PHCG shares a thank you letter from the Philippine National Red Cross on Ondoy Disaster Relief effort

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December 23, 2009


The Philippine Honorary Consulate General shares a thank you letter from the office of Philippine National Red Cross on Ondoy Disaster Relief effort.

Ragheb recognized by PHCG Donato for her community service

In photo: Ces Alberto, GFI Treasurer, Grace Regheb & PHCG Donato

Please click here to view video presentation

December 17, 2009

Atlanta, GA

The Philippine Honorary Consul General for the Southeast Raoul "Ray" Donato presented a Certificate of Recognition to Grace Ragheb for her dedication and community service. Ragheb is an active member and supporter of various Filipino American associations in Georgia including the Filipino American Association of Greater Atlanta, Galing Foundation, Inc., Philippine American Women's Association of Georgia and the Philippine Honorary Consular Volunteers. In 2009 alone, she participated in major community events namely: Dinner Reception in honor of Dr. Carolina Hernandez, EDSA People Power Commemoration in Atlanta, International Cultural Showcase at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Consular on Wheels, Philippine Independence Day, Children’s Arts Exhibit in Roswell Visual Arts Center, President Corazon Aquino Memorial Service to name a few.

Ragheb in partnership with Jackson Elementary School PTA, Sutton Middle School PTA and Cavite National High School Batch 83 leads a GFI Outreach in her native province of Cavite, sending books to public schools and libraries and school supplies to Filipino indigent children.

Grace is married to Hesham Ragheb. They have 2 wonderful children named Omar (14) and Shereen (9).

2009 Christmas Message from Raoul "Ray" Donato Philippine Honorary Consul General for the SE Region

2009 Christmas Message from Raoul "Ray" Donato Philippine Honorary Consul General for the SE Region

Click here for video message

NEW OFFICE ADDRESS

The Philippine Honorary Consul General
Address:
3340 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 1685
Atlanta, GA 30326

Telephone No:
(404) 239-5747 & (404) 239-5740

For assistance, please contact:
Lori Davis at 404 2334022 x 210
Fax No: (404) 233-4041

Free Concert: Beethoven Chamber Orchestra Concert

Beethoven Chamber Orchestra Concert
(Free to the public)
Conducted by Maestro Thomas Ludwig
Cross of Life Lutheran Church
1000 Hembree Road, Roswell, GA 30075
Sunday, December 13 at 4:00 PM
Reception following concert
www.crossoflifega.com

"Gratitude and Giving Back" by Jane Rolen, Regional Chair of the PAAAC of SSA

Photo: PHCG Donato & Ms. Jane Rolen



"Gratitude and Giving Back" by Jane Rolen, Regional Chair of the Pacific Asian American Advisory Council (PAAAC) of Social Security Administration



GRATITUDE AND GIVING BACK (Speech at "An Evening of Gratitude" held last Dec. 4, 2009)
by Jane Rolen


"I want to start off by saying thank you to all our volunteers who did an enormous amount of job for the last year; to Honorary Consul General Ray Donato for the support he continues to give the Philippine community and for the icon that he is; to all the community leaders (Willy Blanco, Marilyn Doromal, Didi O’Connor, Mae Pascual, etc) for your leadership and dedication and support to our heritage and culture, to our children--- who display an unsatiable desire to learn and keep the Philippine culture and values---you make us proud. A special thanks to my friend, Toni Daya-Luetgers, whom I refer to as the “glue that keeps the Filipino community together.” You are an inspiration for the community. For all the things that you do, thank you, thank you, thank you.

We need to thank God, our Creator, our Father --- who looks after us and despite all the tragedies in our homeland, he opens other doors for us….there is hope for us, and for our country, yet. Yes, at times it is too difficult to move on, but remember “the man who complained he had no shoes, until he met a guy who had no feet……..”

Indeed inspite of all the tragedies, the typhoons, the foreclosures, the economy, there is a lot to be thankful for…. Our health, our jobs, our friends, our families, and specially the gift of life.

My point to all this is……. we can only say thank you properly, if we give back what is given to us…. I say that because, “to whom much is given, much is expected……” I firmly believe, the more you give of yourself, the more blessings come around, especially when you are doing good deeds without expecting anything in return. Or am I the only one here who notices that when you help out with all your heart, it comes back twofold??…..

So how can we give back to our Creator, to our community, to our fellow human beings? Well, I can suggest a few things…

First I want to raise the awareness of the importance of volunteer service and to celebrate the legion of volunteers like you, who contribute personal time, skills, and resources to help others here at home and abroad.

Whether you help families rebuild their lives after a disaster, deliver meals to homebound elderly citizens, assist clients at temporary shelters, mentor youth, build homes or schools, plant trees to sustain our environment, or work tirelessly to eradicate poverty and inhumane conditions, you do more than offer service: You offer hope to those you help and restore our faith in the simple goodness of humankind. Your work and devotion is commendable. Much work has been done. And then, there is still work left to do.

Formidable national challenges such as food insecurity, illiteracy, and homelessness, and global challenges such as global warming, inadequate education, the spread of preventable diseases, and the lack of clean, drinking water, all sound a clarion call for action. Gender inequality, human trafficking, domestic violence, the rise in premature births, hate crimes and incivility are among a host of additional significant issues as well.

One can ask, why somebody doesn't do something about that, but we don't realize that we might be that somebody. What are we doing to help others? We all have unique talents that we can offer to help preserve our communities and shape the future of our world environment. And the issues mentioned above are summoning us to service.

Now, I know that not everyone of us can volunteer time, resources and talents because of the demands of our everyday life. However, I still believe that in our own simple little way, we can make a difference.

I’ll give myself as an example. Many of you know that time is a resource that I don’t have the luxury of, no matter how much desire I want to get involved. No matter how brilliantly I thought I have scheduled my commitments, I always don’t have enough of this resource. So, I do what I can with what time I have. One of causes I made commitments to is the Combined Federal Campaign. I was so lucky enough to be appointed as the Division Chairperson for the Metro Atlanta Combined Federal Campaign – the only fundraising allowed by law in federal government. In that capacity, I was able to encourage a few non-profits to apply and be accepted as one of the registered CFC non-profits organizations thereby, they can accept donations from the CFC. During the campaign, these non-profits, get a chance to introduce themselves and their work to federal employees, who in turn make pledges for donations to these organizations. So, in aside, to my fellow Filipino federal employees, the next time you make a pledge to CFC, please consider giving to “Galing Foundation”, “Gawad Kalinga” “CPACS” and many other Filipino non—profits listed in the CFC book.

I am a consultant to the Filipino Associations, I spend three to 4 hours a month teaching Tagalog and Ilocano to youngsters. I choreograph Philippine dances for yearly cultural shows. I know this isn’t much, but the idea is sharing what I have. God gave me mouth to speak, I might as well use it to teach. God gave me the ability to move, I might as well use it to dance and teach our young ones to dance our beloved native dances.

Many of you are more talented and skilled than I am. I therefore challenge you to do something for even just one person this coming year…. take a child under your wing to mentor--- or read to an elderly person in a nursing home…. Just do something. Volunteer at a nursing home or local hospital to either distribute lunch or sit with a patient. I guarantee you --- the feeling of having done something good for our fellow human being is much more fulfilling than any performance award you can receive at work. I know --- I’ve been there.

Let us then assess what we have to offer and then make a plan, and follow through, on how we will help others through regular, ongoing acts of volunteer service. Let's volunteer and help others live happier, live healthier, live longer.

Now, I don’t want to be the person between you and the dance floor! Therefore, I close by saying……“Remember, what you are is God’s gift to you…… What you make of yourself, is your gift to God.

Thank you, See you at the next volunteer event, magandang gabi sa inyoung lahat. Maraming salamat po." - J. Rolen

About Jane Rolen
Jane Rolen (Mary Jane Basilio-Rolen) has been the Team Leader for the Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Office of SSA since April 2008. Jane began her Social Security career as a Claims Representative in Asheville, North Carolina in 1998. As a graduate of the 2003 SSA National Leadership Development Program (LDP), she has held a number of positions including Operations Supervisor, Labor Relations Specialist, Management Analyst, and Executive Assistant to the Regional Commissioner.

Jane is also the Regional Chair of the Pacific Asian American Advisory Council (PAAAC) of SSA. She is also PAAAC’s National Vice-Chair for Field Offices. As a PAAAC officer, she has received awards in recognition of her excellent representation of and outstanding outreach to the Asian community, and her dedication to the mission and goals of the Asian-American Associations. Under her leadership the PAAAC North Carolina Chapter was the most active and successful PAAAC Chapter in the Atlanta Region. Now spearheading the Regional PAAAC, she is leading the region in numerous initiatives including recruiting, career development and upward mobility of Asian employees in federal government.

Jane is an active community supporter. She has served as an officer to the Filipino-American Community of Western North Carolina. As one of the leaders and consultants in the Filipino community, she is a strong advocate for the Filipinos and is always ready to help the newcomers get acclimated in their new environment. She refers them to agencies; coaches them for job interviews; takes them in her home and teaches them to drive. She is very involved with the civic and volunteer activities including fund raising, feeding the homeless, collecting donations for unwed mothers, and performing Christmas carols at nursing homes. As a member of the Filipino Dance Troupe, she performs during cultural shows every year, and also teaches the young Filipinos the culture, language and native dances.

In August 2006, and again in March 2008, Jane donated 12 inches of her hair to “Locks of Love,” a non-profit organization that make wigs for cancer stricken children. In July 2007, Jane was named as one of “Who’s Who in the Asian-American Communities,” honoring her success as an Asian-American who has served as a role model in the Southeast. She was one of the only 6 Filipino recipients for 2007.

Jane was born and raised in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. The daughter of teachers, and armed with a scholarship and determination, she worked her way through college and graduated with honors from St. Joseph’s College in Quezon City, Philippines. Jane is married to William (Bill) T. Rolen, Jr., a retired FBI agent. The eldest of six children, Jane has three wonderful brothers and two lovely sisters. She is a dotting aunt to 14 nephews and nieces!!!

"An Evening of Gratitude" Invocation by Lehnie Estacio

In photo: Winifredo Alfelor of Filipino American Christian Church & Lehnie Estacio of Gawad Kalinga GA


Invocation – Friday 4 December 09
by Lehnie Estacio, Coordinator for Gawad Kalinga-Georgia


"Good evening, thank you all for coming. Let’s start this beautiful evening with a loving conversation with God." invites L. Estacio

"Our dear Father in heaven, we come before Your presence tonight with hearts overflowing with gratitude; gratitude for Your unconditional and infinite love for each of us; for Your faithfulness, for your super-abundant, never-ending kindness and mercy, dear Lord God. We are so grateful for Your constant loving guidance and directing our paths day to day, for each moment that we enjoy your world, for every breath we take. We thank You unceasingly and give You praise for the blessings upon blessings you pour out on each of us everyday – everything we have is from you Lord. We thank you in everything and in all circumstances. Thank You for the gift of life, gift of family, gift of friends, gift of community.
Tonight, especially, we are a community, Lord . . . a community connected by a common thread (thread of compassion) with a common goal to make a difference, particularly in the lives of indigent children in the Philippines through Galing Foundation. May our humble work be an offering to you, dear Lord God. We know You are always with us as You yourself said - giving us hope in darkness, strength in our weakness, stirring us when we get complacent, and the fervor to carry on with the mission that you charged us to do . . . but not for our glory, Lord, but for your glory.
Lord, please give us the grace to follow what you require of us, that is, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with You as one Body, as brothers and sisters. We ask these in the mighty name of our sweet Jesus who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever. Amen"

About Eleanor "Lehnie" Estacio:

Eleanor or Lehnie for short, is an active member of the Couples for Christ, a global community of family evangelizers committed to live in God’s righteousness and holiness, evangelizing people through a life of love and service. She is a representative of Gawad Kalinga (which means to Give Care), an organization whose mission is to eradicate slums in the Philippines. It transforms slums into clean, beautiful, peaceful communities and transforms the poor into productive and self-sufficient citizens. It has grown to be a movement of nation building and rapidly transforming the physical, social and cultural landscape of the Philippines

She also volunteers as a teacher in Religion for 4th Graders at St. Brigid Catholic Church as well as a lector and Captain of Welcome Ministry at St. Brigid Catholic Church. She is a former officer of Fil-am of Greater Atlanta and a member of PAWAG (Philippine American Women's Assoc. in GA)

She is married to Alex, with 2 wonderful children namely Henry and Melissa.

Dec. 4: Highlights of "An Evening of Gratitude"

PHCG Donato awards a certificate and $400 US Savings Bond to Joanne Kelley Utt as Youth Leader Honoree 2009. Also in photo are Lindsay Romasanta of Center for Pan Asian Community Services and Janice Alcade, Youth Leader Honoree 2008






















PHCG Donato recognizes Kevin Moriles for his achievement in community service as Eagle Scout of BSA Troop 115, Atlanta Area Council, Tara District. Also in photo are Kevin's parents: Dr. Romy Moriles and wife Mary Ann.


PROGRAM:

“An Evening of Gratitude”

The 5th Annual Community Year End Dinner with Philippine Honorary Consul General Raoul “Ray” Donato, 3rd GFI Youth Leadership Award and Volunteer Appreciation
December 4, 2009 * Canton House Restaurant
Chamblee, Georgia

* 6p.m. Registration & Networking
* 7p.m. Program

Welcome & Recognition by
Ms. Didi O’Connor, Recipient of the Consular Community Leader Award 2009 & President of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce in GA and Ms. Esther Wilson, President of Northwest Phil-Am Association of GA

Invocation by
Eleanor “Lehnie” Estacio, Coordinator for Gawad Kalinga in GA

Presentations
"Immigration & Leadership" by Sarah Hawk, Esq. Partner, Fisher & Phillips, LLC

"Philippine Economy, Election 2010, Consular Matters & Volunteer Appreciation” by Philippine Honorary Consul General "Ray" Raoul Donato

Recognition of Achievement
Mr. Kevin Moriles as Eagle Scout of BSA Troop 115, Atlanta Area Council, Tara District

Award Ceremony
Ms. Joanne Kelley Utt as "Youth Leadership Awardee 2009" by Hon. Consul Gen. Donato, YLA Awardees & Selection Committee: Ms. Lindsay Romasanta of Center for Pan Asian Community Services & Mr. Aries Arugay of University of the Philippines Dept. of Political Science

7:30 p.m. * DINNER

“Canon in D”, a guitar solo by Omar Ragheb, YLA Awardee 2007
“Christmas Medley”, a viola solo by Janice Alcalde, YLA Awardee 2008

7:50 p.m. * Presentations

“The Galing Youth” by Janice Alcalde
"GFI Annual Report" by Arjho C. Turner, Director for GFI Mindanao Outreach
"Gratitude & Giving Back" by Jane Rolen, Regional Chair of the Pacific Asian American Advisory Council (PAAAC) of Social Security Administration

8:15 p.m. * Entertainment * Dancing
Christmas Carols & Community Singing lead by Galing Youth
******
Program's Co-Emcees: Ms. Didi O’Connor & Ms. Esther Wilson


All proceeds of this event will benefit Galing Foundation, Inc. assisted Filipino indigent children, public schools, day care centers and public libraries in rural areas of the Philippines.

www.galingfoundation.com

Galing Foundation, Inc. thanks its 2009 partners

Friday, November 20, 2009


Our Gratitude to GALING Partners 2009


Dear Galing Partners:


"He makes the whole body fit together perfectly, as each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." Ephesians 4:16

As we come to a close the year 2009, we reflect upon the message of God-who is Almighty and loving, who is our foundation and the light of this exciting and GREAT journey, joined by you as one body of love and hope, meaningfully contributing to the lives and future of thousands of Filipino indigent children in Quezon, Cavite, Batangas & Mindanao.

We are grateful to you because you share with us a common goal.

Would you please join us to celebrate ..."An Evening of Gratitude"? The dinner with program will be held on Friday, December 4, 2009 starting at 6pm at Canton House Restaurant.

In partnership with the office of the Philippine Honorary Consul General Raoul "Ray" Donato, our gratitude to you and to the following GALING 2009 Art, Education & Community Program Partners (through events such as Dinner Reception in honor of Dr. Carolina Hernandez, EDSA People Power Commemoration, Dogwood Festival, Asia Pacific Heritage Month, Children's Art Workshop, "America, a Children's Art Exhibit", President Corazon Aquino Memorial, Who's Who in Asian American Communities, Consular on Wheels & Newcomers Class, Combined Federal Campaing, Annual Community Year End Dinner, GFI Youth Leadership Award & Volunteer Appreciation)and donors, helping us reach out to Atlanta, Batangas, Cavite, Quezon & Mindanao:

Aaron Alberto
Alpharetta Public Library
Ana Blackburn
Angelie Ella
Anna Carter
Antonio E. Daya
Aries Arugay
Arjho C. Turner
Assist 2 Sell
Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Beth Villanueva
Bobbie Brooks
Brent Peabody
Brie Sison
Caitlyn Yap
Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center
Carolyn T. Fuller & Henry County Public Library System
Cartridge World Lilburn
Ces Alberto
Cheryl Alberto King
City of Roswell Mayor Jere Wood
Cross of Life Christian Montessori School
Cross of Life Lutheran Church
Dave Maxwell
Didi O'Connor
Eleanor Estacio
Eleanor Pascual
Esther Wilson
Faith Bernabe
Fe Abulencia
Filipino Community
Filipino Reporter
Friends of Roswell
Georgia Council for International Visitors
Gloria Enriquez
Grace Ragheb
Imee Niehoff
Jamie Alberto
Jane Rolen
Janice Alcalde
Jennifer Garret
Joel Aquino, PhD
Joy Sison
Lani Evans
Lauren Luetgers
Laurianne Doster & Roswell Visual Arts Center
Lindsay Romasanta & CPACS
Lolita M. Daya
Luisa Godbold
Mabuhay Dance Group
Mabuhay Store
Mai P. Hecht, Esq.
Manila Mart
Margaret Babia
Marietta Mauricio
Marilyn Doromal
Maritona Duran
Melissa Luetgers
Metropolitan Atlanta Combined Federal Campaign
MMW Logistics
Myrtle Yap
NAAAP-Atlanta
Neighborhood Newspaper
Northwest Phil-am Association of Georgia
Omar Ragheb
Pastor Emer Perez
Philippine American Women's Association in Georgia
Queen of Angels Catholic School
Roger Olivares
Roni Buenaventura
Roswell North Elementary School
Roy Alberto
Sachi Koto & SKC Communication
Sarah Hawk, Esq.
Shallowford Falls Elementary School
Shereen Ragheb
Soli Nicholson
Social Security Administration
Stephanie Sison
Sweet Apple Elementary School
Tara Anastasoff
Toni Nardiello Samuelu
Tony Alberto
UPS
Warren T. Jackson Elementary School
Willy Blanco
Winifredo Alfelor



Thank you to the 2009 Galing Art, Education & Community Partners and volunteers from Lucban, Cavite & Mindanao:

Adela Pavino
Aldwin Rubio
Allen Cris L. Pedragosa
Alyssan Grace P. Elloso
Angelou B. Pasion
Anthony Eleazar
April Rose Manulay
Banahaw Community
Barangay Captain Roger Garmino
Brgy. Kagawad/Education Committee Chairperson Bonifacio Nicor
Camille G. Luces
Chery L. Pedragosa
Christian Ryan G. Imperial
Christon D. Daya
Dan Evans & Datu Wali Mission
Darcey Carambao
Dorcas Elloso
Dr. Cecilia N. Gascon, PhD
Elijean Mae F. Moscoso
Eljean Mae F. Moscoso
Elle Sabit Pancho
Esmeralda Jordan
Freddie Afable & CNHS Batch '80
Genesis Anne S. Elona
Geraldine P. Farbores
Ghia Daya
Giselle Mae Elloso
Hannah Rose V. Elloso
Hazel Ann J. Elloso
Ivy Mae Espiritu
Jaime de la Rosa
Jared Elloso
Jean S. Reyes
Jemel Sarreal
Jessa Montenegro
Jocelyn Robles
John Imperial
John Lester S. Mastos
John Linuel S. Matos
John Maynard N. Leones
Jonas Japson
Jonathan Lungayaw
Joyce Molines
Joysie B. Talino
Julie Dean
Justine May L. Gonzales
Kaisy L. Pedragosa
Ken S. Luyao
Kent Cyrics Carandang
Kipalkuda Elementary School
Landan National High School
Lorna B. Angkico
Lucban Municipal Library
Maligo Barangay Library
Maligo Day Care School
Maligo Elementary School
Malou Evasco & Barangay 6 Education Committee
Manuel Garcia & CNHS Batch '80
Maria Ashley Iglesia
Marion Lloyd Picache
Mark Joseph Dean
Mark Martinez
Mary Grace Wanda
Mary Imperial
Mel John L. Paman
MES Principal Lorie Yayong
Municipality of Lucban
Nico Eleazar
Olive Leclair
Oscar M. Villaverde
Paaralang Elementarya ng Lucban 1
Paaralang Elementarya Ng Lucban 2
Paaralang Elementarya Ng Lucban 7
Paaralang Sekundarya Ng Lucban
Pamela Imperial
Piolo V. Elloso
Princess Honey Wanda
PTA of SPED-Hope (Hearing Inpaired) and SPED-(Mentally Challenged)
Razel V. Palero
Rochelle Vito
Rogelio Francisco
Shaina Mae E. Cordova
Sherwin William Hugo
Southern Luzon Polytechnic University & SLPC Library
Steve Raneses
Velma E. Daya
Vernadette D. Elloso
Vince C
Vincent Steve Bucalon
Wenjie C. Wanda
Winmar C. Wanda
Ysmael L. Carino


"Let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." Galatians 6:9

We hope to see you and may you and your family continuously be blessed by the Almighty God.

Yours truly,
Galing Foundation, Inc. Board


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

For more information, please contact:
Ces Alberto (404) 361-9313
Ana Blackburn (404) 404-925-2639
Visit us at: www.galingfoundation.com

GFI ships donation to schools in Mindanao

Nov. 28, 2009 Doraville, GA Galing Foundation, Inc. volunteers shipped 2 balikbayan boxes full of children's books, teacher's materials, school supplies and children's clothings to benefit students and teachers of Maligo Elementary School, Maligo Day Care, Kipalkuda Elementary School and Landan National High School in Mindanao c/o Ms. Jocelyn Robles.

GFI would like to thank the following donors and partners: Ms. Sue Edris, Cross of Life Lutheran Church, Ms. Myrtle Yap, Ms. Anna Carter and Manila Mart Wholesales & Logistics as its logistic partner since 2005. Manila Mart Store is located on 6135 Peachtree Parkway, Norcross, GA 30092 (770) 451-4585.

Galing Foundation, Inc. is a Non Profit Public Charitable Foundation 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status * E.I.N. 20-5508331 * Providing Filipino indigent children in rural areas of the Philippines educational resources to assist in promoting the
importance of functional and English literacy

For more information, please visit www.galingfoundation.com

Dec. 4: Joanne Kelley Utt to receive GFI Youth Leadership Award

Galing Foundation, Inc. in partnership with The Philippine Honorary Consul General Raoul "Ray" Donato and the 2009 Youth Leadership Award Selection Committee comprised of Ms. Gloria Enriquez of UPS, Aries Arugay of UP Political Science Dept. and Lindsay Romasanta of Center for Pan Asian American Services will award Ms. Joanne Kelley Utt as the GFI Youth Leader of 2009 on Dec. 4 at "An Evening of Gratitude", the Annual Community Year End Dinner.

Nominated by Ms. Delma Bruder, Joanne Kelley Utt is a freshman and a straight A student at Starr's Mill High School. She graduated as Valedictorian last May 28, 2009from Saint Paul Lutheran School in Peachtree City. She served as Student Council in 2009 and as Editor of the school paper. She received Perfect Attendance Award for the school year 2008-2009 and Safety Patrol Award. In sports, Kelley is a member of the school's volleyball team, placed as 3rd in Track and Field (2007), received a Christian Award in Basketball (2005-2006) and as MVP in Basketball at Saint Paul School (2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009). In music, she is a member of St. Paul church band as a soloist and a guitar player.

Kelley is a certified CPR and her community involvement includes serving as a volunteer for the Heritage Nursing Home with EDGE church members, Soup Kitchen in Atlanta and CAMP J Zone in Peachtree City. Out of 176 entries, she received 1st place at the 2008 Patriot's Pen Essay Contest by Veterans of Foreign Wars on "Why America's Veterans Should Be Honored"

She has represented the Philippines during the "ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH" held by the 3rd Medical Command (Deployment Support) at the Battle Assembly Hall, Building 900, Fort Gilam, Forest Park, Georgia on May 3, 2009. She is a member of Fil-Am Association of Greater Atlanta and a volunteer at the annual Barrio Fiesta of the South festivity "SANTO NINO" at St Philip Catholic Church, Jonesboro.

She is a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church and Life Teen in Peachtree City. She is the daughter of Charles and Bernie Utt of Senioa, Georgia

For more information, please visit: http://projectgaling.blogspot.com/

Join us for....."An Evening of Gratitude"

Join us for......"An Evening of Gratitude", The Annual Community Year End Dinner with Philippine Honorary Consul General, GFI Youth Leadership Award & Volunteer Appreciation

At 6pm on Friday, December 4, 2009 at Canton House (located at 4825 Buford Hwy, Chamblee, GA)

* 6pm Networking
* 7pm Program & Dinner
"Immigration & Leadership" by Sarah Hawk, Esq. Partner, Fisher & Phillips, LLC
"Philippine Economy, Election 2010, Consular Matters & More" by Philippine
Honorary Consul General "Ray" Raoul Donato
"AWARD CEREMONY"
"Youth Leadership Award 2009" by YLA Awardees Omar Ragheb (2007) & Janice Alcalde
(2008) & Lindsay Romasanta, Center for Pan Asian Community Services
"Annual Report" by Arjho C. Turner, Director for GFI Mindanao Outreach
"Gratitude & Giving Back" by Jane Rolen, Social Security Administration

* 8pm Entertainment (Songs of Christmas, Dancing and more......)

Program's Co-Emcees: Mr. Willy Blanco, Dir. Fil-Am Assoc. of Greater Atlanta & Ms. Esther Wilson, President of Northwest Phil-Am Assoc. in Georgia

We encourage you to take advantage of the early bird special of $30 good until Nov. 30, regularly at $35

Sponsorship opportunities are available

Write your check payable to: Galing Foundation, Inc.
Mail or drop off at GFI Partner Outlets:
Mabuhay Store: 4645 Jonesboro Rd. Ste. I
Forest Park, GA 30297
Assist 2 Sell: 1123 McDonough Place
McDonough, GA 30253


All proceeds of this event will benefit Filipino indigent children, public libraries and schools of GFI Mindanao Outreach (Maligo Elementary School, Maligo Day Care School, Landan National High School, Kipalkuda Elementary School & Maligo Public Library).


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


For more information, contact:
Ces Alberto (404) 361-9313
Ana Blackburn (404) 404-925-2639
Visit us at: www.galingfoundation.com

This event is presented in partnership with The Philippine Honorary Consulate General in Atlanta and representatives from Fisher & Phillips, LLC, Social Security Administration, Gawad Kalinga-GA, Mabuhay Store, Assist 2 Sell, Northwest Phil-Am Assoc. of GA, Asian/Pacific American Council, Fil-Am Assoc. of Greater Atlanta, NAAAP-Atlanta, UP Dept. of Political Science, Center for Pan Asian American Services and Cross of Life Lutheran Church

Nov. 11: Happy Veterans Day

Saluting all the veterans!
In photo is the community's Filipino veteran Arturo Acuna of Roswell, Georgia with former Philippine president Fidel V. Ramos during his Atlanta visit in 2008. Also in photo is Sonny deHitta, past president of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce in GA.

"It's incredible! It helped me relate to a person....."- Carolyn T. Fuller, Director of Henry County Public Library System

(Brent Peabody, Fe Abulencia, Luisa Godbold, Aimee Niehoff, Atty. Virginia Dixon, David Barton, Janice Alcalde, Carolyn T. Fuller, Lauren Luetgers, Melissa Luetgers, Arjho Turner, Alan Hammel, Maritona Duran, Ana Blackburn, Ces Alberto)


Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009-McDonough, GA

"America", a Filipino Children's Art Exhibit presented by Galing Foundation, Inc. in partnership with the McDonough Public Library opens at McDonough Public Library. The opening ceremony was attended by Ms. Carol Fuller, Director of Henry County Public Library System, Mr. David Barton, President (elect) of Metro South Association of Realtors, Atty. Virginia Dixon, Managing Attorney of Morris Hardwick Schneider Jonesboro office and Ms. Janice Alcalde, GFI Youth Leader Awardee 2008.

In a welcome remark, Ms. Fuller expressed "We can help improve lives all over the world thru reading. And it's incredible (exhibit) to see the children's drawings because it helped me relate to a person which makes the giving and sharing much more important."

The exhibit are select drawings by some of the beneficiaries of the foundation from Lucban, Quezon, Cavite, South Cotabato and Sarangani Province. With the exhibit, the McDonough Public Library provides visitors a special opportunity to appreciate each child’s perception of America expressed through art.

The exhibit will run until Nov. 30 at McDonough Public Library (http://www.henry.public.lib.ga.us/mcdonough.htm)

For more information, please visit http://projectgaling.blogspot.com/ or www.galingfoundation.com

You may also contact:
Ana Blackburn, GFI Program Director at 404-925-2639
Ces Alberto, GFI Treasurer at 404-290- 5416

This project is supported by The Office of Philippine Honorary Consulate General in Atlanta, Assist 2 Sell, Mabuhay Store, AccessPhilippineAtlanta, Cross of Life Social Concerns Ministry, NeighborhoodNewspapers.com, GFI Baranggay 6 Lucban Quezon Outreach, GFI Mindanao, GFI Cavite Outreach & CNHS Batch 83 and GFI Volunteers of Atlanta.

Update: Philippine Honorary Consulate's Office

The Philippine Honorary Consul General
Address:
3340 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 1685
Atlanta, GA 30326

For assistance, please contact:
Lori Davis at 404 2334022 x 210
Fax No: (404) 233-4041

Telephone No:
(404) 239-5747 & (404) 239-5740 (temporarily inactive until further notice)