22 March 2010



it is with great honor and humility that i share with you one of my biggest dreams that came true. i was recently appointed unicef child rights supporter!!!! waaaaaaaah! i loooove unicef.

i cannot even put into words how inspired i am right now and how thankful i am to unicef for the trust and for believing in me. and hopefully through this blog, i can share with you my amazing first official unicef site visit!





hello, CAMARINES NORTE!

first stop: day care center!



meet joriek! the bored-looking kid in the photo, the most makulit little boy in his class. his teacher nida was reading a book about circles, and he was there making faces. pero mabait naman daw at okay sa klase, his teacher said, makulit lang talaga. :p

joriek is one of 21 students in little angel day care center, in barangay san roque, mercedes. he is one of the kids who use the early child care development package given by unicef!!!! it includes different story books, toys, musical instruments, building blocks, that the kids use everyday. sobra sobrang importante ng day care, sobra talaga! a lot of people think unnecessary gastos lang yan at dapat derecho na lang sa grade one ang anak nila, but what they don't know is, kailangan talaga ito kasi this is what prepares the child for the school environment. a lot of kids drop out of all levels of grade school dahil hindi handa, and early child care development helps solve exactly that! i hope to see joriek and his classmates make it through grade school, high school, and hopefully even college!





home-based center!



meet aldrin! a cute and quiet little boy who finished his seatwork first among all his classmates! i drew a smiley face on his paper to say "very good" and he colored it right away. i ended up drawing a flower, tree, sun, cloud, and he had so much fun coloring them all!

aldrin one of many kids who live along this beautiful, beautiful river and lush green land at his home-based learning center in purok 5, barangay san isidro, daet. the idea of home-based centers are just genius to me! because naturally, if the barangay can't afford to put up a day care center, does that mean the kids have no chance to start learning early? of course not!! so home-based centers find a family willing to lend their home as a site to hold classes. a tarpaulin is set up as a roof, tables and chairs are given, mothers bring their kids to school every morning, and unicef has also provided this center with early child care development materials. nothing can get in the way of those who really want to learn. :) thanks to the generosity of unicef donors, aldrin and his friends have a chance for a better future for themselves and their families!





their safe, new home.




(for purposes of safety and security, no photos of the girls will be posted.)

meet R! when i asked all the girls who was the best in cooking, they answered R. best in arts and crafts? R. best in chores? R. haha! she is really the "ate" of the group! and looks like she's doing a great job setting an example, as she is graduating from grade six this year. :)

R is one of the girls in this halfway home in daet. halfway home because as you might guess, yes, they were taken away from their homes to avoid a life of being a victim of violence. and i am proud to say all of them are doing very, very well! they laugh and play a lot, they watch a lot of tv too! J, a newbie in the home, is so kilig when talking about piolo; K, the bunso, proudly showcased the bracelets they made for sale; and L, the first girl i met, always took the initiative to answer my questions. unicef strongly goes against violence against women and children and supports homes like these that give these girls a new outlook on life! the girls happily showed me the learning materials donated to them through the generous donors of unicef. its so great to hear all their goals and aspirations, and know that the way has been paved for them to reach their dreams.





future site for handwashing facilities.



meet ren! beside me in the upper left photo. he's the mayor of his school! mayor meaning student council president. when i asked what his biggest accomplishment was as president, he said it was clean up drives, and pointed out na kasi dito niya nakita tulong tulong ang lahat for a common good goal.

ren is one of our future leaders and movers, isn't he? he is one of the students of parang elementary school, in jose panganiban. they were one of the schools badly, badly hit by bagyong santi. bagyong santi isn't as known to us here in manila because we were more affected by ondoy and pepeng, but santi hit the bicol region hard. their nursery building collapsed, their books in the library soaked and now not useable, and classrooms damaged. unicef emergency funds were able to provide a few relief materials, but its also great to see the effort of the students and school itself to take care of the environment! they segregate trash and re use school materials. they however need more facilities for handwashing, to take care of their health and sanitation, which is equally important. with the help of unicef donors, they can have more handwashing stations soon! :)





wash and brush daily!



meet jonalyn! she's the little girl beside me on that bench in the photo. one of the early birds for her afternoon class, she shared na favorite tv show niya ang 'agua bendita', and between the two, she would be 'agua'. good girl! :) oh, and her favorite subject is english, so we did talk in english. :p

jonalyn, along with her fun-loving friends angeline and evelyn, are all from pag-asa learning center, also in jose panganiban. i asked if i can be their friend even if my name doesn't end in "lyn", and they said yes. haha! their school is on top of this mountain, and has the most amazing view of mountains and lakes from their classroom window! how inspiring to study in a place like this! this is one of the schools with the linis-lusog kids program. it basically means the kids have a regular schedule to wash their hands and brush their teeth. mas malinis, mas malusog right? and they can focus on school better! :) with the help of unicef donors, a proper handwashing facility was built in pag-asa last year, and the kids now religiously wash and brush! they are now more aware of good hygiene habits, and the good thing is they get to teach their family at home too!





tippy tap!



meet joseph! a kid i call pogi because he was really so cute and he had funky highlights on his hair! you'd think he's pasaway in school cause of his "look", but he's the group leader tasked to put toothpaste on his classmates toothbrushes during brushing time.

joseph goes to school at ginacutan elementary school in vinzons, where the linis-lusog kids program is being implemented, but in a unique way! they may not have pipes with running water, but they do have tippy tap! cute name! :p that's what they call their strategy of tying string to the top and bottom of a softdrink litro bottle, hanging it on a nail, they when they need to wash or brush, they tip it down and the water trickles down! galing no? ang pinoy talaga wais! so even with their make-shift washing station, the students can still stick to their regular washing and brushing schedule! the students even made a special song to sing to mark the start and end of washing time! so cute! did you know that you must wash your hands the length of two happy birthday songs? :p also, thank you ginacutan for your sweet cards of appreciation. unicef appreciates it and we are inspired to raise more funds for your materials!







meet the unicef team who went around different areas in camarines norte with me!!!! thank you sooo much!!!! i learned SO much and i am SO inspired. :)

from left to right, that is ate ellen of the provincial planning and development office, then that's me, then that's pam, communications officer of unicef, then tin, fundraising officer of unicef, and then marge, communications officer of unicef.

i hope i was able to persuade you to want to help with this simple blog post of mine. :p i am hoping that you now REALLY want to join us in becoming a champion for children!!!! please click on the link below to find out how you can help.



with your minimum monthly donation, you can help make a difference in the lives of children around the country by joining unicef in taking care of their education, health and sanitaion projects!!!! please do click the icon above if you haven't!! thank you!! :))





with that, i leave you with one of my coolest travel tumbling shots ever. this was taken in barangay san isidro, daet, camarines norte. story is i took a tumbling shot. then this kid, ryan, said "kaya ko din yan!" sabi ko, "sige nga!" all of a sudden, he runs and does this amazing flip in the air and everyone claps! basic ang tumbling ko kumpara sa kanya but he agreed to do a tumbling shot together. tadaaaa! :p

50 comments:

angelalouise said...

This experience of ours is a totally cool one. You get to mingle with kids! Congratulations for being appointed Unicef Child Rights Supporter. :) More power!

I hope I can be like you someday. ;) Daming advocates. :)

Ria Arana said...

you inspire me a lot :)

KS said...

biancaaa! youre so nice!! kun dati like lang kita ngaun love na! yey! ahaha! keep it up!

Anonymous said...

this is so inspiring biancs, =) i was smiling the whole time while reading this blog.. =)- glo from bacolod

ritchee ayala said...

:: you are such an inspiration not just to kids but to everyone, thumbs up for you b!:) by the way, i miss ur short hair na :)

Anonymous said...

hi bianca. sorry kung dito ako magtatanong. but im really trying to find out kung paano magvolunteer sa unicef. sa site kasi puro donations lang. i want to get involved...i just don't know how to. thanks you so much for your reply

Anonymous said...

i am from camarines norte. :D and ive been to the mentioned school in your blog (but i didnt met the kids, hehehe). yes, you inspired me to become a volunteer. im not 25 yet so i would volunteer after i graduate masters. :D

katedadz said...

i felt your happiness reading the blog. :))

totally inspiring! :) go girl!!

ekiM said...

good job.. that's quite a surreal experience. Godspeed.

goyo said...

hmmm. lalo ako na-inlove kay bianca. in and out maganda.. :)

sana makagawa ka din ng sign for me.. sana matupad wish ko for my blog 'goyo's adventure'.. birthday gift mo na saken sa may 25. :)

Anonymous said...

wow... how inspiring! it reminds me of my community duties when i was still a student nurse... great job bianca!

Chalie said...

hi bianca! congrats for being Unicef Child Rights supporter! You deserved it! :)

Anne Evite-Schwager said...

Thank you for making a difference.
You inspire me. I am now in the process of creating my own org because of you.

LG be said...

You are not a supergirl wannabe you ARE a supergirl!!! Mabuhay ka Bianca! MA - BU - HAY - KA!!!!! =)

ChinkyGirLMeL said...

oh wow, you are such an inspiration. If there were more people like you, the world would be a better place. More power to you!

iamhannah said...

Kudos to you miss bianca!

camille said...

congratz ate bianca!!! i'm wondering how mag volunteer sa unicef.would love to help them☺

L.A. said...

Very inspiring indeed. God bless you more Bianca.

princess joco said...

hi super bianca!..im from daet also, in downtown...sayang i was not able to meet you..i read ur blog about home based education, my mom was one of the speakers who thought mothers and volunteers on the different ways and techniques to teach the children..we are so happy that unicef is helping our community and most especially the children..more power to you and to unicef!GOD bless u olweiz!

Unknown said...

eLOw'mS.biancA uR sO pREtty i'Lyk u sOo mUcH mMm pUmUntA pOh pLA kAu nG jOsE pAngAnibAn cAm.nOrtE syAnG wLA nA kmE dUn mMm pRO tNx'pOh sA pAgpUntA niO mArAmi kAU btA nA2rUan at npAsAyA tNx'a lOt mS.biancA yNgAtS pOh kAU pLqUe nd gOdLEs mOrE pOwEr pOh mwUah^_^

amai said...

hi bianca!! you inspire me a looooooooottttt!!! iv been following your blogs and tweets and even shows in abs and even before pa, pantene commercial? hehehe. now i want to join twitter just because of you and mariel (so sad she's on a twitter break now). im so amazed that a celebrity like you has so much substance, not all glitz and glamour. i really love the way you are. because of you, i wanna be a better person. now i wonder how can i be of help to unicef, matagal ko na gusto but i do not know how. i can share my time and service. i don't have much to donate kasi. :) thank you. i hope you'll read this.

and oh! i forgot to mention we have similar blog usernames. swear sobrang coincidence.

goyo said...

napanaginipan ko pa si Bianca. waaaaah.. kwento ko sa blog ko soon. :)
stay good ms.bianca. :)

docpepo said...

You're an inspiration for all of us ... Keep up the good work Bianca. Take care always and God bless!

miles25c said...

hi Bianca: very well written...congrats for being a unicef endorser...you are trully a great model and inspiration to all of us, not only the youth..keep it up!

mjomesa said...

i'm so inspired ate B!..hehehe..i'm a Montessori teacher..i agree with you..needed talaga yong day care..prep for Grade 1..super kelangan xa...congratz..nice tumbling shot!

asdf1234 said...

youre such an inspiration!

many people/families seem to overlook the use of early childhood educational programs (whether it be practicing proper hygiene, to even doing arts and crafts with a group of students) and their effects on children because a lot of people think that it's another thing they need to pay for.

but actual studies have shown that, although there is a slight difference in cognitive development in children in higher income families versus lower income families (even before they enter school), this difference (cognitively) can be lowered by implementing these programs!

another tip I learned in my university class(es): get (if possible) parents/guardians, loved ones, and/or relatives involved in your child care programs! It shows the kids that their love ones appreciate their achievements, and will encourage them for later achievements!

Good Job! God Bless!

Anonymous said...

congratulations bianca....you deserve all the blessings you are and you will be receiving..continue to inspire more people...keep up the good work and may GOD bless you always.

vangie said...

u inspire me to create my own blog, pero medyo kakalito nga lang.. can i follow u?

Anonymous said...

Your legendary tumbling...or shall I call it cartwheel...I know that you are such a wonderful person inside and out. Very happy that you keep us updated through your twitter and blog site.

I hope there will be more active youth like you. I know you will do a great job about it.

Take Care
Always,
Sweet
http://pensandlens.wordpress.com

Null said...

i hope when i get back to pinas i can do the same... i've started my support to unicef... too bad i can't have one-on-one connection with the kids... i admire you bianca keep it up :)

fromfakhrudin said...

that's great
I hope you can be duplicated
so, there are more person who can make happinies the others

LipBlock said...

you are truly a great example ms.biance....
You keep on inspiring us........

♥UNICEF♥

Anonymous said...

congrats bianca! :)

Roy said...

Unicef did the right thing in choosing you as their unicef child rights supporter ;)

you're such a positive influence on the youth

keep it up!

tc

bonbon said...

hi bianca!.sobra luv ko site mo.believe it or not,sobra na touch ako & impress sayo pagiging aktibo in UNICEF..even before,dream ko talaga mag tayo ng house for kids esp those kids in streets but since im not blessed finacially so till now hanggang dream lang muna eto..
sana marami pa tao kagaya you.

GOD BLESS ALWAYS!

Unknown said...

hi bianca!really impress with ur site & i do really luv it..
im so touch with ur doings for good cause..its my dream eversince talaga to come up a house for kids esp. those in streets who will take care of them and give them food & shelter but im not bless financially so dream na lng muna..

keep it up always..

GOD BLESS!

super mantu said...

i'm impressed! your so cool and beautiful..astig! keep it up!

An said...

wow, bianca! the last pic showed how happy you were...
galing.. nice work!

Crissy said...

You are such an inspiration to everyone! I may not know you personally but just by reading your blog entries, i knew you are one great person to follow to. Im such a fan (Close tau sa TFC Connect) hahahhaa!

hope you can visit my little blog, too!if you have some spare time though...

hoping to finally meet you personally when i get home for my wedding on September! much love CRIS :)

Theren Alexander said...

it is because of people like you that i keep believing there is hope for a better world :)

Anonymous said...

Oh. Wow. You inspire us.

amiel said...

i saw this coming...
hehehe
i like it, biancs...sana i'd be as lucky...

gujab!

jviernes said...

Bianca IDOL!!! super ka talaga... super helpful and beautiful :) keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

ate biancapano ba maging volunteer ng unicef??

Dylana Suarez said...

Just came across your blog!

It is lovely and so inspiring!!

colormenana.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

nice one!congratz!!!

Anonymous said...

hi bianca.. can you please blog about your make up must haves, fave mac products. thanks!

Kristen said...

ate bianca!:) i remembered you went to UST-Unicef Volunteerism forum to be a speaker.;) hehe. ayan Unicef na unicef ka na! yehey!:) congrats!

Louis said...

Bianca ang cute mo dito :)

But anyways I envy you because at an early age you are able to achieve to make a significant contribution to society. It is truly a rare opportunity to be able extend one's self to others. I hope you continue doing your part in UNICEF and that you may continually inspire the young Filipinos back there in our country to lend a hand in building the future of our younger generation. Sabi mo nga sa TFC "friends tayo sa TFC connect" keep on making friends beyond the borders of our nation. May you be an ambassador of the Philippines to the world for the welfare of the children of Philippines.

Anonymous said...

Ate... it's so nice to see you supporting children. I am a supporter of children also. God bless your cause. God bless... *angels with wings* haha