Posts Tagged ‘Smokey Mountain’

Summer Training for WE College Sponsored Students by ExcelAsia

Posted By abee on 05.04.2010 • (0) 

ExcelAsia kindly provided our student sponsorship program college students the opportunity to participate in its 10-day extensive training geared towards helping job-seekers gain the confidence and skills needed to find employment.  Training was conducted by Jamie Wilson, a well-known and well-respected person in the Philippine music and theatre industries. The training was initially geared towards helping jobseekers gain employment but is also designed the training to be as “life-skills-oriented” as it was employment-centered: his approach was to inspire each participant to be a support resource for their fellow trainees.

The training included modules on how to handle job-interviews -- preparing the job-seeker with exercises on how to answer commonly-asked questions during interviews, and simulating different kinds of interviews; including those that involve 'difficult' interviewers: and how to best handle them; how best to answer difficult questions. Also included were debates and critical-thinking exercises as well as modules on how to effectively communicate.

Joi, the Coordinator for College Student Sponsorship, noticed that “when we first entered the training room, the students were apprehensive and nervous, especially after the first activity where they had to introduce themselves is English. They were shy and nervous. Two of the students actually cried because they were so nervous and scared, but after the first activity they were okay. It really helped that Kuya Jaime shared with them, and encouraged the students. At the end of the training, the change in the girls who had cried on their first day was unbelievably positive – they were so much more confident, and they had even developed the confidence to argue in English!”

WE would like to deeply thank Rita Ugarte, Luz Gonzales, Jamie Wilson and the whole ExcelAsia Team; as well as Chukri Prieto of RACKS, Maria Aguila, Annie Lim, Gisela Tiongson-Velasco of Jollibee Foundation, Diana Tan of Deli France, and Martin Garcia for sponsoring the meals for the students throughout the training. This event has had a tremendously positive impact on our students!

Tagged As: ExcelAsia, Nonprofit, Philippines, Poverty, Smokey Mountain, Sponsored Students, WE International, WE International Philippines, Youth

Posted In: News

WE Builds Smokey Mountain Basketball Court

Posted By abee on 04.23.2010 • (0) 

WE International Philippines, in collaboration with Young Focus, Scotty Mackinnon, Dominic Uy and Mighty Sports, built the Nathan Dasilva Basketball Court that was inaugurated on Saturday, 13 February 2010.

It was an emotional inauguration as the basketball court was constructed in memory of Mr. Mackinnon’s best friend – an avid basketball player who passed away in his senior year of high school. Mr. Alex Compton of WE International Philippines hosted the event that turned lively as soon as sponsored students and finalists of last year’s Amazing Dance challenge performed for the community and all of the friends and partners of WE that were in attendance.

Immediately following the unveiling of the basketball hoops that officially marked the Nathan Dasilva basketball court open for the Smokey Mountain community, a shoot-out activity led by Philippine Basketball Association veteran player Will Antonio from Coca Cola in the PBA, and a Dunk exhibition was put on by PBA Import Jason Forte - a real treat for the Smokey Mountain Community!

The Dasilva family, who live in Canada, helped tremendously in making the construction of the court possible through the generous financial contribution they made to WE.  The Smokey Mountain Athletic Commission (SMAC) was also instrumental in helping the project come to fruition, and they will play an instrumental role in the maintenance of the court and the organization of upcoming basketball tournaments.  The basketball hoops were generously donated by the Uy family and Mighty Sports.

In the works are upcoming basketball clinics for both our sponsored students and the community as a whole. Thanks again to everyone who helped make this day possible!

Tagged As: Basketball, Nathan Dasilva, Philippines, Poverty, Smokey Mountain, WE International Philippines, WE Philippines, Young Focus

Posted In: News

WE International Philippines Launches WE Care – A Medical Care Program

Posted By abee on 03.10.2010 • (0) 

On 21 February 2010, WE International Philippines, in collaboration with Young Focus, Mr. Chris Eberle, Dr. Martin Camara of Intercare and medical doctors from Makati Medical Center (MMC) led by pediatric pulmonologist Dr. Bong Rivera, launched the medical care program, “WE CARE”.

A total of fifteen doctors, including pediatricians, dermatologists, a chiropractic team, and nurses from MMC and St. Luke’s Hospital set up consultation booths in the Gawad Kalinga center in Tondo, Manila to conduct needs assessment, medical-history documentation and thorough medical check-up/assessment to over 200 of WE and Young Focus’ Sponsored Students in the Elementary, High School and University levels, as well as the Out-Of-School Youth group and some 65 in- and out- patients from the Child Center feeding program located on the Smokey Mountain dumpsite.

Private donors from abroad, through Chris Eberle funded and sourced for all medicines and clinical supplies from multi-vitamins and antibacterial medication to various specialized pediatric and adult medicines; which were dispensed immediately, based on the doctors’ prescriptions.

Intercare’s crucial involvement in WE CARE also enabled the identification of early signs of possible physical problems in most of the very young students. WE will now be able to monitor them and hopefully be able to help prevent commonly occurring problems through educational seminars and preventive care from Inetrcare’s chiropractic team.

By April, as a follow through of the initial medical assessment, WE CARE aims to setup a simple medical clinic inside the student center that will be manned by a doctor/nurse team at least one day per week thus ensuring a long-term healthcare support of the Young Focus students and babies and toddlers from the Child Center feeding program.

WE is deeply grateful to all who participated in this very important initiative, and helped make the opening of WE CARE an overwhelming success!

This is only the beginning what will be an ongoing program. WE plan to maintain regular WE CARE Medical Missions throughout the year, and deeply appreciate the willingness of so many to give of their time and donations – in cash, and in kind (medicines and medical supplies). Please let us know if you would like to support upcoming WE CARE events.

Tagged As: Medical Assistance, Medical Mission, Poverty, Smokey Mountain, Tondo, WE Care, WE International Philippines

Posted In: News

Smokey Mountain Scholars Fly to Boracay

Posted By abee on 01.25.2010 • (0) 

WE saw this experience as an opportunity for the students to experience activities that they have never before dreamed would be possible. As they took time out to reflect on their thoughts and feelings about their experiences on this trip, the students expressed joy and gratitude for this opportunity, and awe at the beauty of nature and the goodness of God. WE expresses many thanks to our kind friends and partners that helped to make this team-building adventure a reality. This trip helped build the students self esteem, and allowed them to realize that with consistent hard work, great things can indeed happen. They have since returned to the Smokey Mountain community and have served to encourage their other fellow students to continue to work hard as well. Our students are beginning to have the hope to dream.

It was the first time for the students to fly in a plane, and their initial anxiety about flying was quickly replaced by excitement. On arrival in Boracay, the students were treated to new swimwear, beach games, a sunset sail on a paraw, paddle-surfing lessons and meals sponsored by supportive local business owners. On White Beach, the students met with Karen Cabrera and some members of Boracay’s Frisbee team, the Boracay Dragons, who volunteered to host a frisbee clinic for the students. Fire Dancers also entertained the students at dusk and they were in awe of the wealth of activities available to them on the island, including live music. Fireworks topped off the night which represented an unexpected exclamation to our weekend filled with ‘firsts’!

WE saw this experience as an opportunity for the students to experience activities that they have never had before dreamed would be possible. As they took time out to reflect on their thoughts and feelings about their experiences on this trip, the students expressed joy and gratitude for this opportunity, and awe at the beauty of nature and the blessings that life has to offer. WE expresses many thanks to our kind friends and partners that helped to make this team-building adventure a reality. This trip helped build the students self esteem, and allowed them to realize that with consistent hard work, great things can indeed happen. They have since returned to the Smokey Mountain community and have served to encourage their other fellow students to continue to work hard as well. Our students self-confidence is growing right before our very eyes and it is a pleasure to see them dare to dream.

Tagged As: Boracay, Nami, Nothing But Water, Poverty, SEAAIR, Smokey Mountain, TOMS, WE International, WE International Philippines

Posted In: News

WE International Philippines & CROCS Philippines takes students to Manila Ocean Park

Posted By abee on 12.13.2009 • (0) 

On Saturday, December 12, 2009, CROCS Philippines’ Franco and Kitty Limjuco, along with their adorable daughters treated twenty Elementary sponsored students, including Abegail Ofiaza, a 4th grade student their family is sponsoring through school, to an unforgettable trip under the sea at Manila Ocean Park. Complete with the special and extensive display of various jellyfish from around the world, and a magical Mermaids show!

It was an incredibly fun and educational day for the students from Smokey Mountain, topped off by an early-Christmas party-like merienda of spaghetti showered with gifts: backpacks, school supplies and new CROCS shoes for all the children and a big bucket of Noche Buena groceries for their families!

The student coordinators were almost in crisis figuring out how to help carry all the gifts as the children could not carry them all! It was such a memorable day for our kids who were overwhelmingly happy.

Thank you so much again to CROCS Philippines for bringing so much joy to the children of Smokey Mountain!

Tagged As: crocs, Manila Ocean Park, Smokey Mountain, WE International Philippines

Posted In: News

WE International Philippines Relief Operations

Posted By abee on 10.15.2009 • (0) 

Two major typhoons hit the Philippines within the last three (3) weeks. The first one, Ketsana (Ondoy), dumped three (3) times more rain in Metro Manila than Hurricane Katrina in just six (6) hours causing devastating and fatal floods. And Parma (Pepeng), occurring just days after Ketsana, caused deadly landslides in the northern part of the country swallowing up to 80% of Pangasinan, the 3^rd largest rice-producing province in the country, rendering major thoroughfares impassable and leaving areas like Baguio and Benguet – where Igorot tribes still reside in mountains – completely cut-off without power, fuel and unable to receive relief goods, medicines and assistance.

In response to the sudden and great need that resulted from the damage and destruction caused by Ketsana and Parma, members of our team coordinated with and participated in relief operations throughout the metropolis.  Thanks to the generosity of our friends from all over the world, we were able to buy much needed water and food to donate.  The team also organized a unique and environmentally conscious relief operation wherein relief goods were packed in reusable blankets, pillow-cases, towels and bed sheets. The relief bags were distributed to Marikina, Paranaque, Pasig, San Juan, and, with the help of LBC in Rizal – even as some of these areas remained flooded.

Despite the damage, grief and sorrow typhoons Ketsana and Parma caused, they also brought out such awe-inspiring selflessness and generosity in everyone – friends, family and strangers from within the Philippines and abroad.  Amongst the most inspiring, WE International Philippines’ sponsored students and out-of-school youth from Smokey Mountain voiced out their desire to help and joined the WE team in packing and distributing relief bags to the victims of the typhoons as well.

* On Friday, 16 October, South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR), will be doing a missionary flight with the WE International Philippines Team at 6am to Baguio to bring medicines and relief goods: flashlights/batteries, candles/matches, soap, blankets, clothes/underwear, rice, cooking/eating utensils, water purification tablets.  WE will be hiking up to parts of Baguio and Benguet to bring relief and first aid to the people who have been and remain unreachable.

Tagged As: Baguio, Ketsana, Manila, Ondoy, Parma, Pepeng, Relief, Smokey Mountain, WE International, WE International Philippines

Posted In: News

Elle Camara Helps Children in Smokey Mountain

Posted By abee on 08.30.2009 • (0) 

On Sunday, August 23rd, the doctors, physical therapists and myotherapists at Intercare Clinic in Makati generously donated their time and skills and opened up their clinic for WE Help - a fundraiser to benefit WE International Philippines and the children of Smokey Mountain.

The concept of WE Help came from the daughter of Intercare's Founding Partner, Dr. Martin Camara, 7-year old Elle Camara - a little girl with a compassionate heart who has been an inspiration to us all.  This on going project was sparked by Elle’s simple idea to use the tools available to us to help those less privileged and reminds us that it is never too early to start making a difference.

Thank you to everyone who supported this event and thank you to Elle Camara, Martin Camara and all of the Intercare staff for making this event possible and for giving so much of yourselves. It is through partnerships such as these that WE can all truly make a difference!

Tagged As: Elle Camara, Intercare, Poverty, Smokey Mountain, WE Help, WE International Philippines, WE Philippines

Posted In: Fundraiser, News

WE August Student of the Month Award

Posted By abee on 08.20.2009 • (1) 

Left: Regine Sosing, Right: Vicky Joice Dela Cruz

August 2009 winners for the WE International Philippines (WEIP) Student of the Month awards are 4th year high school student, Vicky Joice Dela Cruz, who dreams of becoming a lawyer to "help the poor," and 1st year college student Regine Sosing taking up BS Civil Engineer in University of the East. Regine is also a winner of July's Poetry Writing Amazing Challenge. These student role models are excellent students, very active at the student center and helpful to their student peers and leaders.

The girls were chosen for the great example they set for their fellow students. On Saturday, August 29th, Regine and Vicky were presented their certificates and National Bookstore gift certificate prizes after a celebratory lunch hosted by Outback Steakhouse (Glorietta), WE International Philippines' corporate partner. After lunch, the winners went shopping at National Bookstore. Thank you to Outback and congratulations, Regine and Vicky! WE wish you continued success and excellence in your academics and may you both continue to set such wonderful examples to all of your fellow sponsored students!

For those with Credit Cards, WE International Philippines welcomes REWARDS POINTS donations to claim Gift Certificates from bookstores and drugstores for prizes for WE Sponsored Students and formula, vitamins and other medicines needed in the Day Care Center!

Tagged As: Poverty, Smokey Mountain, Student of the Month, WE International Philippines, Young Focus

Posted In: News

WE Help

Posted By abee on 08.08.2009 • (0) 

Tagged As: Fundraiser, Intercare, Poverty, Smokey Mountain, WE Help, WE International Philippines

Posted In: Fundraiser, News

Birthday Bash in Smokey Mountain

Posted By abee on 08.03.2009 • (0) 

On August 1, 2009 WE International Philippines Co-Founder and Director Cecilia Martinez-Miranda just turned 19 and chose to celebrate her birthday in Smokey Mountain with friends, family and 50 high school and college kids in the student sponsorship program. She toured friends and family around the dump site, took them to visit Ate Victoria's daycare for the community's most malnourished children and then threw a party for the sponsored students. The kids had prepared a few special dance numbers for her, as well as greetings and a beautiful gift - a painting they had made that symbolizes their journey towards a prosperous life and how, no matter how successful they become, they will never forget where they came from. Wishing you a happy birthday, Cecilia, and may you continue to make a difference in the lives of children in Smokey Mountain!

Tagged As: Birthday, Cecilia Martinez-Miranda, Smokey Mountain, WE International Philippines

Posted In: News