SOS Children's Villages Philippines

Invitation from DZXL

2009-05-24T21:16:00.001-07:00

Partnership with Copacabana Hotel

2009-05-24T21:10:00.001-07:00

Partnership with Alabang Town Center

2009-05-24T21:05:00.000-07:00

Partnership with Bistro Group

2009-05-24T21:04:00.001-07:00

Your YES to SOS

2009-01-15T18:26:00.000-08:00

Greetings of Peace and Love from SOS Children’s Villages Philippines!!!

BE AN ADVOCATE FOR CHILDREN IN NEED.

Children who receive the care of an SOS family experience the healing love that they deserve. They are now living with their SOS Mothers, together with brothers and sisters, in safe and secure homes. To date, 962 children are cared for in our eight (8) SOS Children’s Villages.

If you have families and friends who wish to be involved in the cause, you may pass this on as well.

May we have a happier, child-friendly society. More power and blessings to you.

All the Best,

Carla Asperilla

SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGES
PHILIPPINES
A loving home for every child.
Mindanao Drive, Ayala Alabang Village
Muntinlupa City
Tel. Nos.: 807.0764 / 850.9654
www.sosphilippines.org

SOS Christmas Cantata on December 6 and 15, 2008...See You There!!!

2008-11-23T21:01:00.000-08:00

Aboout the Millenium Development Goals

2008-10-16T20:52:00.000-07:00

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight goals to be achieved by 2015 that respond to the world’s main development challenges. The MDGs are drawn from the actions and targets contained in the Millennium Declaration that was adopted by 191 member countries of the United Nations,during the UN Millennium Summit in September 2000.

This unprecedented global framework for development is a crucial step towards ending poverty and inequality.

However, at the halfway point to the 2015 deadline for the achievement of the Goals, we have seen some progress, but much more needs to be done. Urgent action must be taken by nations if they are to fulfill their promise to achieve the MDGs. Since agreeing to make the MDGs a key framework for international action and cooperation to reduce poverty, much progress has been made.

But despite the gains, no region in the world is on-track to achieve all of the Goals, and some regions are off-track on many of them. Uurgent action is needed to implement sound policies to achieve the Goals set in 2000, and deliver on the promise made to the world’s poor in the Millennium Declaration:

“We will spare no effort to free our fellow men, women and children from the abject and dehumanising conditions of extreme poverty, to which more than a billion of them are currently subjected”

The eight MDGs break down into 21 quantifiable targets that are measured by 60 indicators. The eight MDGs are:

eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
achieve universal primary education
promote gender equality and empower women
reduce child mortality
improve maternal health
combat HIV/AIDs, malaria and other diseases
ensure environmental sustainability
develop a global partnership for development

The MDGs:

synthesise, in a single package, many of the most important commitments made separately at the international conferences and summits of the 1990s;
recognise explicitly the interdependence between growth, poverty reduction and sustainable development
acknowledge that development rests on the foundations of democratic governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights and peace and security
are based on time-bound and measurable targets accompanied by indicators for monitoring progress;
bring together, in the eighth Goal, the responsibilities of developing countries with those of developed countries

Ang Lingkod Ng Panginoon Alabang in fellowship with SOS Kids

2008-10-09T21:52:00.000-07:00

From Lestie Deveza:

The concept of SOS is so beautiful. I felt that these kids were truly at home with each other and with their foster mom. It's great knowing that there are people who work for the good of others who really need help. A happy home is such an important environment that will build a child's character. These children are so blessed to have a second chance to have such happy characters.

stardustcarla wrote on Oct 8
thank you so much Les for sharing this.... such happy pictures!!!...di naman masyadong halata that we all enjoyed the experience. :-) truly, I thank God for allowing each of us to be vessels of love for these children because, as you all felt it, they were all fighting for your attention ....yearning and hungry for your company. I'm so happy to see them happy and to see all of you happy too. It is such a blessing when two of the most important things in my life intertwine into one joyful moment of letting our hearts burn for the love that we can unselfishly share for the children.love you!!!

reply
cfemocha wrote on Oct 9

kuyang kuya ang arrive..:)

From bugobugo85 (http://bugobugo85.wordpress.com): Gang Bang at Ayala Alabang

2008-10-07T23:09:00.000-07:00

Posted in Uncategorized on October 5, 2008 by bugobugo

(21) 05 October 2008 - Hope in Motion 3 @ AAV- this was a 10k no frills run for the benefit of S.O.S. Starting at the back of the pack,behind bunches and bunches of funwalkers,i did not have clear estimate of how many 10k runners were there.i met bald runner, sir jovie for the first time and jay,the pc,junc(first introduction as well) before the race as we were doing warmups.i also saw patrick(aka running shield), ben chan the fotog, atty. felipe dumpit of s.o.s/la union,the happy feet posse plus jaymie the bull runner(you seem to be on a winning streak lately,congratulations!) after the finish and her buddy annie whom i have yet to meet personally.met for the first time manokan express himself,jinoe.funny but we get introduced by our “road” names ,have you noticed? plus of course a few other familiar running faces.

the race started late at around past 6:30am that while chatting at the back with br,we got left behind by the pack and by then the sun was up.i was contented to run at a leisurely pace making targets out of the slower runners as an incentive to go a little faster.being a first-time runner of the aav area, the route seemed endless but the trees ,wide roads, light vehicular traffic and largely unpolluted atmosphere made up for a good sunday run.i was consciously preserving my energy because this was just a prelude to another round.

finally,it was the finish line in sight and as agreed before the 10k start,sir jovie,pc,lester and gigi(the fitmommy) and myself went out again to do a comfortable 10k run by doing the same exact loop.gigi begged off after a few minutes and so it was sir jovie and jay and myself together(incidentally,we are confirmed participants of the bataan death march 102k) with lester and his buddy charging ahead. knowing how seasoned these two companions of mine were, i tried my best to stay abreast and they were gracious enough to stay at pace with me till the end.it was my 1st time to run relatively late and under a sun that was beginning to really heat up everything.altogether,we had a good gang bang of the streets of ayala alabang.

another 20/20 weekend for me. i am starting to feel good about my training. still building on that endurance for the coming ultra.rest day for the running bones and rubbers today and tomorrow.

tuesday onwards is another running story waiting to be told.

8 Comments »

From Prometheus (http://prometheuscometh.wordpress.com): Even the best laid plans: Hope in Motion 3 Recap

2008-10-07T23:05:00.000-07:00

October 5, 2008 in running, training | Tags: Ayala Alabang Village, Hope in Motion 3, running, SOS Children's Village | 10 comments

I thought I had it all figured out.

I would join the 10K fun run of Hope in Motion 3. The race route would be one 10K loop inside Ayala Alabang Village, the stomping grounds of the Bullrunner and Runningshield. I would be able to do almost 3 loops to complete my 18 mile long run for the day, try out running in AAV for the first time, and help out a good cause! Jonel who was also running in AAV for the first time would also be running an additional 10k or more after the 10K run. Jun C who had completed a long run after Gabriel’s Symphony last weekend mentioned that he needed to do a long run as well and would be joining me before and after the 10K run depending on the time he arrived. Thanks to him, I was able to register for this run.

I woke up at almost 4 a.m. which was later than I wanted since I wanted to start running at 4:30 a.m.. While there was no traffic on the road, getting to AAV was a little confusing since they changed the exit from the tollway. I arrived at the SOS Village at 5 a.m. and while I was parking Jun C called up to ask where I was. He probably thought I was somewhere in the village doing my workout already cause when i told him i was parking he said that I was already late.

I got my bib from the organizers, attached my heart rate monitor, and slathered on petroleum jelly. I was trying to figure out whether to bring the hydration pack but I figured I could just refuel after the first loop. As Jun and I started our run I had a difficult time inserting the key into my shorts’ inner pocket. The key was too long and it would not fit into the pocket properly. Finally, I managed to get it in but it would be a sign of things to come. While running on Madrigal Avenue, we saw Jaymie who waved to us. Ahh…the advantages of living right where the race is being held.

There was some confusion about what time the run would start. Earlier I bumped into Ben Chan and he told me that someone said 6:00 then 6:15. I thought it would start at 6:30. Jun C wanted to make it back for the start so after 5K he decided to stop and do some stretching. By this time, there were quite a number of people at the start already. I saw the fitmommy and Baldrunner among the crowd. I ran another 3K before stopping thinking that the run would start soon. Big mistake. It must have been another 10 minutes before it did. I could hear the stretching routing being led by Annie inside the compound while I chatted with some of the runners who were there while waiting. I also managed to meet Patrick C aka Runningshield.

I was actually planning on running a this run at long run pace but because of that 10 minute lag I decided to run faster. How fast? No idea. I had never run a race after an 8km run. When I saw Annie zoom past me, I thought what the heck! We went up Madrigal Avenue and I had latched on to one of the foreigners running the race. As we turned left into Country Club Drive, we hit a series of hills. During this part of the race, George came up to me and introduced himself as a reader of this blog. He had joined this run after a long lay off following the Makiling run. Despite that, I thought he was doing quite well as he could still tell his story in the middle of our run. A little later on, Baldrunner and Lester pass me and I would just be behind them for the second half of the run. Unofficially, I finished at 52:28 over a 10.2KM. I changed my shirt, finished a bottle of Pocari, and ate some GU while waiting for the other guys to come in. At this time, the sun was high up in the sky already. A group with Baldrunner, fitmommy, Jonel, Lester, Nico and George started out first to do another 10K. Jun C, Jaymie, Annie and I followed soon after. Everyone in my group was planning do run 5K only, so upon reaching Country Club Drive they turned around and I ran after the first group.

The heat and the hills made this last loop punishing. When I reached BR and jonel, Lester and George were further down the road from them. At the start we were talking to each other but as the run progressed, all conversation ceased. I don’t know about the others but I was fully concentrated on finishing the run. Sometimes I would be at the lead then the 2 would move on ahead. We managed to catch up with the last 10K fun runners just as we reached SOS Village.

People were slowly packing up to go by then but I still caught some of the Happy Feet runners as they were about to go. I finally met Jinoe (of Manokan Express) and Quenie (the dinosuar killing Supergirl). I did some stretching, changed into dry clothes and started the long drive home while eating another peanut butter sandwich.

It certainly did not turn out the way I planned it would but I had a lot of fun and I think even if I did not do my long run the way I should have I think I still tested myself harder than I normally would have if it had been just a pure long run. Hope in Motion 3’s 10K Fun Run was a blast and I was happy to have been to have been there.

Total Distance : 18 miles Total Time : 2:49:45 Ave. Pace : 9:28/mi Ave. HR : 152

From the Baldrunner (http://baldrunner.com): HIM3 @ Ayala Alabang

2008-10-07T23:01:00.000-07:00

6:30 AM 05 October 2008 @ “Hope In Motion 3″/Ayala Alabang

I woke up at 4:20 AM, took my pre-race ritual, shaved my head, made sure to wear a red-colored running shirt as instructed for the 10K runners, ate oatmeal with ripe banana, and wore my new NIKE Lunarlite Racer. I really wanted to use this new NIKE racer shoes for this particular 10K race, my first 10K race since I arrived from the USA. I had a hard time looking for this kind of shoes when I was in Los Angeles. I only found this shoes being sold at the NIKE Store at The Grove-Farmers Market Shopping Mall at 3rd Street in Fairfax District.

I arrived at the SOS Children’s Village inside Ayala Alabang at 5:30 AM and immediately went to the registration area. I was able to get my race bib without any problems. While my race bib was being pinned by my staff, I saw Bugobugo & Miko having their warm-up and had a brief chat with them. This was my first time to see Bugobugo after months of being a constant visitor and “commentor” to this blog. I also started to have my stretching and warm-up jog until I started to sweat. I saw JunC, Totoy and Prometheus having their warm-up jog along the streets near the starting area. Later, I saw Patrick, Bull Runner, Ben Chan, Annie and the rest of the Happy Feet Runners. We had more conversations among the bloggers at the back of the rest of the runners at the starting area. It was only when one of my staff shouted at me that the race had started. We did not know that the race had started already!!!We had to catch up with the people/runners lined up at the front as we came from the farthest part of the starting area. We had to run through the group of fun walkers before we reached the starting line.

No problem, I said to myself and pressed the start button of my GF 305 once I passed the starting line of the race. As I passed the slower runners on the first kilometer of the race, I made sure that I should maintain an even pace of 5:00 minutes per kilometer. Some of the runners I passed shouted my name “Bald Runner” and I had to acknowledge by just trying to look/glance at them and wave my hand and kept going with my pace.

As I reached the wide Country Club Drive, the runners thinned out and I could see from a distance “runner-bloggers” and slowly reached and passed them one by one. Little did I know that Lester, a faster runner from previous 10K runs and a donor of my Project Donate A Shoe, was at my tail and was trying to pace with me with another runner in front of me. The three of us consistently ran as a group until we reached the finish line. My running pace was below 5:00-min pace per kilometer for the whole 10K run. My GF 305 registered a time of 50:24 minutes for a distance of 10.24 kilometers. The following were the data I got from my GF 305:

Distance—10.24 kms Time—50:24 mins

Average Pace—4:55 mins/km Average Speed—12.2 kms/hr

Maximum Speed—14.9 kms/hr Total Calories—759 cal

Average HR—166 bpm Maximum HR—172 bpm

Total Ascent—212 meters Total Descent—232 meters

I was impressed on the wide, shaded with big acacia trees, and the rolling paved streets of Ayala Alabang. There were not much vehicles along the roads and the streets are “pedestrian/cyclist friendly”. There were lots of cyclists with nice kits and bikes.

As planned, after a brief rest, water break, and photo-ops with Happy Feet members and bloggers, I made another run along the 10K route with Bugobugo, Lester, Prometheus, and another runner whom I forgot his name who ran side by side with me during the 10K run. The Fit Mommy, whom I met at the Finish Line for the first time, joined us for the 1st kilometer but later decided to peel-off due to an appointment. The second loop run was a slow run with an average pace of 6:30 mins/km. The other runners with me were still strong as we finished the slow run in 1:07 hours.

Before leaving the place, I was able to meet and had conversation with Jinoe aka Manokan Express and Atty Felipe Dumpit, a fellow Ilocano from La Union, who organized the said race.

I had fun and memorable experience running along the roads of Ayala Alabang, finishing a nice 10K race and a 20K long run for the week.

From the Bullrunner: Hope In Motion 3 (http://thebullrunner.com)

2008-10-07T22:56:00.000-07:00

In the October issue of Runner’s World, it says that a cup or two of coffee an hour before a race may cut your time by 30 seconds. Although I wasn’t aiming to break my PR (I don’t think I ever will beat my 46.57 10k PR), I opted for coffee instead of my usual pre-race drink of Rush together with, as always, 3 sheets of graham crackers. Big mistake.

By the time I stood on Mindanao Ave. in Ayala Alabang awaiting the start of the race along with other runners (the larger group of 6k walkers were behind us), I had paid the toilet a visit 4 times already! Good thing the race started just a little after 6:30 a.m. giving me enough time to give my bladder a little scolding.

When the gun went off, my bladder was empty (thank God!), I was feeling strong, and I felt completely race ready. I ran out of Mindanao Ave. towards Visayas Ave. going a wee bit faster than I thought I should. I hate to admit it but I had no strategy for this race. My only plan was to conserve energy for the gradual ascent along Country Club Drive and, after that, I felt I could go as fast as I wanted knowing the route would be mostly flat until the finish line.

I ran at around 5:15-5:30 enjoying the familiar route I was running. Annie passed me early in the race and I watched her outpace runners one by one. On Madrigal Ave., Bald Runner and I were able to exchange a few words before he ran ahead of me. Just like in Gabriel Symphony last weekend, JunC was a few meters in front of me so he pretty much became my involuntary pacer. Surprisingly, I was pretty well-behaved at this race feeling no need nor compulsion to chase any runner down; this bull was good and tame that morning.

By the time we hit the dreaded ascent of Country Club Drive, a foreign lady runner swept by me and it was fine by me. She seemed awfully strong and I didn’t want to bust my lungs climbing up that hill. Before I knew it, the short climb was over and we made our way towards the flat roads of University Ave. Woohoo, there was nothing to be afraid of anymore!

My experience on these roads proved to be helpful as I watched other runners climbing up sidewalks along Country Club Drive, while I confidently stayed on the paved roads knowing it would be easier to just stay where I was. On University Ave., as other runners crossed to the right side of the road, I stayed on the left because the trees would provide shade from the intense heat. Yup, Patrick was right about having a home court advantage!

As we neared the finish, I felt I still had enough energy to sprint to the finish. Nearing Anahaw, I started to increase my pace and enjoyed the rhythm of each step. I crossed the finish line back at Mindanao Ave. with a time of 55.38 min for 10.27km according to my Garmin. My average pace was 5.25 min/km.

I peeked into the list of finishers and saw Annie in 1st place with the lady foreigner in 2nd place. I placed 3rd! So, I guess the coffee did me well.

Together with Annie, Jun, and Prometheus Cometh (who extended his run even after we headed back), I ran another 5km around the village. Total of 15km for the day. Just perfect.

- 10km Winners: Annie (1st), French lady (2nd), and myself -

Tags: Alabang, Hope in Motion, SOS Village
Posted in Races | 13 Comments »

World Youth Alliance: 1st GA - Project DDD Volunteer Briefing

2008-09-17T01:20:00.000-07:00

The World Youth Alliance (WYA) is a global coalition of young people committed to
promoting the dignity of the person and building solidarity among youth from developed and
developing nations. We train young people to work at the regional and international levels to
impact policy and culture. Through this lived experience of the dignity of the person, young
people are able to affirm life at all levels of society. Founded in 1999, WYA now has regional
offices in Africa (Nairobi), Asia Pacific (Manila), Europe (Brussels), Latin America (Mexico
City) and North America (New York) and embraces over 1 million members from over 100
nationalities.

Next year will be a momentous year for WYA as it celebrates its 10th year of untiring work
towards creating a deeper understanding of human dignity and the promotion of solidarity
among the world’s nations. All five regions will be staging their respective celebrations.

What: Project DDD – Decade of Dignity and Development. Call for volunteers and committee
and sub-committee heads for major activities next year to celebrate WYA’s 10th year
anniversary

HAIRSPRAY The Musical

2008-09-10T03:40:00.000-07:00

In Hairspray, it's 1962 - the '50s are out and change is in the air. Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion--to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance program, "The Corny Collins Show" and, overnight, is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the program's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her 'do? Only in Hairspray!

Welcome to the '60s!

The musical features an original score by Marc Shaiman (who co-wrote the music and lyrics for the acclaimed animated musical, South
Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut) and Scott Wittman. Their songs
take Tracy from the soundstage of a 60's-style dance show
to the streets of Baltimore to a downtown rhythm and blues
record shop.

Hairspray went on to win 8 Tony Awards including
Best Musical and has also become one of the most
successful and popular movie musicals starring
JohnTravolta, Zach Efron and Michelle Pfeiffer.

For its Philippine Tour, the Hairspray cast will be composed of Madel Ching, Micheal de Mesa,
Nyoy Volante, Tim Espinosa, Monica Reynoso, Christine Allado, Menchu Lauchenco-Yulo, and Dulce to name a few.

Tickets are valued at P800 and P600. 15% of proceeds will benefit SOS Children's Villages Philippines. BUY NOW !!!. Seats are on a first come, first served basis. Call 8070764 / 8509654.

October Children's Month Celebration

2008-09-10T03:38:00.000-07:00

Committed Volunteers

2008-08-06T23:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Papa Noel,

Thank you so much for you kind words of encouragement. We truly appreciate how the SOS community has welcomed us and for Carla's kind assistance in scheduling our meetings and activities.

Being mothers ourselves, we can understand the concerns the SOS mothers, most especially with regards to running a household and raising a family. We pray that these projects will someday be successful in addressing the issues that we and the SOS mothers discussed in our meeting.

We are inspired by you, Mr. Tejada, Carla and the SOS admin, and by the SOS mothers, who have so willingly and selflessly chosen this path to give these children a better life and future. We are very grateful to you for giving us the opportunity to help others and hopefully make a difference in our own small way.

Patricia

(On 5 Aug 2008, at 4:23 PM, Noel A. Leyson wrote:)

Dear Patricia,

I’m being updated by Carla about what your group of friends is doing for SOS Children’s Village Manila’s mothers and children—FOR LOVE! Going over your several “projects” gives one the impression that they are all well thought out and full of respect for the “beneficiaries” , not as charity objects but as persons. I’m inspired and humbled by your commitment to be good and do good for those in need of help!

My sincerest gratitude and appreciation to you ALL!

Papa Noel

Friends for Children Gallery (June 16, 2008 / Glorietta, Makati City)

2008-06-23T01:27:00.000-07:00

SOS FRIENDS CAMPAIGN LAUNCH ON JUNE 16, 2008 @ GLORIETTA, MAKATI

2008-06-03T02:15:00.000-07:00

FUTURE FIRST: Photos of Projects for HSBC

2008-03-19T00:34:00.000-07:00

HOPE IN MOTION 2 GALLERY

2008-02-26T02:07:00.000-08:00

A Fun Run and Fun Walk Benefit for SOS Children's Villages Philippines

2008-01-13T20:25:00.000-08:00

Now on its Second Year !!!!

HOPE IN MOTION

A Fun Run and Fun Walk Benefit

An event filled with so much fun

Let us feel free to run

By giving yourself and others some Love

Together let us walk

And fulfill our children’s HOPE

Join Us and Experience

the joy of family and community

What: Benefit Fun Walk/ Fun Run

When: February 16, 2008

Registration Starts: 5:30 am

Where: SOS Children’s Village Manila

Interested Parties may Contact Tel. Nos. 807.0764 / 850.9654

Email: jprodil@sosphilippines.org

Website: www.sosphilippines.org

SOS Calbayog : Barangay Dagum Family Strengthening Program

2007-12-11T00:34:00.000-08:00

FAMILY STRENGTHENING PROGRAM is the service that SOS Children's Villages Philippines provides to its underprivileged community. It allows SOS to reach out to a ratio of 1 is to 10. For every 1 SOS Child, 10 children can be taken - cared of outside the village. The program aims to enable the child and its family to live with its basic needs met and survive with capacity - building activities that will grant them the income that they need to sustain their family for the future.

GRACIAS : Alumni Homecoming 2007

2007-12-10T23:23:00.000-08:00

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."

---- Melody Beattie

" In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God."

To all the SOS Mothers, Co-workers and SOS Alumni whose generosity made this event possible....

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord..."

The first national assembly of integrated youths was held last December 2, 2007 - 4.00 pm at the Recreation Hall of SOS Children's Village Manila. Dubbed as "Gracias", it was conceptualized around the goal of gathering 50 SOS integrated youths into attending the initial activity and tap into their individual potential into moving the organization forward. The objectives are as follows:

1) To recognize our Integrated Youths in various fields and categories of profession (e.g. Arts, Commerce & Entrepreneurship, Trade, Academic and Family Achievement).

2) To conduct an information - dissemination campaign on the current status of SOS as an organization that upholds quality care for children.

3) To facilitate people - raising efforts by empowering them to share the SOS advocacy to their peers, co-workers and extended network.

4) To tap into the fundraising potential by enhancing commitment thru contact referrals for possible future support.

Children's Letters to God

2007-10-14T21:24:00.001-07:00

Eighty (80) SOS Children and Co - Workers from SOS Children's Village Manila were invited to watch this hit off - Broadway musicale that has captured the hearts of audiences all over the world.

Based on Stuart Hample’s international best-selling book of the same title, the play is about kids singing out to God for answers to all the questions they encounter in their everyday life. They struggle through their experiences and notions about God Himself, sibling fights, first love, loss, growing up, friendship and self-esteem – the same personal issues we, too, went through when we were young, and the same conflicts our teen-agers and kids may be trying to cope with right now. All expressed through scintillating music, in fun and poignant scenes.

The show has been translated into several languages and had been staged around the world – from Tel Aviv to Seoul to Singapore, Johannesburg, Madrid and Mexico City. When it opened in New York, critics raved about it. The play helps us to better understand our children and ourselves. It moves us to celebrate life and faith. It is infinitely inspiring.

The musical showcased two alternating casts of five fresh, amazingly talented kids, ages 9 to 14, carefully chosen from a series of rigorous auditions. Theater veteran Bart Guingona directs the musical, backed up by a powerhouse artistic team, which includes stage stalwarts Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Michael Williams, as assistant director and musical director, respectively, choreographer Denisa Reyes and production designer Gino Gonzales.

The Philippine premiere was staged by Great.Events@Manila Inc. and Actor’s Actors Inc.. Invitation to SOS Children's Villages Philippines courtesy of Ms. Bambi Gamban.

DSWD NATIONAL FUNDRAISING PERMIT 2007 - 2008

2007-10-11T00:15:00.000-07:00

FORD MOTORS PHILIPPINES : 1ST I - Volunteer Project on Power of Communication and Values in Action @ SOS Children's Village Manila / October 6, 2007

2007-10-08T00:52:00.000-07:00

716th Anniversary of the Swiss Confederation

2007-08-03T02:01:00.000-07:00

SOS Children's Villages Philippines joins the Ambassador of Switzerland, Peter Sutter on the occasion of the 716th Anniversary of the Swiss Confederation. This was held last August 1, 2007 at Mandarin Oriental Manila. The event was sponsored by ABB, DKSH, Holcim, Nestle, Novartis, Pasar, Roche and SGS.

A NEW JOURNEY .... NURTURING 40 YEARS OF THE SOS LEGACY

2007-07-06T01:54:00.000-07:00

A NEW JOURNEY….NURTURING 40 YEARS OF THE SOS LEGACY
The 40th National Anniversary Celebration

Every child should be given love, protection and respect, as well as access to quality education and medical care. This is the guiding principle that drives SOS Children’s Villages Philippines as it embarks on its 40th National Anniversary Celebration. The SOS Cultural Night was held last May 6, 2007 at the Insular Life Auditorium with our president, Helmut Kutin, members of the diplomatic community, corporate partners, members of the National and Local Board, our National Director, Bienvenido L. Delgado and SOS Lipa, Cebu and Manila Community in full force.

The formal gala opened with the informative SOS Audio Video Presentation. Through rhythmic movement, members of the SOS Lipa Community then interpreted the popular Josh Groban ballad “You Raised Me Up” with live vocals from Edgar Mationg as doxology. The Philippine National Anthem was rendered in a cappella by the University of the Philippines Singing Ambassadors, which was followed by the respective anthems of Austria and Germany. Archbishop Fernando Capalla welcomed everybody with great pride to witness the joy of commitment into child care. The Ambassador of Austria, Herbert Jager, briefly recognized the Festival String Orchestra which will showcase the best of the Austrian and German cultures in Brandenburg Concert No. 3 in G major (Johann Sebastian Bach), Serenade for Strings in G major (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart), Steyrische Tanze (Josef Lanner) and Salon-Polka (Johann Strauss I). It was a well – received number with the audience applauding after every piece. Gina Medina in First Violin led everybody into a bow after the Salon – Polka.

The President of SOS Kinderdorf International, Helmut Kutin, expressed his profound message to a rapt audience. His wise anecdotes on the beginnings of SOS 39 years ago till the present were inspiring and heartwarming. The SOS Ring of Honor Awarding Ceremony then commenced, with the assistance of the National Director, Bienvenido L. Delgado. The SOS Children’s Village Manila Village Director, Vicente Tejada facilitated the said event together with Jose Mari Bayuga, an SOS child who presented the bouquet. Leticia Antoy received her award after the Village Director gave a short background on the beginnings of her chosen vocation. Jeric Sumalinog, an SOS child from Cebu captured the hearts of the audience as he serenely plucked his harp for his solo on “Wooden Heart” a German folk song popularized by Elvis Presley and “Tanging Yaman”, composed by Fr. Manoling Francisco SJ and locally popularized by Carol Banawa for a landmark movie of the same title. The stage was aflame with color afterwards as members of the SOS Lipa and Manila community conquered it as they joyfully wowed everybody with Polkabal, Sayaw sa Bangko, Tinikling, Salakot, Subli and Polka sa Nayon. The candid smile and natural terpsichorean flair added to the visual appeal which left everybody in complete amazement and wonder. Everybody’s awe further escalated as the world class UP Singing Ambassadors owned the stage and serenaded everyone into Maalaala Mo Kaya (Constancio de Guzman / Ed Manguiat), Dahil Sa Iyo (Mike Velarde), Kalesa (Ernani Cuenca / Levi Celerio), Waray Waray (Constancio de Guzman / Fidel Calalang), Rosas Pandan (George Hernandez) and Ay Ay Pag-ibig (Agot Espino). The purely vernacular numbers and delightful choreography instilled the Filipino pride in culture and tradition. The Philippine music industry’s Inspirational Diva and the First SOS Child Advocate, Jamie Rivera, captured her moment through the Barbara Streisand classic piece “Somewhere” then followed with a Miss Saigon original in “I Would Give My Life For You”. The evening was capped by the Finale Song, “Only Selfless Love” as performed by Jamie Rivera and interpreted in hand – mime by the SOS Manila children. All the performers took their curtain call as the stage was filled with blue and white balloons in red and silver confetti. VIP guests enjoyed the sumptuous hors d’ oeuvres and open bar catered by Mandarin Oriental Hotel as warmly hosted by the Embassies of Austria and Germany. Alabang Camera Club artfully exhibited their photography with SOS children as subject.

It was a night of reliving tradition and culture as SOS Children’s Villages Philippines epitomizes commitment, care and its pursuit towards self – reliance.

A PLEDGE OF LOVE FOR A LIFE

2007-07-06T01:47:00.000-07:00

A PLEDGE OF LOVE FOR A LIFE
A Fundraising Benefit for the Herman Gmeiner Human Resource Institute

SOS Children’s Villages Philippines, together with Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales hosted a merienda cena cocktail last May 3, 2007 at the Archbishop’s Residence in Intramuros, Manila. An afternoon highlighted by the gathering of diplomatic officials, professionals, businessmen, public servant, media and SOS board members, co-workers and friends. The event was graced by the presence of Ambassador Alistair Macdonald (European Union), Ambassador Herbert Jager (Austria), Ambassador Axel Weishaupt (Germany), Irene Flueckiger (Embassy of Switzerland), Aurelio Montinola (BPI), Wilma Zapata (Ayala Corporation), Polly Nazareno (SMART), Ambassador Antonio Cabangon – Chua, Danny Dolor, Congresswoman Cynthia Villar, Milagros Calaquian (Primex), Michelle de Guzman (PNB), Jessica Pariña (PNB), Atty. Miguel Varela (Manila Bulletin) and Gracious Romero (Veritas).

The high – profile guests were welcomed by a heartwarming performance by the delightful children of SOS Children’s Village Manila. His Eminence, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales acknowledged the presence of everybody as they aptly watched the SOS Audio Visual Presentation, which was consequently followed by the Herman Gmeiner Human Resource Institute video information material. The project aims to serve SOS mothers, staff and other individuals who are interested in providing sufficient care and education to their children. Bienvenido L. Delgado, SOS National Director provided a brief overview of the project concept and objective.

Lilibeth Abella, an SOS Mother, humbly inspired the audience with her life’s mission when she spoke about the SOS children in her care. Her experience was complemented by her own status as an SOS Child from Tacloban. Afterwards, everybody was challenged by Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, who consequently holds the Chairmanship of the SOS 40th Anniversary National Fundraising Committee, to support this worthwhile endeavor. After all, SOS has cared and supported Filipino children in need for 40 years, thus giving back to the society through Alternative Parental Family Care. The institute encourages the SOS advocacy to reach out to more Filipino children through family strengthening programs.

Helmut Kutin, SOS Kinderdorf International President, punctuated the affair by graciously offering his heartfelt gratitude to the continued support of the Filipino society who embraced the vision of Dr. Herman Gmeiner—strengthening Filipino families and preventing violence against women and children. He established the need for an instrument who has a serious concern for others to guide that person who will one day step out into life; to care for himself, find a family and play a responsible role in the society. He rallied everybody into pledging a long – term commitment to serve and protect the Filipino family.

As a fitting finale, the SOS Manila children echoed the affair’s sentiments into “Heal the World” with the words, “make it a better place, for you and for me.”

California Pizza Kitchen - Alabang's OPEN ARMS WITH SOS CHILDREN'S VILLAGES

2006-05-24T02:05:00.000-07:00

A blessed day to you!

Indeed God has made His Presence stronger as we've come together as one family in yesterday's life-changing, spirit-filled outreach event. This has become a blessed opportunity to extend and share our blessings and talents with our younger brothers and sisters. We've seen how the children enjoyed preparing and baking pizzas, presented a beautiful and exciting special dance number and ate with much gusto of their self-baked CPK Pepperoni and Cheese Pizza. The kids and the CPK employees both had fun as they together toured the whole restaurant.

In behalf of CPK, we would like to sincerely thank you for allowing us to be part of SOS mission. The event has become such an inspiration to all CPK employees.May the Good Lord bless SOS Children's Village Foundation with His tremendous and awesome goodness.

Pia M. Domingo,Global HR-Team

SK - Artreach Graduation and Exhibit

2006-05-23T23:15:00.000-07:00

The Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Ayala Alabang just concluded their SK Artreach Graduation & Exhibit last Sunday, May 21, 2006. The activity was held at the Pavilion of Ayala Alabang Village. Art graduates composed of kids and adults participated with their delightful artworks. Each piece was displayed and the best works were given an award. All participants were given certificates by SK headed by Annie Maryves C. Ong. SOS Children's Villages distributed flyers and offered the Army for the One baller bands as fundraising for the different programs for children in need. The art exhibit will be on - going until May 25, 2006.

UMBRELLAS WITH A HEART

2006-03-20T21:29:00.000-08:00

" SHADES OF ART, WORKS FROM THE HEART" is a joint undertaking between SOS Children's Villages and Art Association of the Philippines. For each donation of Twenty Thousand Pesos (Php 20,000.00), a donor will get an umbrella artwork as a gift-reward. According to Mr. Bienvenido Delgado, National Director of SOS Children's Villages, "the artwork will only appreciate in value and may even exceed the cost of the initial donation. Hence, there is a win-win situation for the donor. Apparently, these unique artworks also serve as an ideal gift for the person who has everything, or as an innovative art collector's item. We believe this event will truly show the "heart of the Filipino" not only in helping children in need, but in expressing love in new ways."

You Can Make A Difference.....DONATE NOW!!

Call 807.0764 / 0917.8520189

E-mail: abortiz@sosphil.org / jprodil@sosphil.org

Many Children Need Many Friends

2006-03-20T20:06:00.000-08:00

SOS Children's Village - Davao

SOS Children's Village - Cebu

SOS Children's Village - Iloilo

SOS Children's Village - Tacloban

SOS Children's Village - Calbayog

SOS Children's Village - Lipa

SOS Children's Village - Manila

You Can Make a Difference..... BE A SPONSOR NOW!!

Call 807.0764 / 0917.8520189

E-mail: abortiz@sosphil.org / jprodil@sosphil.org

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

2006-03-02T18:17:00.001-08:00

1. WHO WE ARE?

SOS Children's Villages is a private, non-political, non-denominational welfare organization providing long-term care and education to children in need.

Our Vision

A place for orphaned, abandoned and neglected children or children in extreme difficult circumstances to belong to a home and family; where competent and responsible SOS mothers and co-workers provide unconditional love and inspiration, support and encouragement for these children to take their place in society, enriched with their God-given talents and contribute their share to the progress of the human family.

Our Guiding Principles

The SOS Children's Village concept was born out of Dr. Hermann Gmeiner's conviction that help for orphaned and neglected children can only be effective when then grow up within a family and a home.

MOTHER

SOS Mothers are women who have dedicated their lives to the children entrusted to

them. Through them the children learn what love and security mean.

BROTHER & SISTER

Each SOS family consists of eight to ten children, boys and girls of various ages, who

live with their SOS Mother like a natural family. Real brothers and sisters are kept

together.

HOUSE

The family house gives the child warmth and security SOS children feel protected within

its walls, being a home for long-term care.

VILLAGE

The SOS Children's Village consists of 14 to 20 houses. The children attend local

schools and keep in close contact with the environment.

2. WHAT WE DO?

SOS Children's Villages Philippines does not only care for orphaned and abandoned children in the country. It also implements support services to other families by way of health and medical facilities, mother and child centers, vocational training centers, counselling and day care centers, schools and extension programs for community development.

3. WHEN IT STARTED?

In 1963, Dr. Herman Gmeiner, with Dr. Hansheinz Reinprecht and Mr. Fitz Haider came to the Philippines on his return journey to Korea.

Dr. George V. Winternitz, Consul of Austria and his wife, Mrs. Susie Winternitz by then residents in the Philippines for 30 years had been sponsoring a child in SOS Children's Village Imst since 1957 and after a visit in 1957 had began talking to people about this great idea of child - care.

As a result, Dr. Gmeiner and his party were warmly welcomed in Manila during the receptions, lectures and press conferences arranged by Dr. Winternitz. After Dr. Gmeiner left, work began in earnest and SOS Children's Villages in the Philippines was founded on February 29 1964 by a group of people who generously gave of themselves in order to provide permanent homes for orphans and abandoned children.

4. WHERE WE ARE?

Where we are can be best gauged by the achievements of our SOS Children who have grown-up and now living independently (also known as Integrated Youth). If they succeed in life on the basis of their education, training, self-confidence and the stability of their roots in the SOS Children's Village family, we can say that we have done a great job.

5. WHAT ARE THE CONTACT INFORMATION?

National Coordination Office
Mindanao Drive, Ayala Alabang Village, P.O. Box 196, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
Tel. No. : (632) 807.0764
Telefax : (632) 850.9654
E-mail : kdi_phil@mozcom.com / home@sosphil.org
Website : www.sosphil.org

6. HOW CAN I MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

1. Sponsor a child in the following options:

Individual
Education = P500 / month or P6,000/year
Meal = P300 / month or P3,600 / year
Medical = P200 / month or P2,400 / year

Group
Child = P24,000 - P60,000 / annum
House = P50,000 - P500,000 / annum
Children's Village = P100,000 - P1,000,000 / annum

2. Support our on - going fundraising activities c/o the National Office.

SOS Prayer

2006-02-28T22:04:00.000-08:00

May we be ever mindful
Of all who belong to our Community
United in spirit we pray to you
Good Father in heaven
Shelter us in your hand
And show us always in the right path
You have brought us together
Grant that we may henceforth
Ever serve you with a single heart
Grant that in our Community
Peace and unity may ever reign
Protect the Children's Village from all evil
From sin and distress. Forsake not our relatives
And reward all those who help us
Just as you, Good Savior
Love and forgive each one of us
So may we love and pardon each other
All thanks to you, Our Lord and God
Amen