05May2024

Making a Difference ●Building Dreams ● Creating Impact ● Saving Lives

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HEAD OFFICE:                          548 Market Street,
San Francisco, CA 94104         USA

PROJECT OFFICE:                  Pearl Condo, Bldg A, 15 Fl., Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd.,      Yangon, Myanmar

hello@marykyapfoundation.org

US: +1 415 991 2030                 US: +1 415 799 8282                    MM: +95 9 977 66 7777

Copyright © 2024         All Rights Reserved.

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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
April 24, 2023

Angelina Jolie

 

“A mother of six doing it all for the Orphan Bill.”

– Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie, a famous American actress, is a mother of six children in which, three of whom she adopted internationally, and the other three was biological. Jolie had first witnessed the effects of a humanitarian crisis while filming Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) in war-torn Cambodia. Having seen it, Jolie contacted the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for information on international trouble spots. She began visiting refugee camps worldwide to learn more about the conditions in these areas. 

Angelina Jolie was moved because of the children and the people she has witnessed from around the world, resulting in her considering adoption. 

Angelina Jolie says,

 “Each is a beautiful way of becoming family. It is important to speak openly about all of it and share. ‘Adoption’ and ‘orphanage’ are positive words in our home. I can’t speak of pregnancy with my adopted children, but I speak with much detail and love about the journey to find them and what it was like to look in their eyes for the first time.” 

 

Angelina Jolie is truly the definition of an advocate, for she is taking strides to help children in need in developing countries. In 2007, Angelina Jolie launched the Global Action for Children (GAC) Program to help orphaned children in third-world countries receive support, including a free primary school education. Jolie spends considerable time assisting orphans in third-world countries, for many of her children are adopted from poor nations. 

Jolie and her former husband, Brad Pitt, also worked towards passing the Orphan’s Bill in Congress for orphaned children in poverty-stricken nations to gain access to a proper education. They believe these countries will improve if the future generation is properly educated, helping to end the continuous cycle of poverty. Angelina Jolie wishes to see millions of orphaned children receive proper care and support through the Orphan’s Bill. Through this, hopes that the poverty-stricken nations surrounding them will also improve.

The Mary K. Yap Foundation would like to acknowledge Angelina Jolie in our Individual Spotlight series as an incredible ambassador and inspiration to all children, especially those most vulnerable and affected. 

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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
April 24, 2023

A generous heart

We have been in a world of pandemics and crises from the year 2020 up until the present. A lot of people, especially the poor, are greatly affected by Covid19. Many people have transitioned from working in the office to working from home, and students have transitioned from having a face-to-face class set-up to having virtual classes.

Many businesses were also affected and needed to close, resulting in people losing jobs. However, despite the downside of the pandemic year, some companies grew exponentially, especially those online platform businesses like Amazon.

Since a lot of people are afraid to go outside to shop and buy necessary things, people resorted to believing in online platform businesses. Mackenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos, said she accelerated her charitable donations because of the “wrecking ball” effect of the coronavirus, which she noted has also “substantially increased the wealth of billionaires.” 

Melissa Berman, CEO of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, told Bloomberg that Scott’s nearly $6 billion in donations this year “has to be one of the biggest annual distributions by a living individual” to working charities.  Scott also signed the Giving Pledge in 2019, promising to give most of her wealth to philanthropy. 

This is great news for the economy because even though we are undergoing a pandemic, still some businesses are getting their target sales thus, it will not have a great low impact on the economy. It’s a blessing to have someone like Mackenzie Scott, who supports the welfare of others and who has a generous heart for giving back to other people. 

Like Mary K. Yap Foundation, the people behind this foundation have a great heart for orphaned children who need help. They aim to support orphans and philanthropies because they believe that these people can still go a long way given the proper care and guidance. 

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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
April 24, 2023

Carlin Isles

There are many stories of successful orphans who became heroes in the sports and entertainment industry.  They made their history by remaining motivated and determined to achieve their life aspirations despite their humble upbringing and difficulties.  Carlin Isles is an example of an individual who struggled during childhood and became famous in sports by becoming the fastest man in Rugby.  As part of our coverage of individual spotlight of successful orphans, below is a snapshot of a person who made a massive impact. 

Carlin Isles was born in Massillon, Ohio, on November 21, 1989.   He spent most of his time in his early days since he rarely saw his biological mother when growing up.  Carlin Isles did everything possible to survive, even to the point of eating dog food.  At the age of 7, he was adopted by Starlett and Charles Isles, who treated him like their own and supported him with the stability and love he needed to excel in sports and academics.

While growing up, Carlin Isles ran track and played American football, holding multiple high school track and field records.  Next, he enrolled at Ashland University, where he became an All-American in the 60m dash and ran a personal best of 6.68 seconds, a school record. He also holds freshman class records in the 100m and 200m dash (indoor and outdoor).  Before taking up Rugby in 2012, Isles ranked as the 36th fastest sprinter in the United States with a 100-meter outdoor personal best of 10.13 seconds.

 Then, miles Craigwell encouraged him to start playing Rugby, another crossover athlete from American football who played for the United States national team. Isles played club rugby with the Gentlemen of Aspen RFC, based in Aspen, Colorado.

Isles first caught the attention of the rugby media in the summer of 2012 when Rugby Mag dubbed him “The Fastest Man in American Rugby, ” according to (celebsagewiki.com).   Isles played for the US national developmental team Atlantis in July 2012 at the Victoria 7s tournament.  He was a part of the Warriors 7’s side that won the Melrose Sevens in April 2014.  With over 100 tries, Isles ranks third for the United States in career tries scored.

 Carlin Isles’s determination and persistence made him a well-known Rugby player.  He ‘didn’t let his past upbringing affect him; instead, he followed his dreams of becoming the best athlete.    Charles Isles’s success today is partly because of the love and care of his adoptive parents, who paved the way for him to have a stable life and fueled him with the support structure.

The Mary K. Yap Foundation salutes all children raised in foster care.  Carlin Isles made the best of his journey by overcoming adversities, believing in himself, and working incredibly hard to surpass all expectations.

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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
April 24, 2023

Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan was born in Hong Kong on April 7th, 1954, as Chan Kong-sang.  He was the only child of poverty-stricken parents  – refugees from the Chinese Civil War.

“Taking Full Charge of own circumstances.” 

The small family lived in the Victoria Peak district, a prestigious area in Hong Kong. But their lifestyle was far from privileged. First, they lived in the servant’s quarters while his father worked as a cook and his mother as a housekeeper for the French Ambassador. Then, when Jackie was seven years old, Jackie’s parents left to work at the American embassy in Australia to keep their jobs, leaving Jackie alone in Hong Kong to study.

Over ten years, Jackie learned martial arts, acrobatics, singing, and acting. Finally, at 17, Jackie Chan graduated and continued his trade as a movie extra and stuntman for various Chinese productions. Movie after movie, Jackie chased his dream of making it big.  Eventually, his efforts began to show promise. Jackie Chan’s first big success came in 1978 with Snake in Eagle’s Shadow, where he reportedly knocked out a tooth. It was followed by Drunken Master,  who almost went blind.

Since then, Jackie Chan has starred in a series of blockbusters that finally put him on the Hollywood A-list. From Rush Hour to Kung Fu Panda, his roles have continued to entertain audiences worldwide.  At home in Hong Kong, he continued making movies that he knew would delight his fans, his innovative filmmaking and marketing setting the stage for countless Chinese action-comedy films to follow. 

Although Jackie Chan never learned to thoroughly read or write, use a computer, or lose his fear of public speaking  –  he never stopped pushing his limits. As a result, he now speaks seven languages, contributes millions of dollars to philanthropic causes, and is a creative entrepreneur who desires to “do one good thing every day.”  Looking back on his harsh childhood training and countless movie failures, he doesn’t regret any of his hurdles, as one way or another, they all inspired him to think differently and work even more challenging.

Jackie Chan’s determination to be excellent, one of the Mary K. Yap Foundation’s core pillars, made him reach his ambitions, making him a successful actor, stuntman, and movie maker. He worked and strived hard to be a well-known artist up until this day. He didn’t let the past affect what He would become in the future, even though some people didn’t believe in Him.

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TESTIMONIES
April 24, 2023

Sr. Rose Mary’s Reflection

My name is Sister Rose Mary. I am now assigned to the St. Francis Xavier Convent in Myitkyina, Kachin, in northern Myanmar. I have been serving the ministry little over 40 years.  I was previously assigned to the Myittamone Orphanage in Hwabi in 2015 when I received Mr. Peter K. Yap and his family at our orphanage home.  I’ve known the Mary K. Yap Foundation for seven years now. They are like a family to us. The organization continuously visits and checks on us, especially our children.

As an orphanage organization under the Roman Catholic Church of the Myanmar Diocese, our vision is to bring out the best in our children so they can grow under God’s care and have the necessary skill sets to take on future responsibilities to become reliable adults.

We see these orphans as someone who can turn their futures better. We believe that their past shouldn’t be something that can affect their future. They are just like other children who need someone to depend on and someone who believes in them. 

We have been in contact with Mary K. Yap Foundation since 2015. We have done several impactful programs together. We are excited to see and develop joint programs with them whenever they visit our orphanage. We have also participated in the foundation’s “One Stuff Animal Project.” It is a yearly program that focuses on the social connection and development of the children.  

The tender love and Care project and their annual foundation Christmas celebration are held yearly. Together with the volunteers, the program aims to allow some time for the orphans to enjoy and celebrate the Christmas season. The foundation organizes and prepares some entertainment, games, and food to share with. I love how happy the orphans were. The smiles on their faces are worth every moment. I know they feel loved and content in these times. 

As a lead sister of the orphanage, these orphans are very close to my heart. I feel them every time. I also believe in them. I know they are worth more than their sad history. I know they can be successful one day because, just like the others, they are smart kids that’s why I am one of those people who believe in and support them all the way. I think these children should feel the love and care of someone who truly appreciates them. They are our future; they are worth more. 

Mary K. Yap Foundation is truly a blessing for every orphan. I want supporters and donors to know how much the organization appreciates the orphan community. They have a huge heart for these children. The company cares for the orphans like a family. I am one of the biggest foundation’s supporters. I am looking forward to every opportunity for their projects. I hope they can organize more events that the orphans will truly enjoy. 

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By admin
Orphan’s Letters
TESTIMONIES
April 24, 2023

I am an Orphan

Hi! My name is Teophine. I was an orphan at the Myittamone Orphanage for eleven years.  I am now 16 years old. I have known about the Mary K. Yap Foundation for seven years now. They always visit us not only during the Christmas season but also throughout the years. I feel happy and excited when I know they will call us because there will always be games and activities when they come to our orphanage.

Over the years, the foundation provided us with much food and nourishment. They offered rice bags, food plates, energy snacks, and drinking water. I especially enjoy the chicken rice plates and sweet iced dessert. They also provided us with needed things for academics, like stationery, pens, pencils, books, and computer equipment.

We enjoyed different activities to improve our learning experience. The foundation team prepared fun networking games, and magic shows on one of their earlier visits. They taught us the English language that we could use during our daily conversations. As an orphan, I sometimes feel sad and alone, but whenever Mary K. Yap Foundation visits us, my sadness is gone because their team of volunteers always fills our hearts with joy and love. We do not feel alone whenever their people visit us because they are like a family. We feel warm and motivated, especially when they give us inspiration that we can use for self-motivation. 

Every Christmas season, they have an event called “One Stuff Animal Project.” This program was created several years ago and is held every year combined with the foundation’s Christmas celebration. They prepared the event in detail to be with us. They always have something new to share, like new activities, stories, and card games. It is truly fun and exciting to be with them. 

What I like the most about their visits is that they engaged with the children in every game so that we would not be shy. We felt like we always had someone to depend on when they were at the orphanage.  We felt like they loved us and cared for us! I could not thank them enough for their time and generosity. They also give us one stuffed toy animal to hug and play with daily. The toy animal gift was a souvenir that I will always treasure, especially during my sleeping hours. It is so cuddly! This is really a wonderful experience for us, and I hope they can organize more fun events. I am looking forward to those lifetime moments to cherish!

 

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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
April 21, 2023

Juan Karlos Labajo

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Juan Karlos Labajo, also known as “JK,” is a Filipino-German singer born on February 5, 2001, and raised in Consolacion, Cebu, the Philippines, by his mother, Malinda Labajo. His German father, Oliver Stolz, left the family after his birth. His mother married a second time, and he has two younger half-brothers from her second marriage. 

On November 17, 2013, he became an orphan after he lost his mother at the age of twelve, following which he was adopted by his uncle, Jovanni, and Grandmother, Linda, in Metro Manila. His family struggled financially for a long time, and he even had to scavenge junk for a living.

Juan Karlos Labajo, having a talent for singing, decided to join the season 1 blind audition for ABS-CBN’s ‘The Voice Kids.’ He charmed the coaches with his rendition of the Adam Sandler song, ‘Grow Old With You.’ Coaches Sarah Geronimo and Bamboo Mañalac wanted him on their teams, which allowed him to choose one, following which he picked Mañalac. His performance of ‘Sway’ during the live semi-finals at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila placed him third after public voting, which advanced him to the four-person finals. In the finals, the coaches praised his performance of ‘Yesterday’ by The Beatles, ‘Runaway Baby’ by Bruno Mars, and the duet ‘Eto Na Naman’ with Gary Valenciano. Still, he again finished third in the voting.

 

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After the competition, JK was managed by Star Magic, ABS-CBN’s training and management center. From there started his career, and he was cast in different T.V. programs. He also appeared in the lead role in the Philippine drama anthology series ‘Maalaala Mo Kaya.’ His successful career continued as he was involved in different parts – supporting and leading the cast. 

In August 2015, he released his debut album ‘JK,’ which comprises eight tracks, including the song, ‘Di Ka Man Lang Nagpaalam,’ dedicated to his late mother. He also became a host of a music program, MYX. He later released his second album, ‘JKL,’ which consisted of eight tracks, including three of his compositions.

Even though his mother didn’t have the chance to support and witness JK gain over many years of hardships, he was still proud to become successful and even dedicated a song to his mother. He was the one who believed in himself when nobody was his support. He didn’t give up during his life as an orphan growing up without the support from his biological parent, but instead worked hard to follow and achieve his dreams with minimum help from his uncle and grandmother.

By admin
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COMMENTARIES
November 14, 2022

Most Vulnerable Children

“Orphans are children who depend on their strength and ability to learn and succeed without the support of their mothers and fathers. They are the ones who have lost one or both parents to age, sickness, or violence or simply by just abandoning them.”

– Dr. John Palmer (Chairman of the Mary K. Yap Foundation)

Sadly, there is an increasing number of orphans. These orphaned children who live without proper care and guidance can result in suffering and the ultimate tragedy of death; the children that survive often do so in ways that demean and criminalize themselves and bring suffering to others.  We cannot just imagine how a child without proper care is being used in different personal and greedy matters, such as child labor bosses, terrorists, rebel armies with child soldiers, child traffickers, and even less than good-willed relatives who want a personal slave. 

The result is heartbreaking as some orphan children will die of starvation and issues related to malnutrition, die from preventable diseases, die at the hands of others, spend much of their life in jail, and some will harm others and negatively impact the world. 

As we commemorate International Orphan Day, we want to share a message that orphan children do not deserve to live a life of abandonment and neglect, especially a child who is so young, innocent, and pure. They deserve to be treated with love, care, and proper guidance as these orphaned children are the strongest people in the world by overcoming their history and facing the future with smiles. They are children who still have a bright future despite having no immediate family besides them upon growing up and ending up being homeless. 

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By admin
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COMMENTARIES
August 7, 2022

A Better Tomorrow

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Despite of Myanmar’s situation, the Mary K. Yap Foundation continues to extend undivided support towards the orphaned children that the foundation has cared for and supported for the past 20 years. We believe these children should continue to have hope and a bright future ahead of them.  As Dr John Palmer, Board Chair of the foundation said during a Zoom interview. 

 

“They (the children) should not fear what will happen in the future, instead, we must take each day and pay attention to areas where they can develop new talents and skills to support their future.”

– Dr John Palmer

Board Chair of the Mary K. Yap Foundation

Orphans are encouraged to continue participating in daily self-learning and growth in their learning capacity. Our local orphanage teams provide books to the orphans to help them keep a consistent habit of reading and writing.  One of the Foundation Orphanage ambassadors, Daw Meme Lwin, forges a deeper connection with the children by reading books and sharing with them a message of empowerment and hope for a “Better Tomorrow.” As part of this effort, books for children, donated by domestic and international partners, are being organized for each orphanage center.

Youth living with traumatic experiences and in unsafe environments tend to create various mental health difficulties for children, including depression.

Our Foundation promotes regular communications between orphanages, our ambassadors, and the children to provide them with the mental support they need as well as hope and attention.

 

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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
October 20, 2021

Women Rights’ Champion

“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt (The First Lady and an orphan)

 

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The longest serving First Lady in US history, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, was born on October 11, 1884. At the early age of 8, Eleanor Roosevelt lost her mother, Anna Hall Roosevelt, due to diphtheria in 1892, while her father, Elliott Roosevelt, died of alcoholism. 

Eleanor lived with her maternal grandmother, Mary Hall, who sent Eleanor to Allenwood School, a progressive girls’ boarding school in London, England, in 1899.  Ms. Marie Souvestre, Allenswood ‘s Director, recognized Eleanor’s keen intellect, improving her self-confidence. As a result, she became a well-liked leader at a young age among her classmates.

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Eleanor lived in the life of politics as her uncle, Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, the brother of her father, who assumed the 26th presidency (1901-1909) right after President McKinley was assassinated. She was then involved in different charity programs and contributed to volunteer settlement houses and social work, activities that reflected the service’s philosophy of the time spent at the Allenswood ‘Girl’s Boarding School, which molded Eleanor to appreciate and develop deeper insights into politics.  During this time, she fell in love with her fifth cousin, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who later became the 32nd President for four terms from 1933 and 1945.

Eleanor Roosevelt is commonly appraised as one of the influential American women of the 20th century.  In addition to serving as the First Lady of the United States for 12 years, she was a newspaper columnist, author, diplomat, and a great contributor to the League of Women Voters.   President Truman appointed her as the delegate of the United Nations General Assembly. In 1946, she joined as a member of the Human Rights Division, further cementing her position as one of the inspirational voices in the modern world.

 

Our Foundation is pleased to recognize the incredible ‘life celebrations of Eleanor Roosevelt.  Although she became an orphan young, she championed noble causes that embodied gender equality movements to be accepted worldwide.  In acknowledgment of her invaluable workaround ‘for women’s and human rights, she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by President Kennedy, among others.

By admin