Category Archives: Philippines

Raymark’s wheelchair is the gift of sunshine and socializing

Raymark loves going out in his neighbourhood of Laoang, the community base of our Samar sponsor site. When he can’t go out, his sister Racelyn often sees him socializing from afar.   “He is always excited to look at people while peeking at the window,” she describes.   Raymark was born with cerebral palsy which affected the […]

Healthy teeth and happy faces thanks to ‘Zero Cavities’

Brave young Mary smiles again because she no longer has a terrible toothache!  The 11-year-old was in agony from an infected molar. But thanks to the Tondo site’s “Zero Cavities” dental program, an oral surgeon patched her up, free of charge! Dental caries is one of the leading health problems among children in Tondo. Families […]

Lucia’s Good Luck at Last

You’re never fully dressed without a smile, and wearing one comes naturally for mother-of-three Lucia. She’s a strong and cheerful woman who will do anything for her family.   She, her husband Joel, and their three children live near our Samar site in the Philippines. Two of the children are sponsored. In December of 2017, her husband became seriously ill […]

Home is Where the Heart is

“Love begins by taking care of the closest ones – the ones at home.” – St. Mother Teresa A simple roof over your head can make any place feel like home, with the knowledge you’re protected from the surrounding winds of the world. But for numerous families, like the ones living near our Samar site […]

Bushels of blessings in Baseco

While the city of Manila was still under strict COVID-19 lockdown protocols, the Tondo sponsor site knew there were children in their neighbourhood who didn’t have enough food. In particular, the site staff worried about the neighbourhood of Baseco, one of the largest slums in Manila. When restrictions lifted enough for site staff to go […]

The Radiance of Filipino cuisine: Pansit

Our regions are known for their radiant cuisine, and the Philippines are no exception. With more than 100 ethno-linguistic groups scattered throughout the nation, the country’s cuisine reflects the rich diversity of its residents. Noodles are a common ingredient in Filippino cooking, and pansit is no exception. This stir-fried noodle dish is made with fresh […]

Sponsorship was Jobert’s “Most Precious Gift”

Jobert grew up in a family of four in rural Samar in the Philippines. His parents struggled to provide for him and his siblings on only his father’s salary as a janitor. When he was little, Jobert always looked up to his aunt, who was a teacher. He and his siblings would always play ‘school’ […]

Mae Joy overcomes adversity through faith and support

Eighteen-year-old Mae Joy has had an exceptionally difficult young life. Growing up, she experienced a deeply troubled home life with a father who was unwilling to support her and her five siblings. In addition to this difficult situation, living in the Tondo slum neighbourhood in the Philippines has been a constant struggle. A few years […]

Break the barriers: Thank you for the gift of hearing

Education is essential to break the cycle of poverty, but children also need to be healthy to be able to learn. Being affected by vision or hearing loss, chronic pain, or mobility problems can severely affect a child’s ability to learn. Donations to Chalice critical needs is one way our supporters help break the barrier […]

Rosemarie’s talent for teaching

Rosemarie, from Bulacan, Philippines, is the youngest of three children. Both of her parents worked very hard, but barely earned enough to put food on the table. Many days, Rosemarie would go to school without eating anything for the entire day. While she was still in elementary school, Rosemarie was selected by a Chalice sponsor. […]