The Real LIFE Feeding Program

Photo Credit: Real Life Foundation

Volunteering is a passion. It’s about giving back to the community; doing something for others without getting paid. Yes, the task maybe so tedious and tiring but the joy you feel when the work’s done is priceless. It’s unexplainable. It’s something that money can’t buy. And this the ONE THING that I’ve always loved doing. I’m glad that I grew up with my grandparents and auntie who spent most of their lives doing philanthropic works.

I had the opportunity to join a volunteer activity at Real Life Foundation one weekend. We were assigned with our tasks to do during the activity. Some were assigned at the registration area, guide the kids in washing their hands, others were tasked as game masters, and play with the kids. And I, together with two other colleagues – Ms. Jie and Benedict, was tasked with the storytelling.  And it wasn’t just any typical storytelling! It was a storytelling in a theatrical form.  And it was my FIRST time to act on stage – with lines and costume. Many Thanks to Annie and Andy for the creative costume. Although I felt a little awkward the moment I got on stage, yet I was a little excited because I can see that the kids were so eager to watch our “performance”. And we had a repeat performance for the second batch of the kids. Yes!

Photo Credit: Annie Teodoro

We had a fun time playing with the kids. We had to make sure that each one participated in the game, and had behaved properly. As kids, you can’t do away with some who are a little naughty. Well, that’s why they’re kids. Patience and understanding are a must. But at the end of the day, no matter how tedious the task was, the experience was truly rewarding that a certificate or a medal can’t be at par with. It’s just amazing!

What’s significant about Real Life is that, not only that they feed 50 – 60 kids on any given weekend, but also they teach them the importance of proper hygiene, and expose them to the good values that they live by.  Real Life makes sure that the kids get proper nourishment by serving them nutrition enriched food. Aside from the feeding program, Real Life also supports about 200 scholars across the country.

On a personal note, I wish to thank the Real Life staff and Tita Sony who gave us that memorable and fulfilling weekend.

How can you help?

Project Location:                Victory Center in Village Square, Harrison Plaza, Malate
Day:                                        Every Saturday
Event Time:                          8am – 12nn
Event Cost:                           P250 per Feeding Partner
# of Feeding Partners:     Min of 20, max of 25 people per Saturday

FAQ’s:

Photo Credit: Annie Teodoro

1. How many children do you feed every Saturday?
We feed between 100-120 malnourished children every Saturday.

2. What are the ages of the children and where do they come from?
The children range in age from 3 – 12 years old. The children come from the nearby squatter communities in Malate City.

3. What happens during the feeding program?
We organize the children into batches of 50-60, play games with them and
then feed them. We feed two batches of kids every Saturday morning.

4. As a feeding partner, what will I be expected to do?
Feeding partners will be assigned one or more of the following duties:
i) washing the childrens’ hands as they come in;
ii) playing games with the children;
iii) helping prepare and serve the food and drinks;
iv) acting as “table hosts” – chatting with the kids and helping them eat.

5. Can I bring my children with me?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your children as long as they will not require supervision (no yayas, please). Children can take part in the games and help befriend the kids.

6. If I’m a volunteer, why are you charging me P250?
The P250 is a one time fee that covers the cost of feeding 10 children, pays for your fabulous volunteer t-shirt, & helps to ensure the sustainability of our feeding program.

Real LIFE Foundation is a christian non-profit, NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) incorporated in 2007 with the vision of seeing thousands of marginalized Filipino youth educated, gainfully employed and uplifting their communities.

Real LIFE is passionate about providing a better future for underprivileged Filipinos by giving them access to a good education and transforming their communities through community service. It is accredited in the Philippines by the PCNC  (Philippine Council for NGO Certification), the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development), and has BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) approved tax-exempt donee status.

You may visit www.igivetolife.com for more info.

*FAQs and information about Real Life Foundation are used with permission.

Coming Up: Get Fit Run 2012

When HyperSports Philippines was launched through its first Get Fit Session on January 14, I thought that it’s just any other running clinic. I thought I was already properly executing the basic drills and the proper running form, I was wrong. Week after week, HyperSports had its Get Fit Sessions at the Philippines Sports Complex (formerly known as the Ultra). In those sessions, we learned running the right way, as the HyperSports Team was composed of professional coaches and experts in the field of running and track and field. The sessions attracted newcomers. And there were the regular sessionistas, whom we call The Reserved Energy Boys and Girls.

And with all the trainings we went through, how can we better showcase how well we learned? So, HyperSports is organizing its first major running event this year dubbed as GET FIT RUN 2012. Here are the event details:

HyperSports Get Fit Run 2012
Venue: Quirino Grandstand, Manila
Date: July 8, 2012

Categories:
i. 3k (Men & Women)
ii. 5k (Men & Women)
iii. 10k (Men & Women)
iv. 21k (Men & Women)

Registration Fees*:
i. 3k Php500*
ii. 5k Php600*
iii. 10k Php700*
iv. 21k Php800*
- Inclusive of singlet, race bib, reusable timing chip
- Medal for 21K finisher
*Includes a reusable IPICO Timing Chip which will be given to participants. This timing chip can be used for other races organized by HyperSports and upon presenting will be eligible for a Php80 discount.
*Participants may have the option to refund the Timing Chip for Php50
*For non-HyperSports IPICO Timing Chip / Shoe tag holders, you may submit those timing chips upon registration and avail of Php80 discount. It will be returned to you together with the Race Kits later on.

Registration Dates: June 4, 2012 – July 4, 2012

Early Bird Promo: be one of the first 500 to register not later than June 11, 2012 and you’ll get a PERSONALIZED RACE BIB!

Registration Sites:
Recreational Outdoor Exchange (ROX) –
Bonifacio High Street – Saturday & Sunday (12:00PM to 8:00PM) and Monday & Tuesday (2:00PM to 8:00PM)
Royal Sporting House (RSH) -
Glorietta – Saturday & Sunday (12:00PM to 8:00PM) and Monday & Tuesday (2:00PM to 8:00PM)
Trinoma – Saturday & Sunday (12:00PM to 8:00PM) and Wednesday & Thursday (2:00PM to 8:00PM) Alabang Town Center – Saturday & Sunday (12:00PM to 8:00PM) and Thursday & Friday (2:00PM to 8:00PM)

Race Kit Pick-up Date: June 27 to July 4, 2012

RACE DAY DETAILS
Race Assembly Gun Start:
i. 3k 5:30AM 6:00AM
ii. 5k 5:15AM 5:45AM
iii. 10k 5:00AM 5:30AM
iv. 21k 4:15AM 4:45AM

For more details, please visit HyperSports Philippines official Facebook page: Get Fit Run 2012
The HyperSports Get Fit Session Team:
Coach Djundi Binas
Coach Ralph Soguilon
Coach Ninoy Marayag
Coach Sheena Atilano
Coach Lawrence Macalinao
Coach Edmar Dionson

Coming Up: ValuCare Run 2012

In commemoration of its 15^th Anniversary, ValuCare brings you ValuCare Run 2012. This event not only focuses on the healthy benefits of running, but also emphasizes the importance of proper health care program.

The Event
Date:           June 16, 2012
Venue:        Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Race Categories & Gun Start:
10k    5:45am
5k      5:50am
3k      5:55am

Registration Fees:
3k      500Php
5k      500Php
10k    650Php

Registration Dates and Sites:
April 10 to June 10, 2012
Chris Sports Outlets – SM Annex North EDSA, Mega Mall, Mall of Asia; Glorietta; and Festival Mall

Race Kit Inclusions:
Singlet
Bag Tag
Race Bib/ Timing Chip

Race Day Freebies:
ValuCare Shoe Bag
ValuCare – Nature’s Spring Bottled Water
Bread (from Creatives Baker)
Snacks (from Stateline Foods)
Products from Pascual Lab

Winners:
Top 3 Male and Female Finishers for all Categories will be announced as Winners.
First 250 Finishers per Race Category will get a Bottle Holder Lanyard from Nature’s Spring.
All registered participants will get a Certificate of Participation.

Prizes:

Place	Prizes
1st Place (Male & Female)	ValuCare Run 2012 Star Medal, FTX Gym GCs, NEO gift packs, Adbocan Organic Spa GCs, King Sue gift packs, Dermplus Sunblock gift packs, Tai Chi Electric Hot Water Bag
2nd Place (Male & Female)	ValuCare Run 2012 Star Medal, NEO gift packs, King Sue gift packs, Dermplus Sunblock gift packs, Tai Chi Electric Hot Water Bag
3rd Place (Male & Female)	ValuCare Run 2012 Star Medal, NEO gift packs, King Sue gift packs, Dermplus Sunblock gift packs, Tai Chi Electric Hot Water Bag

Other Special Awards:
Male and Female Face of the Day (by Blush & Brush)
Male and Female Power Runner (by Tai Chi)
Male and Female Fit Runner (by Nestle Fruit Selection Yogurt)

Raffle Draw Prizes:
Grand Prize: Trip for two (2) to Boracay with Airfare and Accommodation
GCs and Gift Packs from sponsors

Beneficiaries:
Bantay Bata 163: a donation (from the event profit) will be made to the organization
Plastic Ni Juan Project (Eat Bulaga): an approximate 20,000 used/empty bottles will be given to the project. Runners are also encouraged to bring 10 used/empty bottles.

The Jr. NBA All Star Philippine Team

The Champions and the Playoffs

On the last day of the training camp, the champions showcased not only their skills and playing abilities, but also exhibited the Jr. NBA – Alaska STAR values – Sportsmanship, Teamwork, positive Attitude, and Respect. In the afternoon, from 50 champions, they were cut down to 20. They were split into two teams – Blue Team and Red Team. The two teams played a four quarter game, where they were being observed and evaluated to be drafted into the Jr. NBA All Star Philippine Team.

Jr. NBA All Star Philippine Team

The Top Ten Jr. NBA All Star Philippine Team:
1. Aljun Jay Melecio (#29)
2. Camillus Altamirano (#7)
3. Patrick Ramirez (#37)
4. Lui Jhullano Besa (#39)
5. Regille Kent Ilagan (#41)
6. John Roald Mayor (#19)
7. Paul Harley Dagunan (#17)
8. Antonio Jeffrey Coronel (#35)
9. Felixberto Jaboneta IV (#12)
10. Arnie Christian Padilla (#49)

 Special Awards

• Gatorade Performance Team – these are the Top 5 champions who improved the most in terms of physical fitness.
1. Ivan Pineda
2. Joshua Alfonso Gantan
3. Lorenz Viajar
4. Gilbert Tague
5. Jeremiah Sandal

• Spalding Sportsmanship Award – Miguel Rafael Jison
• Gatorade Hustle Award – Paul Dagunan
• Studio 23 All Star Favorite of the Game Award – Arnie Padilla
• Basketball TV Rising Star Award – Patrick Ramirez
• Alaska Youth Ambassador Award – Regille Kent Ilagan
• Jr. NBA – Alaska MVP Award – Aljun jay Melecio
• Jr. NBA – Alaska Coach of the Year Award – Coach Aldin Ayo

The Jr. NBA All Star Philippine Team with Coach Aldin Ayo, are scheduled to play with the Jr. NBA Teams of other countries in October.After the awarding ceremony, I had the opportunity to speak with Regille Kent Ilagan, an alumnus of Alaska Power Camp (Manila), who made it to the Top 10 Jr. NBA All Star Philippine Team. On how he felt when his name was called, “Nagulat. Hindi ko po ini – expect na makuha ako. Kelangan ang focus sa defense and more offense.” He also learned the value of “teamwork, and makinig sa coach.” His advise to other kids who have the same passion for basketball? “Hardwork. Makinig sa coaches.”

Coach of the Year: Aldin Ayo

Coach of the Year Awardee Aldin Ayo has been coaching basketball for five years. He conducts basketball clinic in his home city to approximately 2000 kids. And having his own basketball clinic is an advantage. “Malaking bagay kasi ang experience kung paano mag – handle ng bata (3 – 6 years old) ang pinakamahirap I – handle. So, kung nakapag – handle ka ng mga ganung bata, mas madali sa mga mas may edad na. He also shared his opinion about the Jr. NBA – Alaska Training Camp. “Maganda, especially nagkaroon kami ng clinician na katulad ni Chris Clunie na lahat ng drills na-present niya, napaka – detailed, then lahat ng aspects ng basketball na – cover niya.”

On his advise to the aspiring young basketball players, “Sundin ang STAR values. Kasi ang approach ng Jr. NBA at Alaska sa camp na ito wholistic, not only (to develop) good players, but also good persons and students.”

“Tuloy tuloy lang. Magtiyaga lang. Subukan lang palagi,” he further added referring to fellow coaches.

Mr. Edwin and Mrs. Theresa Ilagan, parents to Regille Kent said they were, “very happy. Thankful kami kay Lord na isa siya na napili sa Top 10, na ipadala sa ibang bansa.”

And their advise to Regille was, “ang lagi naming sinasabi sa kanya, nandito kami para sa kanya. Lagi niyang paghusayan ang training. Kung talagang gusto niya itong basketball, alam ko kakayanin niya ‘yan. Lahat ng training na ibibigay sa kanya kakayanin niya. At huwag lang din niya pababayaan ang kanyang pag – aaral. Alam kong makakatulog sa kanya (ito). Lalo siyang magiging magpursige na lalo pang mag – aral ng mabuti.”

On a final note, the clinician Chris Clunie said that what inspires him to play is his “passion for the game. I’ve been playing since I was six years old. It’s the best game in the work. And to be able to work with NBA is a dream come true. Continue working hard, perseverance, you know, I always tell people that it’s always a combination of preparation and opportunity. You stay prepared, you continue working hard. When opportunity comes, make the most out of it.

The 5th Jr. NBA – Alaska National Training Camp was brought by Alaska, Gatorade, Spalding, Solar TV and Basketball TV and Basketball Coaches of the Philippines. Studio 23 & AKTV also covered the whole event.