EVENTS: GMA Kapuso Foundation Launches Celebrity Ukay-Ukay at eBay.

We all know how valuable education is for a country like ours to achieve economic gain. There are a lot of endless possibilities on achieving this. Everyone is veered towards improving the education state in the Philippines; however one major hindrance is the lack of resources. Let's face the fact that there are insufficient schools to give children a decent ground to study and learn. No opportunity means no future for some. So the quest for achieving this primary goal paved the way for the Kapuso School Development (KSD) Project by the GMA Kapuso Foundation. 

I myself have a very soft heart for our unfortunate Filipino children. I believe that each individual must have the clout to reach out in every way they can to give them a brighter hope and future. I graced the Bloggers Press Conference for GMA Kapuso Foundation’s Celebrity Online Ukay-Ukay Launch at the GMA Network Center and it definitely opened my eyes more on how this non-government organization (NGO) has been exerting all efforts to build decent classrooms in the remote areas of our community. They operate independently and through this presscon, they intend to share to us what the Foundation has to offer.

Ms. Carmela 'Mel' Tiangco, GMA Kapuso Foundation EVP/COO 

The Kapuso Foundation works hand in hand with Department of Education to build decent classrooms particularly to those areas affected by extreme calamities. They were able to put up 89 classrooms in Luzon last year after Pepeng and Ondoy. The foundation's activities are worthy of supporting as they also have a drive to keep the Bayanihan spirit alive, by the voluntary labor from every classroom built. They also conduct regular health services and even environmental advocacy. 

The GMA Kapuso Foundation plans to build/rehabilitate 50 classrooms per year. But as foreseen, the aspect of having the appropriate budget is again, being faced.  The face, inspiration and the heart of the GMA Kapuso Foundation, Ms. Carmela 'Mel' Tiangco was there to guide us into a deeper perspective. 

GMA Kapuso Foundation EVP/COO Mel Tiangco, heads the project despite of the hardships they encounter. KSD's main goal is to build decent classrooms and maintain the existing ones in good condition. "Our School Development Project used to be a calamity base. Pag may calamity, there is an outpouring of donations from the public. Donations come- only when calamity comes." says Ms. Tiangco. She added that they are on a mission on how to produce money without any calamity and continue the school rehabilitation project. Absolutely agree. We must not wait for another calamity for us to be able to move forward.

Ms. Tiangco shared that Php 100 million donations were derived from the Ondoy Fund drive. After the execution of relief operations, or everything has died down, they will go back to the area and check on where to spend the donated money judiciously and for a long-term basis.

"Kapuso Foundation offers you to become a medium of public service", she stresses. Though she admits that she is a Social Networking Services noob, it did not discourage her and said that she can reach out to us so that we can be a part of this advocacy.

They have executed two events such as celebrity auctions/bazaars. Although successful, she told us why they need to look out for more resources. There is a very low awareness regarding the program and the proceeds were not enough to maintain the ongoing projects.

They decided to launch the  GMA Kapuso Foundation's "Ogie and Regine Celebrity Ukay-Ukay" that will initially start on the 15th of July 2011, Friday. Celebrity items will be out for online auction at www.ebay.ph/ukayukay until July 25. This will benefit of course the Kapuso School Development Project, "I assure you that every single centavo will go to the foundation project", Ms. Tiangco again reiterates.

"I'm hoping for people to share their resources, this is where people can bring out the love in their hearts for their fellowmen and the people in need", she adds. 

When asked why ebay.ph was the chosen partner and said, "We wanted to sell fast; reach out to the younger sect; they are easy to work with and had a great deal offered to us". No doubt that eBay.ph is already a pro in their field of expertise and I wouldn't be surprised if the Celebrity Ukay-Ukay online shopping site would attract higher traffic this time around. Why? Because this is not limited to just one network. It's open for all celebrities; hence any so-called network war is set aside.

Chris Tiu showed his support by showing his limited edition autographed jersey that is in line for the auction. He wore it during their national competitions held abroad and said that there is only 1 piece available for the said item.

Chris Tiu and Mr. Henry Perez, Executive Director of GMA Kapuso Foundation
shows off the limited edition jersey that will be up for bidding.

"I will donate more of my personal items like shorts, etc.. because I'm so happy supporting this project. It's for a noble cause...and mas maraming nakakaalam, mas maraming ma-raise na projects," he optimistically says.  

Chris Tiu  Autographed Jersey
starting bid: Php 499.00

Mr. Henry Perez, Executive Director of GMA Kapuso Foundation, pointed out that, "We encourage you to create more positive noise to create greater awareness for this project. It will definitely mean more projects that will equate to more classrooms".

Do mark your calendars for its launch! It will commence on 15 July 2011, at 07:00 AM. There will be an initial of 7 pre-loved celebrity apparels up for bidding for 10 days, after which the highest winner will be determined. I had the privileged of seeing the items and trust me; they are indeed good if not really awesome finds! By July 25, another new batch of items will be out. Starting bid price for the items range between Php 499.00-Php 9,999.00, just the same average price range we used to buy cosmetics and clothes from the shopping malls isn't it? I have a feeling one of my readers will be one of the lucky winning bidders!

As the owner of this site and at the same I value my readers' feedback, majority of you always look forward to my personal/top picks for any feature of shops and the like. So here's a bonus and I'd let you have a sneak peak of what you can get from the Celebrity Ukay-Ukay at eBay.ph. I myself will bid for one of the items below!

July 15 Batch 1 Items for Auction:

Kris Aquino's Fire Engine Red Bustier Gown
starting bid: Php 9,999.00
willowy, fierce red gown, the bottom part of the gown is 19 yards long.

 John Lapuz’ Andy Warhol Seiko Watch
 a special collector’s edition bearing the Marilyn Monroe design
starting bid: Php 5,999.00
 face of watch is bordered with white rhinestones with a sprinkling of aqua stones to match the aqua hour and minute hands

Sharon Cuneta's Valentino Rosette Sandals
starting bid: Php 3,999.00
sz  41 / 10.5 | Brand-new with tag
anything Valentino is fabulous! just look at the rosey details!

July 25 Batch 2 Items for Auction:

Dingdong Dantes' Lord of the Rings Figures
starting bid: Php 499.00
I love Frodo Baggins!

Regine Velasquez' Aubergine Gown by Nicole Miller 
starting bid:Php 999.00



the combination of the aubergine and the yellow beige dramatically blends 
well, the ruffles and the 
drapes design stays true to the Nicole Miller style.

This is one fulfilling day that can happen to people like us. We only not had the chance to enjoy the comfort of shopping but what matters most is that we became an instrument of God's love. Think of an unfortunate child that badly wants to go to a decent school but is deprived of having that luxury in life. Let's help make a change, it is not measured by how big or small it is, what matters is you're armed with an honest intention. As what Ms. Mel Tiangco said, "This is an advocacy, not a business". 

Let's have an online ukay-ukay date with the celebs on July 15/25, shall we?

Get updated and like the GMA Kapuso Foundation Inc (Facebook Page) and follow them on Twitter @gmakf

Can you help me on my journey my dear readers to promote the foundation’s advocacy and help increase awareness? I highly encourage everyone to use the hashtag #celebrityukay from today onwards and be an instrument of love.