Unexpected Recognition

I was pleasantly surprised on Thanksgiving Day when I was informed by Philippine Global Explorers (PGE) that I was nominated as one of the Most Impactful Globetrotters. PGE is a worldwide organization with some 1700 members. This is a huge recognition and I am truly honored. The basis for this nomination are my charitable works through my foundation, BalayniCharie School Supplies Program. The winner will be decided on December 6th at the organization’s annual party. As a nominee, I feel I’m already a winner!

I feel deeply honored to have been nominated by members of the Philippine Global Explorers as one of the Most Impactful Globetrotters and to be in the company of distinguished nominees. It is quite a huge responsibility to bear the title "Impactful Globetrotter" and something I cannot take lightly. Having the privilege to travel, I feel it is important to reach out to my community and share this good fortune. My work with providing school supplies to children in Capiz, Philippines these last 20 years has been made possible through the generosity of friends and family from around the world. I'm grateful to PGE for recognizing this effort and I hope this will give members and associates the motivation to do the same for people and cultures that have profoundly affected their travel experiences. 

If you would like to find out more about BalayniCharie Foundation, please check this link: www.balaynicharie.blogspot.com.

*****

Images from Philippine Global Explorers

20th Year at Quinat-uyan ES

 

Finally! We have a sunny day. The kids at Quinat-uyan Elem School in Maayon enjoyed the outdoors with us even more so when they received some school supplies. Thank you Diane Acas for the backpacks. BalayniCharie is now on its 20th year of giving school supplies to the children in Capiz.

Images from TravelswithCharie

20th year at Minoro Elem School

We've had several typhoons and flooding in Capiz these past few weeks. But we made it to Minoro Elem School in Mambusao. Since it was raining, we all squeezed into the principal's office. But it was all good. Our sponsor today is Odette Aquitania Ricasa, the first Filipina to visit all 193 UN countries in the world. She is also the author of seven books and has generously supported many charitable causes including BalayniCharie School Supplies Program. Diane Acas donated the backpacks. We are grateful to our sponsors who made this event possible and drew smiles from the children. BalayniCharie is now 20 years old! Thanks to Odette Ricasa for sponsoring this event. 

These cute backpacks were donated by Diane Acas.

Images by TravelswithCharie

 

Celebrating our 20th Year

 

Tinigban Integrated School, Panitan

How we started: 

In 2006, I began giving school supplies to 20 of the most disadvantaged children in Roxas City. When we left the classroom, several children asked me, "How about us? When will you give us?" The following year I gave school supplies to the entire first and second grades. On the third year, I was able to give to the entire school. And now, BalayniCharie is on its 20th year, thanks to the generous people who supported our work. We couldn't have done it without their help. 

We kicked off our 20th year at Tinigban Integrated School where we gave school supplies to 133 students. This event was sponsored by Connie Collo. Many thanks to Connie for her staunch support of BalayniCharie. The backpacks which we gave to some deserving children were donated by Diane Acas who has been one of our steadfast supporters over the years. 

Images by TravelswithCharie