PUSONG PINOY'S SCHOOL SUPPLIES DONATION TO VILLAGE OF HOPE IN BOHOL

Early this month, Pusong Pinoy donated school supplies to the children of Village of Hope. Thanks to I MANAGE STARS for making this possible!  It was their donation to Pusong Pinoy during the “LOVE IS AT WAR” event in Hollywood that provided these children with their much-needed school supplies!  

MIKE & JEANETTE PROPP of Village of Hope shared the following messages and photos:

"Off to school to learn to conquer their futures. You'd never guess which of these boys needed surgery upon arrival to VOH, which one lived alone on the streets until God brought us together.  You'd never know their past by looking at them now, but thank you for helping them, all have a bright future! Thank you, Pusong Pinoy!"

"We're ready to conquer the world or at least to start school tomorrow. Thank you, Pusong Pinoy, for being a very special part of Village of Hope!"

"More than pencils, crayons, and paper. Pusong Pinoy is part of Village of Hope giving these kids a bright future!"

"Which of these blank papers will hold the hopes and dreams of a future HERO from the Philippines? Thank you, Pusong Pinoy, for being a part of the education of the orphans God has brought to us. You are making a difference, perhaps larger than you ever imagined."

"Pusong Pinoy said their goal was to bring literacy to the Philippines. They've brought so much more than that! Along with all the books they have donated to the Kids at Village of Hope, for two years now Pusong Pinoy has provided schools supplies for our orphanage, and with it, excitement about heading back to school to learn for another year. Thank you, Pusong Pinoy, for being a bright spot in our lives and the lives of our Kids!"

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VILLAGE OF HOPE has been a recipient of Pusong Pinoy since 2010. It is a community of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children in the Philippines. Its model is a little different than other orphanages. It does not put the children up for adoption. According to Mike, "VOH is an ‘orphan care in families’. We have seen the harshness of life Filipino street children face. VOH is something new...something bright...something fresh. It's a safe, loving, and happy place. It's a place of HOPE".

VOH currently operates four homes on a 20-acre lot in the hills of Talibon, Bohol. Each home is led by a married couple committed to caring for up to 10 children. VOH's goal is to recreate a natural family environment. Meals are cooked in the home by the houseparents and children, instead of a central kitchen. Each family has its own budget provided by VOH. They do their own grocery shopping and housechores. There are currently 35 children in the community. Its vision is to have 20 homes and a capacity to care for 200 children in the future.

PUSONG PINOY RECEIVED THE 2012 GAWAD GENY LOPEZ JR. GLOBAL BAYANING PILIPINO AWARD FOR NORTH AMERICA

On June 21, 2012, Pusong Pinoy received the prestigious 2012 Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Global Bayaning Pilipino Award for North America.  The award ceremony was held at ABS-CBN International in Redwood City, California.  Representing Pusong Pinoy were DONNA BERNARDO ROSARIO, Founder/CEO; and Northern California Team Leaders ARNEL FRANCISCO and VANGIE CRUZ-REYES.

In her speech during the event, Ms. Rosario said,
"It is with great pride and humility that I accept this award on behalf of Pusong Pinoy. Thank you ABS-CBN Corporation and Ugat Foundation for validating the commitment and dedication of our volunteers who have generously given their time, energy and resources to help fight poverty and illiteracy in the Philippines.

This award is a testimonial to the power of teamwork and an affirmation that the spirit of bayanihan knows no borders. That together, we could truly make a difference. I am deeply honored to be in the company of selfless individuals here tonight. Pusong Pinoy shares your vision to help rebuild our nation by providing better education to children despite their status in life.

To all the indigent students who struggle each day to make it to class, this is for you! You are Pusong Pinoy’s legacy and have the power to change our country’s future for the better. To our amazing heroes, continue to let the light within you shine brightly. You made this possible. Maraming salamat! Mabuhay tayong lahat!"

PP Team with representatives from Ugat Foundation & ABS-CBN

To read more about this prestigious award, please visit www.globalbayaningpilipino.org

FREE HEPATITIS A VACCINES TO PSAC

One of Pusong Pinoy's mission is to support the efforts of organizations that provide basic healthcare services to underserved people in the Philippines.

On May 30, 2012, in partnership with PARISH SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE (PSAC), free Hepatitis A vaccines were provided to 240 kids and volunteers of PSAC. A huge thanks to an outstanding Pusong Pinoy Hero, TRACY JAPSON JIMENEZ, for donating these vaccines.

PSAC has been a Pusong Pinoy recipient since 2009. Their mission is to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate in the Philippines, not only by helping them with their needs, but encouraging a positive outlook in life. PSAC's President LIZA DE JESUS said, "It's truly an honor to be chosen as your recipient. Mabuhay ang Pusong Pinoy! Mabuhay ang mga heroes ng Pusong Pinoy!"

We salute Liza and all the volunteers of PSAC for their tireless acts of kindness and generosity to the underprivileged kids in their community.

Click HERE to read more about Pusong Pinoy projects at PSAC. 

PHP125,000 CHECK TO DE LA SALLE LIPA FOR PUSONG PINOY SCHOLARS

On May 31, 2012, Pusong Pinoy Liaison LIZA DE JESUS and Vice-Team Leader JING PUNZALAN handed over a check for PHP125,000 to BROTHER JOAQUIN MARTINEZ, FSC, D. Min., President of De La Salle Lipa, to cover the tuition fee of 25 Pusong Pinoy scholars for the school year 2012/2013.

On its third year, this scholarship project, “Donasyon Para sa Edukasyon (Donation for Education)” is part of Pusong Pinoy's ongoing effort to fight poverty through education in partnership with DLSL's Saint Brother Jaime Hilario FSC Learning Community, a high school program that provides secondary education to highly motivated and qualified students whose economic conditions hinder them to acquire quality academic formation. These students went through DLSL's screening process and are well-deserving of this scholarship. They worked hard all year long and are considered to be among the best in their class.

Pusong Pinoy expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all the HEROES for making this possible:

SCHOLAR'S NAMES & SPONSORS

1) Alvarez, Che-Che Recreo - TL Jinky Sonsalla (Hong Kong)

2) Calalo, Cheska Otico - Tony Velbis #1 (California USA)

3) Katigbak, Noriel Alqueres - B.D. (Philippines)

4) Lajarca, Joyce Ann Remo - Caroline Zarate Boyle #1 (Colorado USA)

5) Lospe, Rowena Palconit - Caroline Zarate Boyle #2 (Colorado USA)

6) Mabiling, Israel Cuasay - CTL Bing Mordeno/NEB (California USA)

7) Magabo, Russel De Guzman - Team Hong Kong

8) Mallilin, Peta Mikkaela Aquino - Annali Palomo (California USA)

9) Medina, Al John Paul Laiño - TL Arnie & VTL Chinky (California USA)

10) Mercado, Cedrick Frenando - TL Douglas & Jean Inness (Scotland)

11) Mercado, Lucky Bryan Tarrayo - Ken Garden (Scotland)

12) Montanez, Mark Aldrin - Regina Bondoc (Arizona USA)

13) Padilla, Georgia Macatangay - Thelma Schuler (Arizona USA)

14) Ongkit, Jennesa Isidro - M.E. (Arizona USA)

15) Ramos, Dennica Hannah - Venice Belir (Australia) /Noah & Nathan Rosario (California USA)

16) Rueca, Hannah Algara - Anna Sevillano Flores (Arizona USA)

17) Villanueva, Ed Paulo - Pliny Arenas (North Carolina USA)/Liz Caceres (QC Philippines)/FILMS (Hong Kong)

18) John Reymart Nachor - FILMS (Hong Kong)

19) Fatima Bautista - FILMS (Hong Kong)

20) Joyce Rhodelene Fajarda - FILMS (Hong Kong)

21) Gissel Malabanan - Patricia & JM Millan ( Arizona USA)

22) Marlyn Reyes - Tony Velbis #2 (California USA)

23) Cherilla Kison - Sharon Barrios (California USA)/ Roselyn Tadeo (Israel)

24) Tricia Japson - TL Jocelin & Marc Olivier (Arizona USA)

25) Anne Janine De Jesus - TL Jocelin & Marc Olivier (Arizona USA)

Click HERE to read more about Pusong Pinoy's scholarship project. 

PUSONG PINOY RECIPIENT MAP

From humble beginnings in 2009, the number of partners has grown. The Heroes of Pusong Pinoy, through donations of books and resources, support a range of organizations, groups and individuals throughout the Philippines as they strive to improve the lives of children, families and communities. With our collective efforts, we have reached these recipient sites in the country in a span of three years! To date, we have reached almost 50 recipients/beneficiaries in the Philippines.

Congratulations to everyone who has contributed their time, effort, and resources in one way or another. You are making a world of difference to all these children.  Thank you!  Mabuhay! ♥