Our parish priest asked us to be like Manny Pacquaio this Christmas.

I said, "Huh? Get a career in boxing, showbiz or politics?"

Actually, what the priest meant was to practice the the best evah boxer's mantra," It's better to give than to receive."

So if you have old clothes just acting as abode of roaches and mice in your cabinet, why not check for items which you think other people can still wear, wash them and go to the nearest David & Goliath outlet (Bonifacio High Street, Greenbelt 5 or Trinoma).

As an added incentive for your good deed, you'll get Php 200 David & Goliath coupon.

Here's the complete mechanics of this remarkable activity:
1. For every two (2) shirts donated *, get a 200php coupon that can be used when you purchase any regular-priced David & Goliath Tee.
2. Only one coupon can be used for each David & Goliath shirt purchased.
3. The coupon cannot be used in conjunction with other existing promos and/or discounts.
4. The coupon is transferable but not convertible to cash.
5. The coupon is valid until March 31, 2011.
6. You may drop your donations in any David & Goliath store

* any brand as long as they are in decent, wearable condition.
* Donation period is from December 10, 2010 to January 16, 2011.
* This project is for the benefit of the T-SHIRT DRIVE OF ROCK ED PHILIPPINES.

Visit http://www.facebook.com/davidandgoliathphilippines for details.

Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 8055 Series of 2010.

It broke my heart when I saw this news feature about Kneekos, a 7-year old boy from Bulacan who is suffering from a rare illness. Please take time to read about him and if you have extra something that you think can help Kneekos and his family, their contact info are indicated in the latter part of this post.

Below is the actual write-up posted last Nov. 5 on www.inquirer.net:

Kneekos Cortes, a 7-year-old boy from Marilao, Bulacan, suffers from Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis, a rare chronic, progressive encephalitis that causes psychoneurological deterioration, seizures, myoclonic spasms/jerks and decline in body functions.

Kneekos has been given one year to live by his doctors at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital where he is now confined.

Despite the prognosis, his mother, Carmelita, is hopeful that a miracle is not impossible.
The family’s present financial resources is not enough to help pay for the medicines the boy needs. His mother earns little as a house caretaker.

Kneekos has seven siblings, two of whom currently live with relatives. His eldest brother has stopped schooling to be able to help augment the family’s income.

Kind-hearted readers can contact Dr. Mary Gay Marasigan at 09175434788 if they want to help Kneekos. Donations can be coursed through his mother, Lita, by calling her at 09993281339 or through KIDS Foundation at 532-6907 or Tess Bucayan at 0917-8223520.

Image was taken from petcaravan.com

When I was young, I remember that the first pet I had was a cute white kitten. But our friendship didn't last long when my parents discovered that I have asthma. (Poor me)

But that was years and years ago and now I can cuddle a cat for as long as I want since I never had any asthma attacks in recent years. But as much as I want to keep a cat or any pet at home, we can't do it since my 1-year old son was also diagnosed with asthma. He must have got it from me (Sorry, Charles)

For those who would like to adopt a cat or a kitten, Hobbes and Landes in Bonifacio High Street in Taguig will host the CARA booth featuring rescued pets that are ready for adoption tomorrow, Oct. 23 from 4 to 9 p.m.

For more information, you can either email cara.adoption@gmail.com or call 0915-8405535. You may also want to visit www.caraphil.org.

Image taken from filstar.com.ph

Christmas is just around the corner. Well in our country, the anticipation starts on the first day of the Ber months.

Just in case you're thinking of a good gift to your love ones, why not consider sending those faraway home with a greeting card. Sure, sending snail mails or post card maybe a thing of a past for some people but many still appreciates receiving cards from love ones because you know that that person who sent that letter pour in his/ her heart out in writing a massage for you. I know because I have worked for two years as an OFW.

Then I read this item from www.filstar.com:

With compassion and hope as its prime driving force, Filstar has teamed up with the Leukemic Indigents Fund Endowment (l.i.f.e.) Foundation to create the charitable venture, Hallmark for l.i.f.e. Since its inception in 1995, Hallmark for l.i.f.e. has brought about the creation of a support system that raised public awareness and generated funds for young leukemic indigents through the sale of specially crafted Christmas cards.

Now on its 15th year, Hallmark for l.i.f.e. renews its commitment to these children whose tomorrows deserve a second chance. The 2010 collection of Hallmark for l.i.f.e. reflects the grandeur and sincerity of the Filipino celebration of Christmas. What has made this collection even more special are the local painters, photographers and art collectors who came together and wholeheartedly contributed their works to this noble cause.

Hallmark for l.i.f.e. Year 15 Collection features the masterpieces of famed artist Manuel Baldemor, Nani Reyes, Jovito Andres, Bernardo Maac, Dr Dan Lerma, Mamerto Ronan Yñigo, Dante Hipolito, Vincent “Bing” Reyes, Ysa Gernale, Charlie Val and Francis Nacion.

Christmas is a perfect time for people to strengthen the bonds with their fellowmen. Hallmark provides an opportunity to achieve that and even more. Through Hallmark for l.i.f.e., anyone can bring happiness, inspire hope and save lives with just a greeting card.

Hallmark cards are available in leading bookstores nationwide.

“There is only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it.”  This Chinese proverb perfectly defines how unconditional mother's love is

It's nice to hear that SM Department Store and ABS-CBN Publishing joined forces in coming up Special Moments bookazine, a compilation of photographs and articles showing the tender and joyful moments between mothers and their children.

Special Moments is a partnership between the two companies that highlights the beautiful time in Mom’s life when she is with her little ones. Featured in the pages of the bookazine are different families that willingly gave their time, talents and energy to share their little yet meaningful experiences.

Making their participation more special is that they also get to support the beneficiaries of this project — the kids of Bantay Bata 163, ABS-CBN Foundation advocacy arm focused on protecting the rights and ensuring the bright future of children. 

The next time you drop by an SM Mall, why not check thic bookzine for a cause which will help a lot of child in need.

As a member of the Aklan Socio-Civic Association (ASCA), I am on the look for any worthy project that we can conduct notr only in the province but also for other areas as well.

While searching onlinbe, I was routed to the official website of Global Volunteer Network who actually has an open call for individual and/ or group volunteers

Here's some info I got from the said website...

Volunteering Projects in Philippines. Join programs in teaching, health, environment, school building and maintenance, and cultural exchange, centered in Manila and in the Romblon province. You can choose from the following programs where you want to engage into:

Children's Program
School Building and Maintenance Program
Environment Program
Teaching Program
Health Program

Interested parties just need to fill-out a form posted in the website and a representative from the group will contact you.

In the Philippines, 60,000 to 100,000 children are trafficked annually (through both cross-border & internal trafficking), and most of these girls are to be sexually exploited.

The Philippines also ranks fourth in the world in terms of countries with the highest number of prostituted children.

Inspired by our founder Anita Roddick and her commitment and passion for justice, The Body Shop is proud to continue her fight against human trafficking, bringing awareness of this modern-day slave trade to world leaders and the global community.

To sign up to this worthwhile campaign to stop sex trafficking, just click HERE.

Guys, anyone there thinking of a great gift for a love one? Here's my suggestion: how about a caricature?

I am posting this to help a friend of Ms. Erlanie Manalo whom I stumbled upon in FB. Here's her actual note:

Hi Friends! I need your help regarding the baby of my High school friend Ren Bautista Chua. Her baby is sick, suffering from heart disease called junctional rhythm and she also have a hole in her heart. She would need a pacemaker to make her heart beat normal. That would cost P200-300k. We have fund raising project to finance Zoe's needs.

Jason, her husband is making caricature. for P1000, and additional P800 for every additional face in the artwork. Just send copy of your pictures... I hope you can help us by ordering caricature and circulating this fund raising project to your friend.

Here’s how to order:
1. Email your photo to zoecaricature@yahoo.com. Send 2-3 photos for reference.
2. Send the following details along with your photo.
...Name/ Contact No./ Specify Details (theme of the Caricature):
ex. Superman, playing golf, dancing queen, wedding, etc.
3. Please allow 5-7 working days for your caricature to be completed.
4. You will receive the artwork printed in 8x10 format.

PRICES:
Number of persons in a drawing: Price
1 P1000
2 P1800
3 P2600
4 P3400
5 P4200

*** Additional P800 for every additional person in the drawing
Add P100 for framed artwork
Add P200 for your caricature to be printed in mug.

NOTE: For orders outside Manila, there will be additional shipping cost.
Please send the payment to her bank account:
Account Name: Morena Amor Chua
Account Number: 658-3-658-15579
Bank: Metrobank Ortigas Emerald Ave.

Note: Email her the reference no./transaction no. once payment has been done.

For other inquiries, here’s her contact detail:
Mobile no. 0929-1156001
YM: chua.ren@yahoo.com
Email: zoecaricature@yahoo.com

In this post is a photo of Baby Zoe along with a sample caricature done by his dad. I myself is a father that's why I know what he's going through right now. I've been there not once but twice. Lost my first child in August 2007 and good thing my second kid survived pneumonia last December after 9 days in the hospital.

I hope this would reach people who can help baby Zoe. She's very cute even with a dextrose on. Pagaling ka agad, baby! Many people will help you!

All dog lovers, especially owners of Aspin (Asong Pinoy) should support this campaign/ advocacy. As a dog owner, I really wanted to be part of PAWS programs but could not find an opportunity to do so. On my own little way of spreading the news, I hope this can reach out to those who really care for animals. Below is an announcement published in Philippine Star last July 3, 2010.

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), in cooperation with Eastwood City and Pet Express, invites all aspin owners to have their pets pampered in "DOGGIE DAY OUT!", the second event of the PAWS Aspin Club to be held at the Eastwood Central Plaza on August 7 (sat) from 11am to 330pm.

The PAWS Aspin Club aims to improve how Filipinos view & treat native and mixed-breed dogs by celebrating the unique characteristics of these dogs and helping people make the right choice - the choice to care for aspins and be responsible dog owners.

This fund raising event will offer FREE dog baths, grooming service, dog massage, vet consultation, pet photo area and doggie treats to all existing members of the PAWS Aspin Club as well as those who will register their Aspins that day during the event.

The club is open to all native and mixed-breed dogs which must be friendly to both humans and other dogs. Dogs must be leashed at all times and owners must show their updated vaccination records upon registration.

The P250 annual membership fee will go to the PAWS Animal Shelter which takes care of aspins rescued from cruelty and neglect.

Registration starts 11am and will be open until the end of the event.

For inquiries, text 0917-8352405 or email pawsaspinclub@yahoo.com.

Any information about the whereabouts of Ellen Decena will be much appreciated.  Please pass/ share this post to your friends to help help family in locating her.

As indicated in the image above, she has a mental disability so just in case you happen to see her, you can approach police authorities to assist you in securing her while getting in touch to her family.

When I was young, one of my fantasies is to someday see my self acting on TV or in a film. I just thought that an actor's life is perfect and he will live happily ever after just like in the movies.

Well, here's two stories that will show that actors also go through ups and downs just like the ordinary us. I am posting this piece about local artists Angelika de la Cruz and Dick Israel just in case some of their fans would like to help them.

Here's an excerpt from Ms. Giselle Sanchez' column Gossip Girl posted at mb.com.ph:

Barely a month ago, drama actress Angelika de la Cruz lost her brother, Navotas councilor-elect Councilor Edward dela Cruz from a freak accident where his brother was run over by a truck. After a few weeks, she loses her uncle to pancreatitis. And now she is faced with another tribulation in her life as her brother Erick’s lungs collapsed and is in need of a lung transplant.

Her best friend in showbiz Jodi Sta. Maria empathized with Angelika being the breadwinner of the family who now has to pay funeral and medical bills way beyond what she is earning. Empathy turned into action as Jodi organized a fund-raising activity last July 10 in Barrakz Bar on Morato with Alamid, Francine Prieto, Diana Zubiri and many other stars who contributed their talents. Angelika’s brother Erick dela Cruz is still confined at the Lung Center. Parties who are interested to donate may drop their donations at BPI Family Savings Bank number 7526117543 under the account name of Ma. Lourdes Casareo.

Dick Israel was taping for a television program in ABS-CBN when he encountered a stroke which almost led to aneurism. His showbiz friends Marissa Sanchez and Richard Merk decided to raise funds for his hospital bills and therapy. “Iba na ang Masamang Damo, Mabuhay ka Dick Israel” will be the title of the show that will feature several stars and singers in Merk’s Bar and Restaurant in Greenbelt Makati on July 26.

Please call Merk’s at 7574720 for tickets. Those interested to donate directly to Dick Israel may drop it at the bank account of Dick’s doting wife Melinda Michaca, PS Bank 166111011305.

It's been years now that I wanted to participate in a fun run or run for a cause event.  It just that every time I plan of joining one, one reason or another will get on my way and forget the whole plan.

One of my "missions to accomplish" before the 2010 end is to join at least one of the scheduled runs this year.  Via goggle, I was able to find some one event per month along with their advocacy. 

PBA Run for a Cause (July 31 @ MOA) for the beneficiaries: Cancer and Hematology Department. of PCMC- Children sufferring from CANCER.

Run To Read (August 15 @ Bonifacio Global City) was designed to raise funds to build and restore libraries for less fortunate communities in various parts of the Philippines

Race to Save the Barako Tree (September 4 @ The Fort) which  aims to raise funds in support of the farmers who grow and preserve the native Barako Tree which is believed to produce one of the world's finest coffee.

Run for Pasig River (October 10) with various starting points but all events converge at the SM Mall of Asia:

    * 3K: SM Mall of Asia
    * 5K: Luneta Park
    * 10K: Bonifacio Global City
    * 21K: SM Marikina

Now, my running shoes will finally taste its true essence of existence (I hope).

I found this news about the HOPE Donor Card from www.inquirer.net:

"Over the past decade, the Philippines has gained an international reputation as a hub for the illegal traffic in human organs from living donors, with some hospitals catering to wealthy foreign patients requiring kidney transplants.
The DOH head issued an administrative order on the program, which she said “shall set the policies and guidelines for a deceased donors program for our country that will be feasible, equitable and ethical.”

At the same time, the nongovernmental group, Human Organ Preservation Effort (HOPE) launched its “Organ Donor Card Project.”

A HOPE donor card is the “equivalent of a legal consent document” allowing an individual to donate any of his body organ or organs shortly after his death.

"Before a person can become a cadaver donor, he or she must be certified as brain dead.

Once tagged as brain dead, among the organs that can be harvested from the donor include kidneys, the liver, bone marrow, pancreas, lungs, corneas and the heart.

For those without HOPE donor cards, a signed consent of the nearest kin is needed.

On the other hand, the only organs that can be donated under “living-related organ donations” are one kidney, bone marrow and a part of the liver, provided they would not cause any danger to the donor’s life."

For interested parties, you may call the HOPE office located at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) at tel nos. 924-3601 to 19 or you may visit www.redcop.org.

I saw this missing person announcement from the multiply site of Araneta Center. FYI just in case you happen to see an old man whom you suspect might be lost. Advance thank you for those who can give a tip of information of his whereabouts.


64-year-old Dante Millar was last seen at Ali Mall on July 7 wearing a white sando and floral shorts.

He is sick, walks very slow and has poor vision without his eyeglasses.

If you have any information regarding his whereabouts, please call 0920.9242799

Baby Bella

I was browsing my fellow contest blogger Pinay Mommy's I LuV ContEsts aNd MoRe!! when I saw her post about her baby Bella who has hernia.

In her post, she is offering a blog review for $10 to help her daughter for her Hernia operation. When a hernia is not repaired, it may become strangulated.

I am not really familiar with hernia so I made a little research about it. According to emedicinehealth.com hernia occurs when the contents of a body cavity bulge out of the area where they are normally contained. These contents, usually portions of intestine or abdominal fatty tissue, are enclosed in the thin membrane that naturally lines the inside of the cavity. Although the term hernia can be used for bulges in other areas, it most often is used to describe hernias of the lower torso.

I have a soft spot for babies and kids in need because I have a one year old son. Last December, my wife and I were helpless to see him battle pneumonia. Good thing, after nine days of hospital confinement, he was allowed to go home although it was only recently that we discovered that he also has asthma. We know her sister baby Monique is watching him from up above.

So if any blogger out there who wish to help Baby Bella, please send Bella's godmother Pehpot an email (pehcats@gmail.com) and place "Blog Review for a Cause" as subject plus the URL of the blog you wish to be reviewed.

To Pinay Mommy aka Mommy Rubz, I hope you don't mind me posting this along with your cute baby's photo. God bless you and hopefully Baby Bella will get his operation soon

I am launching my newest blog today. I call this my advocacy blog with the aim of bridging those people in need to those who are willing to give.

For months now, It has been fun sharing online treasures (freebies, promotions, contests) to the readers of my contest blog Mapanghingi Ka Ba? Then I came to realize that if there are people who like to win free stuff, there should be some people out there who would love to share something to others.

Thus, Mapagbigay Ka ba is born! I want to see this blog as a source of information as to where people can go if they want to give or donate stuff. I'll be more than glad to welcome suggestions, tips and comments from you, guys. So, this blog will be a helpful tool for every Juan in need.

Some of you might be wondering, why on Earth I chose a cartoon character like Eek the Cat as an image post this post. We'll, I was a big fan of this cartoon series from the 90's. Eek is a very funny feline whose only intention in life is to do good but often end up in misadventures by doing so. But he never let troubles to stop him. With broken limbs, swollen head and scarred face he would still proudly shout out his famous line "It never hurts to help"