Makati City - Multi-awarded designer Ito Kish gives back with a project called Our Share which aims to support various charities and humanitarian organizations with specially marked furnitures on sale.

Ito Kish wrote on his blog.

"Every month, we will feature a unique and beautiful item from K I S H and we will offer it at half the price. If you purchase the featured item, the money you pay will directly go to a foundation/organization who needs it most for their charity work. We wont earn a single centavo on this endeavor, but we will do our share to make a difference".

Asked how he came to know about Black Pencil Project;  "My good friend Nina Santamaria told me about the Black Pencil Project and she told me how some school children in remote areas have to share a pencil just to be able to write or draw and with that scenario we decided to help and give kids hope and inspire them." Kish said.

Money that will be raised will afford us to buy basic school materials that will be given to public elementary schools in remote communities through the volunteers of the Black Pencil Project.
  
For the month of January. Ito Kish is featuring a wire chaise inspired by the Bertoia Asymmetric Chaise.
 

Bertoia Asymmetric Chaise

The selling price is Php 40,500.00 but lucky buyer can get it only for Php 20,250.00 (50%). Full disclosure of the mechanics can be found at Ito Kish Blog

Ito Kish store is located at LRI Building, Nicanor Garcia St (formerly called Reposo St), Makati City.


About Ito Kish

In December 2000, a 45-sqm home design store quietly opened its doors to the public at the heart of Makati City. Today, that little store has transformed itself into a locally-renowned brand and an established household name for anyone who’s in-the-know when it comes to interior design.

Through the years, K I S H has not only established a strong presence in the Philippine interior design scene, but has also grown to become a major influence in many facets of the industry. Wallpaper Magazine praised its branding in a story on Manila Design in 2005. Local publications have consistently given K I S H kudos for its unique collections and inspiring visual presentations. In 2004, the company launched its interior design service and has since then collaborated with some of the biggest names in business including Globe Telecom, Antel, Manila Polo Club, Amanpulo, Punta Fuego, Nuvocity and Anvaya.

Today, K I S H continues to inspire homeowners and designers alike by providing them with the most exclusive and up-to-date collections from around the world. K I S H hopes to continue its legacy as one of the foremost style destinations in the country, providing Filipinos with timeless design for years to come.



 

The following are the volunteer runners who tied up their official race performances to raise funds through the Run for Pencils Project (Phase II), a cause-oriented initiative under the Black Pencil Project (BPP). Running enthusiasts, like them, through this project will be running for a cause and donors can pledge a corresponding amount for every kilometer they complete. In turn, these pledges will be consolidated to create a pool of funds that would later be used to purchase school supplies and other learning facilities for schoolchildren among the Mangyan tribes in the Philippines.

Alona Mae H. Agustin (Mimi)	Nina Marnie C. Beltran (Ninay)	Anthony C. Cabiao (Ton)
Joy B. Cayabyab (Joy)	Oscar C. Cosme, Jr. (Klong)	Brian Anthony A. Dee (Bri)
Jeremy U. Dee (Jem)	Michelle I. de Guzman (Mitch)	Grace P. Gayao (Grace)
Ma. Fe G. Macaraig (Mia)	John Joseph A. Ong (JJ)	Jordana S. Queddeng (Jordee)
Joven D. Rito (Jovs)	Blossom B. Rosello (Blo)	Siegfred A. Sumicad (Bong)
John Paolo S. Reynes (Cholo)	Miguelito A. Capio (Lito)	Alfred Roy K. Peña-Reyes (Alf)
Sigfredo B. Mata (Sig)	Paul Legion (Paul)	Roderick Pangindian (Eryck)
Joyce Ann T. Moral (Joyce)	Melencio A. Silo (Bimbo)	J Caesar E. Austria (JC)
Victoria S. Ras (Vicky)	Enrico B. Caramay (Eric)	Ilacad, Catherine K. (Cat)

These volunteers are set to race in the following events:

• Multi Sport Weekend “Leg 1? (15 January 2012, Alabang)
• 2012 Timex Run (22 January 2012, Bonifacio Global City)
• Skyway Condura Marathon 2012: Run for the Mangroves (5 February 2012, Alabang)
• Unilab Run United Leg 1 (4 March, TBA)
• The Bull Runner Dream Marathon 2012 (18 March 2012, Nuvali)
• PBA Run with the Fans (24 March 2012, Tiendesitas)

If you wish to join in this cause by committing pledges with your preferred runners, please visit our online pledge form.

Check out the Details on Phase I of the Run for Pencils Project!

Originally posted at http://jordeeporgee.wordpress.com/2012/01/12/bpprfp2012/

Makati City - Philippines' Black Pencil Project in cooperation with Climbagainstcancer Pilipinas and Cathy Babao-Guballa's Yakapin: Batang Hilagang Mindanao is spearheading a drive called "A Thousand Bear Hugs" a toy drive campaign that aims to collect stuffed toys; specifically cuddly and huggable plushies and teddy bears to be distributed to children of Iligan and Cagayan De Oro who are or possibly undergoing a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) brought by the recent flash flood caused by Typhoon Sendong.

What Is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the development of symptoms following exposure to a traumatic event. Any kind of extreme stress can lead to development of PTSD. Typically, it involves direct personal experience that involves threatened or actual death or serious injury, witnessing a stressful event, or learning about an unexpected or violent death or injury to a family member or close friend. PTSD is treatable. Some people learn that in the process of healing from trauma they discover strengths they didn't know they had.

Play and Stuffed Toys?

Play and toys have been very effective tools in helping children heal from trauma and tragedy. Stuffed toys have been known to be effective comfort givers in times of extreme stress and fear. To children, stuffed animals are more than toys, they’re imaginary friends who are always ready to give comfort or play. They provide a certain amount of security in a sometimes scary world.

What are needed?

Old and brand new stuffed toys/ plushies like teddy bear with ideal huggable size.?? Make sure the toys are cleaned and dry before bringing in to our drop-off points for sorting and inventory.

Where to bring the toys?

You may bring the stuff toys to any of the following drop-off points;

Black Pencil Project
9M The Columns Ayala Avenue Tower 1
Ayala Avenue cor. Sen. Gil Puyat Ave.
Makati City

Climb Against Cancer
The Outdoor Project (Formerly Habagat)
Recto. 2077 Promenade Square CM Recto Ave.
Sampaloc, Manila

G.i. Outdoor Shop
Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Conquer Outdoor Equipment
Robinsons Pioneer, EDSA cor Pioneer St.,
Mandaluyong City

Bombproof Gear (Stoke, Inc.)
3rd Level Robinsons Galleria
EDSA Corner Ortigas Avenue Quezon City

Pitman (Habagat)
SM Megamall A
EDSA, Mandaluyong City

4B Nurses Station
Chinese General Hospital
Sta. Cruz, Manila
 

Institutions and organizations donating toys more than 30 pcs. may ask for the donations to be picked it up from their locations. Drop-off points are also welcome.

Toys must be received on or before February 11, 2012. Simultaneous distribution will be on February 14 (Valentines Day) in Iligan City and Cagayan De Oro City.

For more information, call or sms 09177961378, email info@blackpencilproject.org or follow A Thousand Bear Hugs on Facebook.com/groups/blackpencilproject.

Black Pencil Project's Run For Pencils (Year 2)

Calling all runners participating in races from January to March 2012. You are invited to tie up your official race performances with charitable donations through the Run for Pencils Project (Phase II), a timely, cause-oriented initiative under the Black Pencil Project (BPP). Running enthusiasts, like you, through this project will be running for a cause and donors can pledge a corresponding amount for every kilometer you complete. In turn, these pledges will be consolidated to create a pool of funds that would later be used to purchase school supplies and other learning facilities for schoolchildren among the Mangyan tribes in the Philippines. If you are interested in joining this initiative, please visit: http://bit.ly/bpprunnersform

About Run for Pencils

The Run for Pencils is a cause-oriented activity under the Black Pencil Project (BPP) wherein running enthusiasts partake in the advocacy of promoting education amongst Filipino children in the far-flung communities around the Philippines. Volunteer runners make use of their official race performances to collect pledges from supporters, who can give a corresponding donation for every kilometer they complete. In turn, these contributions are consolidated to create a pool of funds that would later be used to purchase school supplies and other learning facilities for schoolchildren.

This initiative was convened in 2011 by a BPP volunteer who wanted to run her first full marathon for a worthy cause. She encouraged fellow runners who also convinced other runners to do the same and support the objectives of the project while they embark on their personal goals.

In March 2011, 22 volunteer runners who joined in three races – Bataan Death March Ultramarathon 102km, Unilab Run United 1, and The Bull Runner Dream Marathon took part in the Run for Pencils project.

List of 2011 BPP Runners:

1. Agustin, Alona Mae H.
2. Arabia, Helen Grace D.
3. Beltran, Nina Marnie C.
4. Bermudez, Suzanne Rona O.
5. Cosme, Oscar Jr. C.
6. Dee, Brian John Anthony A.
7. Dee, Jeremy James U.
8. Dee, Rycca Sofia Yzabelle A.
9. Gayao, Grace P.
10. Gangan, Teresa
11. Gumangan, Cherry
12. Hidalgo, Gerald
13. Katigbak, Sunny
14. Macaraig, Ma. Fe G.
15. Mampusti, Imelda P.
16. Pagtalunan, Juvy
17. Pangindian, Eryck
18. Queddeng, Jordana S.
19. Ong, John Joseph A.
20. Sumicad, Siegfred A.
21. Valmores, Elizabeth R.
22. Yabut, Maridol N.

BPP Volunteer Runners who joined Unilab Run United 1 held on 6 March 2011 at the Fort. (Photo by Zer Cabatuan)

BPP Volunteer Runners who joined The Bull Runner Dream Marathon held on 20 March 2011 at Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna. (Photo by Alvin Mampusti)

320 children from six Mangyan tribes in Mindoro namely Hanunuo, Bangon, Buhid, Iraya, Alangan and Tadyawan benefited from these donations. Beneficiaries also included 20 para-teachers from Mindoro, 19 non-formal Mangyan schools in Mindoro, 3 non-formal Mangyan schools in Palawan and two Mangyan tribal development centers in Mindoro.

The 320 children were given a school bag which contained supplies like notebooks, pad paper, pencils, ballpens (for GS and HS students), crayons, sharpener, and eraser. Each student was also provided with a water tumbler, toothbrush, and vitamins.

The 20 para-teachers were given teacher bags which contained large notebooks, a box of chalk, board eraser, ballpens, and a Filipino-English dictionary. 17 non-formal Mangyan schools were given sports equipment i.e. basketball and volleyball, boxes toothbrushes and biscuits. 22 non-formal Mangyan schools and two Mangyan tribal development centers were given funds for new blackboards. Old clothes donated to the project were also distributed to para-teachers and their students.

Mangyan school children beneficiaries.(Photo by Zer Cabatuan)

If you're interested, sign up now at http://bit.ly/bpprunnersform.

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 18 (PIA) -– In line with the celebration of Deaf Awareness Week, the Regional Council on Disability Affairs in Eastern Visayas through the DPWH Hingyap CBR is set to stage an Exhibit showcasing the art works of the hearing impaired students on November 18, 9:00 o’clock in the morning at the Knights of Columbus Center at Palo, Leyte.

DPWH Region 8 Director Rolando Asis informed that the activity hopes to bring thousands of children to the Exhibit and be inspired by the art works of students with hearing impairment.
No entrance fee will be collected, Director Asis said. However, what makes this activity unique is that the spectators have been requested to bring pencil and crayon for the children.

This is in support to the Black Pencil Project by Changing the World One Pencil at a Time. The member agencies of the Regional Council on Disability Affairs have been requested to send in five staff with five boxes of pencils to the activity.”

The pencils which will be collected through this activity will be given to the Black Pencil Project, through one of three founders, Mr. Mon Corpuz.

These pencils will reach out to every child in the far-flung communities around the country, in the mission to teach and to inspire the early learners to go to school and to promote education as foundation of life’s success.

The Black Pencil Project is a collective initiative to provide pencils and other light school materials to public elementary schools in remote communities across the country through resource mobilization. It aims to encourage localized participation and individual commitment of goodwill, in support to government education programs in the countryside. (PIA Region VIII)

“Consultative, Proactive and Responsive.”

These are the three strongest words which form the foundations of the yellow-based political party that most students from De La Salle University hear during the annual University Student Government General Elections. It has become a university tradition where political parties will battle it out to get the votes of the students to be able to win an elected seat. Of course, winning entails a whole year of service rendered to the entire student body. It’s a tedious process, but the two political parties are guided by their own beliefs and principles. CPR which stands for Consultative, Proactive and Responsive are the brands of leadership that "Iisang Tugon sa Tawag ng Panahon", or Santugon where everyone is more familiar, emphasizes to their election candidates, their core members, and even their supporters. It’s the leadership style that caters to all the needs of each and every individual in the university and is the brand of leadership that their leaders have imbibed in responding to the call of the times, thus the political party’s name.

Santugon is also known for other values that are taught to their leaders. These are the concept of being one as a family, respecting individuality, practicing integrity in everything one does, always having faith in God and most importantly, no matter who you are and where you are, always having the passion for service. Furthermore, Santugon also coins itself as De La Salle University’s premier socio-political party, due to the fact that the party also advocates three important issues that also reflect those issues in the society. The Santugon Foundation is the socio-civic arm of the organization that intends to raise efforts for the education of impoverished children. Youth United Santugon aims to breed true Lasallian leadership through the holistic development and spiritual formation of students. Lastly, the Blue + Yellow Campaign, which is an ongoing environmental campaign, promotes student involvement through heightened awareness and action.

But after the general elections, students would just pamper themselves with the different activities provided by the University Student Government, regardless of the political party. So there is always that underlying question, are the political parties in DLSU only available during elections?

The way I saw it during the week, it was not the case. It came through an out-of-place color yellow table in the middle of a crowded lobby. Just recently, the political party worked hand in hand together with the Black Pencil Project, an organization advocating in the education and welfare of children. With the tagline, “Anong Mararating ng P20 mo?”, several mini coin banks in hand and a clear objective in mind, they wasted no time making full blast publicities in the all available social networking websites and spreading through by word of mouth. Along the out-of-place colored yellow table in the middle of the crowded lobby, their members would talk to their friends, to different individuals and even to their professors to spare a small amount that they know would mean big to its intended beneficiary. For one week, they continued doing the same thing, ask people for a fraction of their time, have them understand the advocacy and be able to have them spare some amount, some would even go beyond the walls of their colleges just to spread the good word, and by good word, I mean the idea of helping out people they don’t even know Yes, after one week, through the organization, the project was successfully able to give school supplies to 400 children. They, together with other countless faces they may or may not know were able to touch the lives of other people they know they will not meet in another day in their lifetime.

But before we end with what we saw, let’s play a little bit of the skeptic. Some people can question the motives; they can say the party’s campaigning a little bit too early or the party is just showing off so that people can see that they can do more. We can concede, but as far as I'm concerned, the party stayed true to their motives and just simply practiced what they have always been bragging during elections, that they are a socio-political party that also advocates on empowering children and showing them that there are people who are willing to help them exercise their right to proper education.

At the end of the day, the end can always be justified by the means. It's just a matter on how we look on perspectives and the countless number of lives who have been changed in the process.

By Ronalyn R. Regino

IF not candies, then what?

It was in June 2008 when hobbyists photographers Mon Corpuz, Edwin Karganilla, and Zer Cabanatuan visited a small community called Cambulo in Banaue, Ifugao.  Since Ifugao is one of the culturally sensitive communities, tourists are discouraged to give candies and worse, money to children therein.

Instead of candies, and with the permission of Banaue Tourism Office, the three photographers ought to bring a bag of pencils to be given to the children as they pass through the village. Humbled by the warm welcome of the kids, the photographers realized the shared value of social responsibility and promised to continue the effort in their own little way. There began “The Black Pencil Project.”

The Black Pencil Project is a collective initiative to provide pencils and other light school materials to public elementary schools in remote communities across the country through resource mobilization. It aims to encourage localized participation and individual commitment of goodwill, in support to government education programs in the countryside.

The Black Pencil Project is a hobby-based volunteer organization with core advocacies focused on children’s primary education. It promotes shared social responsibility throughvolunTourism and advenTourism.

Originally, the project was “Lapis Para Sa Batang Eskuwela.” Right from the start, it was set to address a particular segment of elementary education – the early learners. These children, particularly the incoming first graders, are the most excited to go to school despite of the circumstances such as a long travel by foot from home to school.

Since pencils are not as expensive as other materials, economically, the founders found the cause favorable to commit for it does not require donations from other people.

According to one of the founders, Mon Corpuz, “We can buy pencils ourselves, what we intent our friends to do, is to follow what we are doing. Start a cause no matter how small it is.”

The Black Pencil Project’s vision is to change the world one pencil at a time. But aside from providing pencils and material support that reportedly helped to increase the number of enrollees in schools visited, it also contributes psychosocial support to communities, particularly teachers in public schools devoting a lifetime profession teaching in remote areas.

The project taps Filipinos with passionate professions and hobbies to take part in the advocacy of being instruments of hope to the early learners by harnessing their passions, interest and preferred activity.

Three-pronged programs

The Black Pencil Project has three programs: Back-to-School, Immersion and Awareness Programs which runs all year through.

Back-to-School is executed during May to July, just in time for the opening of the classes. The idea is to bring the school supplies on or before enrollment period. With this, parents do not have to worry with the school supplies; hence, more children are enrolled.

Children are given basic study kit. These materials are cascaded into schools through organized simultaneous treks called “Pencil Treks.”

Immersion program happens from August to April. Invited volunteers and donors are invited to join immersion treks and conduct art workshops with the children. Interactive activities and exercises are encouraged during this time in order to build a bond between the volunteer and the community since there is a time limit during treks.

Lastly, Awareness program is carried out. As an organization, the project offers unique travel opportunities, self-empowerment, experience countryside back-packing and facilitate expansion of volunteer’s off-line social network.

It is no secret that Filipinos are willing to advocate on helping the ones in need, which is why The Black Pencil Project has been supported by a number of people. It started from three people and ended up growing and growing as days pass by.

“The small advocacy evolved from a personal project to a full blown collective initiative, garnering support from private individuals and various organizations,” said Corpuz.

The project provides alternate windows to private companies and organizations to maximize their social responsiveness programs. Mountaineering groups and photography clubs as well as foreign tourists and overseas Filipinos abroad have supported the cause.

Due to the size of and limited resources, The Black Pencil Project only goes to remote and indigenous communities as their area of focus.  Remote since it is only accessible by foot or has decent seaport such as Babuyan Islands. More than anywhere else in the Philippines, the public schools in the remote communities are important in promoting education as universal equalizer.

The project’s target communities normally comprise from 50 to 250 of school population.

Spirit of volunteerism

The Black Pencil Project is beneficial not only to the children and their parents alike but also the volunteers joining their treks. These volunteers are exposed to the project areas, immersing them to communities and experience unique travels. They also get to realize their significance to instill change or make change happen.

At the minimum, the project is only supported by local government or district levels of public schools. In Banaue, Ifugao, the project has worked with the local tourism office.

“This way we can also help contribute to the government programs in the countryside by becoming more of a proactive civic organization rather than a visitor to the community,” Corpuz said.

The Black Pencil Project is not yet recognized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, yet the project recognizes DSWD-run day care centers with their programs. They have helped in rebuilding a day care school in Talim Islands, which is located at the center of the Laguna de Bay lake under the municipality of Binangonan, Rizal.

The compensation of the project is the least thing they think of.

“Perhaps if we are to think of it, we could not have last even for a year. But luckily, our limited resources are ample enough to mold our programs and be successful,” said Corpuz.

In a way, this challenges the Project to focus on its key competence as a volunteer organization and effective models to sustain the programs.

The Black Pencil Project was named after the type of pencil the founders first brought to Cambulo, Ifugao in 2008. Coincidentally, the black pencil is the prescribed writing instrument for students in Kinder and Grades 1 – 3 in public schools because of the size and grip.

This is how the project grew to what it is today – from initial pencils, ideas poured in from friends as if each and everyone is putting school materials inside a bag, and another bring the bag to the mountains to hand it to a child.

As said earlier, The Black Pencil Project adheres to the spirit of volunteerism and individual commitment of goodwill, thus the organization does not run a list of membership, sign-ups and membership fees.

According to Corpuz, everyone who believes in The Black Pencil Project is welcomed to volunteer. A simple gesture of telling The Black Pencil Project exists is considered as help.

Corpuz said, “Sama-sama nating abutin ang lahat ng mga bata sa pinakaliblib na pook sa Pilipinas, abutan sila ng lapis, hikayatin at turuan silang gumuhit at sumulat ng magagandang pangarap.”

For more information on their advocacy, visit their websitewww.blackpencilproject.org or email at info@blackpencilproject.org.

Let us all help and support typhoon relief efforts of government troops, social welfare institutions and non-governments organizations in areas most afflicted by recent typhoons in Luzon.

Black Pencil Project Org, in response to the multi-sectoral call for help and assistance for the victims of Typhoon Pedring and Quiel, had created a list of relief drive and efforts in typhoon-stricken communities in Central and Northern Luzon.

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Sagip Kapamilya
ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. Building
Mother Ignacia Ave., corner Eugenio Lopez St.,
Quezon City
Trunkline: +632-415-2272 loc 3765
Direct line: +632-411-4995
Email: sagip@abs-cbn.com
Website: www.sagipkapamilya.com
Fax No: +632-411-4995
Warehouse: ABS-CBN Foundation Sagip Kapamilya Warehouse(Edongs)
#137 Mother Ignacia Ave., Quezon City

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GMA Kapuso Foundation
Address: 2nd Floor GMA Kapuso Center
GMA Network Drive cor. Samar Street
Diliman, Quezon City 1103
Telephone Nos.: (632) 982.7777 loc. 9901 / 9904 / 9905
Telefax: (632) 928.9351 / (632) 928.4299
E-mail: gmaf@gmanetwork.com

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Philippine Daily Inquirer Typhoon Relief Drive
1098 Chino Roces Ave. corner Yague and Mascado streets, Makati City.
Tels. 899-4426 or 897-8808 and look for Connie Kalagayan or Bianca Kasilag.

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Philippine National Red Cross
Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, PO Box 280, Manila 2803
Telephone: 527-0856
Fax: 527-0857
E-mail: prc@redcross.org.ph
Website: http://www.redcross.org.ph/

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National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council
OCD Region III
Telephone: +63.45.4551145
Telefax +63.45.4550564

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Gawad Kalinga
Ground Floor, Cheng Building,
212 Haig Strteet, Brgy. Daang-Bakal,
Mandaluyong City, Philippines 1552
Mobile: 09175239777/09178888659/
+639163200809/ +639162738260

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Climb Against Cancer
The Outdoor Project (Habagat Recto)
Promenade Square
Claro M. Recto, Manila
Call/Text: Nini Andrada Sacro 09164388781

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Please help us update the list if you come across sites and links of the same cause. Please email info@blackpencilproject.org or SMS 09177961378. Kindly include the following:

• Name of Organization
• Complete Contact Information and Web links
• Things Needed
Salamat!

BISIKLETA ESKWELA
A FUND RAISING DRIVE ROXAS ISABELA OUTDOOR TEAM (R.I.O.T)
FOR THE BENEFIT OF DANNAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS OF PARACELIS MOUNTAIN PROVINCE
Aries Apiado, Contributor

Nagsimula ang lahat nang sinubukan naming tatlo (Joel Javier, Reinier Gagtan, Ariestotle Apiado) na magbike from Roxas Isabela hangang Paracelis Mountain Province at pabalik sa Roxas Isabela. Habang nagpapahinga kami ng mga panahong iyon ay napag desisyunan namin na gawin ang Roxas Isabela Outdoor Team (R.I.O.T.) na ang layunin ay ang kapatiran, pakikipagkaibigan, tumulong sa kapwa tao at protektahan ang inang kalikasan. Ilang beses din kaming nagpabalik balik sa lugar at ilang beses din naming nakasalamuha ang mga batang magaaral na naglalakad ng ilang oras akyat baba ng bundok bago marating ang kanilang paaralan. Pagod ang mga mumunting paa ng mga bata sa paglalakad upang marating ang kanilang paaralan.

Nang minsan nagsalo salo ang grupo nabanggit ko sa kanila ang ginagawa ng isang grupo na nakilala ko nang minsan dumalaw ako sa aking paaralan nung ako’y kolehiyo. ibinahagi ko sa kanila ang adhikain ng grupong iyon. Nung unay madaming tanong sa mga kasamahan ko ngunit sa tulong ng aming magiting na presidente ay naipaliwag ng mabuti sa aming mga kasamahan ang layunin ng naturang gawain.

MGA TANONG NG AMING KA GRUPO
1. Saan tau kukuha ng pera eh pang inum nga natin nagaambag ambag pa tau?
2. May maniniwala ba sa atin kung hihingi tau ng donasyon sa ibang tao (sasabihin ng mga yun eh pang iinum lang natin yung malilikom?
3. Kakayanin ba natin eh kokonti lang tau?
4. Baka naman delikado dun sa pagbibigyan natin nyan.

Yan ang ilan sa mga tanung n gaming ka grupo. Isa isa naming sinagot ang mga ito at ipinaliwanang sa kanila.

1. Hihingi tau ng tulong sa mga tao at pagaambag ambagan natin ang kulang sa mga gamit na ibibigay.
2. Hanggat maganda ang layunin natin meron at meron parin tutulong sa atin gawin nating pormal ang paghingi ng tulong dadaanin natin sa sulat.
3. Kung kaming 3 lang ang gagalaw malamang mahihirapan kami ng sobra ngunit kung gagalaw tayong lahat madami tayong matatapos.
4. Hanggat maganda ang adhikain natin sa pagpunta sa lugar nila ituturing tayong mga kaibigan at hindi kaaway.

Nagsimula kaming mamigay ng sulat sa mga kakilala namin pagkabasa nila sa sulat ito ang kanilang karaniwang nabibigkas “Maganda ang hangarin nyo bakit nyo naman naisipan na gawin ito.” Ang lagging tugon naming ay “Nais naming makatulong at maenganyo ang mga bata na pumasok sa eskwela. “ Madaming nagbigay ng tulong paisa isang mga lapis, papel, notebook, ballpen at may nagbigay din ng pera. May mga mangilan ngilan ding nagduda sa aming adhikain. Ngunit hindi sila ang nagging hadlang para itigil ang aming adhikain bagkus sila pa ang nagpalakas sa aming loob na ituloy ang aming nasimulan. Nagpatuloy ang padating ng mga tulong hangang sa dumating ang araw na pagbigay naming ng tulong.

Inayus na naming ang mga gamit na ibibigay sa mga bata mga notebook, papel, lapis, ballpen, crayons, at mga erasers. Hinanda din naming ang mga munting regalo para sa mga guro ang chalk at eraser. Habang nagaayus bakas sa mukha ng aking mga kasama ang pagkagalak sa paparating na gawain. Inayus din namin ang mga gagawin sa gawaing nakatakda. Isang grupo ang magbibisikleta papunta at isang grupo ang susunod at sasakay sa sasakyan dala ang mga gamit na ipamimigay. Dumating nga ang araw na aming pinakahihintay nagkitakita na ang unang grupo na magbibisikleta ng humigit kumulang 20 kilometrong akyat baba sa gilit ng bulubunduking daan ng Roxas Isabela patungong Dannal Elementary School sa Paracelis Mountain Province. Naunang nakarating ang grupo na nagbisikleta sapagkat hindi madaan ng malalaking sasakyan ang daan papuntang Dannal elementary school kayat umikot muna ang sasakyan sa kabilang daanan upang marating ang paaralan ng mga batang pagkakalooban naming ng dagdag na gamit pang eskwela. Bakas sa mga mata ng mga bata ang tuwa at pagtataka kung bakit may mga taong dumalaw sa kanilang muting paaralan. Kinausap na naming ang punong guro upang ipaalam ang layunin n gaming grupo at kung anu an gaming sadya sa kanilang paaralan. Pansamantala naming inabala ang pagaaral ng mga bata upang bigyang daan ang programang hinanda naming para sa kanila. Nagtayo ang grupo ng poste para sa net ng larong volleyball para sa mga bata. Nagpalaro ang mga guro at nabigyan ng kaunting premyo ang mga nanalo. Nagpalaro din kami para sa mga bata at ang mga nagwagi ay binigyan naming ng gantimpla. May mga kumanta, tumula at nagbahagi ng kanikanilang mga talento. Masaya masaya ang lahat ng mga bata pati narin ang mga guro.. Nang magtanghalian na ay sabay sabay kaming kumain ng mga bata kasama ang mga guro at ibang mga magulang na naghanda ng konting salo salo. Nang matapos ang pananghalian kinausap naming ang mga guro at pinapasok na ang mga bata sa tatlong silid aralan. Oo tama ang nabasa mo tatlo hindi anim sapagkat tatlo lamang ang silid aralan at tatlo lang din ang magigiting na guro na nagtuturo. Dalawang antas ang hawak ng bawat guro. Pumasok kami sa silid aralan at kinausap ang mga bata nagpakilala kami at sinabi sa kanila kung bakit kami naroroon. Binigyan naming ang bawat magaaral ng papel, notebook, lapis, at ballpen ang mga magaaral sa unang baiting ang nabigyan din ng pangkulay. Masayang masaya ang lahat ng bata. Hindi matawaran ang ngiti sa kanilang mga labi. Nagpasalamat kami sa mga guro at punong guro dahil pinayagan kaming antalahin ng kahit ilang oras lamang ang klase ng mga bata. Sa huling pagkakataon ay pinalabas naming ulit ang mga bata para makuhanan sila ang mga guro at an gaming grupo para sa isang larawan na magiging habang buhay na magbibigay ng ngiti at kukurot sa aming mga puso. Nagpaalam ang grupo sa mga guro at punong guro ngunit sinabi naming na hindi iyon ang huling pagkakataon na kami ay babalik sa kanilang lugar. Dahil napagkasunduan na n gaming grupo na tuwing taon at tutulong kami sa Dannal Elementary School. Babalik kami at kukumustahin ang mga bata.

Pagkatapos ng gawaing iyon ay nagsalo salo ang grupo kinagabihan. Halos iisa ang naiibulalas n gaming mga ka grupo ang gaan dawn g pakiramdam nang nakakatulong sa kapwa lalo na sa mga bata. Masaya ang lahat ipinagmamalaki namin ang aming nagawa. Nagbigay kami ng larawan na kuha sa gawaing iyon at nagpasalamat sa ng tumulong. Ang nakakatuwa pa nito kahit tapus na an gaming Gawain eh may mga dumarating parin na mga gamit iniipon parin naming ito para sa susunod na BISIKLETA ESKWELA ng aming grupong ROXAS ISABELA OUTDOOR TEAM (R.I.O.T.)

Makati City – Black Pencil Project supports Lahat Mag-aaral Program; a back-to-school drive organized by the Tarlac Mountaineering Club, in cooperation with Photography Club of Tarlac, and Climb Against Cancer.

Launched last June 12, in valley barangay of Labney in Mayantoc town, the program which provides basic study kits for Day Care and Elementary pupils in public school covers (5) remote and indigenous communities in the province of Tarlac.

Fundraising initiatives for two (2) remaining communities in Bamban and Capas are currently underway. BPP has been running series of informational posters online to gather material support and pledges.

“We wish to thank our friends and donors for supporting the program, and we’re not stopping yet. We need at least 900 more of study kits” according to Angel Simbol, president of TMC who have been in-charged of the mobilization.

Simbol also expressed gratitude to Climb Against Cancer who’s cause is no different to the literacy program they are advocating. “They (CAC) finds illiteracy as a form of cancer to the society thus it needs to be treated and cured” Simbol added.

Since 2009, Black Pencil Project has been collaborating with Tarlac-based TMC for its defunct Project Aral programs.

“It’s very heart-warming to know that despite of the unavailability of corporate support this year and for our (BPP) small capacity as group to focus on other areas outside Luzon, still TMC have been moving mountains to see the program happening in critical areas of the (Tarlac) province” says BPP Program Director Mon Corpuz, who hails from Mayantoc town.

The group is slated to complete the outreach before end of July. Lahat Mag-aaral Program is offering an invitation to experience a rare activity that will not only change people’s lives but also redefines volunteerism.

For assistance, support, pledges and donations, please visit email info@blackpencilproject.org/ or drop donations at Habagat Claro M. Recto Blvd. in City of Manila.