CYDF Newsletter, Vol.2, Issue 1, 2007 August 2008 - Calantas ...

p2By: Rita Nabong-Mendoza, BS Bio, BSN, RNWhen we philosophically examine the meaning and definition of “what makes a humanbeing, a human being is,” it is said that “s/he is not only an individual but a social being”. As anindividual being, we have the capacity to make our life successful and fulfilled in the practice ofour chosen career. As a social being, we always find a soft spot in our hearts to also ask ourselveson “how far have we gone to share our success, especially to those less privileged in need of our“help” the most?”As reported, there are more than 4 million Filipinos in the “home” country living in abject poverty despite of theimpression that many find their luck working abroad. Poverty is not a word but a reality especially to those who findthemselves in abject poverty. We are not being asked to solve but are invited to share and try to help solve, so as to lessen ifnot to totally eradicate, abject poverty, especially in the Philippine rural areas.As a socially responsible being, we have the capacity to respond positively to the call (challenge) of helping toimprove the quality of life of those less privileged members of our society. When we look back where we came from and seethe horizon of where we are headed to, a shadow of the past reminds us that we ought to do something and confront thechallenge of helping to uplift the spirit of those whom we have left back home and help them carry the load of improving thehealth of the community that we call “home” and the land of our birth. So, let’s come together and try to bond ourselves inharmony to bring the message of hope for our young generation and let them know that we “think” of them and try torespond positively to the call, as we move on with our lives.But, some of us might say: “Am I my brothers’ keeper?” While it is true that we are not our brothers’ keeper, it isalso equally true that we care to “help” unconditionally because each one of us is gifted with a “human heart” that has acapacity to respond positively in times of their needs and misery. It is man’s nature to look after the general welfare andgoodness of his fellow human beings, be they your own relatives or not.We call upon those who care to listen and would like to respond with magnanimity on the plight of our countrymen“to help them help themselves so they can help others leading to breaking their cycle of poverty as they learn tobecome socially responsible”. CYDFI takes this upon itself as a Mission and its reason for existence: “A CrusadeAgainst Abject Poverty In Philippine Rural Areas”.The entry of the 1st CYDFI Scholar, Cherry Ann G. Estrada, from Phase 1 (High School) to Phase 2 (College)beginning SY: 2007-2008 at Far Eastern University in Manila indicates that the SUCCESS of the Scholarship Programof the Calantas Young Dreamers Foundation, Inc. depends on the timely SUPPORT provided by the Teodoro-FaustaCollege Scholarship Grant. This is the kind of support that the Foundation needs from the community that when itsscholars in Phase 1 (High School) move on to the Phase 2 (College).The effect of the methodology (SWREM Theory In Action) in empowering indigent but deserving talented youthshelp them help themselves through a Scholarship Program Model of the Foundation so they can help incoming scholars“When dream becomes a reality, then realitybecomes a dream. So, dream a betterdream, then work hard to make it real”.Excerpt from Movie Dialogue“Adventures of Sharkboy & Lavagirl”A Moment of Great Joy for Cherry Ann G. Estrada and her Mom has come formaking her dream come true as the 1st beneficiary of the Teodoro-Fausta CollegeScholarship Grant sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. Herminio Mercado, the Pride ofCalantas. With support from kind-hearted individuals like the Mercado’s, there is nodoubt that the Mission of the Foundation will be accomplished. More power to thosewho respond to the “call-to-respond challenge” of the Foundation to Abject Poverty!leading to breaking their cycle ofpoverty as they learn to becomesocially responsible, with implicationsnot only to personal butcommunity growth and development,is a clear and shining model on howwe can “respond” positively to thechallenge of helping to address abjectpoverty in the Philippine rural areasbeginning with Calantas. The timelyresponse of the Mercado Family tellsus that there is hope for our youths inCalantas and other rural communitiesin the Philippines like Bo. Benedictosponsored by Vicky Manlulu-Hilarioof New Jersey, USA.

Understanding Our Values, As Filipinos….P AGE 5The main source of this excerpt is based on the writings (Book One) of Tomas Andres, Ph.D., published in Book Seriesby Giraffe Books in the Philippines. Some of his writings are quoted and presented in the CYDFI Newsletter for sharingand learning purposes only. You may or may not agree with “him” but it is good to note that there is a scholar like himwho took the pain of researching all these materials for Filipinos in the Philippines and across the globe. It is the intentof the CYDFI Founder to continue sharing some of the writings of Dr. Andres on Filipino Values. ….Tony MendozaSome Positive Cultural Values…♦ Positive Cultural Values Relating to Religion1. “Maka-Diyos” Culture. This is still string in the country as a whole, being 85% Roman Catholic. The belief in God is astrong positive value because it places value on what is moral and ethical, in personal relationships. Unfortunately,however, such value does not extend to business or financial transactions. In a way, Filipinos in general, differentiatebetween what is business and what is personal. They are moral and ethical in personal relationships but not in businesstransactions. As it is aptly put, “nothing personal, purely business” (“walang personalan, trabaho lang ito’).♦ Positive Cultural Values Relating to Society1. Strong National Pride. The more highly educated and more affluent are generally proud of what they are. This sense ofpride is a strong cultural value because it can be harnessed during times of emergency as in the 1986 EDSA Revolution.Unfortunately, oftentimes such feeling of pride is not translated into action, but remains lip service. They are proud of theirsocial circumstances, until they begin to affect their pocketbook.♦ Positive Cultural Values Relating to Family and Small Groups1. “Tayo-tayo” System. This is generally considered as a negative cultural value. It has, however, positive elements to it. Forinstance, this attitude develops trust and confidence among members of the group and enables them to venture harder.Group dynamics is made easier because of the close association and identification of the group members. This is positiveelement.2. “Pakikisama System.” This is similar to the above. It also has negative aspects but can be used positively. For instance,because of the system, the social atmosphere in the workplace is enhanced.♦ Positive Cultural Values Relating to Self1. “Bahala Na” Attitude. The more highly educated and affluent have in common with the rest of the Filipinos and believein pre-ordained destiny or fate. Whatever will be, will be. This is partly positive and partly negative. It is positive becauseit engenders the entrepreneurial spirit, but negative if it justifies lack of preparation.2. High Premium on Education. This value is definitely positive because it has resulted in producing what is probablythe most literate region in this part of the world. In addition, we are one of the highest density of colleges and universitiesin the world located in the Metropolitan Manila.Positive and Negative Aspects of Some Values…♦ Fondness for Fiestas (for Patron Saints)1. Positive It is a display of reverence for Saints whose lives are worthy of inspiration and emulation; for religious andspiritual upliftment.2. Negative: It can be a cause for impoverishment. Families sometimes borrow money or even sell property just to be able tocelebrate.♦ Docility (over-submissiveness). This is very evident among the barrio folk. They don’t question order; they just obey.1. Positive: The society can be assured of a peaceful citizenry.2. Negative: Initiative is lost. Over-submissiveness can lead to dependency and parasitism.♦ Kahihiyan (pride, false pride?). A person wants to undertake something because it is the right thing to do, but hesitatesbecause it would be a source of embarrassment if he fails.♦ Keeping Up with the Joneses”. When people feel that they have to own or do whatever their neighbors have or do.1. Positive: One will strive to earn more.2. Negative: Priorities in budgeting family finances become topsy-turvy.♦ Respect for Elders. This is a positive value which enhances discipline and good manners. It promotes closer family ties.♦Clannishness. Even belonging to the same town or province can bring individuals closer to each other.1. Positive: It promotes bayanihan spirit. A common goal can be more easily accomplished.2. Negative: This can limit social life.

p6Many indigent but deserving talented youth in the rural areas suffer theconsequence of their impoverished condition and although they have access to freeeducation, it is only true in the elementary level. Secondary education in the publicsector is not totally free, more so on the collegiate level. It may seem to require aminimal fee but for many, especially those who live in abject poverty, it is unaffordable!In essence, this is the beginning of making the “rift” between the “rich and poor” biggerAntonio M. Mendoza, Ph.D.CYDFI Founderand bigger in our society. Let alone those who have financial resources can afford to move on in their pursuit ofgood education, either in the public or private sector. The “impoverished condition” is like a “box-trap” for mostdeserving talented youth where they struggle with financial difficulty to move on and get secondary and, more so,college education. One possible way for them to get out of the “box” and their “cycle of poverty” is to providethem a resource like the one being espoused by CYDFI. Recognizing the need to respond to this issue, CYDFI hasmade a commitment in declaring its Mission leading to “A Crusade Against Abject Poverty In PhilippineRural Areas” thru a Scholarship Program Model with SWREM Theory In Action, as a methodology.Most scholarship programs being offered, nowadays, do not go beyond being able to send a scholar finishcollege education and able to make use of his education to help himself and his immediate family. What seems tobe “missing” in this modality is the element of effectively and conscientiously creating an environment where a“scholarship recipient” has to actively share and do to incoming scholars of what he receives from his scholarship,done on a continuous spiral loop basis, such as: “helping him help himself through the Scholarship Program so hecan help incoming scholars”. This key concept is missing in most traditional scholarship programs offered toyouth. And, CYDFI has designed and adopted “SWREM Theory In Action”, as a modality, to accomplish itsmission of helping to address abject poverty, especially in the Philippine rural areas.Am I glad that I finish my educationthru a Scholarship Grant given to me.I can move on with my life and beable to help other members of myfamily because I now hold the key tomy future...What a dream come true!Am I glad that I walked through the CYDFI Scholarship ProgramModel! Knowing that I now hold the key to my future as I becomeproductive after college, I can move on to fulfill my commitment tohelp, at least one or two, new incoming CYDFI Scholars and thelatter will, in turn, do the same and so on, on a continuous loop basis.I am almost certain that, someday, a lot of us will be helping eachother, in addition to being able to help our own respective families,leading to breaking the cycle of poverty in our midst and in ourcommunity. Eventually, the Scholarship will pave the way towardscommunity growth and development due to the “ripple effect” of theModel. The “Crusade Against Abject Poverty” of the Foundation inthe Philippine rural areas now becomes my own crusade, too.Fig. 1: Traditional Approach ofScholarship Program ModelAre you excitedto be a CYDFIScholar?Incoming ScholarsFig. 2: CYDFI Scholarship Program ModelOf course, I am! I will“burn” the oil to learn soI can help incomingscholars, too, when Ibecome productive aftergraduation in College. Iknow, you will do thesame. Our future dependson how we also do ourpart and fair share of theresponsibility for others.

p.82. Breaking the Cycle of PovertyCycle of Poverty is assumed to bebroken when the scholar has passed throughPhase 1 and Phase 2 of the CYDFIScholarship Program and becomesproductive immediately after collegeeducation in about 8-10 years. This is the keyturning point when Scholarship Program ispropelled towards self-sustainability, thus:“Towards Growth/Development in theCommunity”.Breaking of the Cycle of Povertybecomes then a consequence of the successof the methodology implemented among theyouth in the community. It is a proactiveapproach towards addressing the issue ofabject poverty where youth are empoweredto help them help themselves so they canhelp others as they learn to become sociallyresponsible.Fig. 4: Breaking the Cycle of PovertyScholarScholarScholarScholarScholarScholarScholarV OLUME 2, ISSUE 1As youth develops his full potential to become thebest of what he is capable of being and becoming, he gainsinner strength and develops the value of being a sociallyresponsible being. As he enjoys the rhythm of good andproductive life, he shares something back to thecommunity through the Foundation of helping incomingnew scholars. The continuous loop of “ripple effect” of theScholarship Program will sustain the motion forward andtowards breaking the cycle of poverty not only to the youthbut to the community.Schola3. Community Growth and DevelopmentWhen a CYDFI Scholar has been through a“WITHIN” Process, s/he will eventually move on tocontinue to follow the path towards carrying the torch of the“Crusade Against Abject Poverty in Philippine Rural Areas”,in which case when this is done on a continuous loop basis,the effect can be felt in the community because the “SpiralWith Ripple Effect Motion” of the CYDFI Methodology(SWREM Theory In Action) will start steaming its ownpower and energy and able to propel itself. This will happenwhen “CYDFI Scholars” will begin “fulfilling” their“Contract” to help, at least one or two, new incomingscholars of the Foundation. When they are done fulfillingtheir “Contract”, any financial help coming from thembecomes “voluntary” in nature. So, they become“Crusaders” voluntarily. Hopefully, they will continue tojoin, then, the “Crusade Against Abject Poverty In ThePhilippine Rural Areas” and share it with other communitieslike a chain reaction.Fig.5: Growth & DevelopmentScholarScholarScholarScholarCommunityGrowthDevelopmentScholarScholarScholarScholarWhen the ScholarshipProgram of theFoundation hasreached its momentum,the community will feelthe “ripple effect” ofgrowth coming fromwithin. The communitywill feel empoweredand to be selfempowered.Visit our website at: www.cydf821philippines.com for more information

V OLUME 2, ISSUE 14. Community Empowerment To Self-EmpowermentAnother important feature of the CYDFIScholarship Program, it empowers of the community tocome together in support of the Satellite Program that isbeing implemented in the barrio, knowing that whateverfinancial resources they raise and generate will benefitdirectly their own scholars and the main responsibilitythey only have is to have the “financial resources raisedand spent be matched with accurate bookkeeping and thefund, on hand”. This same financial record and bookkeepingand fund on hand should match, especially duringannual Auditing by a 3rd party, the CPA and all recordsshall be supported with documents like receipts and/ornotes of activities, duly signed by an authorizedrepresentative of the Satellite Program in the community.The only time when a Satellite Program shall beasked by the main Office (CYDFI Philippines) forfinancial support is when some of the activities of themain Office shall involve directly the Satellite Programactivities, which can be negotiated and defined in thefuture between the Satellite Program Office and the mainOffice of the Foundation.Fig.6: Community EmpowermentP AGE 9The diagram indicates thatwhen Scholarship Program reachesits level of maturity of operation, thecommunity will start “feeling” theimpact of growth and will continue todo so until one day, there will be apool of socially responsible leaders inwhose only Mission is to continuehelping to address abject poverty inthe community. As community feelsempowered, it will eventuallybecome self-empowered due to theinspiration caused by the Mission ofthe Foundation.5. Ripple Effect to Other Rural CommunitiesOther communities can benefit from the ScholarshipProgram Model by replicating it and will bedesignated as Satellite Programs of the Foundation. ASatellite Program shall have the independence of“raising and spending its own scholarship revenue” andCYDFI shall be responsible for monitoring the former’sfinancial activities thru audit by a CPA as part of thelatter’s annual report to BIR, then to SEC (Manila), inexchange for the Satellite Program to get tax-credits forits direct donors through the Foundation, as a registerednonprofit organization.This modality creates a sense of ownership andincentives to the supporters of Scholarship to theSatellite Program because all its financial resources areraised and spent for the youth scholars in the respectivecommunity.Log on at: www.cydf821philippines.com for more informationFig.7: Ripple Effect To Rural AreasCYDFI Scholarship Program ModelCalantas * Nabuclod Aeta CommunityCYDFI Satellite Program 001: LuzonCYDFI Satellite Programs: VisayasCYDFI Satellite Programs: Mindanao

V OLUME 2, ISSUE 16. Towards Self-SustainabilityIn about 8-10 years of operation, SWREM Theory In Action will be able to reap aharvest of the fruits of its labor when CYDFI Scholars shall have passed through theportals of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the CYDFI Scholarship Program Model. The followingCycle 1 (Phases 1 & 2) of the CYDFI Scholarship Program shall graphically demonstratethe process on how self-sustainability is attained and further analysis is needed to have abetter picture of the projected movement of the Scholarship Program:p10Fg.8: Towards Self-Sustainability Cycle 1 (Phases 1 & 2), SY 2003-2014 Cycle 2, SY 2007-2015Phase1: 4yrs (2003)Phase2: 4yrs (2007-2011Cherry Ann EstradaPhase1: 4yrs (2004)Phase2: 4yrs (2008-2012)Sarah Jane CapunoPhase1: 4 yrs (2005)Phase2: 4yrs (2009-2013Liza PingulPhase1: 4yrs (2006)Sarah Jane CamulloPhase2: 4yrs (2010-2014Upon gainful employment after college education, youth isexpected to fulfill the “Contract” of helping, at least, one or two newincoming CYDFI Scholars, creating a “ripple effect” of growth… andwhen such a process moves on a “continuous spiral loop basis”, it willenable the Foundation to develop a capacity to propel itself as a result ofthe dynamic and vibrant effect of “SWREM Theory In Action”. This isthe stage when CYDFI will experience self-sustainability and able togenerate power and energy to provide more direction towards growthand development in the community....See page 18, ImplicationsVisit our website at: www.cydf821philippines.com for more information

A Universal Growing Perspective of the Methodology (SWREM TheoryIn Action) of CYDFI Scholarship Program Model Attributed To ItsFeature of Replicability For Community Empowerment & Developmentp11LuzonCalantasNabuclodScholarshipProgram ModelCYDFI Satellite Program 001Scholarship Program In Bo. BenedictoCYDFI Satellite ProgramCYDFI-Sinagtala ‘87Scholarship Program at AUF-CON*Potential Project With ProposalVisayasMindanaoCYDFIRegionalOffice&SatelliteProgramCYDFI Satellite ProgramIn One of the Barrios ofGen. Santos CityIn MindanaoStatus:Formation In-ProgressVisit our website at: www.cydf821philippines.com for more information18

p12In Search for Meaning and Value in LifeThere was once a teenager who was curious andasked her Dad saying, “Dad, how come the tree infront of our house is leaning?” By the time sheknew it, her Dad told her….that, “ and this is herstory about a… “The Leaning Tree”V OLUME 2, ISSUE 1After coming home from the laundrymatt, two teenage girls and their Dad werepulling black plastic bags up the stairs of their house. Whenthe job was almost done, the older of the two sisters askedtheir dad a question, “Dad, how come the tree in front of thehouse is leaning?” she asked.The Leaning TreeThe younger sister looked at the tree that was out in front of their house. Shewas sort of surprised that she didn’t really notice it herself since that tree has beenthere since they were little kids. Now that she thought about it, the tree remindedher of a giant lopsided mushroom.Their Dad replied, “The tree wasn’t supported when it was still young, so itended up growing the way it is now, leaning on its side. Just like you and yoursister, if your Mom and I would not put sticks (instill discipline in you) while youare still young, you would grow-up leaning like the tree with a crooked direction inlife. Also, It’s like if you don’t cut the vines of a bush, all the vines will grow in allsorts of directions. That’s what your mom and I are doing to you; we sometimeshave to guide by scolding so you can live good lives, especially if you seem not tobe paying attention when we talk and give you advice.”The two girls started laughing. The younger was imagining her sister andherself as grape vines growing in all sorts of directions. Their dad has to prune thevines by scolding at them for not keeping their living room, neat and organized.That was a funny sight. That conversation reminded her of the nail and thehammer conversation, “that they will not get things done unless told to do so.” After thelaughing died out, all three of them went inside the house to eat lunch with their Lola.When I think about the day my Ate Nini asked our Dad about the tree, Irealize that there is a lesson in it. For example, compare a young tree to a youngperson. If the tree stands alone it could end up leaning on its side. If it’s supportedby sticks it could grow straight. If a young person grows up with no support, s/hecould end up at a dead end. If they have support from others, they could grow uphaving a good life. Once they are settled in, they can help themselves and others,who do not have the support they need and help them have good lives of their own.Amerina N. MendozaVisit our website at: www.cydf821philippines.com for more information

♦♦V OLUME 2, ISSUE 1Time To Blossom♦ A seed is planted. It is watered and cared for and warmed by the womb of the soiland the rays of the bright smiling sun. A pop comes from the seed and out comes ababy seedling. A scrunched frown on its face as the sun grins down, the little one opensone eye and blinks to take in the fatherly warmth of the sun. A cooling breeze comesand sooths its worries. Mother Nature comforts it with its soft melodies playing in thespringtime air. The little one looks around, curious of its surroundings. Little creaturescome and greet their newly addition to the family. Finally, after three long weeks in thetummy of the soil, the baby seedling has decided to come out and play with the rest ofthe children. The little creatures introduce themselves to the new seedling and theyenjoy each other’s company as the elders watch and bathe in the laughter of theirRita II N. Mendoza products. Night comes and all of the world drowses to sleep. Baby seedling yawns itsyawn and drifts to la la land. Weeks later, as it seems like years, baby seedling hasgrown taller with the help of father sun and Mother Nature. Baby seedling is now a beautiful plant that is almostthree feet tall. Dark green leaves with a texture so soft yet so dangerous if treated wrongly. Stems that branch fromits backbone filled with buds of incoming life forms.There are many kinds of seeds in the world. Each one is different and special in their own way. Just like we peopleare different and yet special in our own little way. Though different, all living things live a walk a path very similarto one another. Each seed goes through a process that we like to call “life”. Each life is a new adventure set out infront of it, waiting to be explored and known about. The seed is planted and taken care of by Mother Nature andthose who feel the need to help the little baby seed to grow. It is watered, it is cradled in the womb of the soil, thesun shines its warming rays to guide the dear seed. The seed then pops out of its shell and out comes a sprout ofnew beginnings, new adventures, more stories to tell. We begin in the womb of our mothers that is our home for afew months, a home we know not much of but one that is warm. We come out when the time is right and we crybecause we miss our old homes. The homes we have grown out of. Here, we are born into a new dimension.A tree has a fence around it. This tree is you. The fence is your parents. You are safe. The fence, your parents,protects you, the tree. Wind sometimes comes and blows at you, leaves, knocking some down, hurting you, yetsome heal them by letting your leaves flow, your personality fly. A rain sets in and you’re showered in endlesstears. Endless until they stop with some sunlight to brighten your day, a friend. A friend will always be there, inyour heart. You know they will come and even shoo away the hurting drops of the world. The fence is still strong,still helping you upright. Helping you go on with a push, guiding you still. You stay up alive and proud, forgettingthe small ones below as you rise to the top. The small ones seem to get smaller every inch you grow up, and up.You don’t know if your friends are your friends because they like you or because they want to be like you. Youlook around you and wonder why everything is changing. The winds are different, your friends change. The sungives you rays of light; it could help you or hurt you. Chirping critters nest in your branches, helping them keepalive as your parents have helped you. A motherly figure you have become, tall and strong, keeping thoseunwanted away, holding those who mean most to you. After what seems like forever has gone by, the once inferiorfence that held you up through all those times has slowly fallen away. Soon, it disappears. Your parents have goneaway and cannot come back. Only in the memories stored away deep in the branches of your heart can you bringrealization that nothing lasts forever and that cherishing everything you have is what you have to do in life. Askingfor more than you need is unnecessary so we must learn nothing stays forever. Leaves tumble down with the windand to the ground. Only time will show when things will happen. Live life to the fullest!A seed from a packet, planted in the groundPat it down nicely, spraying water aroundRays of the sun to give a little pushSome nesting underground, a pinch in the tushYears go by, a tree has grownBranches of wonders, leaves of adventuresA quilt of stories is sown.p13♦All of a beginning of something waiting to blossom into something more than you will ever know. Newbeginnings, a new story waiting to be unfolded. A curious start as we grow into beautiful flowers that will becherished in the future.Visit our website at: www.cydf821philippines.com for more information

p14V OLUME 2, ISSUE 1Sarah Jane M. Camullo2nd Yr HS, 2007-2008Sa unang pasukanay nasa I-Alder kami saadviser naming si MrsLara. Napakaswerte kodahil sa dami ng tulad koay ako ang napili nilangscholar sa CYDFI.Marami akong nakilalagaling sa iba’t ibanglugar. Lumipas ang ilangbuwan ay 1st periodicaltest na namin. Pinaghandaankong mabuti iyon.Hindi naman nasayang ang paghahanda ko. Naging 2ndako sa unang markahan. Gayun din naman sa ikalawangmarkahan nakuha ko rin ang ikalawang puwesto.Pero sa panahong ito maraming sumagi sa isip ko dahilkaunti lamang ang lamang ko sa 3rd honor namin.Bigla akong kinabahan. Iniisip ko na baka mahabolniya ako… Ano ang gagawin ko? At ano nalang angsasabihin nila?Para akong isang manghuhula sa mga sinabi kodahil natupad ang mga iniisip ko. Sa ikatlong markahan,bumagsak ako sa ikatlong puwesto. Para akongnamatayan sa pangyayaring iyon. Naisip ko kaagad angsasabihin ng mga magulang, mga kamag-anak at ngFoundation sa akin. Baka isipin nila na nagpabaya ako.Pero hindi pa iyon ang pinaka-masaklap na pangyayaridahil sa final grading, naging 4th na lamang ako. Imbesna pataas ay pababa ako. Umiyak ako dahil hindi koinaasahan na magkakaganoon. Ganoon din naman angmagulang at kaklase ko! Dahil nga daw matataas namanang mga marka ko. Labis-labis akong nahiya saaking ginawa. Hindi ko maisalarawan ang nasa puso atisip ko. Ang hirap pala ng ganoon ang mag-expect nangmalaki tapos ganoon lang pala? Na feeling mo ginawamo na ang lahat pero wala pa rin!Inamin ng guro ko na mataas ako sa academicpero bumaba daw ako sa extra-curricular. Tama namansiya dahil hindi ako sumali sa anumang contest dahilnagdadalawang-isip ako. Baka hindi ko kaya. Pero sasusunod na pasukan mag-aaral pa ako nang mabuti atsasali na rin ako sa mga contests.Para sa akin, isangnapakalaking karangalanang mapabilang isa sa mgascholars ng CYDFI.Maraming bagay na angnatutunan ko dito.Masasabi ko ring isa na itosa mga magagandangpangyayari sa buhay ko.Bawa’t araw na lumipas ayibat-ibang mga bagay angnararanasan ko. Maymaganda at mayroon dingmalungkot.Liza D. PIngul3rd Yr HS, 2007-2008Ang pinakamalaking problema ko ngayongbilang isang scholar ay ang pagkatanggal ko sa top.Mula nang mawala ako sa top parang lalo akongnawalan ng tiwala sa sarili ko. Mula nang matanggaldin ako sa top parang nahihiya na ako sa inyo pati na samga kasama ko ring scholars. Bigla tuloy pumasok saisip ko na baka iniisip ninyo na hindi ako karapat-dapatna makasali sa organization ninyo. Isa pang problem koay ang subject naming Math, medyo nahihirapan kasiako rito.Pero hindi dahil wala na ako sa top, eh…tuluyan ko nang pabayaan ang aking pag-aaral. Sangayon nagpapatulong ako sa mga pinsan kong teacherpara hindi na ako masyadong mahirapan. Alam kongmag-iimprove rin ako sa Math, hindi nga lang ganoonkabilis. Alam ko rin naman pong malaki ang tiwalaninyo sa aming lahat. Maraming salamat po sa patuloyna pagsuporta sa amin. Mas mag-fofocus na lang ako saMath.Dahil sa mga problemang hinaharap ko naisipko na hindi dahil sa nag-fail ka sa 1st try, eh... wala ng2nd chance. Kung alam mo sa sarili mo na kaya monggawin, hindi naman imposibleng mangyari.The future belongs to the youth and the youth holds the light of the future with ardent passion to make adifference and to effect positive change in his life for the better as he learns to become socially responsible.

V OLUME 2, ISSUE 1Nakakapanghinayangang nakaraangschool year -sapagkat hindiako ang nag-top1 sa klasenamin. Hindi konasungkit angunang puwesto.PumangalawaSara Jane A. Capunolang ako sa4th Yr HS, SY: 2007-2008aming klase.Napakaramingnanghinayang nang mabalitaan nilang hindi akoang nag-top 1 sa klase namin. Nang nalamankong hindi ako ang nag-top 1 sa klase namin,tinanggap ko ito ng maluwag sa puso ko dahilalam ko marami akong mga pagkukulang.Noong 1st grading, I was the top 1 saaming klase. Seryoso kasi ako noong 1st gradingand wala pa kaming gaanong mga activities saschool. Nang mag-start na ang 2nd gradingperiod, hindi na ako gaanong nakapag-serious.Maramin ng mga activities sa school. Halos angbuong attention ko ay natuon sa mgaco-curricular activities. Hindi na ako makapagconcentratesa klase. Kaya nang sinabi na angmga honors, na ako nagulat. Ina-admit ko na maypagkukulang ako. Nag-top 3 na lang ako.Sumali ako sa table tennis team ng amingschool. Halos isang buwan akong hindi nakapagklasedahil ilalaban kami sa Congressional Meetna ginawa sa Sports Complex. Nagkaroon kaming Camping sa Magalang. Sumama ako ditodahil ako ang President ng mga Girls Scout ngaming school. One week ang camping namindoon. Sa grading period ding ito, inaamin ko nanaloko ako sa cellphone. Almost everyday mayload ang cellphone ko. Nang sinabi na ang top saklase namin, umiyak ako. Hindi ko in-expect naaabot ako sa ganitong puwesto. Top 8 ako noong3rd grading namin.Nang 4th grading na namin, nagseryosona ako rito. Lagi na akong nagre-review nglesson. Gumagamit pa rin ako ng cellphone, perohindi gaya ng dati. Hindi rin naman ako nabigosa ginawa kong ito, nag-top 2 ako sa klase namin.Sa darating na school year, gagawin koang lahat para makuha ang nais ko.Life on earth can’t be easy.You can’t grab all the things you want.You can’t rule every single thing inyour surrounding in what you want tohappen. Like what happened to methis school year. Unlike last yearwhich is my 3rd year in high school, Igot the 3rd place in our class. I am stilldisappointed but as time goes by, Ilearn to accept it. Unfortunately thisschool year, I only got 4th place in ourclass. I ask myself why this happenedto me. I evaluated myself from theVisit our website at: www.cydf821philippines.com for more informationCherry Ann G. Estrada1st Yr BS In Accounting, FEUSY: 2007-2008p15beginning (1st) to 4th grading. I thought I did all my best but still itwasn’t enough. It was really hard for me to accept what happeneddespite all my efforts. “Paano na iyan? Ano na lang ang sasabihin nila?”These are some thoughts that came to my mind. I am always worried ofwhat people around me would say or react about me, Others say that Ineglected my studies which was not true. I did my best to study hard. Ithought my parents would be angry but instead they told me to beproud, that there is nothing to be ashamed of. Then I realized thatfailures are only life’s ways to make us strong.My unforgettable high school life is over, so I must preparemyself to the next level, the college life. College life begins in choosinga career you want to pursue. Since I was a child, I was dreaming ofbeing a doctor someday. Practically, I want to be a doctor because I canearn more money compared to other related jobs. But then during myhigh school days, I found out that I excell more in Math rather Science.However, the medical degree I was originally interested to pursue requiresmore Sciences than Math. For this reason I decided to take up acourse which deals more on calculating, solving, and measuring, inshort, in Mathematics. Electronic and Communication Engineering(ECE) and BS in Accountancy are the options I have dealing withMathematics. It was difficult for me to decide which way to go until theCYDFI Founder, Antonio Mendoza, explained the advantages anddisadvantages of the two options I have before me. Then, I decided topursue BS in Accountancy and took the entrance exam at FEU inManila and got a grade of 94% which earned me a 50% tuitionfee discount for my 1st semester. College life is more academicallydemanding than elementary and high school. In college youare not only sacrificing a big amount of money but also much ofyour time being spent less for yourself and family. I know collegeis a preparation of what you want to be in the future so one shouldtake it seriously. I will strive harder to get through college. I amwilling to burn my eyebrows in order to pass all my tests. I willnot waste my parents’ and CYDFI’s efforts in guiding me towhere I am now. I believe I will not be here without the blessingof the Lord. Without Him I am nothing. I want to achieve mygoal of finishing college education, not only for my own good butalso for all the people to believe in me and support me like myfriends, my family, Tito Tony and the CYDFI Officers.

p16The CYDFI Crusaders: Antonio M. Mendoza (Rita II, Amerina & Julita Nabong), Elmer Bonifacio, Dan &Melisa Serrano (Marie, Michael, Mark), Cecille Soliman-Mendoza (Karen, Warren & Amelia Soliman),Froilan & Leny Samonte-Mendoza (Genesis Cruz, Kay-Ann Cruz, Jacob & Jonathan), Carlos &Lourdes David-Tanquilut (Olivia, Camille). Photo by: Nini N. MendozaV OLUME 2, ISSUE 1p16CYDFI USA 3rd Annual Meeting & Calantas Fiesta PicnicEucalyptus Picnic Area #1, Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA (Saturday, 5 May 2007)CYDFI Philippines 6th Annual Board Meeting in Calantas is on August 26, 2007 (Sunday, 1pm-3pm)A Moment of Truth and Decision:"To register CYDFI (Calantas Young Dreamers Foundation, Inc.) in California"Time has come for CYDFI USA to be registered in California and it will take 6 months to one year toknow the outcome of the registration application as a nonprofit organization and be granted atax-exempt status per 501.c3 of the IRS (Federal) and FTB tax-exempt status (State of CA).All previous positions while the Foundation is not registered are but temporary ones.The process has already started to roll to legally register the Foundation in California...Congratulations! More power to those who join the Crusade against abject poverty in the Philippines!*As CYDFI is being registered.*2-Year Term, FY: June 2007-May 2009INITIAL BOARD OF DIRECTORSAntonio M. MendozaPresidentElmer BonifacioVice PresidentLourdes David-TanquilutTreasurerEasther Marie M. SerranoSecretaryGenesis CruzMemberMembership composition of CYDFI Board of Directors must be 60% non-blood related.Visit our website at: www.cydf821philippines.com for more information

Nature of the ContractCALANTAS YOUNG DREAMERS FOUNDATION, INC. (CYDFI)Calantas, Floridablanca, Pampanga, Philippines 2006(63-918) 424 - 7778 * VoIP (415) 738 - 6124 * santa@cydf821philippines.com * www.cydf821philippines.comScholarship Program ContractBetween The Foundation (CYDFI) And The Recipient of Scholarship GrantCalantas Youth Scholar ID#:______________Calantas Young Dreamers Foundation, Inc. is a “Crusade Against Abject Poverty in the Philippine Rural Areas” by empowering indigent butdeserving talented youths through a Scholarship Program Model with a methodology called SWREM Theory In Action that is designed to help them helpthemselves so they can help incoming scholars leading to breaking their cycle of poverty as they learn to become socially responsible. CYDFI Contractarticulates a commitment imbedded in the methodology that Scholars shall have “to help, at least, one or two new college incoming scholars” from theirrespective communities when they become productive after their Secondary/College Education (unless they are qualified to pursue Graduate Education).Beyond fulfilling their initial commitment, youths shall become CYDFI Crusaders among the Nabuclod and other Aeta communities along the mountainrange of Pampanga and Zambales provinces.Responsibilities of Calantas Young Dreamers Foundation, Inc. (CYDFI)1. To facilitate much-needed financial resources for the Scholarship Recipients finish their education in the Phase 1: High School, Phase 2: Collegeand/or Phase 3: Graduate School (if qualified per item #4, college graduate with Honors, i.e. Summa, Magna & Cum Laude)2. Phase 1: High School Scholarship Grant covers the following benefits given each school year per Article 6, ss1.4, Table 2: Entrance Fee, books,authorized voluntary contribution, 2-3 sets of school uniforms, shoes, shirts, personal and transportation allowances and school supplies. (NOTE: Dueto limited resources as yet, Phase 1 only guarantees initially to cover ONE Scholarship Recipient per year but extended from 2 to 5 recipients from thetop 5 6th grade graduating students when resources are made available).3. Phase 2: College Scholarship Grant shall be awarded based on availability of resources. Benefits shall be negotiated with potential “sponsors” as tohow far they are willing to “help” and “how far” the families of the scholars are capable of helping, too, financially.4. Phase 3: Graduate School Scholarship Grant shall be awarded to a college graduating CYDFI Scholar with honors (Summa, Magna, Cum).5. CEO/President of the Foundation shall monitor the Progress of the Scholars in the Scholarship Program and be guided by the Principles andProcedures articulated in the CYDFI Handbook as reflected in this Contract.Responsibilities of Scholars in Phases 1 and 2 of the Scholarship Program Per CYDFI Handbook, Art.3, s2.ss2.1a. No grade below 80 in both academic and non-academic subjects to maintain an average grade of 80.ss2.1b. Maintain good behavior during the entire scholarship period. Meaning, no alcohol, tobacco and other dangerous drugs.ss2.1c. Engage in community service work in the respective communities of the scholars, i.e. Calantas Scholars in Calantas and Barrio BenedictoScholars in Barrio Benedicto, with school children during summer breaks by creating activities to encourage social awareness andresponsibility to self, others and community.ss2.1d. Phase 1 (Secondary) Scholars will meet with the CEO/President of the Foundation at least every after periodic grades arereleased for updates and evaluation of academic plans and submission of grades’ copy.ss2.1e. Phases 2 (College) Scholars will meet with the CEO/President of the Foundation, at least, after semestral grades are released for updatesand evaluation of academic plans and submission of grades’ copy and communicate weekly via e-mail to CYDFI.ss2.1f. Lastly, all Phases 1 & 2 CYDFI Scholars, together with one of their respective parents/guardian and/or any adult family member, shallattend the Annual Board Meeting in Calantas.Phase 3 Scholars (Graduate School) shall have to adhere to “Personal Accountability” as stipulated in Article 2, ss3.3c of the CYDFI Handbook and inaddition, they shall have to meet with the CEO/President of the Foundation for updates and evaluation of academic plans during semestral breaks andattend Annual Board Meeting in Calantas.Termination and Probation of Scholarship Program Per Art. 3, s4 of the CYDFI Handbook.1. Voluntary Termination. A Scholar has the right to withdraw from the Scholarship by writing to the CEO and Executive Committee shall conduct aHEARING to determine of WHY a “voluntary termination” is being sought and find ways on how to save it.2. Involuntary Termination. A Scholar (Phases 1 or 2) will be terminated from the Scholarship if both Sections of Art. 3, ss2.1a and ss2.1b of the CYDFIHandbook are violated, and if either section violated is a year probation. (2) A Scholar will be placed for one year probation if s/he violates two (2) ofthe last four (4) sections of Art.3, ss2.1c, ss2.1d, ss2.1e and ss2.1f of the CYDFI Handbook.p17I, together with my parents/guardian, do understand the Mission of CYDFI and promise to abide by its Principles and Procedures as reflected in thisContract for my guidance to become successful in my career and failure to comply with the responsibilities articulated in the CYDFI Handbook per Article 3,s2 shall subject me against Article 3, s4 for involuntary termination. So, help me God!__________________________________ ________________________________ Chrisanta deAusen-MangalindanPrint Full Name of CYDFI Youth Scholar Name/Signature of Parent/Guardian President/CEO of CYDFIDOB: ____________________________ Date: _______________________ Date: _________________Youth/Sign: ________________________ Youth/Sign:_______________________ Youth/Sign:_________________Phase1/Date:________________________ Phase2/Date:______________________ Phase3/Date:________________Noted By: __________________________Approved By: Antonio M. Mendoza, Ph.D. & Rita Nabong-Mendoza, RNChairman of the Board Date:_____________ CYDFI Founders Date:________________ rev. SY: 2007-2008

P AGE 18Ang Pangarap Ko Sa BuhayLyka Mitra QuerubimV OLUME 2, ISSUE 1A Barrio Benedicto 6th grade student graduated from Del Carmen Elementary School and a First Awardee Recipient as an“Academically Excellent Student” of the Phase I: Benjamin-Victoria Manlulu High School Scholarship Grant of the CYDFI-Benedicto Satellite Scholarship Program Model 001, SY: 2007-2008Ang pangarap ko sa buhay ay ang makapagtapos sa kursong Mass Communication. Bata pa lang akoay natutuwa na ako pag nakikita ko sina Karina Sanches at iba pang mga Anchor sa television. Kayangayong malaki na ako at tutuntong sa highschool nais kong pagbutihin ang aking pagaaralpara makamit ko ang pangarap kong maging isang reporter o isang mahusayna manunulat.. Bilang isang reporter namanunulat ay alam kong malaki rin angmaibabahagi ko sa sambayanan. Ka-sama ko sa aking pagtatagumpay angisa ko pang pangarap na matulunganang akung mga magulang at kapatid.Gusto ko pong makatulong saating mga kababayan upang magbigaynang mahahalahang impormas-yon tungkol sa ating bansa. Naiskong magta- gumpay sa larangan nanais ko pong tahakin. Nais ko rinrong ipahayag ang mga mahaha-lagang impormasyon na dapat malamanng mga kababayan natin. Tutula-ran ko po ang mga iniidolo kong mgabatikang reporter na nagtagumpay atnaparangalan dahil sa kanilang husayat galing sa pagbibigay ng mga maka-buluhang impormasyon at pangyayari dilang sa ating bansa kundi sa buongmundo.An Open Letter of Lyka’s Mother...It is of great honor to consider my daughter to be one of the applicants in your scholarshipprogram. My daughter, who is a very studious and diligent one, is willing to undergo any test that theFoundation is conducting. She, at her young age, is showing interest on media writing/broadcasting asevidenced by her winning as second place in editorial writing contest held at Basa Air Base last September,2006. This contest is joined by selected pupils from all schools in the entire town of Floridablanca.At this moment, my husband and I can no longer afford to send our children to any high school,more so... in college. We depend solely for our livelihood with my husband’s meager pension as a returnedpolice officer. All of our children, four of them, are still of school age, the eldest, being a second year highschool student, is currently living with my sister in Laguna so he can continue his studies. I am afraid Lykaand her twin sister, Clariza, cannot enter high school this coming school year due to financial strain. I amhopeful and grateful that my Lyka be granted a scholarship by the Foundation.from p10, Implications...7. Immediate, Long-Term “Resource” Development and Leadership Capacity-BuildingAnother implication of SWREM Theory In Action is the immediate and long-term development ofresource responsible for making the Scholarship Program become self-sustainable.1. On the immediate, this will be materialized when scholars will start coming back to comply with theirScholarship Program Contract of helping, at least, one or two new incoming CYDFI Scholars.2. On the long-term, beyond their compliance with the Contract, scholars are expected to rise above theirfeeling of having complied with their Contract but to have been then “must have developed an attitude ofbeing able to also do and have the capacity to continue doing of helping the Foundation in its CrusadeAgainst Abject Poverty in the Philippine rural areas. At this stage of their immersion in the Mission of theFoundation, they are expected to focus their “helping attitude” towards building a “resource capacity” tobenefit the Aetas in Nabuclod and other Aetas in neighboring communities.3. Eventually, CYDFI Scholars shall learn to become and assume responsible leadership not only in theoperation of the Foundation but in the community and the country, in general.

from the desk of:The CYDF Founders936 Vienna Street,San Francisco, CA. 94112United States of AmericaTO: _________________________________________________________________________________________STAMPThe writer, Rei Manlulu, is the youngest son of Abe, a pilot of the PhilippineAirlines. Rei belongs to the top echelon of his nursing class in the University.He takes pride in telling a story about his Dad and so, this is hisstory….And, whenever Abe is in the Street of San Francisco, we share a lotof fond memories growing-up coz’ the blood running in our vein is the same.. ..The CYDFI FounderLt. Col. Abraham Pamintuan Manlulu (PAF, Ret./PAL Pilot)Si Danilo ay isang napakasigla at mapangarapingbata. Ngunit tila hindi umaayon ang kapalaransa kanya. Ang kanyang mga magulang ay ordinaryongmanggagawa lamang. Namamasukan ang kanyangama sa isang pagawaan ng asukal, samantalangang kanyang ina ay nagtitinda lamang ng mga gulay.Madalas sa bukid si Danilo kasama ng kanyangalagang aso. Doon sa lugar na iyon ay natatagpuanniya ang kapayapaan ng isip. Masaya siyang nagpapalipadng eroplanong gawa sa papel. Mula sa kapirasongpapel na ito ay nabuo ang kanyang pangarap.Pinapalipad niya ito ng mataas kasing tayog ng kanyangmga mithiin. Tuwing siya ay nakatitig sa langitat pinagmamasdan ang eroplanong papel, gumiginhawaang kanyang pakiramdam. Para sa kanya, angkanyang kapalaran ay parang isang eroplano na kapagnakasabay na sa agos ng hangin ay matiwasay ka nitongdadalhin sa iyong inaasam na destinasyon.Batid ni Danilo ang kahalagahan ng edukasyonbuhat narin sa mga payo ng kanyang mga magulanglalo na ang kanyang ama. Sa kanilang murang isipanay nakintal na sa kanila na ang pagtatapos sa pagaaralang siyang mag-aahon sa kanila sa kahirapan. Kungkaya’t tatlong kilometro man ang layo ng paaralan sakanilang baryo ay buong siglang binabagtas ngnakapaa ni Danilo ang daan patungo rito. Masaya nasiya kung may sampung sentimos siyang baon mulasa kanyang mga magulang at kung wala naman aynilagang kamote o saging na saba ang kanyangibinabaon sa eskwelahan.Gaano man kahirap ang kanyangpinagdaanan ay matagumpay siyang nakapagtaposng elementarya at hayskul.Nakapasa man si Baloloy sa entrance exam ngUnibersidad Ng Pilipinas sa kursong abogasya ay hindiparin niyang magawang iwan ang kanyang probinsyasapagkat alam niyang kukulangin ang perang ipangtutustospara kanyang mga gastusin sa kolehiyo. Magdamagmang kumayod ang kanyang ama sa pagtatrabaho aytiyak na hindi parin sapat para siya ay makapamuhay saMaynila.Ngunit hindi parin nawalan ng pag-asa si Danilo.Alam niyang siya ay matatag at hindi siya basta na langmaigugupo ng ganitong suliranin. Hindi ang kanilangkatayuan sa buhay ang magiging dahilan upang siya’yhindi magtagumpay. Namasukan sa isang cottageindustry si Danilo at nagpatuloy sa kanyang pag-aaral ngkolehiyo sa isang bagong bukas na kampo ng military.Dalawang taon ang kursong kaniyang kinuha. At bago paman siya makapagtapos ay nabigyan siya ng scholarshippara maipagpatuloy ang “degree” nito. Sa kaniyangpagtatapos ng kolehiyo, nakatanggap siyang muli ngscholarsgip upang mag-aral sa pagpapalipad ng eroplanoat maging opisyal ng Hukbong Himpapawid.Matagumpay na natakasan ni Danilo ang hinaharapna kahirapan dahil sa kanyang pagsisikap. Nakamtanniya ang magandang kinabukasan sa tulong ng Maykapalat mga taong nagbigay sa kanya ng lakas ng loob upangbakahin ang mga pagsubok – ang kanyang pamilya.Sa ngayon ay panibagong pakikibaka ang kanyangkinakaharap - ang paghubog ng kanyang mga anak atpagtatanim ng magandang bukas para sa mga ito. Atmuli, magtatagumpay si DaniloP.S.: Si Danilo ay ang matalik kong kaibigan. SiDanilo ay ang aking ama.CYDFI Newsletter♦♦ Publisher: Calantas Young Dreamers Foundation, Inc.♦ Editor-in-Chief: Antonio M. Mendoza, Ph.D.♦♦ Writers: Rita, Rita II (Nini), Amerina (Niko), Chrisanta,Rox, Rei Manlulu, Sol Capuno-Banal & CYDFI ScholarsVisit our website at: www.cydf821philippines.comPublished Online Annually in San Francisco, CA & can beviewed on PDFile at www.cydf821philippines.comUSA Contact Info: cydfounder@cydf821philippines.com(415) 713-4448 * VoIP (415) 839-8756, Attn: TonyCYDFI Philippine Office: santa@cydf821philippines.com♦ (0918) 424-7778 * VoIP (415) 738-6124, Attn: Santa