We say Yes to the youth

The great Nelson Mandela once said that “education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” Indeed, countries with high literacy rates are among those taking the lead in different fields today. Aiming to spread the gift of proper education to the youth of the Philippines, the YesPinoy Foundation (YPF), led by its founder and chairman, award-winning actor Dingdong Dantes and executive director Joseph Aguilar, recently launched its newest program called Para-Paaralan at the NBC Tent, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. After resurrecting schools devastated by natural calamities in the past years and providing worthwhile activities to street children, YPF continues its battle against illiteracy by taking the classroom to those who need it through a roving bus caravan fully-equipped with modern educational materials. With the country’s marginalized areas as target points, Para-Paaralan will use alternative education modules through the medium of digital technology and performing/visual arts. The launch had President Benigno Aquino III as the guest of honor. He expressed his support for the project and encouraged everyone to take part in nation building by joining hands for this cause. It was a charity event of epic proportions as the country’s icons from different sectors including GMA Network, Inc. chairman of the board and member of YesPinoy Foundation’s Board of Trustees lawyer Felipe Gozon, philanthropist lawyer Loida Nicolas-Lewis and Raissa Laurel (who was welcomed that night as the newest member of the YPF family) shared their precious time and resources for the organization.

Congratulations to Dingdong Dantes and to the people behind YPF for making this monumental project possible. This will surely make our country a better place to live in!

(You may deposit your cash donations to YesPinoy Foundation at Banco de Oro (JAKAII-Legaspi St. branch) account with account name Yespinoy Foundation Inc. and account number 5340050239. For more information, please call 545-8304, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.yespinoy.org)

Welcoming their first bundle of joy

Hubert d’Aboville with the Iraya Mangyans of Puerto Galera.

Life has become more meaningful for beautiful couple Bryant Chu and wife Katrina Schoof-Chu who recently welcomed their first son Hans William “Kale” Schoof-Chu to the Christian world. Proud grandparents Lani and Hans Schoof, and Michelle and William Chu beamed with joy as they witnessed the christening of Hans who was officially baptized by Fr. Fred Jubac and Rev. Fr. Zuriel Bernardino at The National Shrine of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Quezon City. The ceremony had more than 20 family members and friends standing as ninongs and ninangs. A lavish reception immediately followed at the Quezon Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La.

Welcome to the Christian world, Hans!

In behalf of Ambassador Alfred Yao, Zest Air vice president for marketing Leveric Ng (third from left) receives the award from Rotary Club president Gert Gust (fourth from left). Looking on are (from left) Rotary Club of Manila past assistant secretary Chito Zaldarriaga, Tourism Awards chairman Bobby Joseph, Rotarian Roy Zosa and director elect Abe Pascual.

A deserving recognition

Dynamic Zest Air president and CEO Ambassador Alfredo Yao was recently recognized for his remarkable contributions to the advancement of the tourism industry during the 7th Annual Tourism Awards given by the Tourism Committee of Rotary Club Manila at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City. The ambassador was among the roster of prominent personalities lauded for their commendable efforts in boosting the country’s tourism industry.

Congratulations, Alfred and happy flying, Zest Air!