21Nov2025

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

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HEAD OFFICE:                          548 Market Street,
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Sponsor a Child Program
CORPORATE NEWS
June 20, 2023

Sponsor an Orphan Child Program

Have you ever thought of doing something enriching, that is exceptionally gratifying?  It’s about changing a person’s life forever with one single step.”

BBecoming a sponsor through the Mary K. Yap Foundation’s “Sponsor an Orphanage” program offers you a rare opportunity to make a lasting difference in the life of a child who has lost everything. Orphaned children—some as young as three months old—are among the most vulnerable members of our global community. They live each day hoping for a brighter tomorrow, and your involvement can turn that hope into reality. By joining this heartfelt mission, you become part of an exclusive Ambassador Club committed to uplifting the lives of orphaned children through consistent care, love, and support.

These children do not ask for much—just someone to believe in them. A daily contribution of just one U.S. dollar has the power to transform their lives by providing nourishment, education, emotional care, and a sense of belonging. More than a donation, your sponsorship becomes a symbol of encouragement that tells these children their lives matter and their futures are worth fighting for. Every contribution gives them a new reason to believe they can achieve more than their circumstances dictate.

These children do not ask for much—just someone to believe in them. A daily contribution of just one U.S. dollar has the power to transform their lives by providing nourishment, education, emotional care, and a sense of belonging. More than a donation, your sponsorship becomes a symbol of encouragement that tells these children their lives matter and their futures are worth fighting for. Every contribution gives them a new reason to believe they can achieve more than their circumstances dictate.

#The Mary K. Yap Foundation offers two impactful ways to give: you can sponsor a specific child or contribute to a general fund that supports orphanage-wide empowerment programs (See Donate to Impact). Upon enrollment, you’ll receive personal life story profiles of the children supported by your generosity. Each year, sponsors are honored with handwritten letters or updates from either the sponsored child or the headmaster of the orphanage—real, tangible evidence of the progress and joy your compassion has created. This connection bridges continents and reminds us all that love knows no borders.

Sponsorship goes far beyond charity—it creates a bond of trust, hope, and shared humanity. As a sponsor, you become an unified strength for children who once felt invisible. Your support helps provide critical essentials such as food, clean water, healthcare, and education—resources that give orphaned children the foundation to grow into strong, confident, and capable adults. In return, you’ll gain the immeasurable joy of knowing that you were the reason a child dared to dream again. Now is your chance to be the hero they’ve been waiting for.

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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHTS
June 10, 2023

Ambassador for All: Angelina Jolie

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

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 deeply moved by the children and the countless lives she encountered during her travels around the world, witnessing firsthand the hardships they faced—an experience that profoundly shaped her perspective and ultimately led her to consider adoption as a way to provide love, stability, and a future for those in need.

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.

By admin
CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS 3
CAMPAIGN STANDOUTS
June 5, 2023

#NourishHope for Orphan Children

Campaign Standouts: Introducing the Mary K Yap Foundation’s #NourishHope Campaign: Feeding Future, One Meal at a Time.

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The NourishHope campaign initiated by the Mary K. Yap Foundation is a guiding light for Myanmar’s disadvantaged children, mainly orphaned pupils. These children, lacking parental care and guardianship, face immense challenges in accessing proper nourishment and support. With a population of fifty-three million and ongoing political transitions, Myanmar’s need for food aid is critical, especially in conflict-ridden areas. Orphanages are vital in caring for these vulnerable children, but resources often fall short of meeting the growing demand.

Recognizing this urgent need, the Mary K. Yap Foundation launched the NourishHope campaign: Feeding Future, One Meal at a Time, which focuses on providing essential food supplies, including rice bags and plates, to orphanages across Myanmar. One such orphanage benefiting from this program is the Galilee Orphanage, where monthly donations of rice and other nutritious food items ensure that the orphans and the orphanage staff have enough to eat. This initiative not only addresses immediate hunger but also promotes the overall well-being of these children.

#The NourishHope campaign initiated by the Mary K. Yap Foundation is a guiding light for Myanmar’s disadvantaged children, mainly orphaned pupils. These children, lacking parental care and guardianship, face immense challenges in accessing proper nourishment and support. With a population of fifty-three million and ongoing political transitions, Myanmar’s need for food aid is critical, especially in conflict-ridden areas. Orphanages are vital in caring for these vulnerable children, but resources often fall short of meeting the growing demand.

Recognizing this urgent need, the Mary K. Yap Foundation launched the NourishHope campaign: Feeding Future, One Meal at a Time, which focuses on providing essential food supplies, including rice bags and plates, to orphanages across Myanmar. One such orphanage benefiting from this program is the Galilee Orphanage, where monthly donations of rice and other nutritious food items ensure that the orphans and the orphanage staff have enough to eat. This initiative not only addresses immediate hunger but also promotes the overall well-being of these children.

Through strategic partnerships with corporate entities, the NourishHope campaign is part of a broader Food Development Plan aimed at significantly improving the nutritional status of orphaned children. By ensuring a steady food supply to orphanages, the Mary K. Yap Foundation envisions a future where malnutrition among these vulnerable groups decreases substantially. This support enables these children to thrive as responsible individuals and contribute positively to their communities and country.

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finding strength
COMMENTARIES
May 25, 2023

Finding Strength on Father’s Day

Commentary: Finding Strength on Father’s Day By Serenitee Ayobamidele Yap

#As Father’s Day 2022 approached, I was reminded of the old saying, “A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.” It’s a phrase many of us take to heart, often recalling the strength, wisdom, and silent sacrifices of the men who helped shape our lives. Traditionally, fathers are seen as protectors—pillars of strength who stand as heroes in their children’s eyes. For many, this special day in June is filled with heartfelt messages, backyard gatherings, and moments of gratitude. Yet, amid all the joy and celebration, there’s a silent population whose stories rarely make it to the surface—children without fathers.

It’s easy to forget how deep a father’s influence runs until it’s absent. For children growing up in loving homes, a father’s presence often sets the tone for discipline, moral compass, and emotional grounding. But for orphans—especially those who lost their fathers due to illness, war, poverty, or abandonment—Father’s Day can bring a wave of complex emotions. What does it feel like to have no memory of the man who was meant to protect you? To lack a role model who would have taught you how to stand tall in a world that often overlooks your pain? Orphaned children face this harsh reality every day. Without a father figure to look up to, many grow up feeling emotionally incomplete, carrying a void that no celebration can fill.

These children are often left to navigate the world without the guidance that could have helped shape their values or ambitions. The absence of that foundational relationship can lead to challenges in building self-confidence, forming goals, and trusting others. It’s not just the loss of a parent—it’s the loss of direction, identity, and safety.

As the rest of the country celebrates Father’s Day with cards and cookouts, let it also be a day to remember those who grieve in silence. Let us honor the memory of fathers who are no longer with us by standing beside the children they left behind. These children may never have the chance to hand their father a card or thank him in person, but we, as a society, can step in with love, mentorship, and support. This Father’s Day, may we extend our compassion beyond our own families and recognize the orphaned children who deserve to be seen, heard, and uplifted—today and every day.

By admin
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COMMENTARIES
April 26, 2023

Acts of Compassion in a Time of Pandemic

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 a face-to-face class set-up to virtual classes.

As the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the global landscape, it exposed deep imbalances across societies and economies. Businesses large and small were disrupted—many forced to close permanently—while families faced rising unemployment and uncertainty. Yet within this turbulence, digital platform businesses such as Amazon experienced significant growth, meeting the urgent demand for online access to essential goods and services. This unexpected divergence became a defining feature of the pandemic economy.

#One of the most striking responses to this divide came from philanthropist Mackenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. Acknowledging the pandemic’s devastating toll, which she described as a “wrecking ball” to those already vulnerable, Scott accelerated her charitable contributions. Her nearly $6 billion in donations during 2020 marked one of the most extraordinary individual giving efforts in recent memory. Beyond the numbers, what stood out was the clarity and humility with which she addressed growing inequality.

Commentators like Melissa Berman, CEO of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, noted that Scott’s efforts constituted one of the largest distributions by a living donor to working charities. Having signed the Giving Pledge in 2019, Scott’s commitment to giving away the majority of her wealth reflects a broader shift in how philanthropic leadership can respond to crisis—not just with statements, but with decisive, timely action. Her example serves as a reminder that in times of global hardship, generosity is not only admirable but necessary.

At the Mary K. Yap Foundation, we reflect on such moments through the lens of our Generous Hearts commentary series. Scott’s response to the pandemic echoes the values we hold close: that acts of giving can—and should—be rooted in empathy, urgency, and meaningful impact. In honoring individuals like her, we affirm a belief long central to our work—that hope often arrives through the hands of those willing to give without expecting anything in return.

By admin
#TeddyBear4Hold
CAMPAIGN STANDOUTS
April 25, 2023

#TeddyBear4Hold for an Orphan Child

Campaign Standouts: Introducing the Mary K Yap Foundation’s #TeddyBear4Hug: Strong Companions, Cuddles of Comfort

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The #TeddyBear4Hold campaign orchestrated by Mary K. Yap Foundation encapsulates the essence of compassion and warmth, particularly directed towards vulnerable orphans in Myanmar. In a world where these children might often feel abandoned or neglected, this initiative stands tall as a giver of hope and companionship. Imagine the joy in a child’s eyes when they receive a soft, cuddly companion to hold onto during lonely nights. It’s more than just a stuffed toy; it’s a symbol of love, security, and the assurance that they are not alone.

For over two decades, the Mary K. Yap Foundation has been a pillar of support for orphaned children across Myanmar. The evolution of the One Stuff Animal Project into the TeddyBear4Hold campaign showcases a commitment to innovation and meaningful impact. Every year, this campaign not only provides physical comfort but also nurtures emotional well-being. It’s a testament to the power of small gestures in making a significant difference in someone’s life.

At the core of the #TeddyBear4Hold campaign is the belief that every child deserves to feel cherished and valued. By joining hands with the Mary K. Yap Foundation, you become a part of a larger movement that spreads love and positivity. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, each contribution plays a vital role in brightening a child’s world. Together, we can create a ripple effect of kindness that transcends borders and touches hearts.

#The impact of this campaign goes beyond the physical act of giving a teddy bear. It fosters a sense of belonging and security among orphans who might otherwise feel lost or forgotten. The simple act of holding onto a teddy bear can provide immense comfort during vulnerable moments, especially at night when the absence of parental warmth is deeply felt. It’s about instilling hope and resilience in young hearts, empowering them to believe in a brighter tomorrow.

Join us in amplifying the message of love and companionship through the #TeddyBear4Hold campaign. Together, let’s extend unlimited hugs to these deserving children, reminding them that they are cherished, valued, and never alone. Your support can make a world of difference in shaping a more compassionate and inclusive future for all.

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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHTS
April 21, 2023

Juan Karlos Labajo: Orphan’s Inspiration

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.

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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.

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. 

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In August 2015, JK released his debut album JK, featuring eight tracks, including “Di Ka Man Lang Nagpaalam,” a heartfelt tribute to his late mother. He also became a host on the music program MYX and later followed up with his second album JKL, which also featured eight tracks, three of which were his own compositions. Although his mother never had the chance to witness his rise after years of hardship, JK remained proud of his success and honored her memory through his music. Growing up as an orphan without the support of his biological parents, he never gave up—instead, he persevered, believing in himself even when no one else did. With minimal help from his uncle and grandmother, he worked tirelessly to follow and achieve his dreams.

The inspiring journey of Juan Karlos Labajo resonates deeply with the mission of the Mary K. Yap Foundation—to uplift and empower orphaned and disadvantaged youth to pursue their dreams despite adversity. His story is a powerful reminder that talent, resilience, and determination can thrive even in the absence of traditional support systems. In recognition of his courage and achievements, the Mary K. Yap Foundation is proud to feature Juan Karlos Labajo in our Individual Spotlight Edition, celebrating individuals whose lives and work embody hope, perseverance, and the spirit of transformation we aim to nurture in every child we serve.

By admin
5. Orphanage ambassador(1)
CORPORATE NEWS
March 5, 2023

Orphan Care Youths Ambassadors Drive

Corporate News Feature: The Purpose and Impact of the Orphanage Ambassador Program

#In January 2023, the Mary K. Yap Foundation proudly launched its Orphanage Ambassador Program as part of a strategic effort to expand the Foundation’s global mission—advancing the well-being of orphaned children worldwide. The program was designed to empower passionate individuals with a platform to serve as voices for orphans and become active participants in their development. At its core, the initiative reflects the Foundation’s belief that everyone can make a difference by contributing time, compassion, and care. Often, society underestimates the potential of orphaned children, but through meaningful engagement, we see how supportive interactions can inspire resilience, growth, and transformation.

Orphanage Ambassadors carry a vital role in championing the Foundation’s mission. They serve not only as representatives but also as mentors and advocates who directly engage with orphaned children in their local communities and abroad. By visiting orphanages, offering encouragement, and supporting day-to-day needs, these ambassadors foster environments where orphaned youth are treated with the same love and attention as children raised in traditional family settings. Their presence is a powerful reminder that these children are not forgotten—they are valued, cared for, and capable of thriving when given proper support.

#The program requires each ambassador to participate in at least two Foundation-sponsored charity events per year, whenever and wherever possible. But more than meeting this requirement, ambassadors are deeply involved in forming lasting bonds with both the children and the communities they serve. Whether giving empowerment talks, leading fun and educational activities, or simply offering a listening ear, they help instill confidence and hope in children who may otherwise feel alone. Their involvement strengthens the bridge between the Foundation and the orphanage communities, reinforcing trust and continuity in the children’s lives.

Today, the Orphanage Ambassador Program has grown to include 11 dedicated ambassadors from 8 different countries—each bringing unique perspectives and energy to our mission. Their collective efforts reflect the spirit of global unity in supporting orphaned children and ensuring they are seen, heard, and uplifted. The Mary K. Yap Foundation remains committed to growing this program and expanding its reach, knowing that every ambassador contributes to a brighter, more compassionate future for children who need it most. Through their work, the Foundation continues to advance its vision: that every orphan, regardless of their origin or circumstance, deserves a chance to live, dream, and succeed.

By admin
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TESTIMONIES
January 18, 2023

In My Own by Words Nandar Aung

After buying medicine for my mother, I boarded YBS 113 at the Pansodan bus station, paid the fare, and found a seat.

I was only a few stops away from home, but the intense heat made me unbearably thirsty. Even in a city where water is easily accessible, I found myself longing for a drink. It made me think—what about those in places without water? How much worse must it be for them?

That thought brought me back to my days as a journalist in 2013. On May 13 of that year, during a severe water shortage, I participated in my very first charity initiative. We donated 20-liter water bottles to families in Dala Township.In Burmese, the word for charity is “Para-Hita-Awaha”:

  • Para means community
  • Hita means benefit
  • Awaha means contributing

So, charity—Parahita—means contributing to the well-being of the community, physically or intellectually. It is about fulfilling the needs of others, and in doing so, we experience a joy that echoes their gratitude. That hot summer, I remember families lining up with pots and pans, waiting to collect clean water from our truck. Their smiles—so warm, so grateful—touched me deeply. I wasn’t tired at all. Despite the heavy lifting and narrow alleyways, I only felt joy and contentment.

While lost in that memory on the bus, a small envelope suddenly landed on my lap. I picked it up. It read: “Please Donate Me.” Looking up, I saw an 8-year-old boy sitting nearby, instructing a 5-year-old to pass around the envelope. Some passengers gave money, while others looked away.

The 5-year-old asked softly, “Are we going back?” 

The older boy replied jokingly, “Your mom would only feed you eggs!” and then added, “Let’s move to another bus.”

They hopped off and disappeared into the next bus. Watching them, a thought struck me: At least these children have someone—someone guiding them, even if imperfectly.
But what about orphans? What about those with no parents, and no one at all to rely on?

Last Christmas, a friend from language school invited me to join a charity event at an orphanage in Thanlyin Township. I left my 82-year-old mother in the care of my aunt and joined the group—marking my second charity effort. What I witnessed there gave me goosebumps. Children from different ethnicities, skin tones, and backgrounds—all smiling the same smile. It was beautiful. I helped them put on the new uniform shirts we brought. We blew balloons, decorated the room with ribbons, and laughed together as we grew closer. Our group leader organized games, and the children participated with such joy. Later, we gave them paper to write about their dreams, hobbies, and goals.

We also hosted a group cook-out where they worked as teams to prepare meals. We captured every moment. While we recognized the winning team, we also encouraged and celebrated all the others, ensuring everyone felt included and proud. After a lunch of chicken rice and ice cream, we sang songs together, filled with laughter and love. Finally, it was time to say goodbye. We gave out toys and gifts, took group photos, and promised to return next year. On the way back, my classmates and I couldn’t stop talking and laughing. That day brought us all closer, thanks to the classmate who organized the visit. I’m forever grateful to her.

Not everyone can dedicate a lifetime to charity, but even a single day of sincere effort can bring peace and happiness to others. Charity isn’t always about money. It’s about your actions, your heart, and your willingness to lend a helping hand.

For me, participating in a charity is a form of paradise living.

By Htwe Nandar Aung, a volunteer.”

Direct Translation by MF Staff 

By admin
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COMMENTARIES
November 14, 2022

Celebrating Resilience on Int’l Orphan Day

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 being abandoned.”

Dr. John Palmer
 Chairman, Mary K. Yap Foundation

On International Orphan Day, we pause to honor the lives of millions of children worldwide who face the world without the support of their parents. These children, often left behind through illness, conflict, abandonment, or poverty, are some of the most vulnerable members of society—but also some of the most resilient.

The Harsh Reality They Endure

Every year, the number of orphans around the world continues to rise—due to war, disease, disasters, and extreme poverty. Without adequate care, protection, and guidance, these children face unimaginable risks. Many are left to navigate life on their own, often preyed upon by those seeking to exploit their vulnerability. The dangers are alarming. Orphaned children are often forced into:

        • Child labor by unethical employers
        • Militant groups or rebel armies as child soldiers
        • Human trafficking networks
        • Violent criminal activity simply to survive
        • Or abuse under the care of those with bad intentions

Those who survive these circumstances may still face a bleak future—malnutrition, untreated diseases, homelessness, or incarceration. Some lose their lives to conditions that could have easily been prevented with basic care. Others, burdened by trauma and isolation, may grow up without the tools to trust or thrive.

The Strength They Carry Within

#And yet, amid this tragedy, we witness something powerful: hope. Orphaned children are not defined by their loss, but by their resilience. They are survivors—young souls who fight each day to rise above abandonment and shape their own future. Their strength is quiet, but it is unshakable. Their courage is often unseen, but it is real. At the Mary K. Yap Foundation, we believe that every orphan deserves not only survival, but the opportunity to flourish. These children are not a burden to the world—they are its potential. With the right care, love, and guidance, they can become tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers.

As we commemorate International Orphan Day, we must move beyond sympathy and into action. These children do not deserve to live in neglect, especially when they have so much to offer the world. It is our collective duty—governments, communities, and individuals—to ensure that no orphan grows up unseen, unloved, or unprotected. We call on everyone to be a voice, a hand, a heart—to support organizations that care for orphaned children, advocate for their rights, and create safe, nurturing spaces for them to heal and grow.

Let us remember that orphaned children are not simply survivors of tragedy—they are symbols of human resilience. With our help, they can still build lives of purpose, dignity, and hope.

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