"Gawad Kalinga"
Recently, I was introduced to the "Gawad Kalinga" program while attending a party hosted by a Fil-Am group.
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By their own definition,
Gawad Kalinga (in English,
"giving care") is an integrated, sustainable, holistic program, which aims to address poverty in the Philippines by transforming and empowering poor communities through its various programs.
One of the programs I'm interested in is the
"GK Balikbayani Build". It's basically a hands-on experience of the true essence of Gawad Kalinga thru participation in the bayanihan effort of building houses in many target areas.
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At first you would think it's just about building houses for the poor but in reality it's more than that....
it's actually about building a community..jpg)
I realized that since
every year I visit our homeland for a much-needed vacation, I thought it would be nice to experience joining with other
balikbayan participants in their effort of giving back to
less-fortunate communities of our country. It's also another way for me to visit places I've never seen before.
How much fun is that?If you are interested or you need more information about it, just click
here.
The Best Things in Life
...aren't things!
Life has got many options and we all have different callings. While some of us chose to live and work far from where we originally from, some chose not to stray too far and continue to live amongst the same people he/she grew up with. Perhaps it's something some of us didn't want to disturb or change just because the idea of leaving our loved ones behind will create more anxieties and fears. Or maybe the opportunity wasn't there in the first place to make that
quantum leap and be whatever we wanted to be. I don't know if luck played any part of it but one thing we shouldn't ignore is the fact that
options are always out there for us to choose from.
To some changes are good but for others, it could mean getting out of their comfort zones and face new challenges. Or simply perhaps one just really want a
simple life, a simple rule; following the
KISS guidelines one is familiar with.
Case in point is
Arnel S. We all remember him. A quiet little guy in high school with a smile you cannot deny.
According to Ruffy L, he's still in the same place where some of us left him. He looks like one happy-contented guy, spending most of his time in a very familiar place, living his life amongst the familiar faces. I heard he's still single...or maybe he's
now single.
That, i'm not sure.....
San Isidro Labrador Church
The roof of our parish church is in need of a replacement. I was told kapag umuulan it is leaking. Alam n'yo naman kung gaano kadalas umulan sa atin. Many of the parishioners have already made donations but apparently not enough to cover the cost of renovation.
I am sure
San Isidro will very much appreciate any help you can provide. Consider that
your gift to me on my
recent birthday. Di pa naman huli ang lahat para mag-regalo kayo sa akin.
I prefer cash...hehehe...
Or perhaps your gift to yourself sa darating mong birthday. I know Eva F will be having her birthday soon. Her 31st, I think! ;-)
How about giving her cash gifts to be donated to our church, on behalf of the class, for its badly needed repairs? You really don't want your stairway to heaven to be slippery when wet.
Our
PNB bank account is open 24/7. Please consider making a donation. And I'll make sure you're all go to the same place i'm going. ;-)
Our Thoughts & Prayers
Our thoughts and prayers to the family of Eva Marie Bundoc
, classmate & friend from elem years. Her mom passed away just recently.
“Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.” - Norman Cousins (June 24, 1915 – November 30, 1990) was a prominent political journalist, author, professor, and world peace advocate.
Who you gonna call?
Today starts a new law here in California that prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone unless the driver uses a hands-free device. In other words, ok lang mag cell phone basta may
bluetooth connection or something similar that you don't have to hold the phone in your ear while driving....for safety reasons...
daw! The law does provide an exception for those driving commercial vehicles.
It is really a very convenient device for those who love to talk...
or do something else while driving, say putting make-up, fixing eyelashes, eating a bowl of cereal...or
whatever anyone feels like doing! Believe me, I've seen so many people doing strange things while driving. The essence of multi-tasking!
Sometimes it really does work to our favor when we can do that...:-)
Kaya naman everywhere I go now, I see a lot of people wearing that earpiece looking like a
trekkie, if you are familiar with Star Trek.
For me, you will never ever see me carrying my cellphone tucked in my waist let alone wear that bluetooth thingy in my ear.
It's not a fashion statement I would like to make.
Anyway, I don't care if you wear that device even in your sleep
but for God's sake, don't wear it inside the church during mass!
Who are you going to call? John the Baptist? Are you expecting a call from Mary Magdalene?
So annoying...one of my pet peeves I guess!
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By their own definition, Gawad Kalinga (in English, "giving care") is an integrated, sustainable, holistic program, which aims to address poverty in the Philippines by transforming and empowering poor communities through its various programs..JPG)
At first you would think it's just about building houses for the poor but in reality it's more than that....it's actually about building a community..jpg)
I realized that since every year I visit our homeland for a much-needed vacation, I thought it would be nice to experience joining with other balikbayan participants in their effort of giving back to less-fortunate communities of our country. It's also another way for me to visit places I've never seen before. How much fun is that?
,
noel asprec,
