finally.. we are reading!

thanks to YOU!

we have books.

we are now reading!

filling up the spaces with toys for now

Just another day at school

We are wishing for more books and shelves

Teacher Rochelle organizing our first book shelf!


Most of the girls do not own any books.

Public school does not allow them to take them home because they have limited supply.


Now they can dream and imagine the possibilities by reading.

The places they can visit, people they will meet.

Finally, we are reading. 

Note: Please accept my apologies for not updating as often. Our website is undergoing improvements and  soon we will have one destination. 

Thank you for stopping by,

Hugs,

Monica 

World Food Day

Can you imagine yourself only eating one meal a day

How about feeling so stuffed and still you needed to eat that one last cookie

Or ``eat with your eyes``. Take too much and not finish your food.

Nothing is wasted here.

Once in a while, we will have a special meal just to give thanks.

Spaghetti is their favorite

WE LOVE ICE CREAM!

Here they are!! 

Say Grace. Give Thanks.

Thank you for stopping by,

Hugs,

Monica

Please like us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/flagphilippines.

They love exam week , huh??

Unlike me, the girls at FLAG love to take their exams.

With so many rainy days missed at school, they gotta do this.

She looks ready !

Gosh, she looks so serious.. she will ACE this one!

wow! she got it!

Love her smile!

They are on their way.

To become a doctor, teacher and or maybe an artist? 

Their dreams are finally coming true. Thanks to you!

Thank you for stopping by,

Hugs,

Monica 

under the tuscan sun..

 

 

it was my dream to visit Italy when I turned 40


that dream came true this summer..


very thankful for the opportunity and an adventure I can never forget..


here are some of my highlights..

Ponte Vecchio, Florence

Cinque Terre

St. Peter's Basilica , Rome

Positano - Sigh!!

Tuscany Villa ( with 14 other friends and family )


as this summer draws to a close,


I look back on what happened to my life since the beginning of the year.

In summary:

Jan - Lost my Job after 20 years in the company

Feb - First visit to Hollywood with my close friend

March and April - Visit to the Philippines

May , June and July - sold my house in the suburbs,kids off to college

August - moved downtown and ITALY.

September - Back to school for me.

the blessings I received this year are overwhelming..

it inspires me to continue giving and sharing..


I'm back.. F.L.A.G updates to come...



Thank you for stopping by,



Hugs,

Monica







 

BFF's

though miles may lie between us

we are never apart

for friendship doesn't count miles

it's measured by the heart

friendship comes in all sizes

friendship is sharing memories

friendship is about keeping me company while I wait..

friendship is acceptance..

Happy International Friendship Day from F.L.A.G

Thank you for stopping by,

Hugs,

Monica

fathers' promise

this Father's day is dedicated to all the fathers of FLAG


they made a promise to their girls to give them an education they never had


here they are helping to build our first library

working with flipflops

no fancy tools or protection - this is how it is back home

to all our supporters, YOU are making this happen!

although they will never meet you, I know they are grateful for all

the support you have given their daughters.

they are forever thankful!



Thank you for stopping by,



Hugs,


Monica

my mother, my teacher

I was the oldest of 3 girls.

my first teacher. my mother.

she taught for 35 years.

she was strict.  very.

supported  me to do more. do well.

after all these years, she still got it.

Let's start from the basics.  

FLAG girls were so attentive.  She still got it!!



We don't have blackboard at the moment. We will have soon, Thanks to our lovely donors!!



Say 'Ahh'

She was pooped after just a few minutes. Why she retired her ' teacher's stick' over a year ago

her students have not forgotten about her. even to this day.

they would approached her on the street. she doesn't recognize them.

but they do.

 

although my mom was not with me during the important years of my life.

 

 

there's still a lot of lessons I have learned from her.

 

i am still learning. she is still teaching.

 

this time it's just me. 

Thank you for stopping by,

Hugs,

Monica

His purpose- driven life

You are always looking at the horizon

 i know what you are thinking

" what more can I do to help the girls"

You have done more than any man I know..

You don't have a lot of followers.. and believers..that's okay.

Our boys and I believe in you..and that's all that matters..

You are brave, strong and unstoppable when it comes to your mission..

No one thought you can do it and still don't believe..

You can't stop now.. you have only just begun.

Happy Birthday to my best friend!

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs,

Monica

L.A ( but not so Confidential)

What does one do during her spare time if you are given an early retirement?  Enter contests. I DID and   I WON tickets to see Live with Kelly in L.A for the after Oscar Show.  It would have been better if they paid for my flight and accommodation.  No, they didn’t.  My skymiles did so it is kinda free. Who cares?  I am going to the Oscars! The Oscar gods were listening, Thank you!

Who would be the best person to take with me? - Val, my good friend for 16 years and my fellow retiree!   We both got packaged out from our corporate jobs and we have ALL the time to do what we want and so we packed our bags and flew to Hollywood!

Mug shots



Both L.A virgins, we are off to be in the mecca of the stars and the Superbowl of

 Hollywood – the Academy Awards.  So we need outfits, right? We are told from

the Live with Kelly people to dress appropriately. 

We did not expect the weather to be sooo cold in L.A.  It was a good excuse to go

shopping though. Off we go to the closest store from our hotel.


Because we are both fab and almost forty ( Val's turn this July), we crossed the

street ( actually jaywalked) on Sunset Blvd. Who does that? WE DID!

On the first day an hour from arriving in L.A, look at what happened to me and

my good friend? DROP, ROLL and TUMBLE.

Big gash on my left elbow ( this is just  one of them)

 Val's right knee

Can you believe that? 2 grown women jaywalking on Sunset Blvd!  Oh yeah if you see my butt on Youtube, say hi for me, okay? Just type, “2 women jaywalked on Sunset Blvd on their way to Ross” (not sure if we are on youtube, I won’t be surprised if some jerk did take a picture!) ELLEN! Are you watching?
 

 After 3 Tylenols ( hydrogen peroxide, bandaids), trip to Santa Monica Pier, Venice

 Beach and 2 gay friends later, here we are at the Chapter 11 (Kodak) Theatre.

Long waits and 10 or more shuttle bus trips, we are sitting on the second

balcony.  Not sure how many people were there, probably about 20,000 plus

people there. It was insane!

 

They were serving mini In N out burgers at the Vanity Fair Oscar party, while we

eat ours at the restaurant with paper cups, plastic forks and red table trays. Sigh!

  

In spite of lack of sleep and our injuries, we hopped on a double decker bus and

toured Hollywood and Beverly Hills. 

 

Because the Oscar Gods were watching over us, "He" sent a limo to pick us up to take us to the airport. No, we didn’t ask for a limo, our guy got stuck in traffic and the limo was the closest to our hotel.  Finally, we felt like Movie stars. I can just imagine TMZ waiting outside our limo waiting to see who is inside?  Oh they are the "2 women who jaywalked on Sunset Blvd."!!!

So, TMZ photographer asked " what did you learn from this trip?"

Val's quote " it kept me grounded on the trip literally :) cause in hindsight I may have been crazier had I been without injury which could have lead to worse outcomes". Well said Val!

Thank you for stopping by,

Hugs,

Monica

Angel from Utah

With the big change that happened last week (getting laid off) I felt a bit sad because of the uncertain future. During this time I have been chatting my mommy blogger Becky Jane (www.riseaboveyourlimits.blogspot.com) about sending books for our girls back home.  Can you believe it? At the time of sadness and uncertainty, this angel from Utah delivered 4 boxes of books for our girls? Incredible!

It amazes me how the universe responds to one’s circumstances.  In the midst of my self-pity, finger pointing, what if’s blah blah blah. Here’s Becky Jane packing up 4 boxes of books for the underprivileged girls in the Philippines.

Jobs will be there, might not be as good as what I had before, but I know I will be okay.  For there are people like Becky Jane (whom I have not met) has a big heart and extended her support to girls thousands and thousands of miles away.

Becky Jane, thank you, thank you on behalf of the F.L.A.G girls. We appreciate all your support and prayers. 

Please check her website - http://www.riseaboveyourlimits.blogspot.com

Thank you for stopping by,

Hugs,

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

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Happy Birthday Rey!

Who is Rey??

Rey is our executve director who runs the operations of F.L.A.G on a daily basis.  He is celebrating his birthday today and knowing him he will not make a big deal out of it and it will be all about his family and friends.  The first time we met Rey in 2010, we are very much inspired by his humility, devotion to God and simplicity.  We felt that God sent this person to us to pursue our vision.  We are now entering our second year and he is still with us. 

He is the most unselfish, humble, kind being  and I could go on and on.  When I think I am so stressed out, upset about stuff. I think of Rey and what he could be doing. Which consist of searching for girls on the streets,  visiting parents of our girls wondering why they didn't go to school that day.  He will give his last cent to someone knowing it will change that person's life that day. That's REY!

Brother Rey, thank you for your devotion to the cause and your unselfish commitment to all the girls and their families.  F.L.A.G will not be the same without you. CHEERS TO YOU GOOD HEALTH, LONG LIFE AND PEACE, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Thank you for stopping by,

HUGS!

The F.L.A.G Team

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2012 - new beginnings

 
When a new year begins, Jon and I are very excited because the countdown begins when we get to see our F.L.A.G family once again.  We lost some girls and we gained more.  All 23 of them.  I am especially excited to meet our new girls, talk to the the moms who started their own businesses. 

Our teacher, our director, teaching assistant and our chef - they are the pillars of our school who look after these girls all year round.  I admire them for being humble, unselfish and dedicated. 
Without them, our school will not function on a daily basis.  The success of F.L.A.G is because of them. 


What we hope for 2012 is to have more girls to support and educate.  In 2012, we will begin focusing on fundraising and raising more awareness for our cause.  100% of all your donations are for the operations of our school, teachers and food.  Today, 100% of those costs are funded by my husband and I.  We will never change a thing.  

Rey  - our director

Rochelle ( left ) teaching assistant, Rose ( middle) our teacher, Sister Dory ( right) our chef

Thank you for stopping by,

The F.L.A.G team

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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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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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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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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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