716th Anniversary of the Swiss Confederation

SOS Children's Villages Philippines joins the Ambassador of Switzerland, Peter Sutter on the occasion of the 716th Anniversary of the Swiss Confederation. This was held last August 1, 2007 at Mandarin Oriental Manila. The event was sponsored by ABB, DKSH, Holcim, Nestle, Novartis, Pasar, Roche and SGS.

A NEW JOURNEY .... NURTURING 40 YEARS OF THE SOS LEGACY

A NEW JOURNEY….NURTURING 40 YEARS OF THE SOS LEGACY
The 40th National Anniversary Celebration

Every child should be given love, protection and respect, as well as access to quality education and medical care. This is the guiding principle that drives SOS Children’s Villages Philippines as it embarks on its 40th National Anniversary Celebration. The SOS Cultural Night was held last May 6, 2007 at the Insular Life Auditorium with our president, Helmut Kutin, members of the diplomatic community, corporate partners, members of the National and Local Board, our National Director, Bienvenido L. Delgado and SOS Lipa, Cebu and Manila Community in full force.

The formal gala opened with the informative SOS Audio Video Presentation. Through rhythmic movement, members of the SOS Lipa Community then interpreted the popular Josh Groban ballad “You Raised Me Up” with live vocals from Edgar Mationg as doxology. The Philippine National Anthem was rendered in a cappella by the University of the Philippines Singing Ambassadors, which was followed by the respective anthems of Austria and Germany. Archbishop Fernando Capalla welcomed everybody with great pride to witness the joy of commitment into child care. The Ambassador of Austria, Herbert Jager, briefly recognized the Festival String Orchestra which will showcase the best of the Austrian and German cultures in Brandenburg Concert No. 3 in G major (Johann Sebastian Bach), Serenade for Strings in G major (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart), Steyrische Tanze (Josef Lanner) and Salon-Polka (Johann Strauss I). It was a well – received number with the audience applauding after every piece. Gina Medina in First Violin led everybody into a bow after the Salon – Polka.

The President of SOS Kinderdorf International, Helmut Kutin, expressed his profound message to a rapt audience. His wise anecdotes on the beginnings of SOS 39 years ago till the present were inspiring and heartwarming. The SOS Ring of Honor Awarding Ceremony then commenced, with the assistance of the National Director, Bienvenido L. Delgado. The SOS Children’s Village Manila Village Director, Vicente Tejada facilitated the said event together with Jose Mari Bayuga, an SOS child who presented the bouquet. Leticia Antoy received her award after the Village Director gave a short background on the beginnings of her chosen vocation. Jeric Sumalinog, an SOS child from Cebu captured the hearts of the audience as he serenely plucked his harp for his solo on “Wooden Heart” a German folk song popularized by Elvis Presley and “Tanging Yaman”, composed by Fr. Manoling Francisco SJ and locally popularized by Carol Banawa for a landmark movie of the same title. The stage was aflame with color afterwards as members of the SOS Lipa and Manila community conquered it as they joyfully wowed everybody with Polkabal, Sayaw sa Bangko, Tinikling, Salakot, Subli and Polka sa Nayon. The candid smile and natural terpsichorean flair added to the visual appeal which left everybody in complete amazement and wonder. Everybody’s awe further escalated as the world class UP Singing Ambassadors owned the stage and serenaded everyone into Maalaala Mo Kaya (Constancio de Guzman / Ed Manguiat), Dahil Sa Iyo (Mike Velarde), Kalesa (Ernani Cuenca / Levi Celerio), Waray Waray (Constancio de Guzman / Fidel Calalang), Rosas Pandan (George Hernandez) and Ay Ay Pag-ibig (Agot Espino). The purely vernacular numbers and delightful choreography instilled the Filipino pride in culture and tradition. The Philippine music industry’s Inspirational Diva and the First SOS Child Advocate, Jamie Rivera, captured her moment through the Barbara Streisand classic piece “Somewhere” then followed with a Miss Saigon original in “I Would Give My Life For You”. The evening was capped by the Finale Song, “Only Selfless Love” as performed by Jamie Rivera and interpreted in hand – mime by the SOS Manila children. All the performers took their curtain call as the stage was filled with blue and white balloons in red and silver confetti. VIP guests enjoyed the sumptuous hors d’ oeuvres and open bar catered by Mandarin Oriental Hotel as warmly hosted by the Embassies of Austria and Germany. Alabang Camera Club artfully exhibited their photography with SOS children as subject.

It was a night of reliving tradition and culture as SOS Children’s Villages Philippines epitomizes commitment, care and its pursuit towards self – reliance.

A PLEDGE OF LOVE FOR A LIFE

A PLEDGE OF LOVE FOR A LIFE
A Fundraising Benefit for the Herman Gmeiner Human Resource Institute

SOS Children’s Villages Philippines, together with Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales hosted a merienda cena cocktail last May 3, 2007 at the Archbishop’s Residence in Intramuros, Manila. An afternoon highlighted by the gathering of diplomatic officials, professionals, businessmen, public servant, media and SOS board members, co-workers and friends. The event was graced by the presence of Ambassador Alistair Macdonald (European Union), Ambassador Herbert Jager (Austria), Ambassador Axel Weishaupt (Germany), Irene Flueckiger (Embassy of Switzerland), Aurelio Montinola (BPI), Wilma Zapata (Ayala Corporation), Polly Nazareno (SMART), Ambassador Antonio Cabangon – Chua, Danny Dolor, Congresswoman Cynthia Villar, Milagros Calaquian (Primex), Michelle de Guzman (PNB), Jessica Pariña (PNB), Atty. Miguel Varela (Manila Bulletin) and Gracious Romero (Veritas).

The high – profile guests were welcomed by a heartwarming performance by the delightful children of SOS Children’s Village Manila. His Eminence, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales acknowledged the presence of everybody as they aptly watched the SOS Audio Visual Presentation, which was consequently followed by the Herman Gmeiner Human Resource Institute video information material. The project aims to serve SOS mothers, staff and other individuals who are interested in providing sufficient care and education to their children. Bienvenido L. Delgado, SOS National Director provided a brief overview of the project concept and objective.

Lilibeth Abella, an SOS Mother, humbly inspired the audience with her life’s mission when she spoke about the SOS children in her care. Her experience was complemented by her own status as an SOS Child from Tacloban. Afterwards, everybody was challenged by Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, who consequently holds the Chairmanship of the SOS 40th Anniversary National Fundraising Committee, to support this worthwhile endeavor. After all, SOS has cared and supported Filipino children in need for 40 years, thus giving back to the society through Alternative Parental Family Care. The institute encourages the SOS advocacy to reach out to more Filipino children through family strengthening programs.

Helmut Kutin, SOS Kinderdorf International President, punctuated the affair by graciously offering his heartfelt gratitude to the continued support of the Filipino society who embraced the vision of Dr. Herman Gmeiner—strengthening Filipino families and preventing violence against women and children. He established the need for an instrument who has a serious concern for others to guide that person who will one day step out into life; to care for himself, find a family and play a responsible role in the society. He rallied everybody into pledging a long – term commitment to serve and protect the Filipino family.

As a fitting finale, the SOS Manila children echoed the affair’s sentiments into “Heal the World” with the words, “make it a better place, for you and for me.”

California Pizza Kitchen - Alabang's OPEN ARMS WITH SOS CHILDREN'S VILLAGES

A blessed day to you!

Indeed God has made His Presence stronger as we've come together as one family in yesterday's life-changing, spirit-filled outreach event. This has become a blessed opportunity to extend and share our blessings and talents with our younger brothers and sisters. We've seen how the children enjoyed preparing and baking pizzas, presented a beautiful and exciting special dance number and ate with much gusto of their self-baked CPK Pepperoni and Cheese Pizza. The kids and the CPK employees both had fun as they together toured the whole restaurant.

In behalf of CPK, we would like to sincerely thank you for allowing us to be part of SOS mission. The event has become such an inspiration to all CPK employees.May the Good Lord bless SOS Children's Village Foundation with His tremendous and awesome goodness.

Pia M. Domingo,Global HR-Team

SK - Artreach Graduation and Exhibit

The Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Ayala Alabang just concluded their SK Artreach Graduation & Exhibit last Sunday, May 21, 2006. The activity was held at the Pavilion of Ayala Alabang Village. Art graduates composed of kids and adults participated with their delightful artworks. Each piece was displayed and the best works were given an award. All participants were given certificates by SK headed by Annie Maryves C. Ong. SOS Children's Villages distributed flyers and offered the Army for the One baller bands as fundraising for the different programs for children in need. The art exhibit will be on - going until May 25, 2006.

UMBRELLAS WITH A HEART

" SHADES OF ART, WORKS FROM THE HEART" is a joint undertaking between SOS Children's Villages and Art Association of the Philippines. For each donation of Twenty Thousand Pesos (Php 20,000.00), a donor will get an umbrella artwork as a gift-reward. According to Mr. Bienvenido Delgado, National Director of SOS Children's Villages, "the artwork will only appreciate in value and may even exceed the cost of the initial donation. Hence, there is a win-win situation for the donor. Apparently, these unique artworks also serve as an ideal gift for the person who has everything, or as an innovative art collector's item. We believe this event will truly show the "heart of the Filipino" not only in helping children in need, but in expressing love in new ways."

You Can Make A Difference.....DONATE NOW!!

Call 807.0764 / 0917.8520189

E-mail: abortiz@sosphil.org / jprodil@sosphil.org

Many Children Need Many Friends

SOS Children's Village - Davao

SOS Children's Village - Cebu

SOS Children's Village - Iloilo

SOS Children's Village - Tacloban

SOS Children's Village - Calbayog

SOS Children's Village - Lipa

SOS Children's Village - Manila

You Can Make a Difference..... BE A SPONSOR NOW!!

Call 807.0764 / 0917.8520189

E-mail: abortiz@sosphil.org / jprodil@sosphil.org

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. WHO WE ARE?

SOS Children's Villages is a private, non-political, non-denominational welfare organization providing long-term care and education to children in need.

Our Vision

A place for orphaned, abandoned and neglected children or children in extreme difficult circumstances to belong to a home and family; where competent and responsible SOS mothers and co-workers provide unconditional love and inspiration, support and encouragement for these children to take their place in society, enriched with their God-given talents and contribute their share to the progress of the human family.

Our Guiding Principles

The SOS Children's Village concept was born out of Dr. Hermann Gmeiner's conviction that help for orphaned and neglected children can only be effective when then grow up within a family and a home.

MOTHER

SOS Mothers are women who have dedicated their lives to the children entrusted to

them. Through them the children learn what love and security mean.

BROTHER & SISTER

Each SOS family consists of eight to ten children, boys and girls of various ages, who

live with their SOS Mother like a natural family. Real brothers and sisters are kept

together.

HOUSE

The family house gives the child warmth and security SOS children feel protected within

its walls, being a home for long-term care.

VILLAGE

The SOS Children's Village consists of 14 to 20 houses. The children attend local

schools and keep in close contact with the environment.

2. WHAT WE DO?

SOS Children's Villages Philippines does not only care for orphaned and abandoned children in the country. It also implements support services to other families by way of health and medical facilities, mother and child centers, vocational training centers, counselling and day care centers, schools and extension programs for community development.

3. WHEN IT STARTED?

In 1963, Dr. Herman Gmeiner, with Dr. Hansheinz Reinprecht and Mr. Fitz Haider came to the Philippines on his return journey to Korea.

Dr. George V. Winternitz, Consul of Austria and his wife, Mrs. Susie Winternitz by then residents in the Philippines for 30 years had been sponsoring a child in SOS Children's Village Imst since 1957 and after a visit in 1957 had began talking to people about this great idea of child - care.

As a result, Dr. Gmeiner and his party were warmly welcomed in Manila during the receptions, lectures and press conferences arranged by Dr. Winternitz. After Dr. Gmeiner left, work began in earnest and SOS Children's Villages in the Philippines was founded on February 29 1964 by a group of people who generously gave of themselves in order to provide permanent homes for orphans and abandoned children.

4. WHERE WE ARE?

Where we are can be best gauged by the achievements of our SOS Children who have grown-up and now living independently (also known as Integrated Youth). If they succeed in life on the basis of their education, training, self-confidence and the stability of their roots in the SOS Children's Village family, we can say that we have done a great job.

5. WHAT ARE THE CONTACT INFORMATION?

National Coordination Office
Mindanao Drive, Ayala Alabang Village, P.O. Box 196, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
Tel. No. : (632) 807.0764
Telefax : (632) 850.9654
E-mail : kdi_phil@mozcom.com / home@sosphil.org
Website : www.sosphil.org

6. HOW CAN I MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

1. Sponsor a child in the following options:

Individual
Education = P500 / month or P6,000/year
Meal = P300 / month or P3,600 / year
Medical = P200 / month or P2,400 / year

Group
Child = P24,000 - P60,000 / annum
House = P50,000 - P500,000 / annum
Children's Village = P100,000 - P1,000,000 / annum

2. Support our on - going fundraising activities c/o the National Office.

SOS Prayer

May we be ever mindful
Of all who belong to our Community
United in spirit we pray to you
Good Father in heaven
Shelter us in your hand
And show us always in the right path
You have brought us together
Grant that we may henceforth
Ever serve you with a single heart
Grant that in our Community
Peace and unity may ever reign
Protect the Children's Village from all evil
From sin and distress. Forsake not our relatives
And reward all those who help us
Just as you, Good Savior
Love and forgive each one of us
So may we love and pardon each other
All thanks to you, Our Lord and God
Amen