Tapulanga Foundation Updates

Christmas Gift Giving 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 07:44:00 +0000

As we wrapped up the year 2025, the Tapulanga Foundation held its annual Christmas Gift Giving Program - sharing Christmas blessings to poor communities in Silay City and its neighboring areas.

The program started last December 5 at Campuestohan Highland Resort in Talisay City as 59 Grade 10 scholars - accompanied by 3 teachers, 9 Tapulanga staff and 1 German volunteer - celebrated their fun-filled Christmas party. The students had a fantastic time taking part in few outdoor adventures (most activities were closed due to rainy weather) such as the water slide, wave pool and Ostrich feeding. It was a fun-filled day of excitement and exploration, leaving the 10th graders with unforgettable memories!

Through its "Adopt-a-School" program, Tapulanga extended its Christmas Gift Giving program to include gift packages (5kg rice, spaghetti pack and a bag of chocolates) for the following public schools:

December 9

Napilas Integrated School | 252 students, faculty and staff

Emiliano Lizares Elementary School | 210 students, faculty and staff

December 11

Jose D. Cuaycong Elementary School | 170 students, faculty and staff

December 15

Camantero Elementary School | 100 students, faculty and staff

Bongol Elementary School | 140 students, faculty and staff

December 16

Dalinson Elementary School | 120 students, faculty and staff

EB Magalona National High School | 100 students

December 19

Cudangdang Elementary School | 264 students, faculty and staff

On December 11, 165 families in the fishing community of Sitio Roma, Silay City received their Christmas package consisting of a 5kg rice, spaghetti pack and a box of chocolates.

On December 16, the Locsin Genealogy Preschool Foundation also received Christmas gift packages consisting of 5 kg of rice, a spaghetti pack, and a box of chocolates for its 24 preschoolers, faculty, and staff.

On December 17, 85 dedicated teachers, staff, and volunteers from St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City, along with the Tapulanga Foundation staff, received Christmas gift packages. These included ham, 5 kg of rice, and a pack of spaghetti.

On the 18th, the Tapulanga Foundation joyfully held its annual Christmas Gift-Giving Program at St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City Foundation, Inc. With grateful hearts, we shared the spirit of Christmas with 519 scholars, from Preschool to Grade 9. Each scholar received a Noche Buena package filled with love and care, including a 5kg sack of rice, a spaghetti pack, and a special gift item to brighten their holiday. On the same day, the foundation was also able to share a Christmas Gift package to 4 scholars and 2 teachers at St. Roch School of Tanza.

PRESCHOOL

GRADE 1

GRADE 2

GRADE 3

GRADE 4

GRADE 5

GRADE 6

GRADE 7

GRADE 8

GRADE 9

SAINT ROCH SCHOOL OF TANZA EB MAGALONA, INC.

On the following day, The Tapulanga Foundation's Christmas celebrations continued at Hacienda Tinihaban and Hacienda Lonoy. Through the support of our generous donors, 59 families from Hacienda Tinihaban and 50 families from Hacienda Lonoy received a Christmas gift package of a 5kg rice and a spaghetti pack.

On the 20th of December, the Tapulanga Foundation successfully concluded its Annual Christmas Gift-Giving Program 2025. Through this initiative, the Foundation shared Christmas gift packages containing 5kg of rice, a spaghetti pack, and a box of chocolates with its 65 Senior High School to College scholars—bringing extra joy this holiday season.

GRADE 11

GRADE 12

COLLEGE

With the overflowing blessings and continued support the foundation received this holiday season, we were able to extend our program to over 74 hardworking Sakada farmers, 3 water-refilling station staff, 7 carwash staff and 6 barbershop staff.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous donors and partners whose kindness and support made this program possible. Because of your unwavering support, over 2,300 families celebrated Christmas a little extra special. From all of us, thank you for being a blessing last Christmas. 🎄❤️

To God be all the Glory!

Facebook Album Links

December 5 | Campuestohan

December 9 | Napilas Integrated School & Emiliano Lizares Elementary School

December 11 | Jose D. Cuaycong Elementary School & Sitio Roma

December 15 | Camantero Elementary School and Bongol Elementary School

December 16 | Dalinson Elementary School, EB Magalona NHS and Locsin Preschool

December 17 | TF staff and SFAS faculty and staff

December 18 | SFAS Scholars (Preschool to Grade 9)

December 19 | Cudangdang Elementary School, TAC and Lonoy

December 20 | TF SHS and College scholars

WATCH HIGHLIGHT VIDEO HERE

Helen and Mona's Monthly Journal | September 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 01:06:00 +0000

Hello, we are Helen and Mona, and we work as volunteers for the Tapulanga Foundation. We arrived in Silay at the beginning of September and will stay here for one year. We want to tell you about our experiences and about what’s happening at the St. Francis of Assisi School.

On September 11, it was our first day at the school. It was interesting to watch the flag ceremony, as there isn’t anything similar in German schools. The principal introduced us to the students, and we felt very welcome.

Helen joins Grade 8 on most days. There, she helps the students and teachers whenever needed and reminds the students to do their missed LAS.

Mona helps Ms. Ma in the preschool to sing and dance with the children, then she helps hand out the worksheets and work on them.

Furthermore, Helen had the chance to join Grade 9 in their cooking classes. It was very interesting to cook together with the students and to taste delicious Filipino food.

The preschool had a swimming day and we tried to swim one lap with the children and then take turns. Most of the children were very happy and motivated, and it was a lot of fun.

In our first month in the Philippines, we already witnessed two typhoons and one earthquake. We are glad that Silay wasn’t severely affected. It was our first time experiencing such forces of nature. Now we know that it is normal in the Philippines for face-to-face classes to be suspended due to high risk and bad weather conditions, and we know where to find the announcements when there is no school.

The last thing we want to report to you is the fire drills we took part in. We also have them in German schools, but we noticed some differences. Here, it is a requirement that firefighters observe and confirm that the evacuation was successful. So, there was one practice drill, and a week later, it was watched by the professionals. There are two different alarms, so everybody knows to which assembly point they should go. In Germany, we also stand separately in our classes, and the teacher confirms with a list that every student was rescued. Here, students themselves count, and it’s great that the students have so much responsibility and look out for each other.

We’re looking forward to staying here for a whole year and are excited to gain even more new experiences.

-Helen and Mona

Volunteer Spotlight : HELEN

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 08:19:00 +0000

Name:	Helen Karolina Gerner
Age:	18 years old
Nationality:	German
3 Words to describe yourself:	Optimistic - Curious - Open Minded

Tell us about your career so far. What did you do before you came to volunteer in Tapulanga?

"I just graduated and did my A-levels"

Why did you choose Tapulanga?

"I really like their work, especially that so many students get a scholarship and I´m looking forward to the Christmas gift-giving. Additionally, I was really interested to experience a catholic private school in the Philippines and work there."

What are your work duties in Tapulanga/SFAS?

"I arrive in school around 7:15 am. After the flag ceremony, I walk together with the students to the classrooms of Grade 8. If I don´t have any other tasks, I will stay there the whole school day. During the lessons, I often move between the two Grade 8 classrooms and help the students, remind them to focus on their work or get them to catch up with missed LAS. In the breaks, I often spend time with the students and talk with them or they teach me some Ilonggo."

What is the most rewarding part of being a volunteer?

"It's amazing to have the chance to get so many experiences and learn about the culture, the life and the school system in the Philippines. Also, I really enjoy the kindness of the Filipinos. All students, the teachers and other people I meet seem to be very interested and happy about meeting us."

What do you look forward to in your 1 year of volunteer service?

"Learning even more about the Philippine food, culture, traditions, the people and hopefully getting fluent in Ilonggo."

What is the most exciting or most memorable thing that happened to you during your few days as a volunteer?

"Arriving in the Philippines and getting the very first impression of the country was memorable. The country is so colorful, there are so many plants everywhere and it´s just beautiful."

What do you find to be most challenging about your work? How do you deal with it?

"The language barrier. I'm trying to learn Ilonggo as fast as possible"

Who or what inspires you?

"I'm inspired by working with many different people, the interaction with them and making a difference together."

Tell us more about yourself!

What are you passionate about outside of work?

"In Germany, I did a lot of voluntary youth work. For example, I was a team leader in a summer camp and head of the altar servers. Here, I am looking forward to all the new experiences, meeting new people, the food and traveling."

Tell us 2 things that you have learned so far.

"I learned how to ride a tricycle and some basic Ilonggo."

What is one thing you are good at?

"swimming"

What is one Tagalog or Ilonggo word/phrase you like to use?

"Halong!"

Bonus Questions!

What’s your target destination in the Philippines?Why?

"I would really like to visit the Rice Terraces because I have not seen one yet in real life."

If you could swap places with someone else for a day, who would it be?

"an astronaut"

Volunteer Spotlight : MONA

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 07:49:00 +0000

Name:	Mona Luca Jehle
Age:	20 years old
Nationality:	German
3 Words to describe yourself:	Clumsy - Empathetic - Honest

Tell us about your career so far. What did you do before you came to volunteer in Tapulanga?

"Before coming to Tapulanga, I graduated from high school in 2024. Afterward, I worked in a restaurant for nearly six months, and then I spent some time traveling through Asia and Europe. "

Why did you choose Tapulanga?

"I chose Tapulanga because of their programs and their values"

What are your work duties in Tapulanga/SFAS?

"I am working in Preschool ( Kindergarten) and my job is to prepare the children for school through playing, singing and dancing and also do the worksheets with them."

Tell us about a typical day at work.

"A typical day at work starts with us dancing and singing together to different songs. After that, we all sit together, pray and say "Good morning" to each other. Then the kids do their worksheets and I try to assist them if needed. After that, I play with the kids and eat either lunch or breakfast with them. Afterwards, we do another worksheet with storytelling and math. I have a morning class and an afternoon class."

What is the most rewarding part of being a volunteer?

"I think the most rewarding part is to get to know the kids and their personal lives and also to see their growth."

What do you look forward to in your 1 year of volunteer service?

"I look forward to creating good connection with the kids and the teachers in school - to have a lot of fun during my volunteer year and to leaving my own comfort zone."

What is the most exciting or most memorable thing that happened to you during your few days as a volunteer?

"I was only in my first week at school, but I was already excited to meet the children and get to know their unique personalities - and I really love them already!"

What do you find to be most challenging about your work? How do you deal with it?

"I think the most challenging thing about my work is to learn Hiligaynon, because the kids cannot speak good English yet. To have a conversation with them, I need to learn their language."

Who or what inspires you?

"I think not one special person inspires me, rather a lot of people in my close environment."

Tell us more about yourself!

What are you passionate about outside of work?

"I am very passionate about swimming. In Germany, I swam six years as my sport. I also love horse-back riding. I did this since I was a little kid and I'm really gonna miss it a lot during my volunteer year. I also love my friends and spend every free second in my life with them."

Tell us 2 things that you have learned so far.

"I've learned a bit of Hiligaynon, and I also learned how to ride the bus here, which is quite different from how it is in Germany."

What is one thing you are good at?

"I am very good at swimming or listening to other people's problems."

What is one Tagalog or Ilonggo word/phrase you like to use?

"Halong!"

Bonus Questions!

What’s your comfort food?

"My comfort food is fried rice with vegetables and chicken. "

If you could swap places with someone else for a day, who would it be?

"If I could swap places with one person for one day it would totally be Bob Marley, because of his music and lifestyle."

Christmas Gift Giving 2024

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 08:55:00 +0000

This December 2024, the Tapulanga Foundation has once again shared blessings to their scholars and families during their yearly Christmas gift giving program.

On December 4th, 51 Grade 10 Tapulanga scholars had a blast at a fun-filled Christmas party held at the Campuestuhan Highland Resort in Talisay City. They were accompanied by seven Tapulanga staff members, one German volunteer, and seven SFAS teachers and staff. The students enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities, including the sky-bike, rope course, vikings ride, zipline, and water slide. It was a day packed with excitement and adventure, creating lasting memories for the 10th graders!

DECEMBER 10

Napilas Integrated School | 210 students and 25 faculty and staff

Emiliano Lizares Elementary School | 221 students and 9 faculty and staff

December 11

Cuaycong Elementary School | 164 students and 11 faculty and staff

DECEMBER 16

Bongol Elementary School | 137 students and 15 faculty and staff

DECEMBER 17

Dalinson Elementary School | 118 students and 11 faculty and staff

On December 11, the foundation was also able to extend its Gift Giving program at Sitio Roma- a small fishing village in Silay. A total of 132 families received the gift packages.

On December 18, 32 TF preschool scholars and teachers at Locsin Genealogy Foundation also received their Christmas package.

On the same day, 27 students from EB Magalona National High School received their Christmas gift package.

On the 19th of December, the foundation conducted its annual Christmas Gift Giving Program to their Preschool to Grade 10 scholars at St. Francis of Assisi School. A total of 662 scholars and 80 faculty and staff from SFAS and staff and volunteers of Tapulanga Foundation were blessed to be part of the Gift Giving program.

On the 20th and 21st of December, 69 SHS and 17 college scholars received their Christmas gift package at the Silay City office.

With the help of our generous Tapulanga donors and their family and friends, the foundation was also able to share the Christmas blessings to Hacienda Tinihaban and Hacienda Lonoy farmers and their families on December 23 and 29, respectively, along with other recipients such as Silay City garbage collectors and sakada farmers from the Municipality of EB Magalona to Silay City. A total of 221 “sakada” farmers (contract farm laborers) received a Christmas food package in December!

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who generously donated and supported this program, making it possible to bring JOY to over 2,000 families! TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!

Check out the full album on these links:

Grade 10 @ Campuestuhan Resort

Day 1 | Napilas Integrated School

Day 1 | Emiliano Lizares Elementary School

Day 2 | Jose D Cuaycong Elementary School

Day 2 | Sitio Roma

Day 3 | Bongol Elementary School

Day 4 | Dalinson Elementary School

Day 5 | Locsin Preschool scholars and teachers

Day 6 | Preschool - Grade 10 scholars at SFAS

Day 7 | SHS - College Scholars

Day 8| Tinihaban and Lonoy, Garbage Collectors and Sakada farmers

Tapulanga and SFAS Updates - February 2024

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000

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GET TO KNOW KATJA & BAHAR!

On the 3rd quarter of 2023, Tapulanga once again welcomed another set of German volunteers from our partner organization, Hilfsprojekt MARIPHIL.

Today, let's get to know our volunteers, Katja Isabel Göpfert & Bahar Kurtbas - their work routine, likes and adventures!

Katja Göpfert Bahar Kurtbas

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WE'RE FINALLY ON THE WEB!

As St. Francis of Assisi School in Silay City begins accepting admissions for the upcoming school year 2024-2025, the Tapulanga Foundation has also initiated the process of accepting scholarship applications. As part of the application process, the foundation conducts home visits to evaluate the financial circumstances of the applicants, ensuring that the scholarships are awarded to deserving individuals who will truly benefit from them. We are grateful to everyone who warmly welcomed us into their homes as well.

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Tapulanga and SFAS Updates - March 2024

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 02:55:00 +0000

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DONOR VISIT

Donor visits play an important role in establishing a more personal connection between donors and scholars. Here in Tapulanga, our generous donors get a chance to meet their scholars in person.

Check out our recent visits last February!

Maricar Totengco | February 5, 2024

Mitch and Precy Remitio | February 28, 2024

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GRADES 4-6 OUTREACH

To encourage student engagement in the community, the school brought back its yearly Outreach program. On February 14, 2024, students from grades 4 to 6 did kind things for others and showed how even little acts can make a big difference. The families they helped were really thankful and felt the students' kindness. Students from other grade levels extended the outreach program to neighboring communities and schools as well.

View Album

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HOMEVISITS TO NEW SCHOLAR APPLICANTS

View Album

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FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

Last February 29, 57 students from St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City, most of whom are from the 3rd grade, had their First Holy Communion at Our Lady of Nativity Chapel in Hacienda Tinihaban, Silay City. The ceremony was officiated by Rev. Fr. Regner DequeÃ±a, our parish priest. We hope that the communicants and their parents will always feel God's blessings and love in their lives from this special day onwards.

View Photos

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WE NEED YOUR HELP

We kindly request your support in raising funds for our Kindergarten's final field trip of the school year to Splash Park-Bacolod, a water-themed park. Your generous donation will enable us to provide our students with a memorable and educational experience, where they can develop their social skills, enhance their physical coordination, and foster a love for outdoor exploration. Additionally, a parent will accompany the students on the field trip, not only to assist the teachers but also to strengthen the bond with their children.

Fundraising Goal: Php30,000 or $550

Donate from PH Donate from US

Spotlight Series: Bahar Kurtbas

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 02:44:00 +0000

Name:	Bahar Kurtbas
Age:	20 years old
Nationality:	German
3 Words to describe yourself:	Ambitious - Determined - Structured

Tell us about your career so far. What did you do before you came to volunteer in Tapulanga?

"I finished my school. After that I worked until I came to the Philippines."

Why did you choose Tapulanga?

"I chose Tapulanga because I like the organization. I want to help people who live in poor conditions and have less access to education. I am interested in working with children and would like to support all children through my volunteer work."

Tell us about a typical day at work.

"My lessons start at 7:30 am. We start by dancing together with the students. Then we work on the worksheets. I work until 3:30 pm."

What do you look forward to in your 1 year of volunteer service?

"I am looking forward to all the experiences, moments and adventures that I will gather."

What do you find to be most challenging about your work? How do you deal with it?

"The children's language. Unfortunately, I don't always understand what they want to say and we can't communicate properly. I try to learn the language and understand what the children are trying to tell me or my colleagues translate it for me."

Who inspires you?

"The mindset of Filipinos and of course the Filipinos themselves. "

Tell us more about yourself!

What are you passionate about outside of work?

"Traveling and cooking"

What one Tagalog or Ilonggo word/phrase do you like to use?

"Salamat Gid"

Bonus Questions!

What’s one place you visited that you love the most and why?

"All the places in the Philippines are so beautiful and special. But I think I've enjoyed Malapascua and Apo Island the most so far. Apo island because of the diversity in the sea and nature. And Malapascua, because it is a very small island. The people and everything else is very special on this island. It’s very familiar. You can meet people from all over the world there."

If you could swap places with someone else for a day, who would it be?

"My sister 😉"

Spotlight Series: Katja Göpfert

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 04:20:00 +0000

Name:	Katja Isabel Göpfert
Age:	20 years old
Nationality:	German
3 Words to describe yourself:	Helpful - Positive - Happy

Tell us about your career so far. What did you do before you came to volunteer in Tapulanga?

"Before I came to the Philippines, I finished my Senior High School in Germany."

Why did you choose Tapulanga?

"I chose Tapulanga Foundation because I love to work with children and the mission of the Foundation appealed to me. I was very impressed by how small the Tapulanga Foundation started and how big it has become in the meantime. If you want to change or improve something it usually starts small."

Tell us about a typical day at work.

"There is a morning and afternoon class. Every lesson begins with singing and dancing. The children learn the alphabet, writing, shapes, colours and much more. They work on worksheets and from time to time they make something creative what fits to the topic."

What do you find to be most challenging about your work? How do you deal with it?

"The most challenging thing about working here is the language. It's a sad that I don't understand what the children are trying to tell me and that I can't explain everything to them so well because I don't speak the language. That's why I'm trying to learn more and more words so that I can communicate with them better "

Who inspires you?

"My inspiration is my grandad, who always gave me a lot of advices and tips, such as that I should definitely travel like him to get to know countries, people and cultures. So I can combine the joy of being socially active, like my parents, with travelling. "

Tell us more about yourself!

What are you passionate about outside of work?

"Outside of work, I like meeting people, traveling, cooking, photography, sewing and do handicrafts."

What one Tagalog or Ilonggo word/phrase you like to use?

"Salamat Gid" is my favorite phrase and the one I use the most because the people here are all so helpful and kind.”

Bonus Questions!

What’s one place you visited that you love the most and why?

"The Philippines has many beautiful places, but so far I've enjoyed Apo Island the most because it has a wonderful underwater world with turtles, corals and different fishes that you can't find in Germany."

For you, what does a "perfect day" look like?

"My perfect day doesn't involve any specific activity. It needs people who are happy and content to have a good time together."

Christmas Gift Giving 2023

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 04:28:00 +0000

In December 2023, the Tapulanga Foundation extended its generosity once more, showering not only its scholars but also neighboring communities with abundant blessings. Giving JOY and spreading LOVE, the foundation reached out to 2,014 families, kindling the flame of Christmas spirit. Each family received a heartwarming Christmas package, comprising 5 kilograms of rice, a delightful spaghetti pack for Noche Buena (Christmas eve dinner) and a box of chocolates!

Last December 8, fifty-four Grade 10 Tapulanga scholars enjoyed their fun-packed Christmas treat at Campuestuhan Highland Resort in Talisay City. The kids enjoyed different outdoor activities such as sky bike, rope course, Vikings and waterslide! 🥳

Full album link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.750379220462453&type=3

On December 13, 174 students, teachers, and staff of Jose D. Cuaycong Elementary School and 170 of Sitio Roma (a fishing village in Silay) and three farm laborers received Christmas gift packs from Tapulanga Foundation, with the special participation of POST Agency Services Inc.

Full album link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.751907936976248&type=3

On December 14, 50 families in Hacienda Maquina and 10 barbers in Silay City received their Christmas package, together with the 17 Pre-schoolers, teachers, and staff from Locsin Genealogy Preschool Foundation.

Full album link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.752592293574479&type=3

On December 15, we were beyond grateful to be welcomed by 134 students, teachers, and staff from Dalinson Elementary School, E.B. Magalona. With the help of our SFAS alumnus and former Tapulanga scholar (now a teacher at Dalinson), Ms. Donna Zaragoza, we were able to share a Christmas package to everyone! We had to cross a river and ride a "caro" (carriage driven by a carabao/water buffalo) to get to their school. The kids were so happy! This is our first time to give to them so God-willing, we will include them every year already.

Full album link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.753157966851245&type=3

On the 17^th and 21^st of December, we partnered with our German volunteers (Bahar Kurtbas and Katja Göpfert) to reach 63 more families at Hacienda Takas,76 families at Brgy. Alicante and 5 Sakada farmers along the way!

Full album link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.770714198428955&type=3

On December 19 and 20, a total of 615 scholars at SFAS (from Preschool to Grade 11) received their gift packages, together with 80 teachers, staff, and volunteers of SFAS.

Full album link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.755287023305006&type=3

Full album link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.756164989883876&type=3

On December 21, 50 families from Hacienda Manalo, 50 families from Hacienda Lonoy and 60 families from Hacienda Tinihaban received their Christmas package while 16 college scholars and six garbage truck collectors received theirs on the 23^rd of December. It was indeed a very Merry Christmas for these families!

Full album link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.760226309477744&type=3

On the same day, Tapulanga Foundation, in partnership with Don Bosco Technical Institute of Victorias' Student Affairs, lit-up the Christmas spirit of 50 farm laborers in different haciendas in Victorias City as student government officers, together with their adviser, Mr. John Mark S. Encarnada, distributed 5kg rice and spaghetti packs to them. They were also joined by Student Affairs officer, Mrs. Edmalyn B. Alcuizar and the Vice Principal of the Junior High School Department, Mrs. Jona P. Castro.

Full album link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.760286326138409&type=3

To all the generous donors who made the Christmas Gift Giving 2023 a HUGE success, THANK YOU SO MUCH! TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!

Christmas Gift Giving 2022

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 09:27:00 +0000

The Tapulanga Foundation, Inc. has once again shared blessings to all their scholars and families in surrounding communities last December 202 during their yearly Christmas gift giving program.

Last December 9, 59 Grade 10 Tapulanga scholars enjoyed a fun-packed Christmas party at the Campuestuhan Highland Resort in Talisay City, assisted by ten Tapulanga staff and volunteers. The kids enjoyed different outdoor activities such as sky-bike, rope course, vikings ride and water slide. It was a most memorable day for the 10^th graders, filled with excitement and adventure!

On December 13, TF visited and showed love to over 100 students and 11 teachers and staff of Jose D. Cuaycong Elementary School. The recipients received a gift package consisting of 5kg rice, a spaghetti pack for Noche Buena, and a box of chocolates - just in time for Christmas.

The following day, December 14, 120 families from Sitio Roma (a fishing village in Silay City) received their Christmas gift package as well from the foundation. Tapulanga donors Mrs. Elizabeth Araneta-Siega and her son, Gabriel, joined in the gift giving.

On December 15, 40 families in Hacienda Maquina in Silay City, 120 pedicab drivers, 8 barbers, 10 sakada farmers and 3 staff from a local laundry shop received their Christmas gift of spaghetti pack and 5kg sack of rice!

In the afternoon of the same day, 10 scholars and teachers from Locsin Genealogy Foundation Preschool also received their Christmas treat of spaghetti packs, 5kgs rice, a box of chocolates and personal gift items for the kids.

On the last day of the week, December 16, our scholars form Pre-school to Grade 9 received their Christmas gifts consisting of 5kgs rice, a spaghetti pack, a box of chocolates and a personal gift item. On the following week, December 19, the Senior High School to College scholars also received their Christmas gift package. More than 600 scholars participated in Tapulanga Foundation's Christmas Gift Giving Program 2022.

Just before Christmas eve, Tapulanga Foundation was also able to extend its gift-giving program to 104 farmers in nearby communities in Victorias City and E.B. Magalona, 50 families in Hacienda Lonoy and 80 families in Hacienda Tinihaban 1.

We want to express our sincerest gratitude to everyone who generously donated and supported this program so that JOY was given to more than 1,300 families! And all glory belongs to God!

Check out the full album on these links:

Grade 10 Christmas Gift Giving at Campuestuhan Highland Resort

Campuestuhan Trip Highlight Video

Christmas Gift Giving 2020 | Day 1 (Cuaycong Elementary School)

Christmas Gift Giving 2020 | Day 2 (Sitio Roma)

Christmas Gift Giving 2020 | Day 3 (Hacienda Maquina, Pedicab drivers)

Christmas Gift Giving 2020 | Day 4 and 5 (Preschool to College scholars)

Christmas Gift Giving 2020 | Day 6 and 7 (Farmers, Hacienda Tinihaban 1 and Lonoy)

Volunteer Spotlight - Jule Bär

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 02:45:00 +0000

Name:	Jule Bär
Age:	20 years old
Nationality:	German
3 Words to describe yourself:	Creative - Athletic - Artistic

Tell us about your career so far. What did you do before you came to volunteer in Tapulanga?

"I finished my college education in Germany and 2 years of job internship in carpentry."

Why did you want to volunteer for a year?

"I want to learn another culture and learn how other people think and how they grew in their own culture."

What made you choose the Philippines?

"It’s a very different climate in the Philippines and it has so many coastal areas. It’s a huge different culture in here than Germany. Plus I can speak in English here."

Why did you choose Tapulanga?

"I like working with children in school and I like the advocacy of the foundation."

What is the most exciting or most memorable thing that happened to you during your few weeks as a volunteer?

"I love it when random students approach me during dismissal and ask me to play with them."

What do you find to be most challenging about your work? How do you deal with it?

"Kids don’t really understand when I talk in English so I can’t do much. So, I just ask them to go to their teacher."

Who or what inspires you?

"The small kids in school inspire me to continue to work."

Tell us more about yourself!

What are you passionate about outside of work?

"I love doing doing sports, riddles, hanging out with friends. I love cooking and arts!"

Tell us 2 things that you have learned so far.

"I learned to ride a jeepney and say “Lugar lang”! – I learned how to open a Pomelo!"

6 What is one thing you are good at?

"Sports"

What is one Tagalog or Ilonggo word/phrase you like to use?

“ "Lapis!”

Bonus Questions!

What’s your comfort food?

– "Döner! A German sandwich composed of bread with veggies and sauce."

Tell us about your favorite book.

– "Asterix"

Volunteer Spotlight - Anna Krüger

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 02:31:00 +0000

Name:	Anna Paulin Krüger
Age:	20 years old
Nationality:	German
3 Words to describe yourself:	Organized – Empathetic - Short

Tell us about your career so far. What did you do before you came to volunteer in Tapulanga?

"I just finished my college in Germany."

Why did you want to do volunteering for a year?

"I really want to know how people live in other countries. I want to broaden my horizon and gain new impressions and learn something from different cultures as well as learning about myself."

What made you choose the Philippines?

Here, everyone is so welcoming and so friendly. I feel very welcome here."

Why did you choose Tapulanga?

"There’s so much things I can do with the children here. I like to share my inputs for the children’s welfare."

What is the most exciting or most memorable thing that happened to you during your few weeks as a volunteer?

"One thing that really warmed my heart was during the first week. The kids didn’t know me that well but when I was in class, all kids were jumping and shouting “Ms. Anna!” and they all wanted to cuddle me. They were all so warm and friendly even though I don’t personally know them."

What do you find to be most challenging about your work? How do you deal with it?

"I think the most challenging thing is that most of the students are not open to committing mistakes in front of us because they think that since we are white people, we are perfect people. They think we are different people, so they don’t go to us."

Who or what inspires you?

"What inspires me is the way Filipino people handle different situations.

Tell us more about yourself!

What are you passionate about outside of work?

"I really love spending time with other people. I love traveling, swimming and diving. I also love to just relax and sunbathe."

Tell us 2 things that you have learned so far.

"I learned that Filipinos do a sign of the cross when praying. I learned how to say “Maayong Aga!” which means good morning and I also tried Guapple pie for the 1^st time! It was so good!"

What is one thing you are good at?

– "Organizing"

What is one Ilonggo word/phrase you like to use?

– “Halong!” which means take care!

Bonus Questions!

What’s your comfort food?

– A German pasta called “ Spätzle”

What’s your target destination in the Philippines? Why?

"Apo island!"

German Volunteers' Journal [October 10 - 14]

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 03:18:00 +0000

Hey there, it's Anna again.

On Thursday and Friday last week, the students from the Daycare had their first field trip to the plaza and playground of Silay City with teacher Ms. Maricel Navigar and myself.

The days before the excitement and anticipation was already great.

There, the students could slide, climb, seesaw, run, balance and laugh a lot for one hour.

After the field trip was over and the students had the chance to take a rest, I went to the Tapulanga office and helped encode lunch meal program and Christmas wish list surveys of the scholars.

Until next time 👋

Check out Full Album here: Pre-Kindergarten Field Trip SY 2022 - 2023

German Volunteers' Journal [October 3 - 7]

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 01:35:00 +0000

Hi, this is Jan!

I work at St. Francis of Assisi School as a volunteer, where my duties mostly concern the grades 1, 2 and 3.

Last year, I came across the Tapulanga Foundation which offered one year of volunteer work, so since I was not able to wholly conduct my work as a yoga teacher due to the pandemic, helping others under these circumstances seemed the most reasonable thing to do.

This week, my Monday and Thursday looked somewhat similar, where I had to help grade three students who had issues with certain subjects. Further duties were related to collecting old LAS or distributing new ones for example. On Friday, this I had to do with Grade 2, but all days I was mostly working with Miss Jona, Miss Christy and Miss Theresa.

At noon, most students go home, except the ones who do their assigned homework. Mondays and Thursdays, I’m watching over grade 9 and Tuesdays and Fridays the grades 8 and 10 together with Miss Imelda.

On Tuesday, the school celebrated 58th years and the founder’s birthday, which was laid together with a Sports day and a mass, where I had no superior duties except for a general overwatch. Wednesday was off day due to World Teachers’ Day.

Until next time,

Jan 👋

German Volunteers' Journal [September 26 - 30]

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 01:54:00 +0000

Hello, this is Jule.

My fifth week at school started with a school-free Monday because of typhoon Karding. Fortunately, the school was able to re-open on Tuesday.

I've been assisting Ms. Elena Coja in first and second grade classes this week. My tasks there were mainly to help students answer their LAS, collect them for correction and distribute the new LAS.

In the afternoons, I help students in higher grades to answer their LAS correctly. I usually help one to three students to do their work.

At 3 o'clock in the afternoon, classes are over and the students go home or play some sports in the schoolyard.

Until next time,

Jule 👋

German Volunteers' Journal [September 19-23]

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 03:47:00 +0000

Hello, this is Anna. It was my fourth week at St. Francis of Assisi School.

As Lukas already told you last week, I am supporting Ms. Maricel Navigar in the Pre-Kindergarten classes until lunch everyday. My tasks are very diverse and range from performing morning rituals to support with the way to the bathroom to providing individual assistance and contributing my own ideas.

For example, last Thursday, Ms. Ma and I introduced the letter C. For the introduction, I prepared a nice concentration game, which the students really liked. Afterwards we wrote the letter C with our fingers in the air, then on the table, after this the students wrote the C on the chalkboard and then in the folder. While doing this Ms. Ma and I went around and assisted as needed. I also made puzzles with the C, which the children formed.

After lunch I supervised the 4th and 7th graders with their Learning Activity Sheets (worksheets). My main task was to create a good learning atmosphere, to give help when needed and to check the LAS for completeness and correctness.

At 3 p.m., class was over and it was time to go home.
I really enjoyed my work at the school and I am looking forward to the next week.

Till next time! 👋

Anna :)

German Volunteers' Journal

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 02:19:00 +0000

We are Lukas, Anna, Jule and Jan, four Germans currently volunteering in the Philippines with Tapulanga Foundation and working as assistant teachers at St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City until August 2023. We will be updating you weekly on what we experience at St. Francis.

[September 5th-9th and September 12th-16th]

September 5th, 2022 was the first official workday. Having only recently come back to school after two years at home, the students are definitely struggling to get used to the in-person school routine. They also only have half days instead of full days, however, the school is offering extra time in the afternoon for some learners that can’t do their Learning Activity Sheets (LAS) at home, to do them in school. Wednesdays are always half days for everyone.

Currently, in the mornings, Anna is assigned to the Day care, Jule and Jan alternate between Grade 1 and 2, while I alternate between Grade 1 and 6. In the afternoon, all four of us help out with the students as they do their LAS. My students range from Grade 7 to Grade 9. If we have nothing to do during classes, then we help out in the library.

Overall, we are very much looking forward to more experiences at St. Francis of Assisi School. It will be interesting, challenging, and very memorable!

Until next week 😄,

Lukas 👋

Tapulanga Foundation welcomes the four Hilfprojekt Mariphil German volunteers!

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 03:57:00 +0000

Last August 25, 2022, Tapulanga Foundation welcomed the Hilfprojekt Mariphil e.V volunteers in Iloilo City. The Foundation is in partnership with MARIPHIL since 2019 – with Annelie Paul and Franzi Osterrieder as our 1^st batch of German volunteers, Jade Mae Dehnel and Annika Zöller as our 2^nd batch of German volunteers – and now welcoming our 3^rd batch of volunteers from MARIPHIL – Anna Paulin Krüger, Jule Bär, Lukas Williams and Jan-Niklas Haase who will be staying in the Philippines until August 2023!

In the afternoon, our Tapulanga staff Marianne and Marechris joined the Supervisors’ Meeting held in LS training Center in Mandurriao Iloilo. During the meeting, supervisors from different Mariphil – partnered organizations gathered and discussed feedback and strategies on how to effectively handle the volunteers.

Our 4 German volunteers will be assisting students in St. Francis of Assisi School with their Learning Activity Sheets, segregation, assisting teachers during activities and other foundation and school-related events. We are very much excited to have them working with us!

Tapulanga Foundation's Christmas Gift Giving 2021

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 05:07:00 +0000

Tapulanga Foundation once again held its annual Christmas Gift Giving program to help not just their scholars, but also neighboring schools and communities who needed a lift in their Christmas spirit this holiday season amidst the continuing pandemic.

Last December 13, 2021, TF was able to share their blessings to a total of 159 families: 134 students and 10 teachers of Jose D. Cuaycong Elementary School, 5 tricycle drivers and 10 sakada farmers.

The TF team also visited the communities of Sitio Roma, a fishing village, and Sitio Mambag-id and distributed Christmas gifts packs to a total of 220 families.

It was such a heartwarming experience seeing big smiles in their faces as they received the simple gifts Tapulanga Foundation prepared for them.

On the following day, 345 families of local vendors, pedicab and tricycle drivers received their Christmas gift package at the Tapulanga office. The TF staff also visited Hacienda Manalo 5 and Hacienda Makina, sugarcane farm communities, and was able to distribute gift packs to 105 families.

On the third and fourth day of the one-week-long program, 630 scholars from Preschool to College received their Christmas gift packs at St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City court. TF also gave gift packs plus ham to 75 teachers, staff and volunteers of the school.

On December 23, 130 families of Hacienda Tinihaban and Hacienda Lonoy received gift packs as well.

The gift packs included 5 kilos of rice, spaghetti sauce and noodles and a box of chocolates. The scholars also received additional gift items, e.g. toys for the younger ones and cap/hair brush and one-week cellphone data load for the older kids.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH to all the GENEROUS donors who supported the Christmas Gift Giving 2021 program of Tapulanga Foundation. A total of 1,664 families had a “special” Christmas because of YOU!

TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!

Disclaimer: Health and Safety Protocols were strictly observed during the Gift-Giving program.

Check out complete album here:

Christmas Gift Giving | Day 1 (Cuaycong Elementary School, Sakada farmers, Sitio Roma and Mambag-id)

Christmas Gift Giving | Day 2 (Vendors, Pedicab drivers, Tricycle driver, Hacienda Manalo and Makina)

Christmas Gift Giving | Day 3 (Pre-kindergarten to Grade 4)

Christmas Gift Giving | Day 4 (Grade 5 to College)

Tapulanga Foundation's Christmas Gift Giving 2020

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 02:59:00 +0000

Year 2020 greatly tested the Filipinos' resiliency as a pandemic took over not just in our country, but the whole world. Many were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic - losing their jobs, businesses and lives.

As we ended the year 2020, Tapulanga Foundation shared their blessings once again to their scholars and neighbouring communities through their annual Christmas Gift-Giving program. This simple act of kindness has helped over 1,300 families amidst the pandemic.

On December 14, 307 families from Jose D. Cuaycong Elementary school, Sitio Roma and Sitio Mambag-id received their Christmas food packages of 5kgs rice, spaghetti pack and chocolates.

The next day, 280 families of Silay City pedicab and tricycle drivers received their Christmas food package at the Tapulanga office.

On December 16 - 18, 574 scholars from pre-school to college received their Christmas package. The Junior high school, Senior high school and college students also received a one week cellphone load gift card for their online classes in January.

Tapulanga Foundation was also able to extend their gift giving program to 30 families of taho (soya drink) vendors and barbers in Silay City and to 12 scholars and teachers of Locsin Genealogy Preschool Foundation.

80 families from Hacienda Lonoy and 60 families from Hacienda Tinihaban were also able to receive their Christmas package - just in time for the Christmas eve noche buena!

Tapulanga Foundation wants to express their heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed and helped to make the gift giving program possible. To all donors who shared their blessings in cash and in kind, we thank you so much for your generosity!

TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!

Disclaimer: Health and Safety Protocols were strictly observed during the Gift-Giving program.

Check out the full album on these links:

Tapulanga Foundation's Christmas Gift Giving 2020 VIDEO
Tapulanga Foundation's Christmas Gift Giving 2020 @ Cuaycong Elem. School, Sitio Roma and Sitio Mambag-id
Tapulanga Foundation's Christmas Gift Giving - Silay City Pedicab and Tricycle Drivers
Tapulanga Foundation's Christmas Gift Giving - Grades 1 to 6 Scholars
Tapulanga Foundation's Christmas Gift Giving - Preschool, JHS, SHS & College Scholars

Tapulanga Foundation Extends Help to Scholars' Families during COVID-19

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Fri, 08 May 2020 02:11:00 +0000

As our country was greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, quarantines and lockdowns were strictly implemented by our government over cities and provinces to help control the spread of the virus. With this, many of our fellow citizens lost their livelihoods and were in distress about the situation.

Through the help of our very generous and committed donors, Tapulanga Foundation was able to extend help to 118 families of scholars by giving groceries and rice (to many, at least 2 to 3 weeks in a row) since March 31 until today.

Our grocery package consisted of 10 cans of sardines, 2 cans of beef loaf or sausage, a dozen eggs, and 10 packs of noodles with 3 - 5 kilos of rice. In the first few weeks of the quarantine, we included laundry and bath soap and a pack of Fita cookies.

Words cannot express how thankful these families are to everyone who extended financial help during the quarantine period. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU VERY MUCH, and God bless and reward you!

Tapulanga Foundation Gives Back: Christmas Giving Program 2019

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 03:51:00 +0000

December 2019 was indeed a significant month for Tapulanga Foundation Inc. as they share their blessings to every scholar and neighboring communities through their traditional gift-giving program. Scholars from Preschool up to College received their Christmas gifts, a simple yet a memorable experience that goes a long way!

Last December 7, the Grade 10 scholars celebrated their Christmas party at Campuestuhan Highland Resort in Talisay City, jam-packed with a whole lot of fun and excitement!

On December 12, TF once again visited and spread love to over a hundred recipients of Jose D. Cuaycong Elementary School. Every student received their toys and Noche Buena pack while 8 teachers received their Spaghetti Packs, just in time for the Christmas season!

The next day, December 13, scholars and teachers of Locsin Genealogy Foundation Preschool received their Christmas treat of Spaghetti Packs, perfect for a Filipino Christmas!

On December 15 – 21, a week-long Christmas giving program was held at McDonald’s – Silay for Preschool to Grade 9 scholars, receiving gifts and Spaghetti packs from their respective donors – and not to mention a McDonald’s meal too! On the same week, Grades 11, 12 and College scholars had their Christmas party and gift giving program at 28 Garden Café, December 20.

On the 22nd and 23rd of December, Hacienda Tinihaban and Lonoy recipients, together with their neighbouring communities also received Christmas blessings from Tapulanga Foundation.

It was indeed a busy December, but seeing the smiles on their faces makes all the hard work paid off.

From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who gave a helping hand and made this program possible and a success. To God be all the Glory!

Check out the full album on these links:

Grade 10 Christmas Giving Program
Jose D. Cuaycong Elementary School Christmas Giving Program
Preschool Scholars Christmas Giving Program
Grades 1 and 2 Christmas Giving Program
Grades 3 and 4 Christmas Giving Program
Grades 5 and 6 Christmas Giving Program
Grades 7,8 and 9 Christmas Giving Program
Grades 11,12 and College Scholars Christmas Giving Program

SHARING HOPE 2019 RAFFLE

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 08:13:00 +0000

On Thanksgiving Day, November 28 (Eastern Standard Time), thru live streaming in Facebook, Friends of Tapulanga held its raffle draw of Sharing Hope Raffle 2019 at St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City right after the flag ceremony. 200 tickets were sold to US citizens with 5 raffle prizes. Proceeds of the raffle will go to the scholarship program of the school.

Congratulations to the following winners:

(1^st prize) 11-inch Apple iPad Pro – Meghan Sommers

(2^nd prize) Alexa Echo (3rd generation) – Bob Strauss

(3^rd prize) Apple AirPods wireless headphones – Phil Siegrist

(4^th prize) Google nest home mini – Robert Graham

(5^thprize) Fitbit Inspire – Madeleine Castro

A huge thanks to everyone who bought tickets to support Friends of Tapulanga! To God be all the glory!

BLOCK SCREENING : FROZEN 2

noreply@blogger.com (Micmic Golez) — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 01:56:00 +0000

Last November 21, 2019, Tapulanga Foundation hosted a group screening for FROZEN 2 movie at Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City, Philippines. There were a total of 292 students from Pre-school to grade 3, grades 5 and 6, together with their advisers and school and Tapulanga staff. While watching the movie, everyone enjoyed a snack treat of popcorn and juice!

You can view photos on this link.

On November 24, an official BLOCK SCREENING for the movie FROZEN 2 was again hosted by the foundation, filling up a 325-seat cinema with guests and scholars from grades 9 and 10 with teachers and staff. This was a fundraising activity benefiting the foundation’s healthcare program. Thanks to three generous sponsors, Taters popcorn was given for free to all during the movie.

You can view photos on this link.

We are so thankful to all the donors who generously sponsored the scholars to watch Frozen 2 movie. To many of the scholars, this was their first time to watch a movie in a cinema!

A big thank you as well goes to all those who supported the fundraiser by watching the movie! To God be all the Glory!