News 2008

Collection of donated items for TOES communities, throughout December 2008

collection for indigenous people by evacf

donations for aeta indigenous people by evacf

EVACF wishes to thank all donors - many anonymous- for their great kindness and generosity in donating new and used clothes, toys, top grade rice, school supplies and household items. All these will be distributed to as many TOE²S communities of Indigenous People (IP) in region III (Aurora, Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlaac, Nueva Eciija, Zambales) as donations permit. Photos of distribution will be on this website as soon as possible. You can be certain that everything will be properly used and appreciated by the recipients. A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL.
Click Here for more photos and the whole story.

Manila Women's Forum at home of EVACF, December 8th 2008

The children from a nearby orphanage were feasted and received presents and in return gifted MWF members with their songs and dances at this happy start to the Christmas Season.

EVACF Pot Luck get together on December 2nd 2008

outgoing and incoming treasurers being welcomed by our longstanding members

cake celebrating evacf achievements in the year

Our annual get together will be the last one at Jen's house in Dasmarinas Avenue as she will be moving villages in early 2009. Of course she will not be going far but this still marks the end of an era. The meeting was well attended and we heard of the news through the EVACF year. We welcomed our new Treasurer, Carol Lee and thanked the outgoing treasurer, Nancy Uy, heartily for all her dedication to our foundation. We shared the fabulous food and celebrated the year's achievements.

Butchies' Restaurant opens in November

butchie's restaurant and shop selling items from Pampanga

Butchie's restaurant and shop with items from Pampanga

Our EVACF volunteer Angelo from Pampanga recently opened Butchies Restauarant and Pampanga food spciality store in Greenhills. This Restaurant actively supports EVACF through sale of our stoneware fundraisers and promotion of EVACF activities. We wish every success to this venture. It is a truly charming place to visit and the food is delicious. The address is G/F Health Cube Building, 226 Wilson Street, West Greenhills, San Juan, Manila. Tel: 385 0387 email: butchiesoflamoderna@yahoo.com. They even have a website at Butchiesrecipes.blogspot.com

EVACF volunteer David MacKenzie Ross sudden death in Hong Kong, 20th November 2008

EVACF sadly recieved the news that our friend and member David MacKenzie Ross died suddenly in Hong Kong on 29th November. Part of his obituary reads "donations in his memory may be made to Entrepreneur Volunteer Assistance Charity Foundation www.evacf.org". For any friends or family of David who wish to donate please note the following bank information:

Bank name: Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company
Swift Address: MBTCPHMM
Branch Code: 159
Name of Branch: ADB Branch
Account Name: Entrepreneur Volunteer Assistance (EVA) Charity Foundation
Account number: 159-3159239242

David visited us frequently and particiapted in EVACF events including school trips and office visits. He greatly encouraged us in our activities. If sufficient funds are raised EVACF will put a copunterpart and raise a school in his memory. Sincere condolences are sent to his family and friends from EVACF.

EVACF at ADB Staff Council NGO Bazaar in November 2008

This bazaar is held as part of ADB's grass roots community action support. EVACF is delighted to be invited each year to sell their Mount Pinatubo Ashglaze Stoneware fundraisers. We always have generous sales at this two day event. This is usually our last bazaar of the year.

Pack and Yack keeps going in November, 2008

This is an EVACF volunteer joining in our weekly Tuesday mornnig Pack and Yack. This activity is vital for our fundraising and sales - but it is also FUN. We solve the world's problems, exchange vital information on where to find which and what, share coffee and friendship and even get some packing done. Each Mount Pinatubo Ashglaze Stoneware set has to be hand packed by volunteers within our special boxes, with a certificate of authenticity and appropriate hand woven accessories. In this way each product supports at least four livelihood microfinance projects for special needs livelihoods groups throughout the Philippines.

The St Andrew's Society Annual Ball, November 21st 2008

The Society gives an annual donation to EVACF for TOE²S projects. The St. Andrew's Ball is their main fundraising event of the year and is held annually in the Polo CLub, Manila. Workers from Lane movers transformed the Ball Room into a Scottish baronial hall. Students from the British School Manila danced Scottish Dances to entertain everyone, and the normal fare of "haggis neaps and tatties" was enjoyed.

EVACF in Bohol at the Philippines Home Economics Teacher's annual gathering, October 2008

senator benitez suppotring the needlework training

EVACF supports this annual Home Economics networking and triaining event by providing lecturing, training and judging of their needlework skills. EVACF President, Jennifer Wallum, judged the student finalist of needlework skills. These finalists are the champions of their regions and come with their trainers. This event's founder, 94 year old Senator Benitez, always attends. This year's theme was climate change and global warmnig. On the right you can see a happy finalist concentrating on her stitching.

October - Toys Toys Toys from BAN KEE company

Toy cars were generously donated by BAN KEE company. Assorted toys were donated by many kind members and friends. These will be distributed to TOES School children. Aeta children treasure and take care of their toys because they so rarely get any.

MMQ Le Cabaret September 6th 2008, Proceeds in aid of EVA Charity Foundation

MMQ didn't need to look any further than EVACF for a worthwhile charity to support with their Cabaret on September 6th 2008. MMQ is a non profit arts for charity organization, which produces theatre and other arts events. These productions aim to promote Expatriate–Filipino partnerships, build Expatriate and Filipino audiences and support women's and children's charities in the Philippines. Last year they organised a splendid Cabaret at Sofitel which supported Operation Smile and Likhaan. This year they were even bigger and better. We hope you didn't miss it. Thank you to the wonderful sponsors, PAGCOR, Eastern Carpets who helped to raise enough money to sponsor the MMQ-EVACF school building. Click here for more

August 2008 New Ashglaze Stoneware here!

We have just received another batch of magnificent Ashglaze stoneware and boxes so don't forget "Pack and Yack" on Tuesday morning. We need your help. Also we need more volunteers to sell our stoneware. If you would like more details of how you could help in this way please contact Jenny.

21st June Book launch

EVACF have been invited to sell Mount Pinatubo Ashglaze Stoneware at Eurocampus International School's Art and Ecology Activities day.

12th June Book launch

Bing Carrion-Buck, our faithfull secretary, launched book 7 of the Seagull Legacy Series 7 entitled "Honor Thy Mother" which features some EVACF volunteers as well as many prominent Philippine celebrities. The Launch was at the Dusit Thani hotel in their beautiful ballroom.

10th June SCB

Standard Chartered Bank delivered a huge batch of school supplies for distribution to TOE²S schools, donated by the employees of the bank, raised through a "wear red" day. The have even offered to deliver the items if this will help.

7th June and follow up of May 17th - Visit to New Jeannie by Ford Laguna

Representatives of the Ford Laguna Company visited their adopted school called New Jeannie school in Tala, San Jose, Tarlac. They took materials for repairing the school and school supplies for the children. This return trip involves over 80 crossings over a meandering river and is an excellent test of Ford vehicles. This is their fourth annual visit to help this school.

3rd June EVACF receives a donation from Culford Lodge

Representatives from Culford Masonic Lodge, Suffolk, England gave a donation for school supplies and equipment for a new TOE²S called JENEVA School, Cabatuan, Tarlac. This school has two classrooms and toilets and 60 children have already registered to start school very soon. It will also be used for adult literacy out of school hours. This school is in a very remote place and you can see photos of the old school which we have helped to replace in the news item March 6th. Watch this soace for photos of the official opening in September, this year.

30th May EVACF at BSM awards day

Jenny Wallum presented awards at the British School Manila to the International Bacalaureate students who prepared the CD "From Pumice Stones to TOE2s" which tells the story of EVACF. The hours spent making the CD counted towards their Community, Arts and Sports requirements.

29th May EVACF on ABS-CBN

EVACF Volunteers Lani Martil and Jenny Wallum were guests on ABS-CBN SHOPTALK - "Foundations" program with Pia Hontiveros. It is a lot of work to keep EVACF in people's minds but it is well worth the effort. The photo shows Lani with the Mount Pinatubo Ashglaze stoneware items presentedc on the show.

27th May Franck and Joy

Franck has started an unusal company called "LAHAR", in France, selling items that are made in volcanic areas. Of course our Mount Pinatubo Ashhglaze caught his eye and we are now part of the display of items. Franck and Joy are phtogrphed with Dr Raoms of NCIP with donations towards the costs of school constructions.

School Supplies Donations May 2008

We thank all those who generously donated School Supplies for distributoin and sharing amongst our 41 TOE²S schools :-St. Andrew's Society, Manila; Stolt Nielsen Company, Ford laguna, ADB Spouses, ADB staff (individuals), Rotary Club Philippines, Anak Natin Foundation, Philippine business leaders forum; Park Hotel (Paco Manila); Standard Chartered Bank and many kind individuals. You can see here some of the donated school supplies awaiting collection. Without your help the schools would struggle to achieve their full potential.

20th May, 2008 EVACF AGM

jenny receiving award from catherin at evacf agm

As always the EVACF AGM was a Pot Luck Lunch at Jenny's house. Jenny provided a summary of our work and invited the members of the Board and other officers to report. Catherine Ramos updated on the TOES schools and presented Jenny with an award as an appreciation for all her work with AETA, Mr Lane presented a pre-school in a box from the Rotary initiative and Alain came armed with a moving presentation about the trip to Jeannie school and our EVACF powerpoint presentation for everyone to see. Thanks to all those who came and shared Pot Luck Lunch.

End of April 2008, The DAP school was completed

The 42nd TOE²S school building was funded by the end of April and construction has already been completed. This is a "next step" facility with the Judd Hendrick's School at Sitio Lumibao, Buhawen, Zambales. Funding is from Direct Aid Programme of Australia and EVACF. It is named DAPEVA School Building but we have been unable to organise the official opening ceremony involving the Embass respresetatives because of inclement weather and dangerous terrain - A party for the future!

April 13th, New Jeannie School News

Ford Company (Laguna) representatives visited the New Jeannie School, its adopted TOE²S, and decided to fund renovations before the opening of the new academic year this June. Work is to start immediately.

April 9th, Donation of Wind Up radios to TOE²S

25 Wind up radios from shell foundation went to the British council for their teaching English for distance learning programme, then to BWA and BCCp from proceeds of their joint ball, doanted to EVACF for NCIP regioin III to distribute to 25 separate classrooms in remote TOE²S schools without electricity. Everyone thought they were marvelous. Many now want to buy one for themselves.

8th April, Undersecretary Rose Bistoyong's accident

Undersecretary of DAR, Rose Bistoyong, had an unfortunate accident near the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, EVACF wish her a speedy recovery and remember her as the person who insipred the TOE²S project.

March 31st, Visit to Viking St. Andrews School

Kari Eide, EVACF volunteer from Norway, accompanied the Stolt-Nielsen Transportation Group on a visit to Viking-St Andrews Schools' compound at Sitio Alunan, Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac. This was the third visit to the school and was co-ordinated by the company's Family Affairs Co-ordinator, Angelyn A Alabastro. The Viking school was burned in a storm two months ago and every effort is being made to seek funds to rebuild the upper section. The foundations and basewalls arestill viable. Anyone wishing to donate Please click here.

March 26, 27 & 28- Residential Conference in Pampanga

March 26th, 27th and 28th,2008 we hosting the 3rd gathering of Towards Happy TOE²S, a "Towards Happy TOE²S CAPABILITY BUILDING" EVENT. A 3 day, 2 night gathering of the main players involved in maintenance and proper use of TOE2S [Traditional Origin Ethnic Education Schools]. It included Lectures, CD presentation, Q & A sessions, discussions and tribal/ heritage reinforcement activities. On everage 200 particiapnts attended each day with 120 being residential. Many participants make hazardous journeys to attend to ensure that their children benefit properly from the schools in remote locations. We would like to thank our major donors JTI Company, The St. Andrew's Society Manila, EVACF, Swedish Embassy Manila, Sime Darby, Unilever, DMC Thread, Holiday Inn Clarke Field, Discover Bay International School Hong Kong, Filippino Travel Centre and many other annonymous donors.

This was a residential Training/Conference/Seminar at SACOP in San Fernando City, Pampanga.
Click here for the programme of lectures.

March 8th - EVACF at USEC Bazaar

We hope you didn't miss the EVACF Mt. Pinatubo Ashglaze stall at the USEC bazaar at the World Trade Centre on Saturday March 8th. The store products proved extremely popular. This was a rare opportunity for our fundraising through selling the stoneware to the public as the USEC bazaar only takes place twice each year. Thank you if you joined the merry band of stall supporters on the day. We have already registered for the next USEC BAzaar in October 2008.

March 6th - EVACF provides funding for Cabatuan Aeta Community

Jennifer Wallum, MBE visited NCIP Region III to provide the final tranche of money to fund the new two room and two toilet school to be constructed by and for this community. The District Mayor has promised to provide finance for an additional two classrooms. This community has completed the fifteen steps and waited patiently for funds to be raised. They are currenlty using the facilities used in the photos. They have chosen the name "JenEva Aeta School" for their school.

This school will be completed in time for school opening in June and we will have more photos for you in the news. WATCH THIS SPACE.

February 22nd Opening of New Happy Hansel School Building - postponed due to bad weather - watch this space

The opening of the Happy Hansel School in Zambales on the 22nd February has been postponed due to bad weather. However the school is completed, open and functioning. Alain will be going as soon as weather permits.

This is another hugely adventurous journey with "roughrider" Vice President Alain Antonio. Once again only a few volunteers are able to attend so do get your name on the list FAST. Please contact the office on 8160132 to find out more and to book your place. For more about the existing Happy Hansel School follow this link. New Happy Hansel is located in Old Baliwet, Zambales.
We hope to have this school re-opened in 2008.

February 16th, EVACF on the radio show "MATE"

Jennifer Wallum, MBE and Alain Antonio were heard on Radio RJAM810 from 9.00 to 10.00. Hosted by Zaldy Lenon, this early Saturday talk show entitled "MATE" focuses on tourism, culture and the arts. Many interesting questions were asked by the listeners. It is time and energy consuming to constantly find new ways of promoting EVACF and the work that is achieved. However it is worthwhile if only one person finds out about EVACF that didn't know before.

on air

February 15th, EVACF at ADBSA AGM

ADBSA Members supported EVACF at their AGM by buying our stoneware.

ADBSA funded a school at Jesmag, Botolan, Zambales some years ago and we hope they may still keep a caring eye on the school and its students.

The school has grown from two rooms to four rooms with stage and staff facilities.

For more about the ADBSA school click here

February 13th, SACOP visit

SACOP excersising together before the meeting with evacf

Jennifer Wallum, MBE visited Social Action Centre Of Pampanga, SACOP, Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga as part of the preparation for "Towards Happy TOES Capability Building" residential Conference and Training 3 day event. As part of our microfinance support we pre-paid for full board and lodgings of the 200 participants plus visiting guests and speakers. This is a unique event for Indigenous People Communities to receive training in managment of educational property and facilities.

For a list of schools click here.

February 12th Annual visit to Studio Potters

The EVACF annual visit to Studio Potter and stoneware artist Lanelle Abueva Fernando was on February 12th this year. This is the home of EVACF Mount Pinatubo Ashglaze Stoneware. The address is Sapang Buho, Ascencion Road, Barangay Dalig, Antipolo City, FAX 6305854.

The trip included a tour of the studio, watching the pots being made, a unique lunch based on indigenous food, at Crescent Moon Cafe and an opportunity to buy pottery with a chance to wander in the peaceful Koi garden. Please contact the office on 8160132 to find out when the next tour will be. For more on the pottery follow this link.

February 8th, Visit to Viking St. Andrews School canceled due to bad weather

Kari Eide, EVACF volunteer from Norway, was to accompany the Stolt-Nielsen Transportation Group on a visit to Viking-St Andrews Schools' compound at Sitio Alunan, Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac. This was to be the third visit to the school and is co-ordinated by the company's Family Affairs Co-ordinator, Angelyn A Alabastro. However the severe weather made the terrain precarious and so the visit has been postponed to March 31st.

February 3rd, EVACF in Lifestyles section of Manila Bulletin

alain antonio's shoes raise money for evacf

Alain's shoes have helped EVACF to gain notice yet again. There was a special mention on EVACF in the Lifestyle section of the Manila BULLETIN, page I-3, writer YONINA CHAN, photography ABBY FRIAS. To read the article click here....... And such beautiful shoes!

January 30th,Opening of Balfour Beatty Training Centre

evacf at teh opening of the balfour beatty training centre

EVACF Secretary Bing Carreon Buck attended the inauguration and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the opening of the "Balfour Beatty Overhead transmission Line Training Centre". EVACF, with NCIP Region III have teamworked with Balfour Beatty to give over 60 AETA an opportunity to apply for training. This is a FIRST for the AETA. The training centre is in Carmelray Industrial Park II, Calamba, Laguna. The training centre had its ribbon cut by Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

5 Aeta qualified to attend. These are the first Aeta ever to study this type of training.

Thank you Balfour Beatty!

January 30th, 6-8p.m., CAS evening at British School Manila

The Offical launch of the new EVACF powerpoint presentation prepared with the help of students Alexander Lietz and Joseph Skringer as part of their I.B. CAS requirements at BSM. The presentation for EVA Charity Foundation is called "From Pumice Stones to TOE²S". This is going towards the work they are doing for their Community, Action and Service award, as part of their International Baccaleureate Diploma. EVACF President Jennifer Wallum MBE and the EVACF Assistant Treasurer will attend. EVACF also sold their ashglaze stoneaware on the evening. BSM has previously funded a school called Maganday Nobokah. Click here for more. Parents and students showed their appreciation for the professional, entertaining and informative presentation by the team of 3 students. THANK YOU CAS STUDENTS FOR YOUR GREAT WORK which will be a great tool for promoting EVACF.

January 15th Pack and yack resumes

Each week a group of volunteers gathers at Jenny's house in Dasmarinas village to pack the Mt Pinatubo Ashglaze Stoneware ready for sale. All proceeds go to supporting the work of EVA Charity Foundation. If you have a couple of hours free on a Tuesday Morning why not join them?

January 11th - 1st donation for 41st TOE²S school

The first donation was given by EVACF to begin construction of a TOE²S at CABATUAN, BOTOLAN, ZAMBALES. This is to take advantage of the dry season, when it arrives !!! This money was raised from sales of Mt. Pinatubo Ashglaze Stoneware during Christmas 2007. However more is needed to complete the school. DONATIONS ARE INVITED. This will be the 41st funded school of TOES since year 2000 launching. This school is looking for a name. Please contact the office on 8160132 to find out more.

January 11th - Opening of the Marie Serendipity School

evacf opening marie serendipity school for aeta children

Driving to this new school building is a gruelling journey. Vice President Alain Antonio led Peter Wallum on an adventure to celebrate the opening of the New Marie Serendipity School Building. See some great photos of the day and read Peter's moving account of his journey.

For great photos of the opening ceremony of Marei Serendipity Click here.
For Peter's moving account of the day click here.

January 4th - Santa Claus

Santa Claus picked up gifts, donated by British School Manila students via ANZA to take to Aeta children.

A HAPPY NEW 2008 FROM EVACF

EVACF has a list of items needed by schools in 2008. If you can donate any of these items they will be much appreciated and support the excellent work in the TOES schools:

Soaps, Hand Towels, Shirts, Notepads, Notebooks, Backpacks, Rulers, Pencil, Eraser, Art Paper ( set ), Cups, Pencil Case, Tooth paste, Tooth brush, T-shirts , Short pants, Sandals.

Every little helps, so if you just have a few of these they will be very welcome. Please phone the office (02) 8160132 for more details or email evacf_org@yahoo.com where the ever vigilant Alain will help you.

Click here for our 2007 archive

And here for our 2006 archive