Letters of Gratitude from the Class of 2013

Posted on May 2, 2013 by admin

We would like to share some letters of gratitude from some of our college graduates of 2013.  These college graduates are from our Night High Class of 2009 at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal. They were awarded ABC College Scholarships back in S.Y. 2009-2010, and they have now graduated from college.

Below are their letters of gratitude to ABC Foundation and Chairman Lewis Edwards.

These letters can also be seen here, in a website they created especially for ABC Foundation.

*****

It all ends…

Five years of high school, and four years of college. Nine long years of struggle, but finally, now is the time of triumph. The end comes, the end of acquiring knowledge and wisdom that academic institutions offer, the end of formal education needed to take part in the society. The end of the pursuit of one of our greatest dreams.

It begins…

We embark on another journey. We open up a new chapter in our lives. We shall now face the world, equipped with the knowledge we gained through education. It begins.

And so we thank you…

None of these would be accomplished without you. We were once hopefuls for scholarships, and you have given us that opportunity – to be recipients of help for us to continue on our studies. And as we face the ultimate realization of the support you have given us – to graduate and to be holders of our respective degrees, we give you our sincerest gratitude.

Four years have passed since I’ve been told that I would still be supported by ABC throughout college and now I have finally graduated. I couldn’t be more grateful. Thank you for having such a great heart for being one of the pillars of the foundation reaching out to poor but deserving students. There are more young people like me who aspire to make a difference in the family. If I were just given the chance to have a graduation speech, I would have dedicated my success to the Filipino youth who were not given the chance to have quality education, especially to my high school classmates who have not gotten this far and who were forced to give up school and work for the family.

I was very lucky to be given the talent and the right opportunity to hone it. I never thought a daughter of a flea market vendor like me would get to study in the most prestigious university of the country. And now, I have the means to help my family to have a better life. You see sir, my dream, is to be a professor in my alma mater. This, I have only realized a few months ago. I would have a low salary but there is nothing more that I want in life than to give quality education to young bright minds that would be the future of this developing country. I wish that just like how I got to UP, I will reach my goal and fulfillment.

But none of this would be possible without you. Thank you for the great opportunity you have given me. For trusting me and helping me be who I am today. In the future, if I’m already able to do so, I would pay back and help other students. My 4 years in UP made me realize more how important good education is, that it can pave way to the betterment of society. I would never forget what you have given me. I would always be grateful and I will do my best to help more people just as you did for us.

Our graduation wouldn’t mean goodbye for we would always go back to where we were. The foundation would always be close to our hearts and of course, you sir, who have been not only our benefactor but also our inspiration. Thank you very much for everything. We would always remember you as our Santa. God bless you sir. I wish you good health and more joyful years to come.

Maureen Denice Alfonso, Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila.

GOOD DAY!

Hi Sir! :) it’s been a while since I wrote my thanksgiving letter to you. I just wanted to tell you Sir that I finally made it. :) I just finished college last April 5, 2013 at Ynares Center Antipolo with a degree Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Financial Management. It is one of the most unforgettable days of my life. Those 4 years of my college life would not be possible of course without the organization’s support and assistance not only just for financial but for being an inspiration to fully reach my dreams.

Right now, I am completing my pre-employment requirements for Banco de Oro, as a Client Service Associate :) and I’m really hoping for this one to become possible and successful.

Thank you very much Sir for being part of my initial step to fulfill my dreams –studying.

Thank you so much again Sir and God bless. Always take care :)

Rowella Aligora, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Financial Management, University of Rizal System – Binangonan.

To the people who made a great impact in my life, I really want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to be one of your scholars. What you have given me is something that made me experience the hardships that will help me in facing the real challenge in life. I know that I may not the best but because of you I learned a lot. The pressure of college is really tough but it’s something I am really proud of. I experienced every kind of test that made me happy, sad, depressed, and matured but also made me strong and brave.

I may not celebrate the May graduation with my batch mates but I promise that I will finish what we have started.

For supporting me and believing in me, thank you.

For helping me through my ups and down, thank you.

Those nine years with you and your foundation, those hardships in school, for letting me experience all of them, thank you.

I promise you to be that “Somebody” someday, and I will keep that promise.

God bless you always.

Angelyn Apitan, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

A good day to you Sir! Few weeks from now, I will be graduating at the World Trade Center together with the other students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines that strived hard to finish college and make their parents proud. I would like you to know that I have always been thankful and honored to be one of the scholars of ABC Foundation. Our beloved foundation was able to fulfill many students’ dream which was to pursue and finish their studies. Without you Sir, ABC Foundation would not have been possible. You served as an instrument of God to help many poor but deserving students to acquire good quality of education.

My first year in PUP was not as enjoyable as the next three years because I started as an Accountancy student. I flunked at one of my accounting subjects because my heart was not in it and I really did not enjoy computing numbers. So, I decided to shift to another course and Clinical Psychology was what I chose to pursue. At first, I had no idea if I will be able to succeed in this path that I chose, but here I am, about to graduate on the 10th of May. Just like any other students, there were a lot of rough times which made me exhausted like meeting deadlines, sleepless nights, terror professors and arguments with classmates but it seemed to help me strive hard to get good grades and make everybody proud of me. If there were rough times, there were also a lot of the good times. I really enjoyed the company of my classmates as I get to know them as time goes by. We came from different courses, we have different personalities and status in life but we were able to understand each other.

My experiences from college, whether good or bad, have made me become a better person. This opportunity that ABC Foundation gave me will never be forgotten because it helped our family a lot to survive throughout the past years. Life nowadays is not easy to bear. Scholarships are of great help to lessen the burden of those students who have dreams to finish studying and also have plans on helping others as well in the future. I hope that you will still continue to help other students with big dreams and help them have a better life.

Thank you so much Sir Edwards. Thank you ABC Foundation.

Ryka de Jesus, Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology, Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

I can still clearly remember the day you came to know that I passed the UPCAT, and without hesitation, you immediately granted me the college scholarship that I truly needed to be able to continue my studies. It was an overwhelming experience (and I may have been speechless at that time), but one thing is for sure, my heart, at that moment, was overflowing with gratitude.

And so as I enter college, with your generous help, I always tried my best in everything I do – in every exam I took, in every project I made, and in the very process of learning and acquiring knowledge beyond what the books and lectures could give. I gave my best knowing that for the help you have given me, you only deserve to hear that your support yielded the best for me.

Four years have passed. I have learned and experienced a lot. And now, I embark on another chapter of my life as I graduate from my chosen field. Looking back, I know that this would not be possible without your help, and so I would like to give my sincerest gratitude to you, Mr. Edwards, and to everyone who has been part of the ABC Foundation.

You have made possible the realization of a dream. Upon reaching this, I know that I now stand on firm ground, and I now have the means to attain the next goals – to be successful and to pay forward for all the blessings given to me.

Kristofer delas Peñas, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, University of the Philippines Diliman.

Good day!

It had almost been 9 years since I became a scholar of A Better Chance Foundation, from being a Night High scholar to a College scholar. I remembered the first day when I set my foot in PUP, it gave me an unnecessary shock because of the university’s poor facilities. Though it disappointed me a little, I have no choice but to pursue my tertiary studies given another privilege to be sponsored by the same foundation that had funded my high school education. I was very thankful from the bottom of my heart.

College life was not easy as I’ve thought before especially that I’d chosen a degree that is difficult to pass through- Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. I guessed my dream to become successful and stable in the future had driven me to take the course. I wasn’t sure at first if I’ll be able to survive 1st year because of the 2.0 policy that the college had set. Luckily, I had reached 4th year but sad to say, I wouldn’t be able to graduate this May because I’d failed the college evaluations.

This may be my last letter to you as I’m now fixing my other subjects for December’s graduation for the Octoberians. I’m sorry if I wasn’t able to live up with your expectations, looking forward to this May’s graduation. I’m striving hard to pass all the remaining subjects and I hope I won’t fail you this time. I sincerely apologize for all my shortcomings as a scholar. I know this is just a hurdle that I need to overcome with God’s help, courage and determination. May you continue to build dreams of hopeful scholars and one day I promise to pay you back for all the help and support that you’ve given me.

God bless and more power!

Louise Rose Francisco, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

A good and blessed day sir!

After four (4) years of hard works, perspiration, challenges and sacrifices, I now gathered its sweet fruit… SUCCESS! I am now a graduate in my chosen field. I am a teacher..a person who will mold the learners to become great engineers, doctors, nurses, teacher and other professionals. I always admire teachers for they really worked hard to help the learners’ achieve their full potentials as unique individuals. That’s why I wanted to be like them. At first this dream seems impossible but ABC Foundation came to my life and this dream is now at my hand. I am now a teacher and I am looking forward to pass the Licensure Examination for Teachers in September so that I will become a certified teacher with license. But, as of this moment, I already had my job as a pre-school teacher in Raises Montessori Academe.

Opportunity knocks only once like what most people said, that’s why when my mother heard your program 9 years ago, she never think twice..we grabbed it for she believe that this opportunity can be mine too. And she is right, ABC Foundation sends me to school not only in high school but in college as well.

In behalf of my family especially my parents, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all the people behind ABC Foundation most especially to you, Mr. Lewis Edwards for sending me to school for 9 years and giving me the opportunity to be the person what I wanted. For without your help, my dreams wouldn’t be achieved and my full being wouldn’t be realized. Being an ABC scholar doesn’t just help me to study, it also help me to become a better person especially when I am in college. A student who is discipline enough more specifically when it comes to study because I know that making you proud is the only way I can give you as a return for the goodness that you always showed me. I do not have anything, but my hard works were dedicated to all of you. In everything I do, I always include the foundation as one of my inspiration for the success of my every activity.

All your help and kindness to me will always stay in my heart forever and I will always use it as my inspiration in helping children who is in need when the right time comes that I am also capable of helping them like what you did to me. I also wanted to send children to school and give them the opportunity that I once have.

Once again, thank you very much and may the good Lord continue to shower you and your golden heart.

Toni Rose Josue, Bachelor of Elementary Education, Major in Special Education, University of Rizal System.

I want to tell you “Thank you,” but it doesn’t seem enough. Words don’t seem sufficient – “Blah, blah” and all that stuff. Please know I have deep feelings about your generous act. I really appreciate you; You’re special, and that’s a fact!

Thank you for (the gift/your kindness). Thank you for being the person you are: kind and thoughtful, sensitive and considerate, a generous and thoughtful giver. You are unselfish always, putting others before yourself, making me/us feel special and important. It is a privilege and a pleasure to know you.

Angelica Mae Panilo, Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology, Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

Saying thank you can be a difficult thing to do. Doing so means admitting that you are in another’s debt. I am admitting that another individual did something for me. I am not all powerful, I need the help of others to survive. The reality is that the human race is interdependent. We cannot live life alone. We are constantly relying on each other for all kinds of resources, both physical and emotional. When I say thank you I am acknowledging that I have received something from another human being. So, Thank you sir.

Jonnel Tupas, Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology, Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

Sir! thank you so much for making my dream to finish college possible. I may not graduate with any honor but I know within myself that I had acquired more than just the knowledge from books and the four corners of the classroom. I have experienced college. I have joined and lead groups and I have met wonderful people like you who also believed in what I can do.

I’m one dream down Sir! The next goal is to be successful and extend this blessing of knowledge that I have to my family and also to others. Someday, I will extend a helping hand to children who wants their dreams fulfilled, too.

You’ve taught us-your scholars- how to be compassionate and that is one learning we will never forget. Thank You Sir! :) )

Aubrey Jhenila Velasco, Bachelor of Science in Political Science, Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

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

Gabi ng Pasasalamat at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal

Posted on March 13, 2013 by admin

It has become a tradition among our Night High Scholars of some Siena Colleges to put on a Gabi ng Pasasalamat (Night of Thanksgiving) Program before the school year ends.  The Gabi ng Pasasalamat gives the Night High Scholars a chance to show their sponsors, through song and dance, their appreciation for supporting them through school.

The Gabi ng Pasasalamat Program has been done by Night High Scholars in Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, Quezon City, and San Jose del Monte, Bulacan over the years, but for the past 4 years, Siena College, Taytay, Rizal has been doing their Gabi ng Pasasalamat program a bit differently.

Every year, since 2009, the parents of Night High Scholars at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal have been participating in the Gabi ng Pasasalamat Program by preparing their own original song and/or dance numbers to be performed on stage with their children.  This gives the parents a chance to also show their appreciation to the different sponsors who are helping their children get quality education at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.

Chairman Lew Edwards with parents of the Night High scholars in their bright costumes.

This year, however, the parents of our Night High Scholars at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal have really outdone themselves.  The dance numbers of this year’s Gabi ng Pasasalamat were inspired by the big festivals of the country: The Panagbenga Festival of Baguio, the Sinulog Festival of Cebu, the Masskara Festival of Bacolod, the Ati-Atihan Festival of Aklan, and the Kadayawan Festival of Davao.  Through their well-rehearsed dance numbers and colorful and intricate costumes, it’s obvious that the parents of the scholars put a great amount of hard work and effort into making the Gabi ng Pasasalamat program a success.

The theme of this year's Gabi ng Pasasalamat was the big festivals of the Philippines.

Parents of the Night High scholars with their colorful and intricate costumes.

The performances for this year’s Gabi ng Pasasalamat were judged by 3 Siena College staff and personnel, and awards were given to the three best performances.  Third place was awarded to the parents of the 5th year Night High Scholars who represented the Kadayawan Festival of Davao; second place was awarded to the parents of the 7th grade Night High Scholars who represented the Panagbenga Festival of Baguio, and the group who won the first place, with the best performance, were the parents of the 3rd year Night High Scholars who represented the Masskara Festival of Bacolod City.

Third place winners: The Kadayawan Festival performed by the parengs of the 5th year Night High Scholars.

2nd place winners: The Panagbenga Festival by the parents of the 7th grade Night High Scholars.

First place winners: The Masskara Festival by the parents of the 3rd year Night High Scholars.

In attendance during the Gabi ng Pasasalamat were Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P., President of Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, Mr. Lewis Edwards, Chairman of A Better Chance Foundation, and Ms. Annette Helbig, President, and Ms. Gina Tuazon, Coordinator of Springboard Foundation.  Each gave a short message to the Night High scholars and their parents and expressed how very impressed they were by the different performances.

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

After the performances, Certificates of Appreciation were awarded by Siena College, represented by Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P., and Sr. Susan Bravante, O.P., to outstanding teachers for their dedication in teaching the Night High Scholars; and to ABC Foundation for its continuing support for the Night High School Scholarship Program.

Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to the teachers of the Night High School Scholarship Program for their dedication and hard work.

A Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to Chairman Lew Edwards for the continuing support of ABC Foundation to the Night High School Scholarship Program of Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.

With the bright costumes and wonderful performances, it was a Gabi ng Pasasalamat like no other, and it would not have been such a successful program without the help of Mr. Rene Logatoc and Ms. Lea Caseres of the Siena Christian Community Development Center, the staff and administrators of Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, and of course the Night High Scholars and most especially the parents of the Night High scholars who participated in the Gabi ng Pasasalamat Program.  Thank you for your all your hard work!

Chairman Lew Edwards (right), with Don-Don Pagdagdagan and Mr. Rene Logatoc, Head of the Siena Christian Community Development Center (left).

Posted in Angels at Work, 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

An Evening with Aria Studios

Posted on March 6, 2013 by admin

On February 22, our Charity Partner, Aria Studios treated their 10 5th year Night High Scholars out to an evening of fun at the SM Mall of Asia.

The Aria Night High Scholars with their sponsors, Jay Kaneshige and members of Aria Studios.

Jay Kaneshige, President of Aria Studios, and other members of Aria flew in from Hawaii to attend to some business, but in the week that they were here, they took the opportunity to meet their Night High Scholars again and to spend some time with them.

Aria Studios has been sponsoring 10 Night High Scholars from Siena College, Taytay, Rizal for the past 2 years, at the end of this school year, their 10 scholars will be graduating from Night High School.

The 10 Aria Night High Scholars at the Ascott Hotel, Makati, with ABC Chairman Lew Edwards (far left), Jay Kaneshige, and members of Aria Studios.

We brought the 10 Aria Night High Scholars to the Ascott Hotel in Makati, where members of Aria Studios were staying, and from there we they went together to the SM Mall of Asia for a special treat.  The Aria Night High Scholars were surprised when their sponsors treated them to unlimited passes to the ice Mall of Asia ice skating rink.  It was all their first time to ice skate, and they were thrilled!

Aria on ice! At the SM Mall of Asia ice skating rink.

After spending 4 hours skating, falling, and having a blast, Aria Studios treated their scholars to a delicious dinner of Japanese shabu-shabu – also a first for the scholars.  The scholars were delighted with the concept of having to prepare and cook their own food.

Japanese hot-pot for dinner - a first for the Aria Night High Scholars!

Members of Aria Studios were scheduled to return to Hawaii the next day, and were happy to have had the chance to spend some time with their scholars, and the Aria Night High Scholars, likewise, were very happy to see their sponsors again. By the end of the night, everyone was full, tired, but happy, with lots of new memories to take home with them.

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

Tree-Planting with the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Posted on March 5, 2013 by admin

On February 27, 2013, The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) partnered with Springboard Foundation and ABC Foundation to sponsor a tree-planting activity to raise awareness among their different members of the various outreach projects and activities they support.

ABC Chairman Lew Edwards (3rd from the right), with Mr. Paul Schenk (2nd from the right), with members of the GPCCI.

More than 20 employees of the GPCCI and other affiliated companies attended the event, and with the help of the Siena Christian Community Development Center, and the 5th year Night High Scholars of Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, they were able to plant 100 narra and mahogany seedlings inside the Siena College, Taytay, Rizal campus.

Members of GPCCI and 5th year Night High Scholars of Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.

Mr. Paul Schenk, Country Manager of Swiss International Air Lines, was present during the event to welcome the group and to say a few words of encouragement on behalf of the GPCCI.  Mr. Schenk expressed his excitement in starting the activity and in the excellent turn-out of participants.  He also expressed his hope that it would be a good day of hard work, camaraderie, and building partnerships.

Mr. Paul Schenk, Country Manager of Swiss International Air Lines, Ltd, and representative of the GPCCI.

Chairman Lew Edwards of A Better Chance Foundation,  Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P., President of Siena College, Taytay, Rizal and Mr. Rene Logatoc, Head of the Siena Christian Community Development Center, and Ms. Gina Tuazon, Coordinator of Springboard were also in attendance, and all welcomed the group from the GPCCI.

The 100 narra and mahogany seedlings, sponsored by the GPCCI, and provided by Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, were all tagged and numbered, to ensure easy monitoring and maintenance.  Members of the GPCCI partnered with 2 or 3 Night High Scholars and planted as many as 4 seedlings per group.

Each seedling was tagged and numbered for easy monitoring.

Mr. Paul Schenk planting the 100th seedling.

It was a job well done at the end of the half-day activity for the group from GPCCI, and 5th year Night High Scholars of Siena, Taytay, who were all tired, but happy from the day’s hard work!

A member of the GPCCI with a 5th year Night High Scholar.

Members of the GPCCI and 5th year Night High Scholars working together to plant 100 narra and mahogany seedlings.

A Certificate of Appreciation was awarded by Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P., President of Siena College, Taytay, to the GPCCI for their support and participation in the first-ever tree-planting activity with Night High Scholars at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal. Springboard Foundation and ABC Foundation were also given Certificates of Appreciation by Siena College, Taytay, Rizal. At the end of the activity, everyone expressed their hope that the seedlings they planted would someday grow tall to provide shade and add beauty to the campus of Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.

A Certificate of Appreciation awarded to the GPCCI by Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, for their support and hard work.

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

5th Night High School Scholars’ Assembly

Posted on February 27, 2013 by admin

Our annual Night High School Scholars’ Assembly was held on February 8 this year at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.  5th year Night High Scholars from Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, Siena College, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, and St. Dominic Academy, Pulilan, Bulacan, joined us at Siena College, Taytay to show their school spirit and to participate in the different activities.

The 5th year Night High Scholars from Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, and St. Dominic Academy, Pulilan, Bulacan, with Ms. Pettizou Tayag of the Quiz Bee Foundation.

To make it a little different, this year we asked the 5th year Night High School Scholars from each school to prepare a cultural presentation, a short audio-video presentation on what it’s like to be a Night High School scholar in their school/campus, and to participate in a Night High School logo-making contest.

5th year scholars from St. Dominic Academy explaining the significance of the symbols they used in their logo.

Representatives of the 5th year Night High class of Siena College, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan explaining their logo design.

5th year Night High scholars from Siena College, Taytay, Rizal explaining their logo design.

The 5th year Night High School scholars entertained and surprised us with their well-prepared song / dance presentations, inspiring audio-video presentations, and creative logos filled with symbolic meaning.

The 5th year scholars of Siena College, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan with a beautiful performance of the Kappa Malong Malong dance.

The 5th year Night High Scholars of Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, perform an interpretative dance with a religious theme.

The 5th year Night High Scholars of St. Dominic Academy, Pulilan, Bulacan perform a song and dance number regarding awareness of people with disabilities.

For the second half of the program, the 5th year Night High Scholars participated in a friendly game of Quiz Bee, organized and facilitated by Ms. Pettizou Tayag of the Quiz Bee Foundation. The scholars grouped themselves into 7-10 members and answered questions ranging from easy to difficult in subjects such as math, science, social studies, culture, and history.

The Quiz Bee facilitated and organized by Ms. Pettizou Tayag of the Quiz Bee Foundation.

All the scholars did a great job in answering the challenging questions, but in the end, only 3 groups were awarded medals and prizes.  The second runner-ups, which were awarded bronze medals and cash prizes were 5th year Night High School Scholars Claire Marielle Diaz, Jhamille Bianca Erbas, Ciaralyn Lungca, Carlson Hontucan, Ricardo Roxas, II, Helen Gruy, and Joanalaine Orsos, from Siena College, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

Second runner-ups: 5th year Night High Scholars from Siena College, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

The first runner-ups who received silver medals and cash prizes were Jolessa Cerbito, Kriziah Labinghisa, Leonelli Salongsongan, Claire Tuason, Mark Julian Guadalupa, Danessa Picar, and Richard Salvacion, from Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.

1st runner-ups: 5th year Night High Scholars from Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.

The Quiz Bee champions were Connie Malabanan, Alexandra Perante, Lorraine Alog, Shiela Naz, Sharmaine Gile, Catherine Martinez, and Marichu Uy, 5th year Night high Scholars, also from Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.  They each received a gold medal and a cash prize.

Quiz Bee Champtions: 5th year Night High Scholars from Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.

The award for the best Night High School logo went to the 5th year Night High School Scholars of St. Dominic Academy, Pulilan, Bulacan.  The scholars used meaningful symbols in their logo to best represent the ideals, concepts, and goals of the scholars and the Night High School Program.  The 5th year scholars of St. Dominic Academy, Pulilan, Bulacan received a cash prize, which they will use for their upcoming school field trip.

The award-winning logo to represent the Night High School Scholarship Program, created by the 5th year Night High Scholars of St. Dominic Academy, Pulilan, Bulacan.

The event was success, thanks to the efforts of the people who worked very hard to put it together.  First and foremost, we would like to thank Mo. Teresa Examen, O.P., President of Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, for her unending support and for hosting the 5th Night High School Scholars’ Assembly. We could not have done this event without Mr. Rene Logatoc and Ms. Lea Caseres of the Siena Christian Community Developent Center, who work so hard in organizing and making sure that nothing go wrong during the program.  A big thank you to Ms. Pettizou Tayag, for taking time out from her busy schedule to facilitate and host the Quiz Bee; to Ms. Faye Regine Sedo, for once again doing an outstanding job as Mistress of Ceremonies; to the teachers and administrative staff of the different Siena College schools who have been very supportive of this event; and of course to all the 5th year Night High School Scholars of Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, Siena College, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, and St. Dominic Academy, Pulilan, Bulacan, who prepared and practiced for this special day.

Night High alumnus and now a teacher at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, Ms. Faye Regine Sedo as Mistress of Ceremonies.

The graduating Night High Scholars are the reason we do this every year, and every year, they never fail to astound and inspire us with their immense talents and creativity.

5th year Night High Scholars from Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, and St. Dominic Academy, Pulilan, Bulacan.

Posted in Events / Activities, Friends, Supporters & Volunteers, Night High School, Scholarship Programs, Siena College, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, St. Dominic Academy, Pulilan, Bulacan | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Starting the New Year Right!

Posted on January 28, 2013 by admin

Want to be fit and make a difference at the same time?  Why not sign up for our Yoga+’s program to Send A Kid to School in 30 Days?

Yoga+ is a Charity Partner of A Better Chance Foundation, and by participating in their yoga sessions, not only will you be fit and healthy, you will also be helping to send a child to Night High School.

For more information on how to join, drop by their offices at:

Yoga+ at Bonifacio Global City - 11th floor, The Fort Legends Tower, 3rd Ave. cor. 31st St., Bonifacio Global City.

Tel:  (63 2) 238-2768 / 0917-808-3957

Yoga+ at Ortigas Wellness Complex – 22nd floor, Strata 100 Building, F. Ortigas Jr. Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig.

Tel:  (63 2) 631-0073 / 0917-823-8567.

Or visit their website: www.yogaplus.ph.

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

Congratulations, Faye!

Posted on December 6, 2012 by admin

Congratulations to Faye Regine Sedo who recently passed the 2012 Lisencure Examination for Teachers – Secondary!

Faye Regine Sedo

Faye Regine Sedo was part of Night High School Class of 2008 at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.  After Night High School, ABC Foundation continued to sponsor Faye as a college scholar at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, majoring in Religious Education.

Faye graduated from Religious Education at Siena College, Taytay at the end of S.Y. 2011-2012, and has since been working at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.  She advises a a class of 3rd graders and teaches Christian Living and Values Education.

Good job, Faye! We’re so proud of you!

Faye Regine Sedo with ABC Chairman Lew Edwards at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.

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

Congratulations, Katherine and Genesis!

Posted on October 25, 2012 by admin

Congratulations to our college graduates, Katherine Cajoles, and Genesis Cruz, for passing the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Exams on October, 2012.

Katherine Cajoles was a member of the Night High Class of 2007, the 1st batch of ABC Foundation Night High Scholars at Siena College, Taytay.

Katherine Cajoles with a degree in Accountancy from Rizal Technological University, Class of 2012.

Because of her excellent grades in Night High School, Katherine was granted a college scholarship by ABC Foundation.  She majored in BS Accountancy at the Rizal Technological University and graduated at the end of School Year 2011-2012.

Genesis Cruz is a member of the Night High Class of 2008 – the 2nd batch of ABC Night High Scholars at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, and a recipient of the ABC College Scholarship.  He majored in BS Accountancy at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and graduated at the end of School Year 2011-2012.

Genesis Cruz with a degree in Accountancy from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Class of 2012.

We are so proud of you, Katherine, and Genesis!  Keep up the good work!

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

Operation: Good Samaritan

Posted on October 12, 2012 by admin

We would like to thank a group of generous individuals for their recent involvement in supporting long-time ABC Foundation friend, Don-Don Pagdagdagan.

Don-Don (with Chairman Lew Edwards in the background) at Siena College, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, giving an inspirational message to the new 7th grade Night High Scholars.

Don-Don Pagdagdagan is 35 years old, and was born with cerebral palsy.  He is a talented composer / songwriter, and studied Music and Business in college. He is a very active member of his church.

ABC Chairman Mr. Lew Edwards met Don-Don back in 1998 at the Philippine Cerebral Palsy Inc, and they became fast friends.  Since then, Don-Don has been active with ABC Foundation, attending events and activities to give motivational talks to Night High Scholars.

Don-Don’s suffers from a degenerative condition, and his health worsens as he gets older.  He finds it extremely difficult to grip things with his hands and to walk, and cannot do it without the aid of a cane.  And though he can still ride public transportation vehicles, commuting is extremely challenging for him.  Because of his physical disability he is unable to keep a permanent job.

Don-Don is an extremely talented individual who does not see his disability as a handicap.   He inspires everyone who meets him, not just through his words and music, but also by his wonderful personality and positive outlook in life.

Don-Don with former Night High Scholar, Ivy Sedo at the 4th Night High General Assembly at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, February 3, 2012.

It is his positive attitude and zest for life that caught the attention of a certain individual here in the Philippines, who later told his friends living in the U.S. about Don-Don.  The group immediately decided that they wanted to do something special for Don-Don, and started Operation: Good Samaritan, to be able to provide him with financial assistance.

A big thank you to Ann Marie Reimer, Robin Adams Gennarelli, Danae Dubinsky Werthmen, Jeannine Riley, Jennifer Liberto Brakenhoff, Dianna Clark Curtis, and Melissa Nguyen for their support.  Their donation will be spread out to allow them to support Don-Don for at least two years.  Money has also been set aside to provide some groceries for Don-Don during the holidays.

Posted in Angels at Work, Donations / Sponsorships, Friends, Supporters & Volunteers, Individual Sponsors | Leave a comment

Congratulations, Kristine!

Posted on August 24, 2012 by admin

Congratulations, Kristine Dominique Rivera, for passing the June-July 2012 Nursing Licensure Examination.  We are so proud of you!

Kristine Dominique Rivera was a member of the Night High Class of 2007 – our first batch of Night High scholars at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal.

After graduating from Night High School at the end of S.Y. 2006-2007, Kristine went on to become one of the 7 ABC Foundation College scholars.  This group of 7 Night High graduates from Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, was our first ABC college scholars, all of which graduated from different universities at the end of S.Y. 2011-2012.

Kristine took up BS Nursing at the University of Makati and graduated in March, 2012.

Kristine Rivera (left) with ABC Chairman Lew Edwards (center) and fellow ABC College Scholars, from the Night High Class of 2007, Katherine Cajoles and Alvin Almenario, at the first Night High Alumni Homecoming at Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, March, 2012.

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