Makopa Foundation : Helping out the Community





      It has become a habit for us to read the Broadsheet delivered into our doorsteps while having our coffee or hot cocoa , or watch the morning daily news on TV though it seldom contains something uplifting. It's always has been about the Global Crisis sadly it's our current reality. So I'm sharing this little something that could help you hoist your Humanity and start a little movement of your own.
     A friend of mine "TP Gabris" started Makopa Foundation (a Non- profit Organization) together  with her partner Miguel with a capital of Php5,000.00 donated by Miguel's aunt which was supposedly a budget for a despedida party but the latter suggested it was too much  and instead give it to someone in need, so the thought of organizing a feeding program transpired, they have shared the idea to other family members and close friends to ask them for help to push through the Idea. Donations started flooding in from used clothes, Blankets, Raw ingredients and other in kinds, then they have decided to keep the Php5,000.00 budget for their next and future projects since they have produced enough for the current project they were working on. Some close friends also volunteered to help in cooking and packing foods that will be given to the community. Chosen area for the first feeding program was Dasmariñas Bagong Bayan (DBB) it is the largest resettlement area in the country established by the letter of Instruction No. 19 of the former President Ferdinand Marcos in 1975. The movement started from Dasma Bayan (town proper) , Kadiwa , Paliparan ,GMA, Burol and Salitran. Packed meals and clothes was handed out to the spotted homeless and selected community.


Makopa Foundation 2nd Movement

     Visited Langkaan Elementary School Dasmariñas Cavite , to deliver school supplies, slippers , and meals to selected students.

Founders Miguel and TP with the selected students of Langkaan Elementary School




     Latest project of the Foundation was held last November 19, 2017 together with help of some College friends and other Donators. Goal was to hand out packed meals and clothes at the coastal area from Naic , Tanza , Ternate and Maragondon"

L - R ( Volunteers: Mich , Eric , Jamie , Dhora , Charina , Charm , Kat , Founders: TP and Miguel)





















    















 "Our main goal was to make people happy when we started out the Foundation. It deeply saddened us every time we see old folks still doing their hardest to provide for their family even though their main income comes from collecting garbage's, because of that they were neglected by the society and no one tries to approach them. When you are outside volunteering in the field you will sincerely feel both Pain and Happiness. Pain thinking that what would happen to them if they are completely forgotten by the Society and Happy when they give you those precious smile even though what we have given them was only a day supply of food, through these programs we realize that our main purpose in life as a Human being and part of the Circle was to share Love, Harmony and Compassion hoping that our simple acts could make a change that would reach and encourage other people to join our movement."

                                                                                    ~ TP & Miguel


     Most of the areas visited by Makopa Foundation are mostly situated in the Rural areas of Calabarzon Region IV-A , If you would love to join movement or donate any in kinds you can drop a message through their Facebook page through this link : Makopa Foundation


]

Summer Boys


          Got the chance to visit the well known tourist spot of Del Carmen, Siargao and met these awesome guys from Germany.



''SUMMER BOYS''
Minolta srt 101
Kodak colorplus 200

Portrait 1


     Our Ate Sarah (with glasses) came to Philippines for a short vacation, Me and Dora met her at Ortigas for some catching up and unwinding. We haven't bonded for about 2 years since Ate Sarah is living in Singapore.


'' Sarah and Dora"
Minolta srt 101
Fuji c200

The Dogs of Cloud 9


      Taken during my last trip at Siargao Island, Philippines. Dropped by Cloud 9 to watch the surfing competition but instead I got distracted by these adorable furry friends.



''Summer Dogs"
Minolta srt 101
Kodak color plus 200

Street Of Ortigas1


     So I got the free time to meander around the metro for a quick snap of pretty random things , lately I have been leaning towards film photography to refine my skills and sense of artistry.



"Thread of Lanterns"
 Minolta srt 101
Fuji c200

Bag of Beans : Twin Lakes Tagaytay




     Have you been searching for places to eat with a really relaxed ambiance , a place were you could glorify your meals more and at the same time your eyes being feasted with pleasing decors to keep your artistic side going? ,then you definitely have to visit Bag of Beans Twin Lakes , this is already their second branch and to make things better it is situated at the summer capital of the south which is Tagaytay city.




    Bag of Beans Twin Lakes has a very different aesthetic display than the first one. Once you have entered the restaurant you will surely feel unreal , it looks just like a cut out from a lifestyle magazine. The shop has two dining floors which also have different concept, main floor's interior is purely white walls , glass windows over looking the breath taking landscape of Tagaytay plus the cool breeze (who needs an air-conditioning?) with accents of pastel colored decorative and wood works. Everything looks very timeless and making you wish it was your own vacation house.








     Now you don't have to fly off to Seoul Korea just to dine and do a photo ops with their fancy themed coffee shops because we already have it.







  
     The ground dining hall has more color splash and different kind of patterns. I'm not sure if they got the inspiration of the interior from Martha Stewart because that was the vibe I was getting from the aesthetics.

 \
     Aren't these Machuca tiles lovely, it makes the restaurant feel really homey.


    
     Not only the interior is commendable but also their staffs service , very genuine they smile all through out your stay and will make you very comfortable , and what will complete your experience is definitely the food.

     In every restaurant I visit,  I always try their Hamburger and fries first to see how they prepare their food , because I have these previous experience with other restaurant that their Burger and fries being dry and cold but Bag of Beans did not disappoint me. 

  
     I also recommend their apple pie a cherry on top of their menu , it is one of the tastiest and creamiest pie I have tasted like how your grandma will make her pie.



     Visiting Bag of Beans is definitely a go to for those who wants a little escape and break from the busy life in the metro. It is only 2 hours away, take a drive with your or friends and treat yourself, you deserve it .


How to get there?

via public transportation:


  • You can ride provincial buses at Araneta , Buendia and Paranaque Bus Terminal
  •  Take the buses with sign boards of Tagaytay - Nasugbu
  •  It will cost you around Php 150 - Php 180.00 
  • You can just inform the Conductor to drop you off at Bag of Beans but you have to make sure to tell them that you are going to the Twin lakes branch located at Laurel , Batangas because the buses will also  pass by the Main Branch at Mendez Crossing, Tagaytay.

via private transportation

  • you can either take the Aguinaldo Highway route or South Luzon Expressway (slex) then Sta. Rosa Exit.



Aguinaldo Highway

  • Take the Coastal Expressway from Paranaque going to Bacoor Aguinaldo Highway
  • continue driving passing Bacoor, Imus ,Dasmariñas and Silang
  • Once you have reached Olivares , Tagaytay rotunda turn right taking the Tagaytay- Nasugbu road.
  • from there you just have to drive straight to Twin Lakes shopping village and you will reach your destination
South Luzon Expressway (S-lex)


  •  This route is much faster than taking Aguinaldo Highway it has the least traffic going out of Manila.
  •  Drive through S-lex then take Sta. Rosa Exit
  •  after paying the toll fee turn right to Sta. Rosa - Tagaytay road driving to Tagaytay city public market 
  •  Once you have reached the public market again you have to turn right at the main road going to Olivares rotunda from there you can take the Tagaytay - Nasugbu road going to twin Lakes.  
    
If you have more queries you can contact their west lake branch  
Bag of Beans Café and Restaurant, Inc. “West Lake Branch”
Aguinaldo Highway, Twinlakes Shopping Village,
Dayap Itaas Laurel, Batangas
Tel No.: 046-4604146




The Art of Kindness


Art Exhibit for a Cause
 
 
 
     One of the topics and challenges our Government still facing besides the Drug war and Terrorism is saving our Eco- system. Our country the Philippines is known to be gifted with pristine body of waters, lush and green landscapes, and unique flora and faunas, being a viral part of our living it is our duty to keep it un-harmed and reproducing for the next coming generations. 
 

 
 
     Act of Kindness (AOK) partnered with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Solaire Resort and Casino and came up with the Art of Kindness: Exhibit for a Cause, they have collaborated with selected Filipino artist who also share the Vision and Mission to protect our environment, they showcased their own unique artworks with the theme of "Nature" for them to be able to encourage more people to join the movement. 
 
 
Patrick Cabral 
 
 
 

 

  

 
 
Kevin Sabino
 
 

 
 
Wilfredo L. Rufon Sr.
 

 
 


     Visit the Gallery section of Solaire Resort and Casino and witness for yourself the artworks of our own local artists Patrick Cabral, Galaxie Maria Del Fino, Juan Elani Tulas, Kevin Sabino, Maria Frances Eugenio , Hiedeliza Ocampo Magsino, and Wilfredo Rufon Sr.

Metro Manila in Film

   July 19, 2018 it was Thursday and got to spend the day to myself. I was having breakfast while thinking what to do for the day that I r...