Today we want to feature the Puso ng Ama (or the Father’s Heart) Foundation and try to put the spotlight on their Children’s Library Project.
This non-government, non-profit community of young people helps kids in Payatas.
If you’re not familiar with Payatas, it’s one of the poorest areas in Metro Manila.
People called it Payatas from “Payat sa Itaas” (“Thin at the Top” in Tagalog) which means the soil is not fit for farming. Thus the site is still where the city’s largest open dumpsite resides.
Assessing the enormous needs of the young people living there, Puso ng Ama Foundation is responding by putting up a Children’s Library at their center.
Staffer Ben Salvedia is now collecting book donations. We hope you will consider going through your books and lending a hand by donating some of them. Book cases are also needed. *Please do not give used workbooks.
Books can be dropped off at all Books for Less bookstores.
BFL Branches:
SM Mall of Asia Pasay SM Supercenter Pasig RCBC Tower Makati My Metro Town Mall Centris Station, QC Ave. Shopwise Eastwood Shopwise Commonwealth Cyber and Fashion Mall, Eastwood City
Pioneer Center, Pasig
SM Marikina
SM City – Masinag – Exhibit SM City – Taytay – Exhibit
You can make a room full of things much better just be adding a sprightly bit of patterns to each of them.
Here are some projects you can use these pattern for:
trinket holder
greeting card
pencil holder
container
decor
bookmark
drawer liners
bracelet
See the project how-tos below.
Download images by right-clicking the large image file and choose “Save as …”
Size of downloads are 8.5 x 11 inches, 300 dpi
Blue Green Dotted Stripe Pattern
Right click this image below to download the full pattern
Red Braid Pattern
Right click this image below to download the full pattern
Pebble Beach Pattern
Right click this image below to download the full pattern
Pink Blossoms
Right click this image below to download the full pattern
Blue Happiness
Right click this image below to download the full pattern
*All images are for personal use only. No commercial use allowed.
Now on to the projects!
To start, print out the different patterned paper using a colored printer. Get your scissors, glue and other materials to make a variety of items. You can make them all and use one pattern to make it coordinated. You can download the paper multiple times and do remember it’s for personal use only.
To make a trinket holder, cover the middle portion (where the label is) with the patterned paper. We used an old tea can for this project.
To make the greeting card, cut thick construction paper sheet the size of 8.5 x 5.5. Pick a dark color like what we used – dark purple (see below) so it will contrast better with the design. Fold the sheet into 2 to form the card base.
Download our cat-tern (cat shaped pattern) and use a carbon sheet to trace the cat-tern on to our free downloadable patterned paper. Cut the cat shape and paste onto the front. Then use silver gel pen to write the “Just For You”.
The pencil holder has the same procedure as the trinket holder (above). We used an old medicine plastic bottle as the base and took out the cap (try to find another way to recycle that!).
To make a container for pictures, snacks, sewing supplies, and other everyday things, use the same process as the trinket holder and pencil holder. We used a biscuit container and the bottom portion is a little smaller than the top portion so take note of that when you cut your patterned paper.
To have pretty decor flitting about your room, just download this pattern, print and use carbon paper to trace it onto your patterned paper. Staple them back to back, fold a bit so they look like they are “flying” and punch a hole in the center to hang with ribbons.
There are also a lot of great ideas from bloggers!
We’re sure you have more ideas! Why not share these with us? Feel free to send us a line at info at papemelroti dot com with picture samples of your work! Enjoy!
When I was still in grade school, there was the Filofax and all those leather bound organizers I’ve been coveting. As a kid who couldn’t wait to grow up, I dreamed of having one for myself. I was imagining the smell and feel of the leather’s skin and the smooth white pages waiting to be filled with my handwritten notes. Reality however never fails to awake me. A kid, who goes to school with packed lunch and snacks and occasional Php 50 bonus from her grandparents, can never afford to purchase that grown up organizer.
To keep me organized, I usually avail those mini planners sold in bookstores. I started with the Php 20 annual planner produced by Hallmark. When I turned 7, an older cousin introduced me to Papemelroti. It was also few days after Christmas when I first stepped to Papemelroti‘s Ali Mall branch. I was overwhelmed with all the stationery in brown paper. This is my happy place!
My first purchases from Papemelroti were the classic brown notepads. Over time, I discovered the notebooks and mini planners. I started buying the mini planners when I was 11 years old. I would write my deadlines in the tiniest boxes devoted for each day. When something significant happened on a particular day, I ensured to write down my sentiments. Whenever I failed or miraculously passed a test, felt upset for being reprimanded, discovered and revealed secrets among friends, and my most favorite then, the rare times my crush glanced at me. Haha
The mini planner didn‘t perform mini functions for me. It became a journal. It became a documentation of my growing up years. The annual collection of mini Papemelroti planners lasted until I finished college. When I started working, I got complimentary planners from the company. I was also once of those who became highly dependent with technology. All my schedules were plotted either on my mobile phone or Microsoft Calendar.
Five years after working and finishing my mastoral degree, I decided to do some major de-cluttering at home. It was also days after Christmas when I decided to throw away the unnecessary things caused by my highly sentimental personality. I later discovered my pile of Papemelroti planners. I found 10 planners that represented the past 10 years of my life. I read the all my handwritten entries and found myself crying and laughing at the same time. I cannot explain the overflowing emotions thriving in me. Had it really been 10 years?
The planners related my growing up years. I wrote about my struggles, insecurities, achievements and priceless moments of happiness. Much of what I am today can be told by what I wrote inside those planners.
I decided to compile the planners in a special place. Every time I would feel sad and upset, I would take out those planners and reread everything I have written. In a way, I would like to believe that they served as my security blankets. The planners reminded me that I grew up. I survived the challenges and problems came my way. It also gave me an assurance that no matter what it takes, I have made things happen.
I hold on to my mini planners in those lowest points of my life. Unfortunately, those 10 years of my life were taken away. When typhoon Ondoy hit our home in Marikina, the planners vanished. I secretly wept for all the memories I lost.
However, I would like to believe that it was God‘s compelling way for me to grow up and let go. My 10 years in those planners maybe gone but the memories, never! The past 10 years are stored in a more secured place, my heart.
The past week, I happened to drop by the Ali Mall branch of Papemelroti. I needed to purchase some decorative items for a DIY project. Despite nearing the middle of the year, I purchased this mini planner. It made me smile for a while. I just turned 30, entered another decade and I was thinking, it would be nice to start documenting my life again?
*You too can share any love and friendship experience you have had with a Papemelroti product and if we choose to publish your story you will receive a surprise gift from us! Just e-mail it to info@papemelroti.com
It’s craft time! Here’s a Do-It-Yourself you can make in less than an hour!
We chose to do a design for Father’s Day since it’s the Sunday after this one. but you can also adapt this process for any other theme.
Here’s what you need:
Scissors
Paper Paste
Plain notebook (100% Recycled paper is always better)
Rubber Letters
Craft Cuts
Scrapbook embellishments
Your pictures (of dad or depending on your theme)
ALTERNATELY, you can use any notebook that has plenty of writing space, magazine paper with different regular designs like just words or just a pattern, letters cut out from paper and cardboard instead of the brown frames.
Note: All of these materials are available at Papemelroti gift shops! But to be sure, order from us online as sometimes stocks run out.
HOW TO PUT IT TOGETHER:
Cut the Craft Cuts into different parts.
Cut the different patterns on the lines so it looks like this –
Add the embellishments and place them where you like (or follow our design).
Here’s our placement but you don’t have to follow it.
We noticed that this part was the most fun so do what you like and ENJOY!!!
Once you like the look of it, then use the paper paste to secure.
You’re done! Dad will have a gift he’ll always cherish!
Just today we heard the sound of thunder rumbling through our office! The monsoon rains are signaling their imminent arrival. With wind and rain come common annoyances like dreadful traffic, unavoidable delays, messy hair, chilly clothing and predictably soaking, squeaky shoes. These things invariably cause a shadow of gloom to cast a shadow on our erstwhile beautiful days. So here we are to the rescue! We’ve compiled some suggestions from all around on how to instantly uplift your spirits while it’s raining giraffes and elephants outside!
Always Look Forward to Something “One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats.” – Iris Murdoch This is part of Sam Berns philosophy to happiness. Despite progeria, Sam enjoys his life and always has something to be excited about.
Be Grateful.“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Get a pen and paper and start listing down every good thing in your life right now. Get that joy flowing. “Man is fond of counting his troubles, but he does not count his joys. If he counted them up as he ought to, he would see that every lot has enough happiness provided for it.” ~ Fyodor Dostoevsky Gratitude is a springboard for many good things, namely the next cheer-upper…
Don’t forget to smile!
Simplicity is Key “I have no money, no resources, no hopes. I am the happiest man alive.” – Henry Miller We all get that feeling sometimes – “If only I had (this or that) … I’d be happy.” It’s an illusion. Once you get that, you’ll want something else! It’s a never ending cycle. Wouldn’t it be just wonderful if you could say “I have everything I need to be happy right here, right now” (and mean it). To get to this place you need a lot of gratitude (see above). “For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:11-13).
Listen to music.
We are what we hear. Garbage in, garbage out. Life is what we make it. Get the picture? (We don’t haha.) What we are saying is simply this – whatever you listen to, thoughts, ideas, values and philosophies – you absorb and eventually live out (specially if you’re at it all day long).
Look Outward “The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.” ~ Mark Twain
Try these instant cheer-upper tasks:
– give a snack to someone hard at work
– smile at someone you think needs it
– hug an elderly person
– put a thank you note on the fridge
– offer someone your food
– pray that someone you know gets his wish
– give way to that car
– tell someone you’ll do an errand for them
– treat someone out
Eat a Banana “A sound mind in a sound body is a short but full description of a happy state in this world.” -John Locke
If you want to be in a good mood, be sure to store up on food rich in Vitamin B6, magnesium, calcium and potassium that when combined elevate your dopamine and energy levels. These nutrient-packed food will help battle those blues away. You probably have one of these right in your kitchen cupboard. Our favorites are:
Banana
Popcorn
Salmon
Strawberries
Yoghurt
Walnuts
Sunflower Seeds
Tomatoes
Oregano
In contrast, here are the feel blah and blue food:
Potato Chips Ham
Softdrinks
Margarine
Peanuts
Alcohol
Caffeine
Pray
“Every now and then,
when the world sits just right,
a gentle breath of heaven
fills my soul with delight…”
~Hazelmarie “Mattie” Elliott, A Breath of Heaven
Want all of creation’s secrets to open up to you? Then open up to the Creator! Studies show that spending some time in silence and praying is one of the best ways to be instantly happy. Don’t know what to think about? Try this: ACTS A – Adoration Tell God He’s just awesome!
C – Confession Tell Him you’re sorry for things that you’ve done wrong. Don’t worry, He already knows… but He just wants to help you with these (if you’ll let Him). T – Thanksgiving There is so much to thank Him for. You can start with “Thank you I’m alive!” S – Supplication Ask Him for anything you need (or even want). Be specific in your prayers! Do try it! It’s an instant cheer-upper for every morning.
May you be a Proverbs 31:25 person who laughs at the days to come!
We hope that this season doesn’t bring any floods of the watery kind but rather a shower of joy and beauty!
We’re now open at our new location at SM Pampanga! Owner-artist Robert Alejandro painted on the wall last June 2, 2014 for some finishing touches! We hope you like it!
@robert_alejandro is painting in our SM Pampanga branch!function(a){var b=”embedly-platform”,c=”script”;if(!a.getElementById(b)){var d=a.createElement(c);d.id=b,d.src=(“https:”===document.location.protocol?”https”:”http”)+”://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js”;var e=document.getElementsByTagName(c)[0];e.parentNode.insertBefore(d,e)}}(document);
An owl in the making. Art by @robert_alejandro in our SM Pampanga branch.!function(a){var b=”embedly-platform”,c=”script”;if(!a.getElementById(b)){var d=a.createElement(c);d.id=b,d.src=(“https:”===document.location.protocol?”https”:”http”)+”://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js”;var e=document.getElementsByTagName(c)[0];e.parentNode.insertBefore(d,e)}}(document);
Here is “Kuya Robert” working on the walls. He drew an owl family and other animals from scratch. He didn’t even use a pencil! Great job Robert! NOTE: Kuya means “elder brother”.
You may visit us at SM Pampanga at the first floor near the supermarket. Contact us at mobile no. 0922-216-1104
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