Giving-Back-2011

March 5, 2011 - Winter Feeding Program with Angels of Hope USA - Giving Back to Our Own Community, Los Angeles County, CA

One Heart for Hope, together with Angels of Hope USA provided meals to a Winter Feeding Program for the homeless at St. Elizabeth Church in Rowland Heights, CA. The meals provided by the two charities served 200 homeless men and women of the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles County. Approximately fifteen One Heart for Hope volunteers spent the early morning and afternoon organizing and packing 250 hand-made sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and beverages, which were then delivered to St. Elizabeth Church to be distributed as lunch the following day. That evening, both organizations collaborated in preparing freshly-made hot dinner, issuing clean clothes and serving these meals to the homeless men and women. In addition, the guests were offered shower facilities and sleeping accommodations inside the church facility. Tthank you to St. Elizabeth's Church for allowing us to use their facilities for the feeding program, Angels of Hope for organizing the details of the event, our sponsors – Oakley, Inc. for letting us use their kitchen facility, In N Out Burger for helping with the volunteers’ meals and Ms. Raven Alanes for raising the funds through Cupcakes for a Cause. We are very proud of Raven, our 6 year old volunteer who raised enough money for feed all 200 homeless people.

January 2011 - One Heart for Hope Feeding Program and Angels of Hope - Dole Out

January 2011 - Feeding and Dole Out for students and special needs children from Porac, Pampanga and Baguio. With the guidance of Sr. La Purisima Careso and Fr. Ching Fuertez, these students were given meals and basic necessities by Angels of Hope and One Heart for Hope. Visiting from the US are Terri and Frank Mendoza and Imee & Lito Jastillana, founders and board members for AOH. One Heart for Hope is seeking wheelchairs for these needy children. We are hoping to raise enough funds to provide additional basic needs for these students especially for the special needs. Together with Angels of Hope, we committed on providing these children meals twice a week for one year through our "Rice Campaign Program."

January 2011 - OHFH and AOH Aetas Scholars and Feeding Program

OHFH and AOH Aetas Scholars and Feeding Program - One Heart for Hope has eight (8) college aeta scholars who will become future teachers with Father Fuertez as its coordinator and ten (10) elementary scholars being coordinated by Sister Purisima. Aside from supporting their education, housing is also provided by the parish church. Angels of Hope provided construction improvement during their visit. OHFH also committed on feeding the 4 aeta tribes totalling to over 500 children and 22 college students on a regular basis for one year through our "Rice Campaign Program." Thank you to our generous donors for making all these possible and to Angels of Hope for introducing us to these worthwhile project.

January 2011 - Rice Campaign and Feeding Program

"Rice Campaign" Feeding Program is a joint effort of Angels of Hope and One Heart for Hope to feed 662 children twice a week for one (1) year. These four groups are children aetas in Porac, victims of Ondoy in Antipolo, malnourished children from Samar and the 30 college aeta scholars in Pampanga. Through the help of Rollie and Gloh from KALAHI (Kabataan Laban sa Hirap) who conducts the feeding program in Antipolo, Fr. Regnel Fuertez and Sister La Purisima Careso from Porac, we are able to continue this project for another year. Aside from feeding, they also learn moral values and the importance of education.

March 19, 2011 - 725 Children Dewormed in Parola, Binondo Manila

The first health outreach program of Aquinas School Class of 1981 in partnership with One Heart for Hope and the Manuel P. Manahan Foundation with the cooperation of Manila 3rd district City Councilor Atty. Joel Chua, was held in Parola, Binondo, Manila on March 19, 2011. Dewormed were 725 children ages 2 to 10 years old; Vitamin A supplements were administered to 730 children, 200 adults ages 45 and above were given free reading eyeglasses and 100 families received water purifying tablets for safe drinking water that would last them for 1 to 1 ½ months. Worm infections and Vitamin A deficiencies both have serious health repercussions for a growing child and therefore both should be prioritized. It is one of the simplest and most cost effective interventions for improving a child's health. Our target children are in the stages of intense physical and mental development and will affect their overall growth and especially their cognitive performance if not treated immediately. These are one of the many investments we wanted to accomplish to have a long-term impact in the lives of these children that coincides with providing them education or incentive to learn. So worm free children will grow faster and learn better.

We would like to thank the head of our outreach program, Dr. Luis Chan, Aquinas Batch 1981, Muffet Manahan and the Manuel P. Manahan Foundation and its volunteers, Councilor Joel R. Chua, Julius Roque, Therese Dela Cruz, Gladys Digno, Lhot Serna, Verna Vargas Delos Reyes, Sylvia Delos Reyes; Laiza Brazal and all the Barangay team leaders and volunteers who all went out of their way to accomplish this successful health outreach mission to the poor.

March 11, 2011- Meet and Greet with One Heart for Hope De La Salle Lipa Scholars

One Heart for Hope was invited by the Office of the President for Development of De La Salle Lipa for a special evening on March 11, 2011. Our seven De La Salle Lipa Scholars met with Mr. Julius Roque, Project Director, Therese Dela Cruz, Gladys Digno and Lhot Serna who gave our scholars inspirational pep-talk. The Dinner for Scholarship is a gift raising event benefiting all the De La Salle Scholars, seven of those are One Heart for Hope’s. The proceeds will subsidize other concerns of the night high school students such as allowances and books, classroom supplies, etc. The dinner brought together only 30 participants, most of which are also benefactors from other industries. They were greeted by Brother President, Br. Joaquin S. Martinez FSC and other De La Salle staff to thank One Heart for Hope personally for the support given to provide education to the poorest youths in the province of Lipa.

Thank you to all our donors for allowing us to continue to support the youth at risk and making a difference in their lives. The seven scholars are doing well in their studies and have taken to the Lasallian environment and education that they had the privilege of enjoying thanks to you, our donors for your generosity and gift of education. In fact, our scholars, Ms. Comia, Ms. Yomero and Ms. Marco are honor students in their respective levels. I hope that their efforts to be deserving of your gift can serve as a small token of gratitude.

We have also expressed our intent to Brother Martinez in helping ten more students for the next incoming school year get a chance at life. We will now have a total of 17 De La Salle Scholars! We wouldn't have continued these without the full support of our officers, volunteers and all our generous donors!

May 9, 2011- OHFH US Volunteer Visits He Cares Foundation and Alay Ng Puso Orphanage to Give Back

Ms. Odette Maniquis visited He Cares Foundation, one of the organization that One Heart for Hope supports. Bro. Jo Dean who rescued 350 children from the streets were given temporary shelter, food,education, nurture and participate in spiritual enrichment, arts and crafts, etc. They take school age kids found sleeping under bridges, on the streets, others are left by parents for day care while they are working. She also visited Alay Ny Puso, and orphanage that rescues critically ill and neglected infants from hospitals in Manila and nurture the babies to health. Some are surrendered by their mothers to the facility because they cannot afford the medical treatment and/or food necessary for their babies to survive.

Ms. Odette and OHFH volunteers provided sacks of rice, diapers, hygiene kits (toothbrush, toothpaste, face towel, and soap), and toys for these children.

"It was absolutely truly rewarding to witness first-hand how these kids live. A far cry from our sheltered lives, I can tell you that. These children do not know any other existence; they do not know what they're missing..." stated Ms.Odette.

June 6, 2011-Tricyle Drivers Association, Plaridel, Bulacan - Education Assistance to its Families

Children of tricycle drivers from Plaridel, Bulacan were given financial assistance on education through school supplies assistance and clothings. Ms. Joy Cunanan, President of Barangay Tabang Toda who reached out to One Heart for Hope to help the tricycle operators and drivers in their community in sending their children to school. Tricycle drivers and operators are considered low income earners and the heaviest burden is the continuous increase in prices of gasoline and its maintenance. With these hardships, they have no other means to support the needs of their children when school opens this month.

Thank you to Ms. Marlene Blasco, who coordinated with our supplier in the Philippines on this immediate need; Miss Frenchie Ang and Pia Aliviado from Xentrix Solutions, who diligently worked with us in fulfilling our rush and detailed orders of 1,397 supplies for elementary through college students; Julius Roque and his family and team of volunteers who distributed school supplies to 150 children; and to Glenda and Jose Bule who donated clothings and accessories to the families of the drivers. School supplies given included scientific calculators, art supplies, illustration boards and other basic needs for each levels. To all our donors who continue to support our cause, we thank you. With the school opening this week, we are scheduled to distribute more school supply packs to 800 elementary school children in need.

May 1, 2011- A Gift of Sight for 7 year old boy

"It was a very SUCCESSFUL EYE SURGERY..YOU SAVED LUIS FROM TOTAL BLINDNESS...YOU GAVE HIM HOPE AND SELF CONFIDENCE. ON BEHALF OF OUR FAMILY, LUIS' FAMILY, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR GIVING LUIS NEW EYES AND HELPING HIM TO SEE AND LIVE AS A NORMAL CHILD. Luis wanted to say thank you to all and decided to write and copy it in a separate bond paper… Palibhasa bukal sa puso ng bata ang magpasalamat,nagawa niya agad,kitang kita mo ang kasiyahan sa kanyang mukha habang nagsusulat.

Again,maraming maraming salamat po...."

A Joint effort with Angels of Hope USA and Kalahi, we thank Rollie who coordinated the entire pre-surgery and post-surgery processes, Terri and Frank Mendoza, Imee and Lito Jastilallna, Cita Leonor and Star Arellano, our donors for your continuing support. We were able to extend our help to children like Luis a chance to learn, hope for his future and enjoy the GIFT OF SIGHT.

June 2011- Graduation for 25 Pre-School Students from One Heart for Hope Learning Center!

Students of One Heart for Hope Learning Center managed by ICM had their graduation ceremony few weeks ago. 25 most vulnerable children from the poorest community were prepared for entry into the public school system. Aside from daily meals, school supplies, deworming and immunization shots for the students, their parents who lived in poverty for their entire lives, were also trained on livelihood, family health awareness, nutrition and other livelihood options to improve their lives. After 10- month literacy program, these children have been given a great jumpstart on their education -- already with academics ahead of their peers and confidence that will hopefully drive them through school and achieve their dreams.

June 28, 2011- One Heart for Hope Outreach for the Aetas of Villa Maria, Porac, Pampanga

Shoes definitely has its place for those who never owned shoes before. As part of our ongoing health mission for the prevention of infectious diseases in children, the shoes will play a very important role in the prevention of chronic childhood diseases and promote overall wellness in children. Aetas live in less accessible forested areas that hunt, gather, farm or trade to earn a living. In recent years, they have also added begging to their means of livelihood. They would rather beg than see their children miss school or go hungry. The indigenous children of Porac and Villa Maria, Pampanga walk miles to go to school over treacherous terrain that results to wounds on their small feet. With no first aid access in these mountains, cuts could turn into life threatening infections. All these children with new pair of shoes will ensure their feet are protected from bacteria and other harmful worms.

Julius and our 14 OHFH volunteers met with Sister Purissima Careso to meet with OHFH scholars in Porac. Then headed to the mountains to Villa Maria and was welcomed by Father Ching Fuertez to meet with 350 elementary Aetas. These children were served with spaghetti and bread, performed songs and dances for our volunteers, played games that everyone enjoyed. 197 brand new pairs of shoes from Soles4Souls were given to elementary, high school and college students. 400 sets of school supplies, OHFH t-shirts (for their school uniforms), hygiene packs, Oakland A’s hats and school folders, infants-toddler shoes, clothing and toys were also distributed. Our volunteers also visited a run-down house where 25 Angels of Hope USA and One Heart for Hope scholars use as shelter while attending college. Our sincerest gratitude who's been in the front line in every mission we had from the very beginning - Julius Roque, Jay Jay Roque, Alumnii of CDSC Batch 91 - Verna Vargas delos Reyes; Sylvia delos Reyes;Oliver Aliwalas; Alvin Perez; Melvin Veneracion. Silverback Riders Club - Bernard Rosales; Dexter Simeon; Jerson Aquino; Vincent Cano; Boy Francisco; and Vincent Cano and all our Philippine volunteers who have committed their time and talents for those in need - you are our heroes!

Thank you Soles4Souls, Tiffany Johnson, Jay Phillips and Onie Oliva for all the shoes, Julius and team, Frenchie Ang and Pia from Xentrix Solutions for the school supplies discounts, Angels of Hope USA for the feeding program, Sis. Puring, Fr. Fuertez for coordinating and taking the time to gather all these children, Ms. Dee and Oakland A’s for the hats, Odette for the hygiene packs, Montessori on the Lake students for the little shoes, clothes and toys, all donors and supporters of One Heart for Hope - the smiles you brought to the indigenous children are the most precious.

We at OHFH have committed to provide, not only education, but basic necessities including brand new shoes to give them incentives to learn, lift their spirits, big smiles and happy jumps and to let them know that we all care. We hope you can all join us in changing their lives one heart at time.

One Heart for Hope visited Chrysanthemum Village Elementary School in San Pedro, Laguna. The elementary school caters mostly to pupils from families living along the railroad tracks and the poorest barangays nearby. The administrators and teachers of the school were present with surprisingly over 600 students and pre-schoolers present on a Saturday.

One Heart for Hope volunteers distributed 600 complete sets school supplies to all the students of the school, books and educational toys to be used in their library and a complete desktop computer system with all the programs installed for the students to use in the library. The covered court filled with elementary and pre-school students followed all the instructions from their teachers which made the distribution very quickly and smoothly. According to the school officials, this is the first time that they were recognized by a charitable organization such as ours. With the growing number of the poor students attending their school, they have started using their outside facilities as their alternative classrooms. We hope we can continue helping schools such as Chrysanthemum for them to accommodate those children who are willing to learn despite of their dire circumstances. They all need education and they all need hope.

We thank all our supporters and Xentrix Solutions who make these giving possible. Once again our mission of touching lives and giving hope is fulfilled....

Thank you to all the volunteers, headed by Julius Roque, who gave up their weekend to give back: Therese Dela Cruz; Amy R. Dela Cruz; Ricka Marin; Alvin Perez; Gladys Digno; ylvia Delos Reyes;

Joyce Anne Roque; Dennis Bulaong; Angela May Nunez; Rowena R. Parungao; Leary Unson; and Lhot Dhawa Serna.

To all our children volunteers (Kids Helping Kids Program) who inspires us. Thank you to Ice Perez; Iza Serna; Ryzelle Parungao; Patricia Marin; and Miguel Marin.

On Sunday, July 17th, Silverback Riders left at 6:00 AM via McArthur Hi-Way to Bethany Orphanage in Guiguinto, Bulacan. Packed in their motorcycles were school supplies, books, hygiene packs and more shoes from Soles4Souls. Bethany Orphanage provides temporary child care program to rescued, abused, abandoned, orphaned and lost children and give each of them a chance in developing their potentials through counseling and education. Majority of terminated cases of children were returned, reunited to their respective families or relatives, some were referred to other institutions catering older children and youth while, the remaining were placed for legal adoption and foster care. OHFH volunteers were welcomed warmly by the children. After a brief introduction by Julius Roque, the teenagers performed a dance number in which some of the volunteers participated, followed by the boys dance number, a group singing, a solo rap, and lastly a dance performance by the youngest group of children. It is very heartwarming to see when you looked at the eyes of these kids how happy they are with the gifts that they received especially all the shoes that most of them never owned a pair before. Just for few hours, we have sent them our message that they are not neglected and there is still HOPE. The children sang a very moving thank you song to all the volunteers. Children saying goodbye to volunteers from their windows will always be remembered. Truly a heart fulfilling day to all of the VOLUNTEERS and a great accomplishment again for OHFH FAMILY! To the Silverback Riders team – thank you once for reaching out to the needy and less fortunate children. You are their heroes!

One Heart for Hope, with two other donors found means to send these 2 homeless families back to their hometowns. With the help of Jarrod Hunt, an Australian photographer currently shooting a photographic documentary in the Philippines about street children of Manila called “1 point 5 Million”, people will be able to learn about the harsh realities that many homeless children in the Philippines face every day. Jarrod hopes that through his photos, he can clearly convey their stories to many and show how these children living on the streets beg and scavenge to survive. While reading through his blogs, we were touched by some of his stories, particularly the story of Jesus and Rommael. We requested Jarrod to find these two families for us again where he found them. He took the time from his busy schedule to figure out how we can bring them back to their provinces while he was still in Manila. He accomplished this mission before he left for Australia on July 29th. We have promised a commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in need when we can. We believe that while we may not be able to save most of these children living in the streets, one volunteer like Jarrod can have a tremendous impact on the lives of many. Two families are now out of the streets and were given their children another chance at life. All photos by Jarrod Hunt Photography.

“The whole community of De La Salle Lipa would like to extend our thanks to One Heart for Hope Foundation and the rest of the Board for the strong support of the education of these deserving students. Thank you for being one with De La Salle Lipa’s commitment to grant full scholarships to 20% of our student population by the Centennial of the Lasallian Presence in the Philippines in 2011-2012. Our sincere gratitude” Br. Joaquin S. Martinez FSC, D. Min., President.

We are very proud of our new 2012 scholars who went through and pass the screening process to be able to attend one of the prestigious schools in the Philippines. We also congratulate our 2010 scholars who maintained their excellent grades throughout the year and all moved on to their second year of education. One Heart for Hope continues its mission to provide an opportunity for the poor and disadvantaged children to break the poverty cycle through education and in 2012 aims to establish a scholarship endowment fund to serve the immediate needs of those incoming students for the next years to come.

Once again, thank you to all our donors who continue to support our cause to improve the lives of many children and may those who are disadvantaged continue to have reason to hope.

For school year 2011-2012 OHFH supports ten (10) elementary Aetas of Porac and eight (8) full time college students who will become teachers (BS in Secondary Education) attending a private college, Mary the Queen College, Guagua, Pampanga. In care of Sister Purisima, Dominican sisters and Fr. Regnel Fuertez, our scholars are monitored, mentored, tutored and given temporary shelter while attending school under our program and also given all basic necessities needed to finish school.

We are presently serving four (4) tribes in Porac in our Feeding Program as an incentive to go to school. For the elementary students, we have started weekly feeding programs (Rice Campaign) with Angels of Hope since 2010 and have committed to continue until 2012 for 500 children attending school. Given the walking distance from the mountains over treacherous terrain where they live to the school they attend, most of them often discouraged to attend school. OHFH and AOHUSA provide these children incentives to learn through feeding and basic necessities, such as clothing, school supplies, and brand new shoes through Soles4Souls.

We thank our partners, Angels of Hope USA, Terri Mendoza, Priscilla Macaraig, Imee Jastillana, Petita Virata and the Dominican Sisters for helping us with this program. Babes Claudio, our Campaign Against Illiteracy Director for heading this mission. We are very proud of our scholars who study very hard to maintain their scholarship benefit through OHFH. To all our donors who passionately support this program, we thank you on behalf of our Aeta children for the hope you have given to them to obtain an education which they did not dream possible.

About Aetas: The Aetas are among the 110 ethnographic groupings scattered throughout the Philippine archipelago and becoming more marginalized and deprived of their rights in their own land. Usually living in less accessible forested areas in central and southern Luzon, the Aetas hunt, gather, farm or trade to earn a living. In recent years, they have also added begging to their means of livelihood. They would rather beg than see their children miss school or go hungry.

One Heart for Hope continued its learning center for 2011-2012 school year for most vulnerable children from a poor community in Negros Oriental.

Your generosity in providing 25 students not only with a 10- month long basic education which will prepare them for primary school, but also with a hot daily meals, medical checkups and school supplies including uniforms and backpacks. On weekends, parents of our scholars are attending weekly values, health and livelihood classes, which emphasize the value of each individual, provide basic health education and hands on livelihood training in the form of organic container farming, organic fertilizer and small business livelihood options. Most of the families in this area earn their living by pedicab/tricycle driving or working as construction laborers. The income levels are very low, with most families living at subsistence levels, which means they make barely enough money to provide for their basic daily supply of food.

Thanks to our local partner, ICM for coordinating this program, 25 children will experience the thrill of learning, will have regular medical checkups, and the satisfaction, growing and energy that come from having a full tummy. Thank you to our donors for making all these possible. Your support is changing their lives forever.

Disaster Relief No. 3 - National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council - Through partnership with Operations USA and Manuel P. Manahan Foundation, we donated P 230,000.00 pesos worth of water purifying tablets to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of the Office of Civil Defense. This would provide safe drinking water for at least 1 – 2 weeks to the more than 1,400 families in the disaster flooded areas of Pampanga and Bulacan caused by storms “Pedring and Quiel.” Cost-effective and simple to use, it prevents water borne diseases and deaths from the consumption of unsafe water in disaster situation, e.g. in Pampanga and Bulacan whose drinking water source is believed to be contaminated with E. coli and unsafe for human consumption.

Thank you to all the volunteers headed by Julius Roque who selflessly gave their time during this calamity to serve our kababayans: Rafael Jae Roque; Jocelyn E. Roque; Rowena R. Parungao; Gladys Digno; Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Perez; Roger Palovino; Vincent Cano; Leary Unson; Ryzelle Parungao; Janna Charlize Roque; Sylvia Delos Reyes; Jenny Merin; and Rowena Lazatin. Thank you to Hon. Judge Maribel-Ringpis Liban, Hon Ariel Santos Arceo and Dr. Katheryn Leslie-Joven for coordinating our relief efforts in the province of Bulacan so we can reach out to families severely affected by Pedring. To our donors and volunteers in the Philippines who responded immediately to help with our relief efforts, your generous heart and compassion to our people in need will always be remembered and appreciated.

Lupang Arenda is an illegal settlement in Taguig. The property is big and it is underwater. 100,000 informal settlers living here are also facing possible eviction which many of them are children. Similar to Smokey Mountain in Tondo, Manila as the country's showcase of poverty and add it with flood water and this is where thousands of poor families live. 300 children from this area were given gifts and surprises for the holidays. Each child received bagful of canned and dry goods, Disney products, toys and accessories, stuffed animals, educational toys, cookies, chocolate bars and candies, clothes, hygiene products and eyewear.

We would like to thank all the US and Phil volunteers and supporters who joined us to give joy to the children of Lupang Arenda. We also would like to thank all the donors, Kenny Logins Foundation for the toys, San Lorenzo Ruiz Church staff and members, the Miller-Barlin wedding party, Nick Price for all the pictures, Sandy Novak, Aida Alba, Avelyn Jahns, Topet and family, Silverback Riders, friends and families, Roque, Juco and Alanes families who made many children happy that day.

"On behalf of the whole San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish family, and the hundreds of children you have shared your blessings to, we would like to thank you One Heart for Hope Foundation, volunteers from here and abroad. No amount of money could be compared to the joy you brought to the hearts of our less fortunate children. May the good Lord bless you with more that you could continue to give more to those who most need it...God bless..." San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish Staff

One Heart for Hope, with the coordination of Joy Cunanan, President of Barangay Tabang Toda and Glenda Bule, held a Christmas party for the children and tricycle drivers in the communities on December 23rd. The Barangay Toda patrol picked up the 100 individually packed food from the best palabok and puto in town, “Pat’s Palabok” (thanks to the owner Ann Santos for accommodating our requests) served to the Tabang Toda children. Thank you Joy for also adding soup and pansit noodle and Councilor Chippy Tantingco for donating 20 loaves of bread. Joy also donated more gifts for raffle prizes for the party. Kap. Raul V. Gatuz, Chairman of Brgy, would like to extend his warmest thanks to all the donors, sponsors and supporters, including volunteers of One Heart for Hope for giving their community gifts and joy of Christmas.