Another awkward dance adventure: this time jazz-funk.  Instead of watching someone whose arms are more lanky than they can handle, I suggest you keep an eye on Tessa (white top black shorts), Shauna (greyish? baggy shirt and blue shorts), and of course Anton.

Anton is one of those people who you know would be successful at whatever he decided to do.  I hope eventually he goes into law but right now I'm glad that he is so passionate about dancing. He's one of two people I know who can't help but smile whenever they're dancing.  That's love.  His song selection is always top drawer, too.  I missed it when he did an intense piece to TLC's "Waterfalls" but got to be there for "West End Girls" by the Pet Shop Boys.

At last the Reader's Digest Asia feature story on the Philippine Funds for Little Kids is now available online, you may view it at http://www.rdasia.com/changing-the-tide.

This is one of the most complete accounts yet of how our story started. The interview was done as of July 2011 and it just came out this month, October 2011. A lot has happened in the last 3 months and we hope to share those stories with you at http://yellowboat.tumblr.com.

Here's hoping that you will continue to support and maybe even volunteer in one of our areas which are currently in Zamboanga and Masbate.

Some good excerpts:

In November, Jaboneta posted a story about the children’s plight on his Facebook page. He thought that was enough, but his friend Josiah Go encouraged him to do more. With Go’s help, Jaboneta created Zamboanga Funds for Little Kids, which sought donations through his Facebook page to build a boat for the Layag Layag children.

“I envisioned the boat would improve the lives of the children but I didn’t imagine how it would open a whole new world of opportunities for the entire community so quickly,” admits Jaboneta, who has contracted Abraham Mawadi to build a second boat for community.

Jaboneta, Dr Sy and Anton Lim are now setting up Philippine Funds for Little Kids to help needy schoolchildren across the country. “Jay changed the lives of many people who have been long suffering,” Dr Sy says. “He reminded us that as citizens of this country, we can empower ourselves by helping each other.”

In the end, Jaboneta argues, the children of Layag Layag are the real heroes. “They inspired us to develop a sustainable operation in their community. My vision is to be able to move more individuals and organisations to take up the challenges of education. I would like to get more children to school so one day, no child will be left behind.”

by Ofelia Sy (originally posted last June 15, 2011)

Masbate Funds for Little Kids

After the GMA7 feature of the kids from Isla Mababoy in Monreal, Masbate who would not only swim to school but walk and dive as well and swim back home in their uniforms with their slippers on. One kid has asthma but landed as second honor pupil despite being chronically late in class due to long travel. Two kids were female who had to rinse with all the other male kids. I was teary-eyed watching the documentary.

Few minutes before showtime, I texted Pinky Aquino-Abellada, who minutes after the show was able to get a donor (Ms. Lisa Cheng) for two boats and today two more boats from Pinky and Ballsy. The 4 boats will be aptly named Noah, Luke (after Lisa's kids); then Ninoy and Cory. I also got some possible pledges for boats from Mrs. Jacqueline Tolentino and possible other needs of the kids and hopefully classrooms. MyPhone VP may also donate classrooms. I was told by GMA7 team that more inquiries are being received.

Ang sarap maging Pilipino! Salamat sa inyong lahat! Salamat sa GMA7 team, kay Dr. Anton Lim and Jay Jaboneta. Salamat din sa Pinoy Power volunteers na sila George Labalan and Efren Monsalve. Higit sa lahat, salamat sa nagturo sa akin sa kakaibang kalagayan ng mga mag-aaral na to, si Dong Cabarles of DepEd, a Pisay co-parent.

by Anton Lim

Zamboanga Funds for Little Kids

To those who are asking. Sorry, but we are still in the process of formalizing our status as a Foundation. For the meantime we're temporarily using Tzu Chi Foundation's account FOR ZAMBOANGA FUNDS FOR LITTLE KIDS. 

Account Name: Tzu Chi Foundation Zamboanga, Banco de Oro Zamboanga City Branch

Account Number: 3170069688

Please send a message to Anton Mari H. Lim about your donation since Tzu Chi maintains a separate ledger for this fund.

Masbate Funds for Little Kids

To help MASBATE FUNDS FOR LITTLE KIDS we are temporarily using the account of:

Account Name: PINOY POWER BICOL COALITION, CHINABANK LEGASPI CITY

Account Number: CA#1801522414

Please send a message to Ofelia Samar Sy about your donation since Pinoy Power also maintain a separate ledger for this fund.

Thank you to all our donors!