LATEST NEWS Children’s Village benefit from massage bed sales Watsons helps fight malnutrition Amor Por Los Niños (Love for Children)

Children’s Village benefit from massage bed sales One (1) massage bed will be donated for every ten (10) referrals of Bantay Bata 163 to Le Masseuse Massage Beds Company. This is their way of giving back to those in need as they are very thankful for the blessings they have received for the past few years. The Le Masseuse offers strong, sway-free, and elegant beds that customers can make use of while having massages or spa treatments. Donated beds will benefit our Children’s Village in Norzagaray, Bulacan. BACK TO TOP

Watsons helps fight malnutrition Watsons Your Personal Store has partnered with Bantay Bata 163 through its “Kid’s Health” campaign, under its banner program entitled “Simply Health.” With the program’s present focus on children’s health and making a positive change in the lives of the children, Bantay Bata 163 was chosen as the beneficiary of their fundraising activity. “To make our message more powerful, relevant and more meaningful, we chose to specifically donate to its Bantay Kalusugan (Feeding) program as we, at Watsons, believe in its mission to create a better, healthier world for our Filipino children,” Mr. Robert U. Sun, Chief Operating Officer of Watsons said during the interview. He added, “Watsons does not stop at just sourcing and selling the best products at the fairest prices, we also take pride in being a caring corporate citizen.” The fundraising activity will be from June 15 to August 15, 2008 wherein a PHP5.00 donation will be given to Bantay Bata with every bottle purchase of 3 UNILAB products, namely, Tiki-TIki Star Syrup (120mL and 60mL), Nutroplex with Iron and Lysine Syrup (500mL and 250mL) and Enervon-C Plus Syrup (500mL and 250mL). All proceeds will help sustain the ongoing feeding projects under the Bantay Kalusugan Program. With the vision to create “a country free from malnutrition and child abuse, with empowered and enlightened families and communities,” the Bantay Kalusugan Program fights malnutrition one municipality at a time. With each site, an average of 200 malnourished children and their families are provided proper nutrition and means to sustain this too. To date, the program has benefited 7 sites nationwide, with 4 ongoing sites in Guimaras, Pampanga and Albay. “We care deeply about the health and wellness of our Filipino children and it is our privilege to support them through Bantay Kalusugan,” said Mr. Sun. The fundraising activity is currently ongoing in all 139 Watsons branches nationwide. BACK TO TOP

Child writer helps children in need Isabella Clarisee Juria may only be a nine-year-old girl, yet she has not only written an inspiring children’s storybook but has also chosen to help the children of Bantay Bata 163 by donating a percentage of the book sales. You’re a Star, published by Vibal Publishing House, Inc., through LG&M Corporation, is about the heartwarming story of love, faith and friendship between a child named Jamie and her pet pug Prince as they gave their best to win in a pet show contest. “I want them to learn that in anything you do, as long as you always do your best, you’re always a star!” said Isabella when asked about the book’s lesson. Her message to Bantay Bata 163 children, in particular, “Even if they are less privileged, they’re a star in their own special way.” You’re a Star, an ideal gift for little children, is available in all leading bookstores in Metro Manila. Also available is a special gift pack which includes a stuffed toy pug named Prince which is the main character of the story. BACK TO TOP

Amor Por Los Niños (Love for Children) Ianne Castillo is a gifted Filipino artist who now resides in Spain. She shares her blessings and talent to the people of her native land through a solo painting exhibit that will benefit both Bantay Bata 163 and Alay sa Bansa Center for Formation Research & Development(ACFRD)*. To see the sample pieces of her work, go to http://www.bantaybata163.org/help_merchandise.asp or click on the merchandise button on this website. To purchase paintings seen on this website or to see more of her work, please call China or Freda at 9290967, 4110856, or 163 or email bantaybata163@abs-cbn.com. A total of 24 paintings are for sale. Buy a piece of art and help build a better future for the Filipino children. This exhibit will run from 13 to 18 August 2008 at the Gallery, Ground level of Makati Shangri-La, Manila * ACFRD is an organization that engages in research and development to come up with formation programs aimed at producing caring leaders who are oriented towards serving the community where its members can excel or develop their full potential. Special thanks to Makati Shangri-La, our official venue and launch partner; Poly System Exhibitors Services Corporation, for the panel boards and setup; Espafil Import and Export Corp., for the wine; and Coca-Cola Export Corp., for the water and softdrinks for the launch. CRITIQUES ABOUT IANNE CASTILLO Exhibits a work characterized by her capacity and mastery of drawing, outlining palm trees, tropical vegetation, the presence of flowers, displaying an idyllic world, nearly as if we were in paradise. Hence, the presence of jewelry that shield and blend with the sparkling greenery of the impenetrable jungle, which, nonetheless, slowly unfolds the freedom of a naïve world made up by good spirits. The descriptive is dominant and color is used as counterpoint, giving form to a bright pattern of naïve but precise strokes. Joan Lluis Montané International Art Critics Association In the old European empires, the sun did not shine. The memory of our kings and queen are the only ones left in the memory of our minds. From this memory, our painter Ianne Castillo unconsciously revives these beautiful images, these historical re-creation that flows in our technified and massified twentieth century like mannah from heaven. That is why we like this painter as she is able to revive our common historical legacy and our common Filipino Spanish soul. Carlos Agustin de Mendoza Secretary C.G. Jung Foundation Madrid, 1999 When one faces the paintings of Ianne R. Castillo, one can view it from a critical point of view or from a contemplation of a recognizable image. Upon seeing Ianne’s work, I cannot help but feel intuitive about the simplicity of her images. There’s a certain ingenuity and a truth of who has done the pieces. The author has shown herself the way she really is. She has created images that are living experiences, ornaments that show a world in itself. That’s why when I look at Ianne’s work, I cannot help but be receptive to what she says through her paintings and allow her to lead me to the charm of her ornamental sincerity. Jose Ma. Garayo Painter and Dean of Faculty of Fine Arts, Universidad de Complutense de Madrid 1998 Vincent Van Gogh said that "from the very beginning of creation, there was never two hours of the same light." We live in a time of changes, of avant-garde movements, of fresh visions of ethics and aesthetics. The world of plastic art is searching for new horizons, from realism to abstraction, from ultra conceptual art to a fervent return to tradition. Faced with this multiplicity of options, every artist continuously strives to find his own work, his innermost rhythms, always seeking in his own personal ways to find plastic solutions and express the beauty of his inner world. Ianne R. Castillo's artistic vision is outstanding, fresh, innovative and created with a symbolic universe still in evolution and still open to new paths of beauty and originality. To this very human and personal art, expressed with the heart, we offer our homage and admiration. Carlos Semprún Vice President, Ateneo de Madrid Madrid, 1994 EXHIBITS Ianne’s talent and masterpieces have been showcased in different parts of the globe: 2007 Estay, Madrid, Spain 2006 Universidad Popular de Alcorcon,Madrid 2005 Estay, Madrid, Spain 2004 Restaurante Ulan, Madrid Club Financiero Genova (Madrid Business Club, Madrid Nim ArtGallery,Madrid 2003 Fundacion Gregorio Sanchez, Madrid 2002 Estay, Madrid, Spain Libreria Historica Antes ,Madrid Restaurante SULU, Madrid, Spain Feichtner and Mezrahi Gallery, Vienna, Austria 2001 Estay, Madrid, Spain 2000 Hein Crispjin Gallery, Leiden, Holland 1999 The Ayala Museum, Manila, Philippines Promenade Plaza, Hilversum ,Holland 1998 Casa de America, Madrid, Spain Gooi Nord Zienenmis, Blaricu, Holland The Philippine Center, New York, USA 1997 The United Nations, New York, USA 1996 The Victoria Gallery, New Jersey, USA 1995 Schevenhagen Gallery, Holland 1994 The Manila Hoitel Gallery, Manila, Philippines 1993 Galeria Sta. Barbara, Madrid, Spain 1992 Centro Civico de la Vaguada, Madrid, Spain Colegio Mayor de Guadalupe, Madrid, Spain 1991 Junta Municipal de Fuencarral, Madrid, Spain BACK TO TOP

Cambodia– Kazakhstan Exposure Study Tour Representatives of two emerging child helplines from Cambodia and Kazakhstan visited Bantay Bata 163 for an exposure study from April 27 to May 2, 2008. The five-day visit allowed Bantay Bata to share its technical expertise in operating a child helpline call center. This exchange was facilitated by Child Helpline International (CHI), a global network of telephone helplines and outreach activities for children and young people, based in Amsterdam. Bantay Bata is an active member of CHI; and its Program Director Ms. Tina Monzon-Palma is the CHI Taskforce Head in the Asia- Pacific Region. For details on Child Helpline International, visit www.childhelplineinternational.org BACK TO TOP

Bantay Bata Bicol on its 2nd Year A community outreach program was conducted last March 15, 2008 at Banquerohan Resettlement Site, Legazpi City in celebration of Bantay Bata Bicol’s 2nd Year Anniversary. A total of 243 children from Banquerohan Elementary School Annex and their families were served. An advocacy on children’s rights was simultaneously conducted in every grade level. Selected children gave an intermission number followed by a turn over of encyclopedias to the Banquerohan Elementary School. Despite the heavy rain, fun and games were facilitated by the volunteer Social Work students from Bicol University. A mascot from Jollibee – LCC added more joy as he performed the famous “Papaya Dance”. The activity culminated with supplemental feeding which made the children very happy as they ate their burgers and drank their milk. Vitamins and give-aways were distributed. This celebration is in partnership with Bicol University Social Work Department. Special thanks to: Jollibee-LCC, Cosmetique Asia, Smart, Faday Ads, Twister Ads. BACK TO TOP

10 years of service... During its anniversary celebration last February 21, 2008, Bantay Bata honored its donors and supporters with a concert at the Meralco Theater. ABS-CBN stars serenaded the guests with inspiring songs arranged by Mr. Ryan Cayabyab. The concert was highlighted with the performance of the Bantay Bata 163 Children’s Choir, three young talents from the Simon of Cyrene Foundation and the Mandaluyong Children’s Choir which brought the audience to tears. ABS-CBN Foundation’s Managing Director, Ms. Regina Paz Lopez, presented Bantay Bata 163’s decade of accomplishments and spoke of its aim in the coming years of expanding its services from rescuing and rehabilitating abused children to addressing issues on malnutrition through the Bayan ni Juan Program. The Bayan ni Juan Program aims to address nutritional problems and to provide education and a good environment, all instrumental in preparing children for a better future. BACK TO TOP

Feeding Graduation in Pamplona The realization of the dream of Bantay Bata 163 – Bicol, which is to provide proper nutrition to underprivileged children in Pamplona, was made possible through the assistance of PHILRACOM (Philippine Racing Commission) with the cooperation of the Municipality of Pamplona. Family and Community Strengthening Project (for the protection of children) or FCSP -Bantay Kalusugan’s feeding component was launched last December 31, 2006 and culminated July 14, 2007. 200 malnourished children from 7 barangays in Pamplona benefited from the program. From which, eight (8) of them graduated with flying colors. They were given special awards based from the their weight before and after the supplemental feeding. Those who gained weight consistently were given recognition. Municipal Mayor Gemimo Imperial expressed his sincere gratitude for the assistance provided for them and for the support their municipality had received. Ms. Eva Bataller, the Deputy Executive Director of PHILRACOM gave her message and stated the reason why they were inspired to support such project in Pamplona. She even expressed her willingness to finance another project but this time, it will be for the adult. Aftercwhich, Ms. Amy Villafuerte, the Station Manager talked in behalf of Ms. Tina Monzon Palma. Booths lended by SMART Communications were provided outside the hall for PHILRACOM who gave 200 lootbags for the kids, for MODERNA and ATLANTIC Bakery who donated bread for the parents and children beneficiaries. Other booths were used by BB 163 – Bicol and the student volunteers from Ateneo de Naga University, Unibersidad de Sta. Isabel and Bicol University who facilitated games for the children. Nine stoves were also awarded to the winners in the raffle draw. Winners were drawn from the nine feeding centers. Several prizes were also given to those who won the games. 98% of the children participated had increased on their weight and were not longer malnourished after 6 months under the feeding sessions of Bantay Kalusugan Project in Pamplona. After the feeding component, Bantay Bata 163 – Bicol will focus on the second phase of FCSP to strengthen the capabilities of the parents so that they could sustain the nutritional status of their children. BACK TO TOP

Bantay Bata - Bicol launched Bantay Kalusugan In 2004, the National Nutrition Council identified Pamplona, Camarines Sur as the 7th nutritionally depressed municipality in the Philippines. Activities were initiated such as the feeding program by the local government and independent groups to address this concern but still resources are limited in this poor agricultural community. With the help of Chariman Florencio Fianza (ret. gen.) of the Philippine Racing Commission, Bantay Bata extended its service to collectively address the issue of malnutrition and child abuse in seven barangays. Bantay Bata Bicol together with the Municipality of Pamplona headed by Mayor Gemino Imperial launched the Bantay Kalusugan (BK) program under the Family and Community Strengthening Project last December 16, 2006 at Camp Patricia, Brgy. Del Rosario, Pamplona, Camarines Sur. BK includes a feeding program, children''s activities, training and seminars on health and nutrition for parents. These activities will provide a venue to advocate on the rights and welfare of the child. Ms. Girlie Aragon, the Deputy Director of Bantay-Bata, members of the Municipal Council and the Sangguniang Barangay formalized the partnership with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to include Cagbibi, Del Rosario, San Rafael, San Gabriel, San Isidro, Veneracion and Tampadong. Bantay Bata Bicol spearheaded a Bantay Kalusugan Council (BK-Council) to oversee the effective implementation and advocacy of Bantay Kalusugan. Other nutritionally depressed areas in Bicol that needs further support are the following: Albay-Bacacay, Guinobatan, Libon, Ligao, Malinao, Oas and Rapu-Rapu; Camarines Sur- Mercedes, Paracale, Baao, Balatan, Buhi, Bula, Calabanga, Caramoan, Goa, Lagonoy, Libmanan, Minalabac, Ocampo, Pamplona, Pasacao, Pili, Ragay, San Fernando, San Jose and Tigaon. BACK TO TOP