JUNE 2012 - International School Manila

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: WINNIE WONG „09
Chief Executive Officer, Future Faces Manila
It was written in the stars. Winnie knew what she would set out to do early on
in life—even if it was not a conscious decision until after high school. She may not
have realized it, but her life experience thus far paved the path to the founding
of her non-profit organization, Future Faces Manila, which provides scholarships
to urban poor students “looking to play a role in the development endeavors of
the Philippines”. Winnie had a spark of an idea while she was heavily immersed in
the arts growing up:
“I met a lot of friends along the way who were struggling to pay for their
schooling or extra-curricular expenses. Some people would take extra-long
commutes to go to these classes, while there were some young children like me
who would want to skip class or not understand the value of one class. There
was no particular encounter or experience; rather, it was a common collection of
stories that end with people who give up their passion in the arts in order to
focus and continue their schooling and the betterment of their future. This type
of story discourages people from pursuing what they truly want to do.”
Another promising alumna, Sara Jane Ahmed ’09 acts as the Chief Financial
Officer, and together, this dynamic duo faces the future with great optimism.
Winnie envisions, “I want to build and expand the network for the arts in the
Philippines. I want to create opportunities for the arts and projects with other
companies that involve some form of artistic element. Collaborations are fun,
too!”
How can alumni get involved? There are several ways! Future Faces is currently
seeking out artists who are willing to donate a piece or two for Heartistry 2, an
art auction and fashion show fundraiser happening on August 10, 2012 at Burgos
Circle, Fort Bonifacio. If you’re interested in donating in other forms,
collaborations, or volunteering, drop a line at futurefacesmanila@gmail.com.
Like them on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/FutureFacesManila
From top: Child of the Orient Mist by Tina Wong was one of the auctioned works for last year’s Heartistry; Next
two photos- Children benefiting from Future Faces perform; More artworks from Heartistry.
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