Romancing Philippine and Marinduque Maps

Philippine Cartography from Vibal Foundation on Vimeo.

The evolution of Philippine maps from ancient times to the present could be seen in this video that also traces the economic and political importance of the Philippines to the rest of the world.

People familiar with the exact location of Marinduque in Philippine maps would also be interested to see the evolution of the map of the island of Marinduque, and what transpired after further studies by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (USC&GS) was began in 1901. This involved the identification of specific points in the ellipsoid through the use of latitude and longitude, until a single datum was pinpointed – the Luzon Datum of 1911.

The origin of this datum was defined by Datum Station Balanacan, in Mogpog, Marinduque, located 13°33'41"N, 121°52'3"E. Consequently, all maps and surveys in the entire country were corrected and based on the position of this station.

The Philippines' National Mapping Resource Authority (NAMRIA) hatched in 2008 the development of the site atop Mataas na Bundok near Balanacan as a national landmark and as a site for eco-tourism development. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines has since issued a certification declaring the national significance of Datum Station Balanacan.

This makes more concrete Marinduque's tagline as the Heart of the Philippines or Center of the Philippines.

Howard Stern, Comic Book Hero

It seems like President Obama isn’t the only public figure to become an unlikely comic book hero — deejay Howard Stern will soon be the illustrated star of his own biography comic.

Known for his inappropriate antics on and off the air, the 57-year-old Stern will be featured in a comic book by Bluewater Productions entitled “Orbit: Howard Stern.”

The self-described “king of all media” has worked in television, movies, and books, in addition to his famous radio programs. The comic book (which will be available in April for $3.99) will tell the story of his career and focus on his unapologetically brash approach to broadcasting.

Other celebrities who might get the comic book treatment via the “Orbit” series are LeBron James, Gary Gygax and JRR Tolkien, according to a statement by Bluewater president Darren Davis.

Readers, will you be reading the Howard Stern comic book? Are you a fan of Stern’s Sirius satellite radio show, or are you offended by his proclivity for profanity and strippers?

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Marinduque Anitos, Idols

A standing Bulol of Ifugao

Bulol, the Ifugao anito, is a carved human figure considered as a rice god and usually kept in the house or rice granary. It is said that there are steps involved in the making of a bulol, from selecting the tree to be used, to its arrival at the owner's house, to rituals involving bathing it in pig's blood, recitations and offerings of wine. There are claims that bulol is actually used by using the image as an object to ritually transfer the sickness of the afflicted to the statue and that the bulol is kept in granaries to drive away thieves. There is a belief that contact with the bulol used for this purpose could cause the sickness to be transferred to such thieves.

MARINDUQUE ANITOS

Anitos, idols, very much similar to the bulol have also been unearthed from various Marinduque caves. Together with skeletons, various gold ornaments, ancient pottery and wooden coffins with crocodile images carved into them, pre-Hispanic artifacts found in Marinduque has opened up a vast world of speculation.

Illustrations of a few anitos found in Pamintaan Cave, Torrijos.

Replica of one anito referred to as Pastores in the Marche journals, said to have been found in Gasan.

These anitos have inspired local cultural groups to incorporate these idols in dance-drama presentations only during the last decade.

The local anito featured here in "Bulong" dance-drama first presented in Gasan in 2002.

Charlie Sheen Checks In To Rehab

According to Entertainment Weekly, Charlie Sheen’s representative confirmed that the Two and a Half Men star voluntarily checked himself in to an undisclosed rehabilitation center today.

As a result, CBS’ Two and a Half Men has gone on a production hiatus. The network issued a statement, saying, “We are profoundly concerned for his health and well-being, and support his decision.”

Sheen had to be rushed to a Los Angeles hospital on Thursday for severe pain in his abdomen after the actor reportedly went on a 36-hour drug and alcohol binge with porn stars in his home. However, his publicist claimed Sheen was suffering from a hernia problem.

Let’s hope the 45-year-old Sheen, who has a history of drug abuse and assault charges, will finally get the help he needs.

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H&M Announces Plans for Online Shopping

Fashionistas rejoice! The moment you’ve all been waiting for is just around the corner — retailer H&M has just announced that the company plans to offer online shopping in the U.S. by the end of 2011.

Despite the fact that the brand is available in 38 countries, it currently offers online shopping in only eight. The decision to expand online shopping into the U.S. was announced via Twitter.

Now you too can own pieces from their Lanvin and Hasbeens line. Finally!

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Lifetime to Make a Royal Movie

The royal couple hasn't tied the knot yet, but that hasn't stopped the Lifetime Network from fast-tracking a movie about their courtship.

Nico Evers-Swindell will play Prince William, and Ben Cross will play Prince Charles. The role of Kate Middleton hasn't been cast yet.

So with the wedding still on the horizon, what will the movie be about? "[It] will chronicle the love affair between the mismatched couple (referring to Middleton's common heritage)... through the ups and downs of their courtship complicated by social pressures."

Will you be tuning into Lifetime for William & Kate?

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NBC Gets New Logo

When you think of NBC, the first thing that comes to mind is probably their iconic logo. The rainbow-colored peacock has been the trademark of the network since 1956 — and now it’s gone.

Comcast officially takes control of NBC this week, and they just unveiled the new logo — sans peacock — for NBCUniversal (yeah, the space is gone too).

Reps have said that the famous multi-colored bird will still be a part of the NBC brand, but the logo is definitely not as cheery without it.

Readers, what do you think of the change? Do you like the modern, clean look, or do you think this is the worst logo change since the Gap fiasco last year?

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Do Breast Implants Cause Cancer?

If the whole “inner beauty” angle wasn’t enough to convince you to skip the boob job, the Food and Drug Administration has given you another reason. The FDA announced on Wednesday that breast implants (both saline and silicone varieties) might increase the risk for anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, a rare but usually treatable type of cancer.

The risk applies to both women who have had breast augmentation after cancer surgery and those who have undergone cosmetic surgery.

Lymphoma is not a type of breast cancer; it involves the immune system and has been found to grow in the scar tissue surrounding breast implants.

The New York Times reported that there have been only 60 known cases worldwide so far, which isn’t so bad when you think about the fact that 5-10 million women have implants.

The FDA went on to say that “the existing data support the continued marketing and use of breast implants.”

Readers, what do you think of this news? Would a possible link to cancer deter you from getting implants?

To read the full NY Times article, click here: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/27/health/research/27implant.html?_r=1

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Tila Tequila Lands Real Acting Job

Forget about a “Shot At Love;” Tila Tequila is getting her first shot at a real acting job.

Starpulse reports that the 29-year-old reality star will make a guest appearance on the CBS show “$#*! My Dad Says” as Ting Ting in the episode “Ed Goes To Court.” The episode is set to air tomorrow, and it will mark the first time Tequila has played a character (and not herself).

Readers, do you think Tila has the potential to be a legitimate actress? Or do you think she should stick to MySpace?

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Johnny Weir to Lace Up with Custom Skates by Christian Louboutin

Johnny Weir told The Cut blog last night at a live Martha Stewart Living Radio broadcast, "I love me some red soles."

The skater will soon lace up a pair of skates designed exclusively for him by Christian Louboutin. He goes on to describe that the custom Louboutin skates "will be a first."

Weir has been known for his bold fashion choices, and this New York Fashion Week, his plans are - unsurprisingly - eccentric.

He will be "designing a special coat with Adrienne Landau," serving as the "centerpiece" at Elise Overland's show, and taking to the cat walk for designer Asher Levine.

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Oscar News: Nominations

Last night, the nominations for the 83rd Academy Awards were announced, putting an end to months of speculation. Now the real fun begins. Here are the nominees for the "Big Five" categories.

Best Picture

Black Swan

The Fighter

Inception

The Kids Are All Right

The King's Speech

127 Hours

The Social Network

Toy Story 3

True Grit

Winter's Bone

Best Actor in a Leading Role

Javier Bardem, Biutiful

Jeff Bridges, True Grit

Jesse Eisenberg, The Social Network

Colin Firth, The King's Speech

James Franco, 127 Hours

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Christian Bale, The Fighter

John Hawkes, Winter's Bone

Jeremy Renner, The Town

Mark Ruffalo, The Kids Are All Right

Geoffrey Rush, The King's Speech

Best Actress in a Leading Role

Annette Bening, The Kids Are All Right

Nicole Kidman, Rabbit Hole

Jennifer Lawrence, Winter's Bone

Natalie Portman, Black Swan

Michelle Williams, Blue Valentine

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Amy Adams, The Fighter

Helena Bonham Carter, The King's Speech

Melissa Leo, The Fighter

Hailee Steinfeld, True Grit

Jacki Weaver, Animal Kingdom

The awards show will be Sunday, February 27 at 8/5p on ABC.

What are your thoughts on the nominees? Was there anyone left out?

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Velasco Achievers: Scholarships for new technical and vocational programs and more

(Cong. Velasco distributing educational assistance to part of the first batch of recipients)

Congressman Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco recently distributed certificates of full scholarships to students of two technical and vocational institutions in Marinduque. One of them, is the Torrijos Poblacion School of Arts and Trades (TPSAT). The scholarship covers full training and assessment costs ranging from Php 4,000 to Php 10,500 each for enrollees taking up programs in Food and Beverage Services, Commercial Cooking, Bartending, Housekeeping, Front Office Services and Refrigeration and Air-Condition Servicing.

Similar scholarship grants have been distributed by Velasco to students of Buyabod School of Arts and Trade (BSAT) taking up courses in Baking/Pastry Production, Food Processing, Computer Hardware Servicing, Automotive Servicing, Auto Engine Rebuilding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Shielding Metal Arc Welding, Food and Beverage Services, Housekeeping and Bartending.

The combined scholarship programs for the two schools amount to Php 1-million benefitting 159 students. This number is expected to further increase within the year with more applicants to benefit under a new arrangement between Congressman Velasco and TESDA whereby the latter will provide counterpart funding of 100% for funds provided by the Congressman from his Priority Development Assistance Fund.

These programs are registered under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), mandated to provide direction, policies, programs and standards towards quality technical education and skills development. Applicants for these programs undergo an entrance examination and interview set by the school’s guidance counselors to determine and suggest which program best suits the applicants. TESDA then ensures jobs for technical and vocational graduates and the programs’ continuity to give more students the chance to get jobs and better quality of life.

(Congressman Velasco at MSC with MSC president Romulo Malvar on the mic during a luncheon meeting)

Meanwhile, the distribution of educational assistance for college students who availed themselves of financial assistance under the Velasco Achievers Program are scheduled on February 10, 11 and 12, 2011. This includes the first batch of students already enrolled during the first semester and new recipients for the current semester.

(Mr. Erick Abad, Velasco's Chief of Staff for Marinduque Affairs assists in the distribution together with Ms. Jenilyn Elle (seated)

These students are presently enrolled in Marinduque colleges, namely, the Marinduque State College (MSC), Marinduque Midwest College (MMC), St. Mary’s College of Marinduque (SMCM), Educational System Technological Institute (ESTI), Sta. Cruz Institute (SCI),and Malindig Institute (MI). Also included are a number of college students who have received financial assistance from sources other than the Velasco program during previous semesters but decided to avail themselves of the Velasco Achievers Program.

Congressman Velasco’s District Office in Boac continues to receive applications for these grants from qualified applicants who have obtained a grade of at least 80% on the average or its equivalent during his/her last enrollment. Contact person is Ms. Jenilyn Elle.




(Ms. Jenilyn Elle)

Ms. Elle explained that recipients of financial assistance under this program receive an amount of not less than Php 2,500 per student. She also stressed that exceptional, full-merit students are provided full scholarships under a special program with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), that entitles them to scholarships amounting to Php 15,000 each per semester.

Kristen Bell Named New Face of Neutrogena, Kelly Osbourne Becomes Latest “Material Girl”

Kristen Bell’s got a fresh new gig — Neutrogena has asked her to be the spokeswoman for a new line of product called “Neutrogena Naturals.”

E!Online reports that the Burlesque star will earn approximately half a million dollars for the ads, which will be in print, television, and online format.

Half a million dollars AND tons of free samples? We’re totally jealous.

In other related news, Madonna’s clothing line Material Girl recently announced the brand’s new face: Kelly Osbourne.

Osbourne, a long-time Madonna fan, will be replacing Gossip Girl’s eyeliner-loving Taylor Momsen (who has earned a reputation for having an attitude problem).

Congratulations, Kristen and Kelly!

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'Marinduque' upside down

Ton Monteagudo is a Marinduque-based graphic artist who is fond of challenging himself. He loves to redesign letters to surprise viewers of his work, such as one created by reading his work upside down only to find the very same word or name re-appearing like seeing it through the looking-glass.

You can try see it for yourself by rotating the above poster that Ton created a year ago as part of local tourism promotional efforts, focusing on the word ‘Marinduque’ and be surprised by what you’ll find.

Sister, Sister

It's been a good week for the Mowry sisters. Tia and Tamera, best known for their roles in the 90's Nickelodeon show Sister, Sister, have announced a pregnancy and an engagement (respectively) within a week of each other.

Tia Mowry announced she is expecting her first child with husband of two years, Cory Hardrict. The couple released a statement to Us Magazine saying, "We are both so excited to be parents. We have been wanting this a long time!" The baby is due July 3, and the pregnancy will be documented by the Style Network for a show to be aired later this year.

Tamera Mowry followed the announcement with one of her own: her engagement to longtime boyfriend Adam Housley. Housley is a Fox News Channel correspondent. He proposed in Venice Italy with a vintage-design ring by Viraggio. The two plan to marry later this year.

Congratulations to the Mowry sisters!

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Nicki Minaj’s Unforgivable Hair Disaster

Nicki Minaj, we know you’re trying to promote your debut album “Pink Friday,” and it’s probably going to be amazing. But talent is no excuse for the monstrosity that is your multi-colored, camouflage-inspired hair. While fashion risk-taking is a do, your ridiculous ‘do is most certainly a don’t.

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Bulating of Malbog

(Boling-Boling of Catanauan, Quezon)

(Headress of vines and leaves, Boling-Boling)

Covering the whole body with mud and putting on a headdress made of leaves and twigs is an age-old practice in Catanauan, Quezon observed from Sunday to Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday that signals the start of the Lenten Season. They call it “Boling-Boling”, said to have been adopted from ‘boling’, a Visayan word for ‘dirt’. Other practitioners, however, have resorted to wearing any costume that they may fancy “while others imitate anybody they despise and make fun of them".

(Bulating of Brgy. Malbog in Boac is a similar practice shown in the following photos by Gerry Jamilla)


(Taking Bulating to town as part of the Lenten parade).

The Boling-Boling ritual is undertaken as part of the spiritual cleansing and preparation needed by the religious with the advent of the Lenten season.

On several occasions the now popular "Boling-Boling Festival" of Catanauan has joined the highly successful "Aliwan Festival" annual competitions held at the CCP Complex. Aliwan has been dubbed as the 'Mother of all Festivals' attracting competitors from all over the Philippine archipelago.

MALBOG'S BULATING

In Brgy. Malbog of Boac, a similar practice said to have been started by one family in earlier years was revived in 2001, as part of the municipaity’s tourism program. Called “Bulating” the practice is said to be an act of humility before God and/or another form of thanksgiving.

Boling-Boling photos courtesy of Sidney Snoeck; Bulating photos courtesy of Gerry Jamilla.

MTV's "Skins" Accused of Child Pornography

Is using underage actors in sex scenes an instance of child pornography? The Parents Television Council thinks so. Officials at the PTC have recently issued a complaint letter to the United States Department of Justice about “Skins,” MTV’s scandalous new series. The letter calls for a federal investigation concerning possible explotation of the actors and MTV’s violation of child pornography laws.

In the show, which is based on the British show of the same title, cast members as young as fifteen participate in sex scenes and use illegal drugs.

TMZ reports that MTV execs are currently discussing the issue.

Fast food chain Taco Bell and GM have already pulled their ads from the show.

If the U.S. Department of Justice sides with the PTC, MTV could be in serious hot water — violating laws on child pornography is no small matter, and the channel might pay hefty fines for pushing the boundaries too far.

The New York Times reports that:

“Child pornography is defined by the United States as any visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In some cases, ‘a picture of a naked child may constitute illegal child pornography if it is sufficiently sexually suggestive,’ according to the Justice Department's legal guidance. Anyone younger than 18 is considered to be a minor.”

In an episode of “Skins” slated to air on January 31^st, a 17-year-old actor is shown (from behind) running naked down a street, which would be in violation of the above guidelines.

Readers, are you fans of MTV’s “Skins?” Do you think the edgy show is a realistic depiction of teenage life, or do you think that the producers have crossed a line?

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Casa Real of Boac

The old Casa Real used to be the official residence of the Gobernadorcillo and Gobernador, that, is, the Spanish Governor who made annual visits when Marinduque was under the 18th to the 19th century administration of Mindoro province.

Town officials led by the Gobernadorcillo (Boac had its first Gobernadorcillo, town head, in 1735, in the person of Matias de Belen), would gather at the Port of Laylay to await his arrival, with people lining up the streets from Santol to the Casa Real for this day of celebration. Houses would display Spanish flags made of sinamay to greet some 50 horseback-riding uniformed men cuadrilleros, policemen, in gala, as paso-doble is played by a brass band.

The Casa Real was a two-storey building made of the best available local materials from hardwood as floorings and walls to sillar, adobe stones, as walls particularly on the ground floor level. It was entirely roofed with tisa, roof tiles, produced at the 'magapog' plant that the Jesuits set up in Mogpog originally for the construction of the Boac Church.

The new Casa Real building that now stands at the original site officially adopted as a park, “Liwasan ng Kalayaan”, was constructed seven years ago by the municipal administration of Mayor Roberto J. Madla, its design inspired by the original building.

An old marker formerly installed at the base of the Rizal Monument that used to stand at this site now marks this new building. The marker, originally installed by the National Historical Institute, recalls the killing here of revolutionary leaders Hermenegildo Flores and Remigio Medina in 1897. Read

NBC's New Programming

NBC recently hired Bob Greenblatt as the president of programming, and the lineup will see two new programs as a result.

The first is Smash, a musical show about making a Broadway play. But this is no Glee knock-off: the show will have all original music, and has a stellar pedigree. The idea comes from Steven Spielberg, is being produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (of Hairspray and Chicago fame), with Hairspray duo Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman writing the music.

The second show is about a half-hour romantic comedy featuring a lesbian couple called I Hate That I Love You from the mind behind Will and Grace, Jhoni Marchenko. The tag line is as intriguing, "A straight couple introduces two of its lesbian friends to each other and what results is both instant attraction and a pregnancy."

The two shows will hopefully boost NBC's sagging network, after a rash of reality programming and Conan-gate have shown it to be averse to "artist-driven" programs.

Will you be tuning into NBC for either of these shows?

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MIchelle Obama Steps Out in McQueen

Whether or not you like all of the First Lady’s fashions, her decision to wear Aleander McQueen to the state dinner with China’s President Hu Jintao in Washington DC was certainly a bold choice.

Michelle Obama looked fantastic in the fiery-hued, silk organza gown from McQueen’s Resort 2011 collection, designed by Sarah Burton. Red colors hold great significance in China, symbolizing joy and luck.

Although most stylists agree that Michelle Obama looked ravishing, a few critics — including Oscar de la Renta — have expressed disapproval, saying that a dress by a Chinese designer would have been more appropriate.

Readers, what do you think of Michelle Obama’s look? Apropos, or fashion no-no?

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Jesse James Engaged to Kat Von D

Sandra Bullock’s ex is engaged – again. Jesse James, 41, announced his engagement (his fourth) to Kat Von D, the tattooed star of “L.A. Ink” who he’s been dating since August.

In an interview with People, James said, "You know sometimes the public and press gets it wrong. This is one of those times. 2010 was actually the best year of my life because I fell in love with my best friend … Growing old with her is going to be a f----n' blast!"

Apparently, Von D feels the same way. The smitten 28-year-old reality star has been professing her love for all the world to see — on Twitter.

On January 8, she posted a Twitpic of a bouquet and tweeted, “He loves me tee hee.”

To which the “Monster Garage” star responded, “It’s true” and, “@thekatvond I have Never Felt so Loved! I’m The Luckiest MoFo in the World!”

Surely, matching tattoos are in their future.

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Santa Cruz' Old and Mute Witness

Outside the covered courts in Marinduque, the upper level of the century-old convent in Sta. Cruz (Santa Cruz de Napo was its old name), apparently houses the biggest hall in all of this island-province where until today laughter from banquets for various occasions held there still fill the air every now and then.

The hall, very well-preserved with walls and floors of hardwood up to 2 feet in width could take in as many as 500 guests.

The lower level, converted into classrooms since 1974 as the Holy Infant Parochial School for grade-school kids is made of adobe walls and floors with windows protected by thick iron grills and thick, heavy doors in hardwood.

(Fete a Santa Cruz de Napo from the Marche files)

The convent is located right beside the Sta. Cruz Church, reputed to be the oldest in Marinduque, and has similarly survived typhoons, earthquakes and strife.

Now, comparing these photos recently shot by photography hobbyist Dan Pagulayan (accompanied by this blogger on a weekend roadtour), of this old convent to one brief but significant journal entry with an illustration dated 1881, that showed the interior of a building in Santa Cruz while a banquet was taking place (see above illustration), we may well have a glimpse, in all likelihood, of a part of the same historic convent’s old glory and splendor.

(The staircase with old wood balusters)

The account:

“The next day was the feast of the town. After the religious ceremony at the church, a procession attended by all the faithful went through the streets of the town, adorned with canopies of greenery and garlands of flowers.

"In the evening, a big banquet was given by the parish priest of Santa Cruz. He was the son of a Frenchman and a Spanish woman, but he did not know a word of the paternal language. He also had his collection, from which he was willing to deduct a few shells for me.” (Luzon and Palawan, Marche, with illustration titled Fete a Santa Cruz de Napo)

Photos courtesy of Dan Pagulayan.

Watch Out for Kanye

Just when we thought Kanye West couldn’t be any more ubiquitous, we saw this diamond-encrusted Tiret wristwatch.

This unique timepiece proudly displays the singer’s face (sunglasses and all) and makes us wonder how the heck you’re supposed to tell the time with all that bling going on.

According to West’s latest Tweets, however, the $180,000 watch was not his idea, and he has no plans to buy one for himself.

Readers, what do you think of Kanye West? Misunderstood musical genius, arrogant d-bag, or both?

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Casting Call: Anne Hathaway to Play Catwoman

The role of Selina Kyle (aka Catwoman) in the highly anticipated The Dark Knight Rises has been filled by Anne Hathaway. After months of speculation as to who would be cast (the list included Jessica Biel and Keira Knightley), the news was announced today in a press release by Warner Bros.

Tom Hardy has been attached to the project for a while, but Nolan announced that he will be playing the villain Bane, who looks like this:


Bane has only had a minor part in Joel Schumacher's Batman & Robin and is responsible for breaking Batman's back in the comic books. Catwoman has been played in the past by Michelle Pfeiffer and (somewhat disastrously) by Halle Berry.

Do you think Anne Hathaway will do the role justice?

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Catherine Zeta-Jones Supports Jets on the Red Carpet

While you may have fallen in love with the hue of Catherine Zeta-Jones’ magnificent Golden Globe dress, the actress warned against calling it emerald.

Instead, Catherine Zeta-Jones referred to the color as “Jets” green; she wore the color in support of her favorite football team.

Zeta-Jones and her husband Michael Douglas are both huge fans of the Jets. When the couple found out that Sunday’s Globe Awards were set to take place at the same time as the play-off game against the Patriots, they decided to show their support on the red carpet.

Starpulse reports that Zeta-Jones said, "I'm actually Mrs. Sanchez (Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez); I'm just pretending to be Mrs. Douglas."

Whether or not her gorgeous Monique Lhuillier dress had anything to do with it, the Jets ended up beating the Patriots (28 to 21) and will play the Steelers in the AFC Championship game.

Readers, what did you think of Catherine Zeta-Jones’ emerald/Jets gown?

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Holland Hearts for the Philippines

A small group of Dutch nationals who have visited various islands in the Philippines so fell in love with Marinduque that they engaged in annual visits to this island for some ten years now. A member of the group who is married to a Filipina eventually decided, with encouragement from the local town authorities, to develop a hillside property in Gasan and make it their second home.

The stark difference between the privileged life that they enjoy in their country and the local poverty situation has not escaped the group. For this reason they have, in various ways, undertaken small projects to provide medical assistance, school supplies for children and nutrition projects in coordination with the municipal government under the leadership of Mayor Vicky Lao-Lim.

To make their involvement in uplifting the lives of those in need more permanent and official, the group recently established Hearts for the Philippines foundation in Holland specifically for the Marinduque project, and primarily for Gasan. They hope that in this small way they can also help break the vicious cycle of poverty that engulfs a big number of local inhabitants, by bringing about some structural changes through the small-scale projects that they have started.

Very recently, the Hearts for the Philippines group together with local representatives visited all the day-care centers in Gasan to personally deliver educational toys and learning tools for children. They also delivered medical supplies to the municipal health center, provided walking aids for the elderly, clothes to the needy and a computer unit for Marinduque’s Philippine National Red Cross office.

The foundation’s name was apparently inspired by Marinduque’s tagline as the 'Heart of the Philippines'.



Photos courtesy of Hearts for the Philippines