Volunteered at Ateneo! We repacked relief goods for the Typhoon Odette victims 🤍 To donate relief goods, please contact the Tanging Yaman Foundation. God bless you!
Heroes For Children 2021
I joined @unicefphils’ #heroesforchildren2021 because I wanted to stay fit and healthy while a) releasing my first book and b) helping children in need! I enjoyed this challenge and I am grateful to have finished the race 💙 #fitspo @runrio_inc
Hair for Hope
I would like to thank Hair for Hope for recognizing my donation. I feel fantastic after donating my hair!
I encourage you to consider donating to Hair for Hope as well. Please visit their Facebook page for more details. Thank you!
World Vision Virtual Community Visit
Last June 4, we had a Virtual Community Visit to Baseco, Manila with World Vision Philippines. As a World Vision sponsor for the past fourteen years, I appreciated the online tour around Baseco. I felt blessed to be a part of this organization that champions children’s education and community development.
It was heartwarming to know that the children’s education has been uninterrupted during the pandemic, and that the livelihood training for their family members has been continuously thriving. One example was the tailoring shop where Baseco mothers found steady income and employment. Aside from that, World Vision also provided values training, financial literacy, and food assistance.
I look forward to more years of being a World Vision Child Sponsor! To also become a child sponsor, visit the World Vision website to learn more. And to help support World Vision’s blended learning initiatives during the pandemic, please donate via their Shopee page!
Thank you and God bless us all!
TikTok has officially turned over its US$150,000 donation to the Philippine National Red Cross
TikTok has officially turned over its US$150,000 donation to the Philippine National Red Cross in support of the organization's disaster relief efforts. This is part of TikTok's #TikTokTogetherPH initiative, where a total of US$300,000 was committed to support select partner organizations with their typhoon relief programs, as well as a fundraising concert featuring top local artists and the app's content creators. In photo are Philippine Red Cross Secretary General Elizabeth Zavalla and Chairman and CEO Sen. Richard Gordon. According to Philippine National Red Cross, the funds will be used for food, shelter and medical assistance for those who were affected by the recent typhoons.
Source: Fifth Gear PR
MASHAV Israel Scholars Gift Learning Equipment to Nueva Ecija Schools
Shalom Club Philippines, Inc. – Nueva Ecija Chapter held their annual holiday activity by donating printing materials to three schools in Nueva Ecija, namely: Alberto G. Bautista Elementary School, Maringalo Elementary School, and Puncan Elementary School.
Shalom Club is the international organization of professionals who received MASHAV scholarship training in Israel. The Philippines has produced MASHAV scholars from various sectors through the years.
MASHAV, through the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines, also contributed to the activity by donating printers and additional copy papers to each school. MASHAV Officer Ms. Gladys Baniqued-Turiano represented the embassy during the turnover ceremony of the learning equipment.
The MASHAV scholars provided support to the distance learning approach of the schools due to the pandemic. In lieu of their annual Share-A-Lunch and gift giving with students from the province, Shalom Club opted to adjust their activity based on the needs of these schools.
Israel recently donated learning equipment to the Department of Education of the Philippines to help its continuous efforts in coping up with the pandemic and to aid in providing distance learning to the Filipino students. Israel also built a hand washing facility at Makati High School and Quirino High School to give emphasis on the importance of hand washing in helping control the spread of COVID-19.
Source: Embassy of Israel, Manila
Octopals!
I have been volunteering as a crocheter since the lockdown was imposed last March 2020. The corona virus has cancelled all my events and outside work, so I dedicated my energy and skills to donating earsavers to medical frontliners via Earsavers for Lifesavers PH. Since the project has already attracted numerous volunteer crocheters across the Philippines, I have joined another charity called Bayaniyarn. They donate crocheted and knitted beanies and octopus amigurumi dolls to premature babies at government hospital NICUs across the country. So far, I have already finished a box of Monaco mercerized cotton and crocheted 22 octopals for preemies.
I am enjoying this new project so far, and I have also crocheted a few beanies already. I hope to turn these over to Bayaniyarn in time for Christmas.
Please also consider volunteering for Bayaniyarn if you know how to knit or crochet! It will make your heart fuller and your quarantine more meaningful.
40 For Rizal Medical Center
I recently dispatched 40 earsavers to the nurses of Rizal Medical Center. This marks my last batch of earsaver donations. It has been a privilege to volunteer for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH, the nonprofit that has inspired me to help frontliners while under quarantine.
I have donated over 2,950 earsavers to our brave frontliners. It was an honor to get to know some of these frontliners virtually, and I also gained new friends through the nonprofit. I realized that I am capable of serving others even while I am at home. I will never forget this experience.
For now, I will go back to freelance writing, and volunteering for other organizations. I will also crochet and knit for fun whenever I have the time.
I hope that you will also find it in your heart to volunteer during the pandemic. It is the best way to boost our frontliners’ morale and it will also give you immeasurable joy.
God bless us all!
155 for JRRMMC
I dispatched 155 earsavers to the nurses of Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC). It was a real joy to make these for this hospital. My first donation to JRRMMC was back in April. Now, I am donating to the nurses to support their continuing fight against Covid-19.
It is a joy to make these earsavers for our frontliners. Let us continue to support them and follow health guidelines to flatten the curve. God bless us all!
100 More for Fabella
I dispatched 100 earsavers to the brave frontliners of Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital. This is my second time to donate to this hospital. My first time to donate earsavers to Fabella was last April 27. Since then, I was blessed to have plenty of yarn to make over 2,000 earsavers for health care workers.
I am a proud volunteer for Earsavers for Livesavers PH Community, which has given me a platform to serve our frontliners from home. The Covid-19 virus is still upon us. I hope that we will continue to help our frontliners and do our part to flatten the curve.
Godbless us all!
250 More For Dagupan
I am thankful that I still have yarn and buttons as I was able to donate 250 earsavers to the frontliners of Region 1 Medical Center Dagupan City. Making these earsavers has been therapeutic for me, and I hope that these will bring comfort to our heroic healthcare workers.
Please consider donating materials, volunteering as a delivery angel, or as a crafter for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH. Together, we can all fight this unseen virus with faith and perseverance.
Donate Blood Today!
I recently donated blood! I try to donate every three months because it’s the easiest way to help others. I regularly visit the Philippine Red Cross Quezon City Chapter for my donations as this is the center closest to my home.
Please do take note of the medical check-up that will be conducted onsite prior to bleeding. You will then be advised if you are a suitable donor.
To increase your chances of being a suitable donor, eat a heavy breakfast and avoid smoking or drinking prior to donating. I don’t smoke and I only drink socially so this isn’t an issue with me.
Also, females must donate before having their monthly period to ensure that their hemoglobin levels are stable.
Please also consider donating blood, especially during this pandemic. The Philippine Red Cross provides free transportation during the pandemic for donors. Social distancing is fully enforced. Please wear a mask and face shield at the center at all times.
God bless us all!
A Positive Impact
I went shopping the other day for purposeful items which will benefit our heroic frontliners. I want to help in my own small way during the enhanced community quarantine. Fortunately, two of my favorite brands have offered to make it easier for me to pay it forward.
Rags 2 Riches has recently released their summer collection aptly named Sol. It is a joyful collection of bags and clothes made of upcycled materials. As always, each item is made by Filipino artisans.
Proceeds will go to frontliners and families affected by the pandemic. This was enough for me to support this worthy cause.
Image from Pulseras by Kim
Another local brand that I continue supporting is Pulseras by Kim. The jewelry brand has recently dropped a fundraiser collection to benefit frontliners as well. I bought this locket, which featured a free photo printing service with each purchase. Of course, this made the decision to purchase easier.
Shopping for a cause is one of my favorite things to do. I hope that you will also support brands that pay it forward, because we can all make a difference even while at home.
He Cares This Christmas
Here are a few reasons why volunteering for He Cares Mission is a good idea:
You get to serve delicious lunch to underserved children.
You get to be with friends! Here I am with college friend Kath.
You will believe in God’s providence! Their kitchen is enough to restore my faith in a generous God.
You will bond with the kids who are essentially the heart of the mission.
You will be reminded of God’s mercy and love, with every plate you serve to these children!
Please consider being a donor or volunteer at He Cares Mission! For more information, please visit their Facebook page.
God bless you!
Human Nature Online Store Launch
My Human Nature Online Store is now LIVE! You may now place your orders on my very own shop.
I attended the launch of their online store for dealers (like me!), as well as the release of their new hair mist, cooling body cleanser, and odor protect feminine wash.
My new online store is a side-hustle and passion project which I hope you will support!
By getting my own link, https://humanheartnature.com/buy/speakoutsam, I am able to sell Human Nature products under my name. Human Nature’s website allows convenient payment options such as credit card, PayPal, and bank deposit. In addition to that, delivery will be conducted via Human Nature’s system as well so it is an easy and worry-free business for me.
​I celebrated the opening of my store with a veggie skillet at Breakfast Bin.
I also went to my favorite waxing salon for some self-care.
Here’s to more small wins and milestones ahead! I hope that you will buy from my online store soon and experience Human Nature products yourself. Thank you and God bless you!
Calado Earrings
I have always been a supporter of locally-made items, handmade businesses, and social enterprises.
These three factors all make up Calado, a heritage jewelry brand owned by Tricia Ancheta. I met her during my Banaue trip, and I was fascinated with her handmade earrings once I viewed them online. Her merchandise are handmade by plateros or silversmiths in Dauis, Bohol. These craftspeople have inherited the art of jewelry-making from their ancestors, who learned the skill during the Spanish regime.
The jewelry are all made of sterling silver, with the option of having them dipped in 24k. Since my style leans toward edgy and minimalist, Tricia personally helped me select the pair which would suit my taste. Her suggestion, the Mirasol spiral hoop earrings in sterling silver, was perfect and I bought them with no regrets.
I love the premium packaging and classy presentation of my purchase.
My Mirasol hoops looks even better in person! Check out the intricate detail, which is a trademark of Dauis jewelry-making.
My favorite thing about Calado earrings is that they are lightweight! Tricia wanted to present a brand of earrings that she could comfortably wear (and buy, as the prices are reasonable for the amazing quality of the pieces).
The story of Calado is included inside their jewelry boxes.
I am delighted to own a pair of Calado earrings and I hope that more ladies will discover this local, handmade, and social-enterprise-made brand! I will rock these earrings in my everyday life and fancier events.
The earrings make me feel beautiful and classy!