Dinner Reception in honor of Dr. Carolina Hernandez

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You are invited to join us for a dinner reception in honor of Dr. Carolina Hernandez, Professor Emeritus of the University of the Philippines and United Nations Chair Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters (involving global security, nuclear arms and energy)

Topic: The Democratic Deficit in Philippine Politics: Perspectives from a Concerned Citizen

Date: Monday, February 23, 2009
Time: 6 PM Reception
7-9PM Dinner & Program

Place: Canton House in Chamblee



All proceeds will benefit partner schools, libraries and Filipino indigent children of Galing Foundation, Inc.

GFI is a 501 © 3 tax exempt non profit organization
Deadline for RSVP : Feb. 20
For reservations or for more information: Email us at: galingfoundation@yahoo.com
Contact:
Ces Alberto (404) 361-9313
Ana Blackburn (404) 925-2639
Grace Ragheb (404) 786-7728

Dinner Cost: Sponsor Table $250 * Per Person $30

Please write check payable to: Galing Foundation, Inc. *
mailing address: 1050 Wilde Run Court Roswell, GA 30075
Only limited seats available * First come * First served

Special thanks to Mr. Aries Arugay UP Dept. of Political Science, the Georgia Council for International Visitors, Sachi Koto Communications, Inc. Global Atlanta, National Federation of Filipino American Association Region 4, Cross of Life Lutheran Church Social Ministry and other organizations.

Friends of Roswell Library donates to Galing Foundation, Inc. for schools in South Cotabato

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Warren T. Jackson donates to Galing Foundation, Inc. for Cavite School

Galing Foundation, Inc. would like to thank Warren T. Jackson Elementary School

Galing Foundation, Inc. would like to thank Warren T. Jackson Elementary School for its book drive initiative, a project of the 3rd & 4th graders under Roots & Shoots headed by Mary Mapes, PTA Community Service and coordinated by Grace Ragheb, GFI representative and WTJ-PTA member. WTJ librarians Lyn Handley & Teresa Webb, teachers, parents & students donated several books & some school supplies.

To date, GFI has shipped 5 balikbayan boxes to benefit schools in Cavite, Philippines. Members of Cavite National High School Batch '80 with Manny Garcia as president and Lorna Angkiko as coordinator will hold a formal turnover of the book donation to Ladislao Diwa Elementary School and to Cavite National High School. CNHS '80 pledged to oversee the donation and provide a report to GFI Atlanta and to its donors at Warren T. Jackson Elementary School.

Please visit: www.galingfoundation.com

Happy New Year from Galing Foundation, Inc.

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A Big Thank You to GFI Financial Donor

December 18, 2008

GFI would like to express its thanks to financial donors:
Sonya McRay & family

GFI Box Nos. 95 & 96 to Cavite

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December 18, 2008, Norcross, GA

GFI volunteers Grace Ragheb & Lauren Luetgers packed and shipped GFI Box Nos. 95 & 96(MMW Logistics invoice no. 70004) full of children's and reference books donated by families of Jackson Elementary School in Atlanta to benefit Ladislao Diwa Elementary School library in Cavite c/o Lorna Angkico.

Special thanks to Brian Burtnik of Manila Mart. Manila Mart is located on 6247 Peachtree Industrial ATlanta, GA 30360 (770) 451-4585.

GFI Mindanao Outreach: Gift for Indigents

GFI Mindanao Outreach: Gift For Indigents
Prepared and submitted by:

Josephine L. Turner
GFI Mindanao Outreach Director
December 16, 2008




Achieving a quality education in the indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) in southern Mindanao can be very challenging. Most of the schools in these communities lack the substantial educational resource materials and do not have their own school libraries that could aid the teachers as well as students to have the same academic standard enjoyed by other school counterparts in the town center and even in highly urbanized cities.

In 2007, the Galing Foundation, Inc. (GFI) Mindanao outreach initially started with one elementary school. Now, it has grown to have assisted 4 schools specifically in the province of South Cotabato and one elementary school in Sarangani. The GFI Mindanao outreach coordinator, Mrs. Jocelyn C. Robles, has been doing the proper documentation and turn over of the GFI boxes to the recipient schools. Also, she is doing great job in coordinating with the respective local officials and the school authorities for advocating GFI’s goal of helping to establish school libraries along with increasing English literacy among the indigent school children. In November, Mrs. Robles has facilitated the turn over of 2008 GFI boxes for the following schools: Maligo Elementary School, Maligo Day Care School, and Landan National High School. The outreach was focused to serve the indigenous cultural communities of the Blaan tribe largely concentrated in Barangays of Maligo and Landan both located in the town of Polomolok, South Cotabato.

In a 2008 year end report to the GFI Board, Mrs. Robles shared that “joy, passion and advocacy ignited me during the turn over of books, toys and school supplies to the Maligo Day Care School, Maligo Elementary School and the Landan National High School.” She further added to say that “the terry eyes of the students who lovely received the educational resources from GFI gave me the courage to perform my task as the GFI Mindanao local coordinator. The books were very helpful to promote their English proficiency. In Maligo Elementary School (MES) and the Maligo Day Care School, the experience was just amazing for the students to play the toys and enjoy some children’s clothes sent along with the books that their parents cannot buy for them.”

One of the community achievements as a result of GFI’s intervention in Maligo Elementary School since 2007 is active involvement and support from the Maligo Barangay Council to establish a public library since the school has no designated space for a library yet. Since then, the Barangay has been very helpful partner for the GFI in its mission to help their school. In September 28, 2008, Barangay Maligo won the Category B Most Outstanding Barangay in the province of South Cotabato with a financial grant amounting to PhP 50,000.00. Mrs. Robles shared that “one of the factors that they got the award is because they have started establishing a barangay library starting with the GFI assistance. This makes our joint effort worth to be proud of because GFI has been part of their community’s success.” Barangay Captain Rogelio Garmino also noted that “we very proud of the GFI intervention in our school and our barangay as GFI is not only promoting English proficiency but it also paved the way for the barangay to get the reward to make more projects for more community development.”

Students and teachers gathered at another turn over of GFI donated books and school supplies done at the Landan National High School (LNHS). On behalf of GFI, Mrs. Robles was given the opportunity to share the vision and mission of GFI in partnership with their school. She also took the “the opportunity to challenge the students to work hard in their studies and encouraged them to have faith in GOD because He and He alone is the source of all wisdom.”

Mrs. Robles also recollected what Mr. Reynante Balleno, an English teacher at Landan National High School shared to her during the turn-over. “He said that he got one English book and when he read it, he did not give up on it and he used it in his teaching everyday.” Another testimony for a biology teacher was quoted to say as “we are very happy because at last we have good reference materials to use for our class”. Mrs. Nemfa Macabenta, the principal of Landan National High School (LNHS) was also very grateful for the intervention of GFI for supporting educational development in their school. Since then, she lobbied before the Department of Education (DepEd) for their school to have a designated place and space for the school library and now they will have one under construction.

As to the reaction coming from the student during the respective turn-overs, Mrs. Robles shared that “all I hear from the students is their applause and thanks giving for the opportunity that their school has been a recipient of GFI and they really appreciate the books that was sent to them. It is indeed a great help to them to advance their learning. Almost all the students shout out loud and very happy that they have the books with them. This is the first intervention they have in the life of the respective schools for establishing their school libraries.”

Finally, Mrs. Robles heartily expressed her personal experience along the way as a GFI Mindanao coordinator in her own community impact version of GFI… as in “Gift For the Indigents: Ang GALING!”. As a volunteer in the GFI Mindanao outreach, it adds my self worth as a human and as a young tribal leader to inspire more youth leaders for our next generation. I cannot express in words how much blessed I am to be a GFI volunteer. I am very proud I am part of GFI.”

The students, teachers and community leaders of the assisted schools wanted to convey their appreciation to all GFI donors and supporters. Thank you so much for touching the lives of these students in giving them hope and supporting their educational development.

GFI box nos. 91, 92, 93 & 94 is shipped to Cavite & Mindanao

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December 12, 2008 Norcross, GA

Galing Foundation, Inc. volunteer Ms. Grace Ragheb helped pack and ship books and school supplies donated by Friends of Roswell Library, KMTLC Tutorial & Phil. American Women Association of Georgia (PAWAG).

GFI box nos. 91, 92, 93 & 94 (invoice nos. MMR25 & MMR26) is on its way to be distributed in rural areas of Cavite and Mindanao.

Special thanks to Hannah & Bryan Burtnick of Manila Mart.

Friends of Roswell Library, KMTLC Tutorial & Phil. Am Women's Assoc. of GA donates to Filipino indigent children through Galing Foundation, Inc.

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Year End Dinner with Philippine Honorary Consul General & GFI Youth Leadership Award

In photo: Gloria Enriquez, Janice Winona Alcalde GFI Youth Leader Awardee, PHCG Ray Donato, Omar Ragheb & Jamie Alberto

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 - Atlanta, Georgia

The Philippine Honorary Consul General Ray Donato and Galing Foundation, Inc. Youth Leadership Award Committee Chairs Ms. Gloria Enriquez of UPS and Ms. Jamie Alberto, president of GSU International Student Association Council awarded Ms. Janice Winona Alcalde the certificate and $400 Savings Bond EE Series. Mr. Omar Ragheb, 2007 GFI Youth Leader recipient witnesses the award.

Present during the award ceremony were leaders of the Philippine American community and businesses, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Thai Association and faculty members of Georgia State University.

Appreciation Ceremony at Year End & GFI Youth Leadership Award

The Philippine Honorary Consul General in Atlanta and Galing Foundation, Inc. would like to express its sincere appreciation to its 2008 Partners. On Wednesday, December 10 The Year End Dinner & GFI Youth Leadership Award will include a ceremony to present a Certificate of Appreciation to the following:



Abundant Life Church
Altobeli's Restaurant & Piano Bar
Bridgeway Christian Academy
Bryan Ramos, Esq.
Carenet Pregnancy Resource Center
Center for Pan Asian Community Services
Christine Joy
Cross of Life Christian Education
Cross of Life Endowment Fund of the Lutheran Community Foundation
Dynamic Vision Entertainment, LLC
Edmund Silvestre
Emelita D. Breyer, PhD
Esther Wilson
Faith Ward
Filipino American Association of Columbus, GA
Filipino American Christian Church
Filipino American Volleyball League of Georgia
Filipino Reporter
Friends of Roswell Library
Gawad Kalinga of Georgia
Georgia Asian Pacific Islander Community Coalition
I&M Catering
Jane Rolen
Jim Paredes
Kaley Hecht
Katie Zimmerman
Liga Sa Georgia
Mabuhay Store
Manila Mart
Maria Fields
Marilyn Doromal
Ministry in Motion
Monlu Forwarders
NaFFAA Region 4
Northwest Phil-Am Association
Philippine Nurses Association in Georgia
Philippine Women's Association of Georgia
Queen of Angels Catholic School
Randy Barnes
Roger Olivares
Roland R. Roldan
Romeo Kempis Dela Paz
Sarah Hawk, Esq.
Shallowford Elementary School
Social Security Administration
Soli & Rod
Toni Michelle Nardiello
Winifredo M. Alfelor
Yakiniku Team

The Event: 6-9pm Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Canton House located on 4825 Buford Hwy, Chamblee, GA 30341-3618
(770) 936-9030


Welcome Address by Ms. Jane Rolen, Social Security Administration
Message by: Honorary Consul Raoul "Ray" Donato
Recognition: Joel Aquino, PhD "Teacher of the Year" & 2008 Consular Volunteers
Galing Foundation, Inc. Youth Leadership Award & Appreciation Ceremony

$25 per person advance purchased until Dec. 5
$35 regular price
Contact:
Ces Alberto: (404) 361-9313
Ana Blackburn: (404) 925-2639
Email: galingfoundation@yahoo.com
www.galingfoundation.com
1050 Wilde Run Court
Roswell, GA 30075

Galing Foundation, Inc. is non profit public charitable foundation 501 © 3 tax exempt status EIN: 20-5508331

Congratulations to Janice Winona Alcalde, 2008 Youth Leader Awardee

Congratulations to Janice Winona Alcalde, 2008 GFI Youth Leader Awardee


Janice Winona Alcalde, 10 yrs. old is a 5th Grade student at Huntley Hills Elementary School in Chamblee, Georgia. She was born on January 23, 1998 in Arlington, VA. She's an active member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church Tucker Chamblee.

Janice is a straight A student, principal's list, a talent of DUKE-TIP and has achieved first place in "Reflections", French Club Drawing Contest and Visual Art Contest in Social Studies (2005). Since Kindergarten, Janice has always qualified in the Gifted and Talented Program.

Her other awards include: Dr. Seuss Reader's Award, Best in Math, Reading and Language Arts.

Janice's community involvement includes her service as a member of the Safety Patrol, library helper, Girl's Scout outreach programs, Children's Restoriation Network and Galing Foundation, Inc. local community programs.

As a talented, charitable minded young lady, she recently shared her gift of voice to Gawad Kalinga's fundraising concert, together with the group called "Munting Tinig".

Currently, she serves as the president of the Student Council. Janice Winona Alcalde never fails to share her gifts to help others. She is especially grateful to her mother Fe Abulencia for being her great inspiration.

She will receive the 2008 Galing Foundation, Inc. Youth Leadership Award on Wednesday, December 10.

For more information, please visit www.galingfoundation.com

A Big Thank You to GFI 2008 Partners

The Philippine Honorary Consulate General Raoul "Ray" Donato and....
Abundant Life Church
Altobeli's Restaurant & Piano Bar
Bridgeway Christian Academy
Bryan Ramos, Esq.
Carenet Pregnancy Resource Center
Center for Pan Asian Community Services
Christine Joy
Cross of Life Christian Education
Cross of Life Endowment Fund of the Lutheran Community Foundation
Dynamic Vision Entertainment, LLC
Edmund Silvestre
Emelita D. Breyer, PhD
Esther Wilson
Faith Ward
Filipino American Association of Columbus, GA
Filipino American Christian Church
Filipino American Volleyball League of Georgia
Filipino Reporter
Friends of Roswell Library
Gawad Kalinga of Georgia
Georgia Asian Pacific Islander Community Coalition
I&M Catering
Jane Rolen
Jim Paredes
Kaley Hecht
Katie Zimmerman
Liga Sa Georgia
Mabuhay Store
Manila Mart
Maria Fields
Marilyn Doromal
Ministry in Motion
Monlu Forwarders
NaFFAA Region 4
Northwest Phil-Am Association
Philippine Nurses Association in Georgia
Philippine Women's Association of Georgia
Queen of Angels Catholic School
Randy Barnes
Roger Olivares
Roland R. Roldan
Romeo Kempis Dela Paz
Sarah Hawk, Esq.
Shallowford Elementary School
Social Security Administration
Soli & Rod
Toni Michelle Nardiello
Winifredo M. Alfelor
Yakiniku Team

GFI Box 89 & 90 shipped to Lucban, Quezon

November 29, 2008

Galing Foundation, Inc. volunteer Lauren M. Luetgers helped ship 2 balikbayan boxes (invoice no. MMR12) full of children's books, school supplies, toys & clothing to benefit indigent children of Lucban, Quezon.

Donations were made by Friends of Roswell Library, Myrtle & Erwin Yap, Anna Carter and family, Sonya Mc Ray and family.

For more information, please visit www.galingfoundation.com

“GFI shipment of books and school supplies was excellent and perfectly suited for the needs of the school, some of which never seen before.” – D. Wali

“GFI shipment of books and school supplies was excellent and perfectly suited for the needs of the school, some of which never seen before.” – Datu Wali Mission on turn over to Kipalkuda Elementary School

The two boxes of books and school supplies raised during the Ball O Fun event was turned over to Kipalkuda Elementary School in New La Union, Maitum, Sarangani Province last November 14, 2008. The turn over was facilitated by the Datu Wali Mission (http://www.datuwalimission.org), the GFI’s partner in the project implementation for this school.

Dan Evans, DWM Director, shared that he was privileged to witness the joy of teachers and students during the turn over. “It was a wonderful experience to watch them sort through the items they received, some of which they have never seen before. This was an excellent variety of things for the students and teachers at Kipalkuda. Three of the teachers and about 100 tribal students gathered in and around the small room that serves as the school library and office to see the treasures received.”

Experiences prior to the turn-over were also expressed by Dan Evans in his e-mail for GFI. “Because of the weight and size of the boxes, and the challenge in delivering them to the mountain school, we transferred and sorted the contents before taking them to New La Union, the barangay in which Kipalkuda school resides. We withheld the clothing and toys that were sent, to assemble them along with toys and clothing received in a previous GFI shipment, for a separate distribution to children most in need around Christmas. But this shipment of books and school supplies was excellent and perfectly suited for the needs of the school.”

“Kipalkuda is one of the most disadvantaged schools in Sarangani Province, so the help they are receiving from Galing Foundation is very significant. Our organization, Datu Wali Mission, provides the school with writing paper, pencils, pens, crayons, scissors, glue, construction paper and other supplies for all six grades, plus the mayor's office delivers a limited amount of similar items for grade 1 pupils once or twice a year. Without this type of help, children would be reduced to writing with charcoal on banana leaves or tree bark. The school supplies GFI sent this time are very important and directly affect the ability of these children, neglected by society in this country, to learn to read, write and do basic math.”

Local partnerships are very important strategy for community development efforts. Dan Evans noted the significance of GFI’s intervention in this school along with the existing efforts done by their ministry and the local government in making a holistic impact. “The books received in this shipment represent an amazing and totally appropriate collection of references and reading materials to contribute to the learning experience at this school. With the help of Galing Foundation, Datu Wali Mission, and others, Kipalkuda has become academically competitive with other schools in this district, after suffering for many years as the least successful of schools in this region. It is also a huge morale booster for teachers, who make great sacrifices to traverse the dangerous mountain roads between town and the school each day. Teachers formerly resisted assignments at Kipalkuda because of risks from rebels, the dangerous roads, poor student attendances, and the general hardships of going to and being in New La Union each day. Now, teachers apply for assignments at this school, because it has improved so much under the sponsorship of our organizations.”

On behalf of the Kipalkuda Elementary School, the Datu Wali Mission also wishes to extend a big thank you and appreciation for GFI donors, the teachers, students and parents, and all partner organizations here in the US for their respective efforts in this great endeavor.


Arjho Turner
GFI Mindanao Outreach Director

Wednesday, Dec. 10: Year End Dinner with PHCG Donato & GFI Youth Leadership Award

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You are invited to join us for....

The Community Year End Dinner with Philippine Honorary Consul Raoul "Ray" Donato and the 2nd GFI Youth Leadership Award

at 6pm Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Canton House
4825 Buford Hwy, Chamblee, GA 30341-3618
(770) 936-9030


Welcome Address by Ms. Jane Rolen, Social Security Administration
Message by: Honorary Consul Raoul "Ray" Donato
Recognition: Joel Aquino, PhD "Teacher of the Year"
Galing Foundation, Inc. Youth Leadership Award
GFI Special Recognition to Volunteer Organizations and Individuals from the Community in Georgia

$25 per person advance purchased until Dec. 5
$35 regular price
Ask about our Special Volunteer Rate & Sponsorship Opportunity
Contact:: Ces Alberto (404) 361-9313 or Ana Blackburn (404) 925-2639
Email: galingfoundation@yahoo.com

"Thank you so much for the excellent assortment of books that we received from donors of GFI" says D. Evans

by Arjho Turner, GFI Director for Mindanao Outreach

The Kipalkuda Elementary School of Barangay New La Union, Maitum, Sarangani Province is one of the GFI outreach school in Mindanao. For this school year, there are 357 students enrolled and are mostly belonging to the Tboli indigenous peoples group. The GFI box sent last May 31, 2008 was turned over to the school last September 22, 2008. The turn over of books was facilitated by the Datu Wali Mission (DWM), the partner Christian non-profit organization of GFI in the project implementation. DWM is also assisting the school through its lunch and transportation program among other services provided by the ministry. DWM Director Dan Evans further extends appreciation for GFI assistance, "Thank you so much for the excellent assortment of books that we received from donors of Galing Foundation, Inc. We delivered them to Kipalkuda Elementary School yesterday. In the attached photos, you will see the head teacher, Mrs. Aurea Desaville, and a group of first grade tribal children enjoying the unpacking and first-look of the books. They were truly excited, and we are very grateful for your assistance. For many of these children, it was the first time they had ever held a book in their own hands."

GFI 2008 nomination is now open

September 19, 2008

Galing Foundation, Inc. announces its nomination process to award a student for its 2nd Youth Leadership Award:

The Board or its designee will select a student from one of the three school levels (Elementary, Middle School & High School).

The student must be from the Filipino Community whom you think have made valuable contributions to the school and community in Georgia.

"I am very proud to be the recipient of 2007 Youth Leadership Award from Galing Foundation, Inc. It was an honor for me to be recognized not only by my school but also from a prestigious community organization like Galing. I learned to take responsibility of leading the kid's activities in some of Galing events like Ball 'O Fun & Filipino Harvest Festival Reading Program. It is a great feeling to interact with other people, teaching and handling other kids and having fun at the same time. I will never forget my great experience as the 2007 Youth Leadership Award holder. And I will cherish this great opportunity and forever grateful to Galing in believing in me." - Omar Ragheb

"GFI Youth Leadership Award, for me is very effective and important program that you should be proud of. It serves as an inspiration for the kids to aspire for more achievements in life. It motivates great kids to be more efficient, productive, and creative when they get involved in community programs by GFI. It gives them the opportunity and responsibility to lead and thus develop their skills to be a good leader in the future." says Grace Ragheb, mother of Omar Ragheb.

Mr. Omar Ragheb with some assistance from his mother Grace will launch a partnership book drive project with his school Sutton Middle School to benefit the children of Cavite.


To receive an application form or for more information on GFI 2008 Youth Leadership, please contact:
Arjho Turner at arjhoturner@yahoo.com
Ces Alberto at ces.alberto@comcast.net

Please visit: www.galingfoundation.com

Galing Foundation, Inc. at SSA Combined Federal Campaign Kick-Off

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