Monday, February 29, 2016

We Thank You for a Bright Future


On February 17, Mano Amiga held a Thanksgiving Brunch for all the people who had supported Mano Amiga along the way. 


The event was attended by our long-time donors including Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, Urban Ashram and Children’s Hour, as well as by our newest partners like Vitamin B, Manta Equities, Globe Telecom and Unilever Philippines. It was an intimate affair that placed their efforts on centerstage as they received countless messages of gratitude from the students, parents and our team.  It also provided us with the opportunity to update our partners on the challenges and updates about the school as we build and transfer to our permanent campus.


Everest Academy Mommy Amiga team represent the Moms who have shown constant support for the school.
The Mano Amiga scholars practicing their speech
The Mano Amiga Team
Tile Painting activity at the event. The painted tiles will be combined into a mural at the new Mano Amiga school
Tiles painted by our donors, based on their interpretation of a bright future for Mano Amiga
Yanpi Oliveros and Nina Abellada represent Unilever Philippines- the latest branch of Bistro 3846
Model, Host. Curator & Mano Amiga Ambassador Teresa Herrera
Our seven-year journey since we first opened has not always been an easy road.  We are grateful to the 100 families who had placed their trust in us to educate and form their children. We are also grateful to the donors and volunteer who share our vision and have generously helped us create a school program that looks after the entire well-being of our students. As we prepare for our big move this coming school year, we thank our students, families and  partners once more for their full trust and support.

Thursday, February 4, 2016

At Mano Amiga, “We Heart Art!”


They say you know what genuine love is really like if you know how to love like a child. We at Mano Amiga believe that #EveryChildCan and that children are also the ones who can express love in the best and most creative ways.


Last January 30, 2016, Saturday, Mano Amiga's 5th grade students enjoyed a Valentine-themed art workshop wherein they got to make Valentine’s Day cards for their friends and loved ones. Helping them out were the volunteers who generously shared their time and creativity to the Mano Amiga kids. Some of them included, Filipino print medium artist, Lenore Lim. 

The afternoon was filled with bliss as the kids and the volunteers spent their time cutting paper hearts and sticking them onto their handmade cards. Written on the cards were their heartfelt notes to their loved ones and friends. Aside from this, the kids also got to enjoy learning how to do paper mosaic.

One of the 5th graders, Carlos, made a card especially for his friends who were also part of the same art workshop. Immediately after making the card, he asked, "Can I give it to them already?" And he approached them with much excitement and joy.

(L-R) Gr. 5 students Carlos, Benz and Arzel posing with their
Valentine's card from Carlos

This is the sort of love you know is genuine and unconditional. One that longs to be expressed. One that does not expect anything in return.
It is this same kind of love, we believe, that has propelled our volunteers to take time and be with the kids that day, albeit for just a short while.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was when the kids were given the chance to draw their dream school and dream playground. It was inspiring to see these little ones dream extraordinary dreams for their future school. These dreams continue to inspire Mano Amiga to work harder so that when it’s finally time to transfer in the new Mano Amiga campus, these dreams will beautifully come to life.

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We love having volunteers join the kids during various activities in Mano Amiga. Join us in our upcoming volunteer Activity - TEACHERS' DAY OFF!