If girls could start successful business or get good jobs with decent pay, both countries and households would experience economic growth.

16. A girl is much more likely to go to school if she lives in a city – in developing countries school attendance for girls from 10 to 14 is 18% higher in urban than in rural areas, and 37% higher for young women between 15 and 19.

17. Girls who live in cities are less likely to be married at an early age – for example, in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, 50% of young women in rural areas are married by the time they are 18, which is about twice the rate of young women in cities.

18. There are at least 100 million street children globally – approximately 30% of those are girls.

19. Half of all new HIV infections occur in people aged 15 to 24 – girls represent the majority of new infections in this group

20. 20% of women who are now 20-24 gave birth before age 18.

21. Girls have a longer life expectancy than boys – we live almost 10% longer as a group.

22. Girls are the mothers of the next generation. Give a girl the skills and opportunities she needs in life and as a woman she will pass them on to her children.



Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again,
Hugs,
The F.L.A.G team
Follow us on twitter.com/flagphil
Visit us www.flagphil.com




Monday, October 3, 2011

Butterflies from New York - cocoons2butterflies

When you sometimes feel that the world is so cruel with all the stuff that has been going on. I don't need to name them as I'm sure you are aware.  One 'butterfly' from the Blog heaven has been so thoughtful and generous to our small charity.  http://www.cocoons2butterflies.com has donated 2 shoeboxes for our Shoebox Holiday Program.

Laura and I don't know each other, like most of you, we are bloggy friends and have stumbled upon each other's blog.  She wrote on our facebook page about her interest in donating and we exchanged contact info.   Lo and behold, the package came in to my office today, and tears just started coming down.  I couldn't believe it!  I was so touched with the message and toys for the girls.  I started imagining their faces when one of them opens this box.  For all of them, it is not uncommon not to receive any presents for Christmas. They will be lucky if they are able to eat that day.

To Laura, Gabrielle and Elsie , thank you once again.  We are planning to a Christmas party at the school on Dec 22, all the girls will receive their gifts on that day.  We will also take photos of this event for all our sponsors.


Heartfelt message from Laura and her daughters


For one lucky princess






Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again,

Hugs,

The F.L.A.G team


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Saturday, October 1, 2011

Girls helping girls

We received an overwhelming response to our Christmas Holiday program.  One happy story I would love the share is these 2 young girls who unselfishly donated most of their stuff to our charity.
Personal holiday message to the girls

Raquel (left)  and Victoria organizing extra school supplies for the girls at F.L.A.G
I have known Raquel since she was about 3 years old, her mom by good friend Valerie has been my bff every since. After 15 years  of friendship, both of them have been very supportive to our cause.  By  planting the seed, our children will grow with compassion to the needy, love for others and true unselfishness.  I'm so lucky to have known both of them and that they are part of our lives.



Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again,

Hugs,

The F.L.A.G team


Follow us on twitter.com/flagphil

Visit us www.flagphil.com

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Get well Angelica

I am worried about her. Although I have not met her, I can just imagine what her mom must be feeling right now.  I was told when Angelica came to our school that there was something special about her.  She was born with a disability not sure what it is.  Her parents can't afford a specialist nor any rehab for her. Our director told us she must have Autism.  When you are very poor in the Philippines, Autism does not exist. Sad to say, her parents just feel lucky she is alive.  In addition, Angelica is very malnourished.  Our team back home is making sure she has the nutrients she needs while she is in our care.  The tough part is when she goes home, her parents can't afford to give her more than her other siblings as they barely eat for themselves.

We are helping Angelica today but giving her supplements and vitamins to gain the weight and also in order for her function so she can learn.  Thinking about her now, I think of how I live my life everyday.  What's important, and not to sweat on the small stuff.  If only I can help her right now, visit her and just stay there until I know she will okay.


Get well our little Angelica..


Angelica and her mom




Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again,

Hugs,

The F.L.A.G team


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Saturday, September 17, 2011

One Christmas they will never forget..

Part 2 of my last blog, here are the heartfelt pictures of the girls from F.L.A.G.  I remember our whole family on one evening watching them through Skype while they open all the presents.  It was something I have never felt before watching  them with PURE JOY , GLEE and DELIGHT their EYES lit up while they touch, feel, even smell the toys inside those shoe boxes.

Irysh with her gift.. Gosh she was sooo happy
Leslie with her shoe box.. she was probably so excited!

humble christmas tree with shoe boxes filled with surprises


I am soo excited for this Holiday 2011!  We will make sure we will top last year's event. 

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again,

Hugs,

The F.L.A.G team


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Sunday, September 11, 2011

A shoe box for Christmas

I know it's kinda early thinking about Christmas in September.  For your information, most Filipinos start to decorate and play Christmas songs as soon as the "BER" month starts.

It is also the start of our 2nd Annual Holiday Shoe Box campaign. 

Shoe boxes filled with goodies

 
It was Barbie Theme last year. The girls back home never seen, heard or even touched a Barbie doll.  We called our friends, families and colleagues to donate one box each with a Barbie doll and also other girly stuff to fill the shoe boxes.   It was a so much fun  to see them open their presents and how they appreciated every single item inside the box.  The scene was unforgettable ! The look on their faces when they saw the toys for the very first time. 

I wonder what they want for Christmas this year? new shoes? dress? For what I know about them,  any kind of toy will do. They appreciate everything we give them because they have nothing.

How do they get them you asked? We ship those boxes around mid October and they will get there just in time for Christmas.  




Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again,

Hugs,

The F.L.A.G team


Follow us on twitter.com/flagphil

Visit us www.flagphil.com