Congratulations, Mariel!

Posted on May 10, 2012 by admin

Congratulations, Mariel, for graduating magna cum laude from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines!

Mariel Pigtain was one of our Night High Scholars from Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, who belonged to the Class of 2008.  Because of her exemplary grades in Night High School, she was awarded a college scholarship by ABC Foundation.

Mariel majored in Broadcast Communications at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and  completed her degree at the end of 2nd semester, SY 11-12.

Mariel completed her OJT requirements at 101.1 Yes FM, at the Department of Education, ABS-CBN, and GMA-7.  She is currently employed at the Department of Education.

Congratulations, Mariel, for your exemplary performance throughout college and recent accomplishments.  You really make us proud!

Posted in Annoucements, Night High School, Scholarship Programs, Siena College, Taytay, Rizal | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Congratulations, Jhoanna!

Posted on April 27, 2012 by admin

Congratulations to our former Night High and college scholar, Jhoanna Lapiad for successfully passing the March, 2012 Licensure Examination for Teachers.

Jhoanna graduated from Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, as a Night High Scholar in 2007, and because of her exemplary grades in Night High School, she was given a college scholarship by ABC Foundation.

She majored in Education at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.  Jhoanna also worked at ABC Foundation as part of her OJT requirements.

Congratulations, Jhoanna, we are so proud of you!

Posted in Annoucements, College Scholars, Donations / Sponsorships, Scholarship Programs, Siena College, Taytay, Rizal | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The 7th Night High School Commencement Exercise at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal

Posted on March 28, 2012 by admin

By Alexis Balansag*

On March 24, the Night High School Scholarship Program at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, conducted its 7th Commencement Exercise.  The 2-part Commencement Exercise started with a Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by Rev. Fr. George Bristos, SVD, followed by the Graduation ceremony.

The Graduation ceremony started with a processional march of the Candidates for Graduation, with their parents, followed by the Siena College administrators, faculty and staff, sponsors, and special guests. Ma. Pamela Eunice Valle, an academic awardee, followed by the confirmation of the candidates as graduates of the Class of 2012, presented by Sr. Susan A. Bravante, OP, Principal, Basic Education Department and confirmed by Mo. Teresa E. Examen, OP, President, of Siena College, Taytay.

Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P., confirming the graduates of S.Y. 2011-2012

The graduates sang their graduation song “At the Beginning” with overwhelming joy and tears in their eyes. The graduation song was then followed by the conferring of Special Awards, by Mo. Teresa E. Examen, OP and Ms. Vivian G. Santos, Special Program Level Leader. The awards were given to outstanding students who have excelled academically, or in sports. Angela Shaira Reyes bagged Leadership, Service, and Deportment awards, for her efforts in leading her class in various events and programs, and Monica Sumera, was given the Siena Achiever award for winning different tennis competitions regionally and nationally. The most awaited part of the graduates was the distribution of diplomas, handed out by Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P. and Sr. Bernardita Dela Cruz, O.P., and certificates of scholarship distributed by Mr. Lewis Edwards, Chairman of A Better Chance Foundation, and Mr. Rene Logatoc, Head of the Siena College Christian Community Development Center.

The graduates singing their class song, At The Beginning.

Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P. President of Siena College, Taytay, handing each scholar their high school diploma.

ABC Foundation Chairman, Mr. Lewis Edwards, and SCCDC Head, Mr. Rene Logatoc, distribute the Certificate of Scholarship to each Night High graduate.

The inspirational message was given by Mr. Lewis A. Edwards, and Ms. Annette Helbig, president of Springboard Foundation.  After their inspirational messages, the graduates took their  Pledge of Loyalty, lead by Almira Guadaña, and was inducted into the Siena College Alumni Association by Ms. Vivian Tan.

An inspirational message delivered by Mr. Lewis Edwards, Chairman of A Better Chance Foundation.

The graduates pledging their loyalty to Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.

Angela Shaira Reyes, Special Award recipient delivered her words of gratitude, followed by and a parent’s response, from Ms. Rizsa May Olesco.  The 7th Commencement Ceremony was ended by Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P, imparting words of wisdom to the new graduates, and the singing of the Siena Hymn.

Words of gratitude from Leadership, and Service awardee, Angela Shaira Reyes.

Closing remarks from Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P., President of Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.

The event was indeed a success, not only for the graduates, but also for their parents, teachers, Siena administrators, and sponsors, who have supported them through 5 tears of Night High School.  The graduates are not ready to face the real world as they prepare for their next challenge – college.

Congratulations to the Class of 2012. We are so proud of you!

The Siena College of Taytay, Night High School Scholars, Class of 2012.

***

Alexis Balansag is from the Night High School Class of 2011 from Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.  He is an incoming 2nd year college student at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, studying Advertising and Public Relations.

Posted in Angels at Work, Annoucements, Charity Partners, Corporate Sponsors, Donations / Sponsorships, Events / Activities, Friends, Supporters & Volunteers, Individual Sponsors, Night High School, Scholarship Programs, Siena College, Taytay, Rizal | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

ERDA Preschool Graduation at Bagong Silangan, Q.C.

Posted on March 21, 2012 by admin

On March 17, we attended our first graduation, marking the end of S.Y. 2011-2012; Twenty-one little boys and girls graduated from our ERDA Preschool Center at Bagong Silangan, Quezon City.

Graduating preschool scholars from Bagong Silangan, Quezon City.

The graduation was attended by the proud parents and families of the twenty-one preschool scholars, members from ERDA Foundation, members of ABC Foundation, Barangay officials, and community leaders.

From left to right: Fr. Pierre Tritz, President of ERDA Foundation, Mr. Lew Edwards, Chairman of ABC Foundation, Mr. Chae Kim, and Paolo Santos.

Fr. Pierre Tritz, President of ERDA Foundation honored the ceremony with his presence, along with ERDA Foundation Technical Assistant, Ms. Carmen Alicio, and ERDA Social Worker Ms. Mary Jean Olaño.

ERDA Social Worker, Ms. Mary Jean Olano (left), with community leaders, Ms. Judith, Ms. Mai-Mai, and Sir William, and ERDA Technical Assistant, Ms. Carmen Alicio.

ABC Foundation Chairman, Mr. Lew Edwards was also in attendance, as well as Program Director, Ms. Hidie Niedo, sponsor, Mr. Chae Kim, Chairman Lew’s grandson, Paolo Santos, and friends, Ms. Maru Zulueta and Ms. Rina.

Ms. Rina (left), Fr. Pierre Tritz, Ms. Maru Zulueta, and Mr. Lew Edwards.

Mr. Chae Kim, who sponsored the preschool class this school year, brought grocery bags filled with goodies to share, for his graduating scholars, and handed them out as each scholar went up on stage with their proud parents to receive a diploma and an award.

Mr. Chae Kim giving each of his scholars a bag of groceries.

After each scholar received a diploma, an award, and a bag of groceries, 3 preschool scholars entertained everyone with a short declamation speech, followed by the graduates’ pledge, lead by preschool scholar, Jhera Mae Sison.  For their final presentation, the preschool scholars sang a beautiful song dedicated to their parents, families, and sponsors: ERDA Foundation, and ABC Foundation.

A declamation from three preschool scholars, Jhera Mae, Zyra and Gino.

Preschool scholars taking the graduate's pledge.

The ceremony, though simple and brief, was very meaningful, not just for the preschool scholars, who are now prepared to move up to grade 1, but also for the parents who are very proud of their children’s achievements.  Sponsors, ERDA Foundation, ABC Foundation, and especially Mr. Chae Kim, were also very proud to be able to assist the little boys and girls accomplish their first educational milestone.

The preschool graduates with ERDA Foundation, ABC Foundation and Bagong Silangan Barangay Officials.

We would like to thank Mr. Chae Kim for sponsoring the ERDA preschool class at Bagong Silangan, and for the grocery bags he had given his scholars twice this school year; to ERDA Foundation, especially Fr. Pierre Tritz, for his dedication in helping the less fortunate; to ERDA Social Workers, Ms. Mary Jean and Ms. Lani, and to community leaders, Ms. Judith, Ms. Mai-Mai, and Sir William, and Teacher Myrna, for their support and assistance; and of course to the pre-school scholars and their parents for their hard work and cooperation.

Fr. Pierre Tritz, President of ERDA Foundation, Mr. Lew Edwards, Chairman of ABC Foundation (center), Mr. Chae Kim, ERDA Foundation social workers, community leaders, and Bagong Silangan Barangay officials.

Posted in Angels at Work, Charity Partners, Donations / Sponsorships, ERDA Foundation, Events / Activities, Friends, Supporters & Volunteers, Individual Sponsors, Preschool, Scholarship Programs | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A Testimony from a Former Night High Scholar – Rochelle Majaraiz

Posted on March 16, 2012 by admin

Rochelle Majaraiz is a member of the first Night High School class at Siena College, Taytay, and graduated in 2006.  She was one of the 3 alumni who gave a testimony during the Alumnight at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal on March 3.

Rochelle lost her family at an early age, and found comfort, guidance, and encouragement from her friends, teachers and Dominican sisters of Siena College, Taytay, first as a Night High scholar, and later as a college scholar.  After graduating from the Religious Education Program at Siena College, Taytay,  Rochelle took and passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers in 2010, and is now teaching Christian Living and Values Education at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.

Below is the moving testimony delivered by Rochelle.

*****

Rochelle Majaraiz sharing how being a Night High Scholar at Siena College, Taytay, changed her life.

By Rochelle Majaraiz

I’m standing here in front of you for two reasons; the first isto share the goodness of God and, the second is, to thank all the people who have been God’s instrument of His love for me. I have  had a lot of struggles in my life, and God has used every one of them to shape me and mold me into the woman I am today.

Truly, tragedy, and pain in life will bring you closer to God. Why? Let me share my story with you.  I think some of you have heard it many times before,  but I will never get tired of sharing it, because it shows how God has helped  me, not only in the past, but up to the present.

I come from a broken family. If there are those who belong to the NBSBs (No Boyfriend Since Birth) group, I belong to the NFSB – No Father Since Birth group.   And my mother died when I was in grade six. I think my older brother was so sad by what happened, that he decided to follow them after two years.  Good thing I’m a happy person, because I’m still here, alive.

With all these heartbreaking tragedies in my life, I’ve asked God so many times, “why me? Why have all these things happened to me?    If your father dies, does your mother have to die too?  Can’t one stay behind?”  Indeed, we can’t question God’s  will. His will is always for the best. Those painful tragedies happened for a reason, and I  have learned to accept God’s will for me because if youkeep yourself trapped in the past, you won’t be able to move forward.

Yes, I belong to a broken family, and it has led me to this school, where I surrendered and allowed God to work in my life. I may not be blessed with a real family, but I am very blessed with people who have healed  my troubles. Without this school and the people who have made everything possible for me, I would not be the person I am today.

To the Dominican Sisters: I was once like a seed planted in this school. Thank you for taking good care of me. Thank you for forming me to be a good Christian. Thank you for the spiritual nourishment you have given me for it has made in me a deep- rooted belief in Christ, no matter how hard life is. Now, I’m a full grown plant and I can share my fruits with my family, students, and others in my own simple ways. I am now, a symbol of your warmth, love, and care, throughout these years.

To Mr. Lewis Edwards: without your unwavering support, I would not have been able to finish my studies. Thank you for the support and inspiration. Sir, I may not be blessed with a father but you are more than a father to me. To me, you are a father who is willing to help without asking anything in return. You are truly God’s instrument. We may not see each other often, but you will always be remembered because you have influenced my life greatly. May God bless you more for your goodness.

To Mr. Renato Logatoc: Sir I always see you around campus, but I never really got the chance to talk to you and thank you for everything. Sir, whenever I see you, I always end up just saying “Hi Sir!  Hello Sir!”  Maybe it’s because you’re always so busy, or because you walk too fast.  Even so, Sir, , I want you to know that I am very thankful for you. Thank you for making everything possible for me. Thank you also Sir for making this Alumni Night possible. Thank you very much.

To all the teachers: Thank you very much. I think that being what I am now, a TEACHER,  is the best gift I could give you. I am now a teacher and I owe this to you. Thank you for your untiring support, and for all you have taught me.

Above all, I thank God for everything. Truly, there are things I must do and allow God to do in my life. I surrender to Him and allow Him to bless me abundantly. If I didn’t allow God work in my life, I would never be the person standing in front of you right now.

Again, Thank you and God bless us all.

Posted in College Scholars, Events / Activities, Friends, Supporters & Volunteers, Scholarship Programs, Siena College, Taytay, Rizal | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Recollect, Reconnect, Rediscover

Posted on March 16, 2012 by admin

By:  Alexis Balansag*

March 3, 2012 marked the first Alumni Homecoming of the graduates of the Siena College of Taytay, Night High School Program.  The night’s theme was, “Recollect, Reconnect, Rediscover”.

Planning for this momentous event, which started early 2011, was a long, tedious process – from the conceptualization of the program, to fundraising, and finally in naming the actual event, the “Alumnight.”  The planning committee was organized by a core group which was composed of representatives from each Night High alumni class, led by Jackielyn Mensones, from the Night High Class of 2006.   With months of planning, meetings, and with the never-ending support and guidance of Mr. Rene Logatoc, Head of the Siena College Christian Development Center, the event pushed through with great success.

Scholars from different classes pitch in to organize the Alumnight.

The aim of the Alumnight Program was to recollect the past and to gather all the Night High graduates together to share their experiences after graduating from the Night High School Scholarship Program; to reconnect with old friends, and teachers who were part of our high school lives; and to and rediscover new things about each other, and to hear about the recent accomplishments of successful scholars.

The Alumninight, held at St. Catherine Hall, gathered participants, sponsors, Siena College teachers, administrators, and guests for a night of remembering, and reuniting.

Three Night High alumni gave testimonies about their experiences as scholars, and their lives after graduating from the 5 year program.

The first testimony was from Rochelle Majaraiz, a graduate from the first Night High School class – Class of 2006.  Rochelle was orphaned at a young age, and led a difficult life. After getting into Siena College and graduating as a Night High School scholar, Rochelle availed of a scholarship to study Religious Education, also at Siena College of Taytay.  Through the support and encouragement of her friends, teachers and the Dominican Sisters of Siena, Taytay, Rochelle found the love, affection and guidance she longed for all her life.  Having graduated from college, and passing the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) in 2010, she is now working as a teacher at Siena College of Taytay, teaching Christian Living and Values Education.

Ms. Rochelle Majaraiz sharing her story of success.

The second testimony was given by Fatima Ivy Sedo, from the Night High Class of 2008, who is currently employed at ICI Systems, Inc., as an instrumentation technician. After graduating from Night High School, Ivy availed of a scholarship at the Meralco Foundation Institute to major in Instrumentation Technology.  Now, Ivy is working as a full time instrumentation technician, servicing local factories of international companies, as well as national government utility agencies.

Ivy Fatima Sedo, now an instrumentation technician at ICI Systems, Inc.

The third testimony was from Joana Penaranda, also a graduate of the Class of 2006.  Though Joana was not able to go to college, she worked hard after high school to earn money to support herself and her family, and is now the owner of a very successful food store which distributes dim sum to different restaurants nationwide.

Joana Peñaranda, now a successful businesswoman.

After the alumni’s testimonials, there were short messages from other participants of the program, namely Ms. Ma. Caridad Meneses, who had been class adviser of graduating Night High classes, from  2007 to 2011; Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P., who, along with Mr. Rene Logatoc, started the Night High School Scholarship Program 10 years ago, and of course, Mr. Lewis Edwards, Chairman of A Better Chance Foundation, which has been sponsoring the Night High School Scholarship Program at Siena College, Taytay, since 2002.

Ms. Ma. Caridad Meneses, teacher and advisor of Night High Scholars.

ABC Foundation Chairman, Mr. Lewis Edwards delivering his keynote address.

Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P., President of Siena College, Taytay, congratulating the Night High alumni for a successful homecoming program.

The Night High Alumni Association also awarded Night High teachers, ABC Foundation members, and Siena College Administrators with Certificates of Appreciation.

M.C. and former Night High Scholar, Faye Sedo awards Ms. Ma. Caridad Meneses with a Certificate of Appreciation.

As alumni, I was inspired by the stories shared by Ms. Rochelle, Ivy, and Joanna, who, despite numerous setbacks in life, under different circumstances, have succeeded in realizing their dreams.  I was also thrilled to see, not only my classmates, but also old schoolmates, and former teachers, who are so proud of what we have accomplished so far.

Looking back, I cannot express how grateful I am to all those who have worked so hard to give us educational opportunities to help us rise out of poverty – my sponsors, ABC Foundation, Springboard Foundation and Robert Bosch, Inc.; all my different teachers, and of course Siena College, for creating the Night High School Scholarship Program.

I can say with confidence that the very first Night High School Alumni Homecoming was indeed a success, and a milestone to be remembered.

ABC Chairman Mr. Lew Edwards with scholars from the Class of 2008.

*****

*Alexis Balansag is a Night High alumni, from the Class of 2011.  He is an ABC College scholar, going on his 2nd year of college, majoring in Advertising and Public Relations.  He works part-time at ABC Foundation.

Posted in College Scholars, Corporate Sponsors, Donations / Sponsorships, Events / Activities, Friends, Supporters & Volunteers, Individual Sponsors, Scholarship Programs, Siena College, Taytay, Rizal | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Gabi ng Pasasalamat with the Night High Scholars and Parents of Siena College, Taytay, Rizal

Posted on February 10, 2012 by admin

This year’s Gabi ng Pasasalamat, held on February 3, was bigger and better than any thanksgiving program Siena College, Taytay has ever done before. Not only was it in celebration of ABC Foundation Chairman, Mr. Lewis Edwards’ brithday, it was also in celebration of the 10th year of the Night High School Scholarship Program of Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.

Chairman Lew Edwards with Mr. Bob Sellar (left), Ms. Beverly Sellar and Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P. at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal during the Gabi ng Pasasalamat.

Toward the end of every school year, it has become a tradition for the Night High School scholars at Siena College, Taytay to have a thanksgiving program of singing and dancing to show their gratitude to their sponsors.

Night High Scholars leading the Invocation at the start of the Gabi ng Pasasalamat.

In recent years, the parents of the Night High scholars of Siena, Taytay, have also joined their children in presenting songs and dances, not only to show their gratitude to their children’s sponsors, but to show their full cooperation and support of the Night High School Scholarship Program.

Parents of 3rd year Night High scholars in their dance costumes.

During the Gabi ng Pasasalamat Program on February 3, Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P., President of Siena College, Taytay, Rizal started the program by welcoming ABC Foundation and all the guests, including the parents and Night High scholars.  After Mo. Teresa’s opening remarks, each of the Night High class levels, along with the parents, presented their special musical number.

The 2nd year Night High Scholars and their parents with an energetic dance number.

4th year Night High Scholars partner with their parents in their dance number.

During this year’s Gabi ng Pasasalamat, Siena College also acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the volunteer teachers of the Night High School Scholarship Program.  Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P.,President,  Sr. Susana Bravante, O.P., Principal, and Mr. Rene Logatoc, Head of the Siena Christian Community Development Center awarded each of the Night High teachers a Certificate of Appreciation, for their service to the school.

Mr. Rene Logatoc (left), Sr. Susana Bravante, O.P., and Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P., presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to a Night High School teacher.

Siena College also awarded Chairmen Lew Edwards a Certificate of Appreciation, for ABC Foundation’s support of the Night High School Scholarship Program.

Chairman Lew Edwards with a Certificate of Appreciation from Siena College, Taytay, presented by Mr. Rene Logatoc (left), Sr. Susana Bravante, O.P., and Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P.

And because the Gabi ng Pasasalamat was held during Chairman Lew’s birthday, he received a birthday gift from each Night High class, made by the scholars and their parents.

The parents of the 1st year Night High scholars present Chairman Lew with their birthday gift.

Chairman Lew receiving the class gift of the 4th year Night High scholars.

On its 10th year, ABC Foundation, along with the Night High School Scholarship Program of Siena College, Taytay, Rizal have sponsored almost 500 Night High School Scholars, over 200 of which have graduated from the program and have moved on to college, some still being sponsored by ABC Foundation.

Night High alumni from the Class of 2011, now in their 1st year of college.

Night High Alumnus from the Class of 2008, and recent college graduate, Fatima Ivy Sedo with guest Mr. Don-Don Pagdagdagan.

At the end of every Gabi ng Pasasalamat program, we are always so overwhelmed by the wonderful talents displayed by our Night High scholars and their parents, and amount of time and hard work they put into preparing and rehearsing for their special numbers.

A crowd favorite, from the fathers of the 5th year Night High scholars.

The parents and scholars  may not always be able to tell us personally how thankful they are for being part of the Night High School Scholarship Program,  but from the huge effort they exert in trying to present a perfect show for us, other sponsors, and guests, we feel the immense gratitude and appreciation they feel in their hearts.

A dance number from the 4th year Night High scholars and parents.

The grand finale of the Gabi ng Pasasalamat program performed by all the Night High scholars and their parents.

Thank you, to the parents and Night High School scholars for putting on a wonderful show, and for showing us, through song and dance, their love and appreciation.  Our immense gratitude also to Mo. Teresa Exman, O.P., President, and Mr. Rene Logatoc, Head of the Siena Christian Community Development center, for creating the Night High School Scholarship Program 10 years ago for bright but financially challenged students; to the teachers of Siena College, who work extra hours to teach our Night High scholars; and of course to our friends and sponsors, because without their encouragement and support, we would not be where we are today.

Chairman Lew (center) with the 4th year Night High scholars and parents.

Mr. Rene Logatoc (center) with Night High School parents.

Posted in Angels at Work, Charity Partners, Corporate Sponsors, Donations / Sponsorships, Events / Activities, Friends, Supporters & Volunteers, Individual Sponsors, Scholarship Programs, Siena College, Taytay, Rizal | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

4th Night High Scholars’ General Assembly

Posted on February 9, 2012 by admin

Every year, on February 3, we bring together our Night High School scholars from our 4 partner schools to participate in a Night High School Scholars’ General Assembly, and to celebrate Chairman Lew Edward’s birthday.

This year marks our 4th Night High School Scholars’ General Assembly, and Chairman Lew’s 73rd birthday.

To celebrate the 4th Night High School Scholars’ General Assembly, we invited 5th year Night High Scholars from Siena College Taytay, Quezon City, and San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, and the 1st year Night High Scholars of St. Dominic Academy, in Pulilan, Bulacan, to participate in a short program and compete in a special Quiz Bee competition.

5th year Night High scholars of Siena College, Quezon City.

1st year Night High scholars of St. Dominic Academy, Pulilan, Bulacan.

5th year Night High scholars of Siena College, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

5th year Night High scholars from Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.

The first part of the Assembly was a short program wherein the Night High scholars from the different Siena College schools presented a special song or dance number.  Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P., President of Siena College, Taytay, started the program with welcoming words.

Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P. welcomes all the Night High scholars and guests to the 4th Night High High General Assembly.

The 5th year Night High scholars from Siena College, Taytay, Quezon City, San Jose, and the 1st year Night High scholars from St. Dominic Academy presented different song, dance, and dance interpretation numbers with themes showing their strong faith, gratitude, and strength in overcoming adversities.

A song and dance interpretation number from the 5th year Night High scholars of Siena College, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

The 1st year Night High scholars of St. Dominic Academy, Pulilan, presents a Filipino folk dance.

As a special treat, Ms. Annette Helbig, Ms. Gina Tuazon, and everyone from Springboard Foundation also presented a special musical number.

Springboard Foundation presents a special musical number.

Chairman Lew Edwards gave a short message to the Night High scholars and guests, followed by Ms. Annette Helbig, President of Springboard Foundation, and Ms. Cecil Venancio of Sykes Philippines.  Ms. Cecil Venancio attended the program on behalf of Sykes Philippines to support their 5th year Night High scholars from Siena College, Taytay, who will be graduating in March, 2012.

ABC Chairman Mr. Lew Edwards with his opening remarks.

Ms. Annette Helbig, President of Springboard teaches the Night High scholars the importance of commitment.

Ms. Cecil Venancio, from Sykes Philippines giving words of encouragement to their 5th year Night High scholars from Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.

The Quiz Bee competition was hosted and facilitated by Ms. Pettizou Tayag from the Quiz Bee Foundation.  Ms. Pettizou has been facilitating this special Quiz Bee competition for our Night High scholars since 2010.

A special Quiz Bee competition for the Night High scholars, facilitated by Ms. Pettizou Tayag.

Medals and cash prizes were given to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners of the Quiz Bee, presented by Chairman Lew Edwards, assisted by Mr. Bob Sellar and Ms. Beverly Sellar.

Ms. Beverly Sellar and Mr. Bob Sellar assisting Chairman Lew Edwards in giving medals and cash prizes to the Quiz Bee winners.

This year’s 1st place winner was a group of 5th year Night High scholars from Siena College, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.  Group members, Jorge Velitario, John Jeriel Cultivo, Eduard Magaling, Ralph jasper Salangsang, Mabell Gonzales, Marianne Mendoza and Hazel Tolentino were each awarded a gold medal and a cash prize.

1st place winners - 5th year Night High Scholars from Siena College, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

The 2nd place winner was a group of 5th year Night High scholars from Siena College, Quezon City; each group member was awarded a silver medal and a cash prize, and the 3rd place winner was a group of 5th year Night High scholars from Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, who took home bronze medals and cash prizes.

2nd place winners - 5th year Night High scholars from Siena College, Quezon City.

3rd place winners - 5th year Night High scholars of Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.

Our special thanks to our guests who took time off their busy schedules to celebrate this special day with us and the Night High scholars, and to the Siena College teachers, administrators and Night High scholars of Quezon City, San Jose, Pulilan, and Taytay, Rizal, for their assistance and cooperation in making this event a big success.

Posted in Angels at Work, Charity Partners, Corporate Sponsors, Donations / Sponsorships, Events / Activities, Friends, Supporters & Volunteers, Individual Sponsors, Outreach Projects, Scholarship Programs, Siena College, Quezon City, Siena College, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, St. Dominic Academy, Pulilan, Bulacan | Tagged , | Leave a comment

St. Dominic Academy with the Sellars

Posted on February 7, 2012 by admin

St. Dominic Academy and Ms. Claire Melebo (left) welcomes Ms. Beverly Sellar, Mr. Bob Sellar, Paolo Santos, and ABC Chairman, Mr. Lew Edwards.

ABC Foundation visited the Night High Scholars of  St. Dominic Academy at Pulilan, Bulacan, January 30, with sponsors Bob and Beverly Sellar, who came all the way from California to be with us and to spend some time with their scholars.

The Night High Scholars of St. Dominic Academy welcomed us by putting on a short program of singing and dancing.

3rd year Night High Scholar, Almira Geronimo welcomes us with a special song.

Night High Scholars Jesus and Roane serenades the guests and scholars with a beautiful duet.

Night High scholars present a traditional Filipino folk dance.

Second year Night High Scholar, Jay-R Dela Cruz presented a poem of gratitude to ABC Foundation, and the St. Dominic Academy administration presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Chairman Lew Edwards, Mr. Bob Sellar, and Ms. Beverly Sellar, for sponsoring a daily feeding program for all 150 Night High Scholars of St. Dominic Academy.

2nd year Night High scholar, Jay-R Dela Cruz reads out a poem entitled "Thank You," dedicated to ABC Foundation and the Sellars.

Sr. Lute presents Chairman Lew a Certificate of Appreciation from St. Dominic Academy, Pulilan, Bulacan.

Ms. Beverly and Mr. Bob Sellar accepting a Certificate of Appreciation from Sr. Lute, on behalf of St. Dominic Academy.

The daily feeding program for the Night High Scholars of St. Dominic Academy, Pulilan, Bulacan was first sponsored by Mr. Bob and Ms. Beverly Sellar in S.Y. 2008-2009, and is now on its 4th year.  Because of the success of the feeding program in providing nutritious meals prepared in the school canteen by volunteer parents of the scholars, the Sellars have continued to sponsor the feeding program every year since S.Y. 2008-2009, and will continue to sponsor the program in S.Y. 2012-2013.

Ms. Beverly Sellar with Night High scholars.

Mr. Bob and Ms. Beverly Sellar will be in the Philippines for only a few weeks and were very happy to have gotten the chance to visit St. Dominic Academy again and to meet all the very enthusiastic and helpful administrators, teachers, staff and Night High Scholars.

Mr. Bob and Ms. Beverly Sellar with Chairman Lew, and their Night High scholars, at St. Dominic Academy.

Also with us on our visit were Paolo Santos, who, with the help of the Sellars, donated sports equipment to the Night High Scholars of St. Dominic Academy last school year; Ms. Judith Lozano, and former Night High scholar and ABC intern, Alexis Balansag.

Night High scholars with Paolo Santos (left), Ms. Judith Lozano, Chairman Lew Edwards, and Mr. Bob Sellar (right).

Our special thanks to Sr. Linda Guerrero, O.P., Head of St. Dominic Academy, and Ms. Claire Melebo, for all their help and support, and to all the Night High Scholars for their warm welcome and touching words of gratitude.

Ms. Beverly Sellar (left) with St. Dominic Academy Head, Sr. Linda Guerrero, O.P., Paolo Santos, and Mr. Bob Sellar (right).

Ms. Claire Melebo (center), with Night High scholars.

The Night High School scholars of St. Dominic Academy, Pulilan, Bulacan.

Posted in Angels at Work, Donations / Sponsorships, Events / Activities, Friends, Supporters & Volunteers, Individual Sponsors, Scholarship Programs, St. Dominic Academy, Pulilan, Bulacan | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Happy New Year!

Posted on January 6, 2012 by admin

2011 was a very good year for A Better Chance Foundation!

In 2011, we celebrated our 10th year anniversary, and we set record highs with our donation coin can collections, and with the number of prescription eyeglasses we provided to needy students in public schools. And to top it all off, we finished the year with 94 sponsors, and counting, till the end of the school year.

Because of Charity Partners like the Springboard Foundation, The Rotary Club of Makati, and the Manila St. Andrew’s Society, who believe in the effectiveness of our Eyeglass Project, we were able to give away over 1,000 pairs of prescription eyeglasses in 6 different public schools in Parañaque, Caloocan City, and Cainta, Rizal.

At the start of S.Y. 2011-2012, our scholar count was at 1,130, with 148 College scholars – the most number of college scholars we’ve had since starting the program, thanks to Springboard Foundation and Robert Bosch, Inc. who pledged to sponsor their 76 Night High Scholars through college.

With 75 days left of S.Y. 2011-2012, we are getting ready for year-end activities, such as Thanksgiving programs (Gabi ng Pasasalamat), and graduations, as well as activities for the new school year, which starts in June.  Before the school year ends, we will be interviewing incoming scholars for Night High School, and college scholars from our pool of Night High graduates.

On February 3, we will be having our 4th Night High Scholars’ General Assembly at Siena College, Taytay, and we will also be celebrating the 10th anniversaries of A Better Chance Foundation, and the Night High School Scholarship Program of Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.  We will be inviting sponsors, friends, and supporters to join us in celebrating these milestones, and we hope to see you there!

In March, we will have 105 Night High scholars graduating from Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, Quezon City, and San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, and 5 college graduates with Bachelor’s degrees in engineering, accounting, nursing, and mass communications.  It makes us so proud to see our once shy, insecure, scholars graduate as mature, confident, assertive, young individuals, ready for the new challenges in their lives.

We would like to thank all our sponsors, partner schools, organizations, scholars, volunteers, and friends who have untiringly supported and encouraged us, not just in 2011, but for the last 10 years.  Your support and donations have enabled us to help children from the poorest of the poor get the education and health services they deserve.  We would not have made it this far without you!

Thank you, and we wish you all a prosperous and peaceful 2012.

Posted in Angels at Work, Annoucements, Charity Partners, College Scholars, Corporate Sponsors, Donation Can Helpers, Donations / Sponsorships, Events / Activities, Eyeglass Projects, Friends, Supporters & Volunteers, Individual Sponsors, Night High School, Outreach Projects, Scholarship Programs, Siena College, Quezon City, Siena College, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Siena College, Taytay, Rizal | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment