Leg Braces for ADA

Hi Everyone,

We timed our scheduled yearly trip to the Philippines so that we would be with Ada during her appointment with the orthopaedic specialist. Luckily, the weather cooperated, the recent typhoons stayed away, the boat ride was pleasant, and we had a good meeting with the specialist. She will get the braces similar to the one shown below, extending up to the hips for support and including leather shoes for her feet. Ada will be seeing the specialist for the fitting in around three weeks’ time, once the braces will be ready.

Ada had never been to McDonald’s! So following our early visit to the orthopaedic clinic, we had lunch there. What's commonplace for many children has turned out to be a special experience for her!

The trip was overall a success and hopefully will be life changing for Ada. The specialist has been quite positive in the prospect of Ada walking by herself independently. Should this become a reality, it would be a miracle!

Thanking you all for the support. It is truly appreciated.

Ruben

RAFFLE DRAW

We had the pleasure of Ada picking the winners for our fundraising raffle! We did the draw at McDonald's.

The Winners!

1st Prize: Gem Lindsay, 2nd Prize: John Stamoulis, 3rd Prize: The Quinal’s

4th Prize: Nancy Nishimura, 5th Prize: Ted Wilson, 6th Prize: Ken Egani

7th Prize: Tony & Sol Sabio, 8th Prize: Min Tungul, 9th Prize: Pat Pesch, 10th Prize: The Quinal’s

11th Prize: Clarete Family, 12th Prize: Michael & Alex Wilson, 13th Prize: Evangeline Paular, 14th Prize: Gem Lindsay

15th Prize: Marty Oliver, 16th Prize: Dave Gile, 17th Prize: Gerry Daliwan

18th Prize: Isa & Boy Berroya, 19th Prize: Estela Caballes, 20th Prize: Ann Cabahug

Congratulations and thanks again!

Posted on November 14, 2024 by Ruben Mendez.

LEG BRACES FOR ADA Fundraising Raffle

Hi Everyone,

I am pleased to announce that we are organising a raffle to help raise some money for Ada.

We encountered young Ada while distributing food relief parcels during the COVID pandemic. Ada, who has cerebral palsy, cannot walk on her own and must be carried by her parents to move around or she must resort to crawling. Her family, unable to afford a wheelchair, hoped that those providing the food might extend their generosity to assist with their needs.

It has been three years that we have been actively providing support to improve Ada’s quality of life. Recognizing her potential to learn to walk independently, we opted to provide a walker over a wheelchair, granting her some independence, especially for traveling to school. Weekly physiotherapy sessions were also arranged in hopes that she may one day walk by herself unaided.

Recently, we’ve received professional advice that leg braces could benefit Ada. The fitting procedure requires travel to Cebu, another island with more advanced medical facilities.

Proceeds from this raffle will contribute to the cost of Ada's leg braces and the associated travel and accommodation expenses in Cebu. Hopefully, Ada will be fitted with the leg braces by November, and we might arrange for Ada to pick the draw by around that time too!

My heartfelt thanks to you all and looking forward to hearing from you.

Ruben

THE PRIZES

The raffle features Posters & Books as prizes. I've authored and illustrated a book (available under two titles) dedicated to haiku poetry. The posters, chosen from this book, feature a mix of both serious and light-hearted haiku poems that provide glimpses into our surroundings and ourselves—making them interesting conversation pieces or a quirky addition to your walls to redefine your space!

TICKETS: $5 for single tickets or $50 for 12 tickets

The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes are A1-sized framed posters (59.4 x 84.1 cm). Winners may choose any one poster from the selection below.

The 4th, 5th, & 6th prizes are A2-sized framed posters (42 x 59.4cm). Winners may choose any one poster from the selection below.

The 7th, 8th, 9th, & 10th prizes are 40cm x 40cm-sized framed posters. Winners may choose any one poster from the selection below.

The 11th, 12th, 13th, & 14th prizes are 30cm x 30cm-sized framed posters. Winners may choose any one poster from the selection below.

The 15th, 16th, and 17th prizes will be signed copies of book 1 - "bulls**t," said the worm and other haiku.

The 18th, 19th, and 20th prizes will be signed copies of book 2 - saved a dragonfly and other haiku.

Associated links to artworks and books are below.

Posted on September 22, 2024 by Ruben Mendez.

Student Update

Hi All,

It is always a delight to know that another one of our students coming through our education programme has graduated. Karen finished cum laude in a Bachelor of Arts degree. This will open many opportunities for her to work in teaching, human resources, and other related fields.

Karen lost her single mother at the age of five and since then she has been under the care of her grandparents. Her grandmother (shown proudly with her above) was a seamstress and life for them has been a struggle. We are honoured to have played a significant role in what Karen has achieved so far and wish her well on her future endeavours. I would like to thank you all for the support you have given our students through the years!

Ruben

Below are our nine sponsored students who have since graduated: Cris, Ferry Jean, Humer, Buena, Dovey, Jolina, Helix, Teresa, and just the other week, Karen. Except for newly graduated Karen, they are all well on their way into their professional endeavours!

We currently have four active students, Rhea, John, Andrew, and Rosemary below. Both Rhea and John have a year left in their studies. Andrew and Rosemary started just last year. We wish them well too and I thank you all again for your continuing support.

Posted on June 24, 2024 by Ruben Mendez.

Ada

Ada on a Sunday morning stroll with dog.

Hi All,

I sent this picture of Ada to my sister.

"My complaints about the unfairness of life seem so trivial when I look at this little girl," she said.

A thought worth sharing, I guess.

Thanks. Ruben

We provided Ada with the walker around two years ago. We have also been taking care of her weekly physiotherapy sessions in the hope that one day she might be able to walk by herself without aid. Ada has cerebral palsy.

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Ruben Mendez.

Ada’s Ongoing Rehabilitation

We came into young Ada’s life more than two years ago while distributing food hampers during the Covid pandemic. She has cerebral palsy and was reduced to crawling on all fours to move around. We provided her with a walker which has made a big difference in her interaction with other children and has also helped with her early education. Instead of her mother having to carry Ada to and from school, the walker allowed her the independence to get to school by herself.

Ada’s family recently sent me a video of her reading in English. I'm not really sure what the educational standards are these days, but to be able to read in English considering it is not her native language at 7~8 years of age is truly amazing to me!!!

We are also still providing Ada her weekly physiotherapy sessions in the hope that she might be able to walk by herself one day without aid. The therapists are quite positive about this being a reality and if that happens it will be a miracle! We have done many good things for people, but for me personally, giving Ada the chance for a better life is right up there as one of the most rewarding.

Thank you all once again for the support.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Betito family for voluntarily looking after Ada’s case with care and compassion.

Ruben

Posted on March 19, 2024 by Ruben Mendez.

New Year Greetings!!!

As the New Year welcomes us with hopes anew, ‘The Project’ is sincerely wishing you and your family peace, good health and joy to a wonderful year ahead!

Kirribilli House 34 was finished with ample time for single father Alejandro and his young girls to move in from their shanty before Christmas and the New Year. What a life changing time for them!

We are still at this moment handing out the rest of the 150 food hampers that we managed to organise. I was fortunate enough to witness in person last year’s handing out of the hampers. What an invaluable experience it was to see the genuine surprise, honest smiles, and quiet tears of gratitude from unexpecting people!

We strive to give a little ray of light in this often-difficult world and hope to make a difference to people’s lives and we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without your support. On behalf of The Bohol Island Project, I truly and sincerely thank you all for your time and your generosity.

Ruben

I asked an architect friend of mine, Mr. Lucino Tagab, to help distribute our food hampers to the needy. He has done a splendid job, even singing Christmas songs to each one of them first before giving the hampers to lift people's spirits up!

Posted on December 31, 2023 by Ruben Mendez.

Christmas 2023 Food Hamper Drive

Embracing the spirit of the festive season early this year, we have started handing out food hampers for Christmas 2023. We looked for the needy and sadly were confronted by people who are experiencing the worst of times, with sickness, old age and poverty. I have edited out raw confronting images, but please take note, a few images below may still be distressing to some.

We already have around 100 lots of food hampers for this Christmas to start with, but it would be nice to spread hope and the spirit of Christmas a little further this year if possible.

So please consider donating a hamper or two. Although it may seem modest in the big scheme of things, these gifts really do bring a great deal of joy and comfort to people less fortunate than ourselves during the Christmas season.

Thanks again for all the support. It is truly appreciated.

Ruben

The hampers contain the following items: 5 kgs. of rice, canned goods (beef loaf + corned beef + sardines), noodles, cracker biscuits, powdered juice, and a pack of 10 twin sachets 3-in-1 instant coffee. The cost is A$22.00 per hamper.

Donations can be arranged through our bank account below.

Many thanks.

Posted on December 3, 2023 by Ruben Mendez.

Kirribilli House 34

The Tony & Sol Sabio House 2

Alejandro is a single dad with three daughters, the eldest aged 12 and twins aged 8. Making a living as a construction worker, he struggles just to feed and clothe his family, all the while living in terrible conditions in a small, one room corrugated iron shanty. The family was brought to our attention by a teacher who knew the plight of the girls.

The shanty was pulled down and the girls came home from school that day surprised and excited that their old place was gone and a new floor was getting built!

All in all, I am very happy for the girls. Their smiles are priceless and they now have a place where they can proudly invite their friends over. This could easily be one of the better-looking houses around too! We worked on site for only five days, Alejandro keeps on saying everything was like a dream and I’m sure it means more to him than just that.

On behalf of The Bohol Island Project, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to you all for the support through the years and most especially to Tony and Sol Sabio for this early life changing Christmas gift for Alejandro and the girls!

Ruben

Posted on November 29, 2023 by Ruben Mendez.

STUDENT UPDATE

We have a Police Officer!

One of our former students, Jolina, who completed a Bachelors Degree in Criminology after a very rigid selection and training process is now a police officer! The transformation from a reserved young girl to a confident police woman is quite remarkable!

It is humbling to know that we have played a very significant role in what she has achieved so far not only for herself, but also for her family. Jolina will be a much needed positive addition to the police force and in this capacity she will provide a great service to Philippine society for years to come.

I remember Jolina once came to our place with her mother when I was there with beautiful produce from her family to say thank you and show their deep gratitude to us all.

Together we are reshaping lives, and I thank you all for your continuing support. It is truly and dearly appreciated.

Ruben

We have eight sponsored students who have since graduated; Kris, Ferry Jean, Humer, Buena, Dovey, Jolina, and just at the end of this school year, Helix and Teresa.

Below are our five active students, Karen, Rhea, John, Andrew, and Rosemary. Karen has a year to go, Rhea and John a bit more. Andrew and Rosemary just started this year. We wish them all well and I thank you all again for your continuing support.

Posted on August 15, 2023 by Ruben Mendez.

Rosalina

Rosalina

Just like Mirasol, Ada and Shirley before her with their medical needs, Rosalina has also reached out to us desperate for help.

Rosalina is a cancer patient and has been struggling to pay her medical bills. She needed another P7,633.00 (around A$200), a sizable amount of money back home, for a much needed bone scan. Finding it difficult to raise funds for this procedure, she came seeking us out from afar. She has heard that maybe we could help in some way.

Now and again we try to lighten up the burdens of people that come our way doing it very tough. We never intended to venture into the field of medical assistance as we feel it is beyond our means, but it is very hard to say no when life itself is in the balance, and if we feel we can stretch our resources a little bit.

On behalf of the Bohol Island Project, I thank you all for the support. We wish Rosalina the best and hope this assistance will provide some relief to an already difficult situation.

Ruben

Posted on June 29, 2023 by Ruben Mendez.

Kirribilli House 32

Lucena above, is a single mother. She earns her meagre living as a house helper, doing chores for other people including laundry, cooking, cleaning, to name just a few. Her house simply collapsed due to its dilapidated state. Fortunately no one was inside when it happened, otherwise it could have been a serious disaster.

Lucena is the deserving recipient of Kirribilli House 32.

On behalf of The Bohol Island Project, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to you all for the support and most especially to the Brown and Vos-Brooking families ( Robert, Dawn, Riley / Andrew, Marthe, Isabelle, Jack) for their efforts to raise funds for this house and travelling to Bohol to do some of the work. It was truly a delight for the locals to have them around!

Ruben

Construction Video. Have a look!

Posted on June 14, 2023 by Ruben Mendez.

Ada’s Ongoing Rehabilitation

It has been almost two years since we first met Ada, a little girl with cerebral palsy that we came aware of while distributing food hampers during the Covid pandemic. Back then we provided her with a walker which has made a big difference in helping her move around independently. Ada started school last year and is now in Year 2, the walker has allowed her to journey to and from school and enjoy the company of other children.

We also made arrangements at the time for regular physiotherapy sessions in the hope that she might be able to walk by herself one day without aid. Cut short by the pandemic, she is now back having these sessions again once a week. She is still very young, and our aim is to support her achieve the potential for some independence and social well-being that could serve her well throughout her life.

These life changing opportunities would not have been possible without our assistance, and I sincerely thank you all once again for your support.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to Romeo Betito and family for voluntarily looking after Ada’s case with care and compassion.

Ruben

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Ruben Mendez.

Student Christmas Cash Gifts

On behalf of The Bohol Island Project, I would like to sincerely thank Tony and Sol Sabio for the generous Christmas cash gifts they gave to our sponsored students. We pay for their school fees but all other associated expenses are paid by our students themselves. These gifts really do help a lot and are much appreciated.

Ruben

Below are letters of thanks and appreciation from our sponsored students.

Dear Mr. Tony and Ms. Sol Sabio,

Greetings!  I am writing to express my greatest gratitude. It is such an honor to receive such blessing from both of you. I promise you po that I will use the money for my expenses, needs in school, and other important stuff. 

I am truly grateful for your kindness and I will always remember your generosity. Thank you for your support. Once again, thank you po and God bless! 

Sincerely,

Rhea Wagas

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Sabio,

Magandang araw po. Nais ko pong magpasalamat sa inyong tulong. Maraming, maraming salamat po sa ibinigay ninyong P1,000. Malaking tulong na po ito sa aking pag-aaral. Naway pagpalain pa kayo ng Panginoon.

Once again, thank you so much, Sir & Ma'am.

John Dua

Dear Mr. Tony and Ms. Sol Sabio,

Good day! I, Teresa Robilla, would like to express my sincere gratitude for giving me a generous sum of P1,000 cash. I am extremely thankful for your generosity and support. This financial gift that you have given to me will be helpful in my daily expenses as I have started my On-The-Job Training. I am delighted and honored to be one of the recipients of this gift.

Thank you once again, and more power!

Sincerely,

Teresa Robilla

Dear Sir Tony and Ma'am Sol Sabio,

I am Karen Gales and I am one of the beneficiaries of your kindness. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to you ma'am and sir as I received the P1,000 cash you have given. This would be a big help for my school expenses.

Thank you so much. God bless and more power.

Dear Mr. Tony and Ms. Sol Sabio,

Good day! I, Helix Asas, would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude and respect to the both of you for giving me with such gift of P1,000 cash. I have no words to express how happy and grateful I am. I can assure you that the money will be used for my studies with utmost care and wisely. I really appreciate and genuinely grateful to the both of you for your support.

Thank you and God bless!

Sincerely,

Helix Asas

Student assistants of Teachers College and College of Arts & Sciences

1. Hally Bayron 2. Joy Palapos 3. Dave Calag

4. Nina Frias (P250.00 each)

Posted on March 23, 2023 by Andrew Mendez.

Kirribilli House 31

The Tony and Sol Sabio House

Hi All,

Thirty-one houses built so far, we’ve done well! On behalf of The Bohol Island Project, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Tony and Sol Sabio for this colossal Christmas giveaway!

This house was constructed during the Christmas break and the jalousie windows are yet to be installed. The sign displayed at the front of the home is in memory of the family’s young daughter who sadly passed away just last November. The mother says her little sister (pictured) talks to her older sister in her sleep, the sadness in her eyes says it all. My son Andrew became interested in their story and has decided to produce a special short film, which will hopefully be ready soon.

The family moved in on Christmas day. I was there to hand over the house keys which is always a memorable experience.

Once again I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families peace, good health, happiness, and a wonderful year ahead!

Ruben

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Andrew Mendez.

2022 Christmas Hampers

Christmas Hampers

Embracing the spirit of the festive season, we handed out over 100 food hampers on Christmas Day. Some were given to needy people we were already familiar with, but most were given away to people chosen at random while driving around local roads on Christmas day. I was fortunate enough to be there in person and see first-hand the genuine surprise, honest smiles, and quiet gratitude on the faces of people whom were carrying on with their everyday lives. It was invaluable and what a fulfilling Christmas Day it was!

On behalf of The Bohol Island Project, I sincerely thank Tony-Sol Sabio and Boy-Ysa Berroya for providing most of the hampers and to you all for the additional hampers we managed to organise. Although it may seem modest in the big scheme of things, these gifts really do bring a great deal of joy to families on Christmas Day!

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families peace, good health, happiness, and a wonderful year ahead!

Thanks.

Ruben

Posted on January 8, 2023 by Ruben Mendez.

STUDENT UPDATE

Hi All,

Our former sponsored student, Humer, has finally attained his dream of working overseas as a Marine Engineer plying the world’s seven seas!

From a shy young man from humble beginnings to a confident professional, we have been instrumental in reshaping his life. It is a wondrous thing and it means the world to him and his immediate family.

I thank you all for the support without which all this could not have been possible.

Ruben

Humer’s first day at work!

P.S.

I will be away from the 26th of November so those of you who are interested in THE BOOK, please let me know. If it is through me in Australia, the book is $24.95 + postage. Otherwise it is available through Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bulls-t-said-the-worm-and-other-haiku-ruben-d-mendez/1142036104 , Amazon, etc. Thanks.

Ruben

Posted on November 15, 2022 by Ruben Mendez.

Kirribilli House 30

On behalf of The Bohol Island Project, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Joy Quinal for her recent Birthday Fundraiser. This fundraising event helped raise the money needed for Kirribilli House 30, seen here with the work ongoing.

This work will provide a safe place to live for one of our most dependable workers, Antonio and his family. Through the years, Antonio has made himself easily available to be called upon when help was needed for our housing construction projects. It wasn’t until somebody pointed it out to us, and later when we saw his place, that we realised he badly needed our help himself. It was quite the surprise and completely unsuspected that he and his family would be the recipient of this life changing gesture which he has helped to provide to many others before him. This act of compassion will mean the world to him and his family.

Many thanks again to Joy, her family, and to her great circle of friends for their support and generosity. It is truly appreciated.

Ruben

Posted on October 24, 2022 by Ruben Mendez.

Student Update

Hello All,

It’s the start of the school year in the Philippines and at present we have six active tertiary students. From left to right are Rhea, John, Teresa, Helix, Karen and Shirley (picture not available).

Of the above, we have two new additional sponsored students. John is one and he is doing a Degree in Marine Transportation. Shirley is another and she is doing a Degree in Accounting. We wish them both well.

It is always profoundly rewarding to think that we are playing a pivotal role in directing these young people’s lives towards a brighter tomorrow. Many, many thanks for the support without which this life changing opportunity afforded to them would not have been possible.

Ruben

Posted on October 12, 2022 by Ruben Mendez.

Kirribilli House 29

Hi All,

Recently I was asked if I’m still ‘giving’ houses and I have to pause for a moment and wonder - how many people are asked this question? I’m just an ordinary person, but it has dawned on me that it’s probably not that many!

Of course, these houses does not come from me, but from all of your generosity. I remember stumbling into a short conversation with Jim Masterton (of Masterton Homes fame) and presented with this scenario it would have been interesting to hear his thoughts …

Anyway, thank you all for the continued support without which all these musings could not have been possible!

Ruben

Another house almost done, our 8th since the big storm. Thank you all again for the generosity.

Posted on June 8, 2022 by Ruben Mendez.

Kirribilli House 28

Hello All,

I am unsophisticated, so I once wrote to the producers of the tv series Grand Designs trying to convince them to showcase our houses and the work we were doing!

Here are some extracts from that letter:

"There is nothing grand about these houses. In fact they are as basic as one can get. But to the homeless people that we give it to, it is beyond grand.”

“I have never seen a turnover of a building as emotional."

"The reason I'm writing is because this might interest you. I think there is a lot to ponder about the real grandeur of a building and I honestly think it is worth articulating." 

Of course, they never replied but regardless, I still believe to this day that our humble work is as grand as any architectural masterpiece that may grace our television sets.

Anyway, we have just provided another family a brand-new roof over where they do their cooking outside. Very basic and simple, yet one can imagine that it makes a lot of difference when it is wet and raining.

Many are in need and without your support, the things we do could not have been possible. Many thanks.

Ruben

Posted on May 10, 2022 by Andrew Mendez.