Support our Indigenous Peoples and let’s “Run for the Mountains”

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“Run for the Mountains” is a unique fun run that aims to raise awareness and financial support for the Indigenous Peoples Group of the Philippines and Smokey Mountain Kids.

Runners of all ages will have a fulfilling and invigorating time at this year’s “Run for the Mountains” charity run which is slated June 24, 2018  (Sunday) at the Seascape Village in Pasay City and a simultaneous run at SM City Iloilo. 

The "Run for the Mountains 2018" is an annual family fun run organized by the JCI Manila to support some of the indigenous people in the Philippines, namely the Dumagats, Mangyans, Igorots, Aetas, and the Smokey Mountain Community Field of Dreams.

Not your typical foot race, this year’s “Run for the Mountains” showcases an experiential race course that will enable leisure, amateur, and professional runners to experience first-hand how our indigenous peoples hunt, cook and go about their day-to-day activities while covering a distance of 3km, 5km or 10km.

See video from last year:  https://vimeo.com/218408592

This novel fundraising activity is organized by JCI Manila, the premier leadership development organization for young leaders. It is considered one of the legacy programs of the said non-government organization due to the massive outpouring of support it receives each year and the huge impact it serves to the communities of Indigenous Peoples and the Smokey Mountain Kids. 

This is the second year of the “Run for the Mountains”.  Aside from espousing family values, camaraderie, and diversity, “Run for the Mountains” effectively teaches respect and a renewed appreciation for our culture while raising financial support for the marginalized community in Smokey Mountain and Indigenous Peoples. 

Be involved in one of the biggest, one-of-a-kind, fundraising fun runs in the Philippines by signing up for the “Run for the Mountains” at the following Garmin and Apartment 8 branches:

• Garmin MOA
• Garmin Glorietta
• Garmin Uptown BGC
• Garmin Megamall
• Affinitea SM NOrth
• Affinitea Legarda
• Apartment 8, 33B Scout Borromeo St. Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City 1103
• Apartment 8 UP Town Center, 2/F Phase 2
• Apartment 8 Alabang Town Center G/F
• Apartment 8 Tiendesitas 2/F Silver City, Pasig

Interested participants can also register online at https://affinitearaces.com/product-category/run-for-the-mountains-manila/.  

Race categories and corresponding race fees are:

• 3km (PhP700.00), 
• 5km (PhP800.00), and 
• 10km (PhP950.00). 

For more information on “Run for the Mountains,” visit https://www.facebook.com/runforthemountains/.

JCI Manila

JCI Manila is a premier youth leadership development organization. It is the organization where young men join to become better leaders. Dubbed as the University of Leaders, JCI Manila believes that it is through reaching out to others that you learn more about yourself. That is JCI Manila delves into an array of projects such as community development, business, government, environment and more. The unifying force behind these seemingly diverse projects is a group of young men who want to become better leaders. For more information visit www.jcimanila.org

Saint Teresa of Calcutta Awards recognizes Fr. Peter Geremia, missionary for 47 years of saintly work

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The Saint Teresa of Calcutta Awards (STCA), one of the most celebrated award giving bodies in the country, has culminated this year’s search for the most impactful humanitarian with the awarding of Fr. Peter Geremia. 

An annual Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award (BTCA) is given to selfless individuals who have served the poorest of the poor as inspired by the life of the late Mother Teresa of Calcutta. 

The awards ceremony, which centered on theme “30 years of Saintly Selflessness,” was held in conjunction to STCA’s 30th anniversary at the RCBC Plaza Yuchengco Tower in Makati. It was attended by representatives from non-government organizations, philanthropists, public servants, as well as members and officers of JCI Manila and the AY Foundation. 

Formerly known as the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Awards, the STCA recognizes individuals who have devoted at least 25 years of their lives to serve underprivileged and underserved Filipinos. Aside from their work, awardees are also judged based on their character and adherence to Saint Teresa’s principles of integrity and simplicity in lifestyle.

Fr. Peter Geremia

This year’s STCA awardee is Fr. Peter Geremia, a 78-year old Italian missionary from the Pontifical Institute for Foreign missions or Pontificium Institutum pro Missionibus Exteris (PIME) who has been instrumental in promoting the rights and living conditions of both marginalized and indigenous people’s for 47 years. He relocated to the Philippines in 1972 and was initially assigned in Tondo. 

Early in his service, Fr. Geremia already supported and fought for the needs of minority groups beginning with informal settlers who protested during the La Tondena strike. Fearless for his life, he also stood up against the Manero brothers and their group of North Cotabato who were known to commit atrocities against people connected to the New People’s Army. 

Later on, Fr. Geremia and his group also spearheaded efforts to elevate the living conditions of indigenous tribes who were oftentimes deprived of their ancestral land. His group ensured that these tribes were trained in agricultural production so they could sustain themselves, provided with food and land security, and had peace in their immediate communities.

His compassion and determination to help these minorities soon garnered him the Aurora Aragon Quezon Peace Award for Peace through Paritcipatory Development in 2001. Fr. Geremia has helped thousands of people through his efforts, particularly the Lumads. His invaluable contribution even earned him the nickname the “Living Saint of the Lumads.”

He is currently the president of the Fr. Fausto “Pops” Tentorio Foundation Inc. which enables people to have access to education, health services, agricultural production, environmental protection and the sustainable building of multicultural communities that espouse mutual respect, justice, peace and solidarity. 

Through this recognition from STCA, Fr. Geremia will be able to expand his organization’s reach and help improve the lives of more underprivileged Filipinos. He will receive a cash grant of one million Pesos (PHP1,000,000.00), at least half of which will be donated to his charitable institution of choice.

Through selfless individuals like Fr. Geremia, STCA hopes to inspire more people, particularly the youth, to be more involved and active in their communities.

“It is through selfless individuals like Fr. Peter Geremia that we at STCA believe we can truly impact change in the community. By looking outside of ourselves and reaching out to others, we can truly uplift the spirits of those who are not only in need but of the entire country as well,” said Jerrold Ong, 2017 Chairman of the Saint Teresa of Calcutta Award. 

A tribute to 30 years of Saintly Selflessness - Saint Teresa of Calcutta Awards opens call for nominations

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The Saint Teresa of Calcutta Awards (STCA), formerly known as the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Awards, opens call for nominations for its 30th year.

The award is open to any living individual, regardless of age, gender, race, and religion, who has dedicated himself fully and selflessly to humanitarian work among underprivileged Filipinos for at least 25 years. In addition, nominees will be likened to the degree in which they follow the example of Saint Teresa, both in integrity and in the simplicity of their lifestyle.

Established in 1983 by the A.Y. Foundation (AYF), Inc. and the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Manila, the STCA took inspiration from the life and works of Saint Teresa, a Nobel Peace Prize awardee who showed compassion for the poor and has inspired many to follow the same path. 

(L-R) Jerrold Ong - JCI STCA Chairman; EVP John Bautista - JCI Board of Directors, EVP; Former Prime Minister Cesar Virata - AYF Board of Trustees; Dr. Reynaldo Vea - AYF Board of trustee and president of Mapua; Former Congressman Ramon "Dondon" Bagatsing Jr. - JCI Past President, founder of STCA

The award-giving body aims to encourage the public to refocus on the importance of helping others by recognizing individuals who have dedicated a portion of their lives serving the “poorest of the poor” just like Saint Teresa. The winner will receive a cash grant of One Million Pesos (PHP1,000,000.00), at least half of which will be donated to the winner’s charitable institution of choice.

“As we celebrate the organization’s 30th year, we’d like to inspire more people, especially the youth, to be more involved in their community through honoring the selfless individuals who have dedicated most of their lives by serving the poorest of the poor.” says Jerrold Ong, 2017 Chairman of the Saint Teresa of Calcutta Award.  

Nomination forms may be downloaded from their Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/STCAward). Only completed nomination forms shall be accepted. The full list of rules and regulations can be found at the back of the nomination form.

Deadline for nomination forms is July 31, 2017

Rev. Fr. Leo E. Schmitt wins the 29th Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award

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Rev. Fr. Leo E. Schmitt was given the 29th Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award held at the Yuchengco Museum, RCBC, Makati Ciity, September 26, 2016

Manila, Philippines --- Saint Teresa's life is “an epitome of grace, compassion and love”. 

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award (BTCA) is an annual award given to selfless individuals who have served the poorest of the poor as inspired by the life of the late Mother Teresa of Calcutta. 

The 29th Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award (BTCA) recognizes German-Filipino priest Rev. Fr. Leo Schmitt, SVD, as this year’s winner for dedicating his life to helping the marginalized poor communities and informal settlers in the Philippines for the past 40 years. 

Rev. Fr. Leo Schmitt, SVD

Fr. Leo started his advocacy in the 1970s when the worsening economic and political situation in the country has pushed the Catholic Church to respond to the needs of the people.

He founded ‘Action Leaven,’ a non-profit organization that seeks to serve the underprivileged communities in the country, which was adopted by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) with Fr. Leo serving as Executive Director for two years, until it was turned over to the Archdiocese of Manila.

“Though restricted by old age, Fr. Schmitt remains a vibrant and enthusiastic inspiration for all the clergy, both diocesan and religious. His life of simplicity, faithfulness, humility and pastoral service is his best contribution to the mission,” Antipolo Diocesan Bishop Gabriel Reyes describes Fr. Leo.

“Through the generosity of various organizations, Fr. Leo receive a trophy and a cash prize of Php500,000. Fr. Leo’s chosen charity will also receive a cash prize of Pho500,000, and an additional Php500,000 worth of goods and services. We believe that these gifts will go a long way in helping Fr. Leo’s chosen advocacy,” says Gio Valencia, 2016 BTCA Chairman.

Mel Aguinaldo, creative artist, designed the 2016 "Saint Teresa of Calcutta" award given to German-Filipino priest Rev. Fr. Leo E. Schmitt

This year is monumental for the BTCA organization as Mother Teresa has been declared a saint by Pope Francis on Sunday at a canonization ceremony held in Vatican City. The canonization on September 4 comes on the eve of her 19th death anniversary. 

BTCA is a joint project of the AY Foundation and the JCI Philippines-Manila, which aims to refocus the public’s attention to those who have dedicated their lives to the service of others.

Rev. Fr. LEO E. SCHMITT, SVD

Fr. Leo, the disciplinarian formator turned social worker…super energetic founder of communities and housing for the poor… with a huge heart for the poor!

He was born in Grunebach, Diocese of Trier in West Germany on May 9, 1928. He studied and was ordained in Germany in 1954. He is now 88 years old, and 62 years as a priest. He still at work, and refuses to be included among the retirees at the Villa Cristo Rey. He has indeed, done incredibly great corporal works of mercy!

After ordination, he went to England and for several years, he stayed at the St. Richard’s College for Foreign Missions before coming to the Philippines. (1958-60).

He was assigned for formation work, first at the Mary Help of Christians Diocesan Seminary in Binmaley, Pangasinan as prefect of the seminarians (1961-62).

Next, Christ the King Mission Seminary became his home for 35 years. (1962- 1997).

He was professor and prefect of the College seminarians (1962-70)

In 1970, his life changed dramatically, as he became more aware of the need to get involved in social work, a post Vatican II development. In the Philippine context, the need was more urgent because of the worsening economic and political situation. This was the time of violent activism, with the onset of the First Quarter Storm. The Church had to respond, and Fr. Leo proposed to start a project called ‘Action Leaven’, a movement for church people, to penetrate society and find out what the Church can do for the poor. The pioneer group of Leaveners was composed of 70 priests, nuns, seminarians, community organizers, engineers and agriculturist among others. It was adopted by CBCP as an experiment for the Archdiocese of Manila. Fr. Leo was its executive Director for 2 years, before it was turned over to the Archdiocese. The timing was unfortunate, because when Martial Law was declared by Marcos in 1972, social work was greatly hampered by government policies. Fr. Leo, however, had been magnetized to work with the poor.

Shortly after leaving the Action Leaven, some 800 families sought his help after being forced to leave the depressed community of Pleasant Hills, Mandaluyong. He was thrown into the herculean task of looking for a relocation site for the squatter community. Together with 2 SVD confreres, 2 sisters and 5 laymen, Fr. Leo created a foundation possessing a legal personality that would address the problem of informal settlers. On September 28, 1971, the SAMAHANG BAGONG BUHAY FOUNDATION INCORPORATION (SBBFI) was formally registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-stock and non-profit corporation.

From the time of the foundation’s birth, many housing projects were built: San Antonio Village in Antipolo; San Jose Freinademetz Subdivision in Cogeo, Antipolo; Janssenville Subdivision in Cainta, Rizal; San Agustin Village in Antipolo; San Lorenzo Ruiz in Bulacan and Antipolo; St. Francis Square, Payong, which is also in Antipolo.

Originally, Janssenville was part of the St. Anthony of Padua Parish. When the canonization of the then Blessed Arnold became certain in 2002, Fr. Leo approached the bishop about the plan of making Janssenville the seat of a new parish to be named after the SVD founder. It was eventually approved that a new parish should be erected “to thank St. Arnold for the services of his congregations to the Church, in particular to the Diocese of Antipolo and to promote his virtues.” On 30th of November, 2003 the St. Arnold Janssen Parish was canonically erected. It was the first and only permanent religious parish in the Diocese of Antipolo. On January 15, 2004, Fr. Leo was installed as its first parish priest.

The diocesan bishop of Antipolo, Gabriel Reyes, says, “though restricted by old age, Fr. Schmitt remains a vibrant and enthusiastic inspiration for all the clergy...both diocesan and religious. His life of simplicity, faithfulness, humility and pastoral service is his best contribution for mission.”

Fr. Schmitt renounced his German citizenship and embraced Filipino citizenship to show his commitment in alleviating the pangs of poverty and homelessness among the poor Filipinos. Truly, he is an SVD who not only shared the vision of St. Arnold Janssen, he has also lived a life in mission.

The Society of the Divine Word Philippine Central Province gave the ST. ARNOLD JANSSEN MISSION AWARD to Fr. Leo in 2014, in recognition of his exemplary efforts in integrating and concretizing Mission as vision and action.

Today, Fr. Leo asserts that, “You cannot go wrong if you work on the premise of a Christian value and the development of the total person.” Indeed, Janssenville and the other communities founded by Fr. Leo and the Samahang Bagong Buhay Foundation remains a strong source of hope and inspiration in their community building and the upliftment of every person’s dignity.

(Source: SVD Mission Phlippines, Inc. – Steve Villarosa)

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About A.Y. Foundation, Inc.

The AY Foundation Inc. is a YGC member, tracing back its roots to the Bayanihan Foundation set up in 1970 by Amb. Alfonso T. Yuchengco to administer an educational fund for the children of Grepalife employees and sales associates. It has then evolved to support health related projects, inspire youth to exemplify the virtues of discipline, integrity, self-sacrifice, and courage and instills social responsibility involvement among them. For more information, please visit www.ayfoundation.com.ph or call (+632) 894.9000 or drop by 48F Yuchengco Tower RCBC Plaza 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City

About JCI Philippines

JCI Philippines is part of a leading global network that of young active citizens that aims to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change in their communities to build as one. For more information, please visit www.jci.org.ph or call (+632) 374.4138, email at info@jci.org.ph or drop by 14 Don A. Roces Avenue, 1103 Quezon City

About JCI Philippines-Manila

JCI Manila is the first and premier leadership organization established not only in the Philippines but also in Asia, where young men join to become better leaders. The organization believes that it is through reaching out to others that you learn more about yourself. 

For more information, please visit www.jcimanila.org or call (+632) 525.6791 or email clubhouse@jcimanila.org

JCI Manila: University of Leaders, Incubator of Movers

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It was 1947, a mere two years after World War II, and Manila was still devastated – the second most destroyed city of the war. Its former glory was replaced by rubble, and reconstruction had barely begun.

Around the same time, a young man named Artemio L. Vergel De Dios was inspired by a feature in PIC Magazine on the US Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees), which helped the government through the leadership of individuals. He took it upon himself to help rebuild the nation through the first and oldest leadership organization in Asia, the Junior Chamber International Manila. Formerly known as the Manila Jaycees, Vergel de Dios and Ramon V Del Rosario knew that was the only way to successfully restore Manila to its former glory was to get purposeful individuals focused on the same goal. Thus, on September 12, 1947, the first JCI Chapter in Asia was born.

Inauguration of the first JCI Manila Clubhouse. Distinguished JCI Manila alumni, Ambassador Ramon V. Del Rosario is seen sixth from the right.

Since then, JCI Manila has been fostering leaders who help strengthen the nation by addressing modern-day devastations like extreme poverty, natural disasters, unemployment, and malnourishment through a vision of providing development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.

As the leading global network of young, active citizens in the country, JCI Manila has long been known as the early training grounds of notable alumni who have become movers and shakers not just in their respective fields, but within the country and around the world. Within its ranks rose such names as Mr. Washington Sycip, Ambassador Alfonso Yuchengco, Ambassador Ramon V. Del Rosario, and Mr. Henry Sy. JCI Manila has become an incubator of leaders in the public and private sectors, immersing themselves in civic duties that help propel the country and its citizens forward.

Its enduring success has earned JCI Manila the moniker of ‘University of Leaders.’ Its curriculum is shaped by a challenge to its members to reach out to the community, effect lasting and positive change, and cooperate and collaborate with each other toward a common goal. These are men, who in the words of Mr. Sycip, “Are not only men of integrity, but have the ability to inspire other dedicated and bright people to work with him.”

Echoing this sentiment, JCI Manila president Steve Baltao says, “Leadership through service is the most enduring lesson of being part of JCI Manila. I have learned more about myself reflected in the people whose lives we affect with positive change than I could ever imagine. It is an honor to be among such outstanding individuals, and an even greater honor to be of service to the community.”

JCI Manila is currently accepting applicants for membership. For more information, visit http://bit.lyjcimanilagnmo, www.jcimanila.org, like JCI Manila on Facebook, and follow @JCIManilaPH on Twitter.

The Search is on for the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award

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Finding individuals who have lived their lives in service of others.

The search is on for the 2014 Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Awardee was launched recently and this afternoon, we were glad meeting up with the organizers headed by the JCI Manila 2014 BTCA Chairman Marc Reyes; Lloyd Chao, Vice President and Mark Homer Uy, Director for Special Projects. The was held at the Akira Art of Sushi & Teppanyaki Restaurad, Alphalang, Makati City.

The Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award (BTCA) is a recognition dedicated to the late Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, 1979 Nobel Prize Winner, and was known worldwide as “The Living Saint” because of her selfless humanitarian work and ideals. The search, which was launched in 1983, is the annual project of Junior Chamber International – Manila (JCI-Manila) and the Alfonso Yuchengco Foundation (AY Foundation).

Organizers also aim to inspire others by recognizing the work selflessly done by everyday individuals. JCI-Manila BTCA Chairman for 2014 Marc Reyes says, “In today’s age where everyone’s focused on putting the spotlight on themselves, it’s refreshing to know individuals who work extra hard to improve the lives of others. We hope this could start an effect of inspiring others to do the same.” 

In the land of selfies, it is refreshing to encounter people who are selfless: dedicating their time, money, and effort to make a difference in the lives of others.

The Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award (BTCA) aims to recognize these selfless leaders who have taken up social causes that benefit the marginalized members of society. 

The award-giving body aims to refocus public attention and bring recognition to those, who like Blessed Teresa, have dedicated a portion of their lives to serving the “poorest of the poor” and have served as an inspiration to those around them. The winner will receive a cash grant of One Million Pesos (Php 1,000,000.00), at least half of which will be donated to the winner’s charitable institution of choice.

Nominees are open to any living individual, regardless of age, gender, race, and religion, who has dedicated himself fully and selflessly to humanitarian work among underprivileged Filipinos for at least 25 years, being an advocate here in the Philippines. 

In addition, nominees will be likened to the degree in which they follow the example of Blessed Teresa, both in integrity and in the simplicity of their lifestyle.

The Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award encourages anyone who may know an exemplary individual to nominate them by filling up their nomination form found on their Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/BTCAward). 

Only completed nomination forms shall be accepted. The full list of rules and regulations can be found at the back of the nomination form. 

Deadline of nominations is on July 15, 2014.

Don't forget to nominate someone selfless today, especially those who have worked very hard to help those around them.