Kamay at Puso

by Belinda Navi

I am interning for two months with Kamay at Puso (KAP), an organization based in California, which has a center in the community of Madapdap, located in the Pampanga region of Luzon (the largest island of the Philippine archipelago). KAP is the main funding body of the center, bringing medical treatment (mostly physical therapy) to the town’s children and those of neighboring barangays (‘neighborhoods’; the smallest units of government in the Philippines). These children, ages 2-12, suffer from cerebral palsy and other degenerative diseases, contracted from what most believe was contaminated drinking water that their mothers ingested before the children were born. The recent history of this area is long and painful, starting in 1991 with the eruption of Mount Pinatubo…

See the full story:

http://www.watsonblogs.org/navi/

Leslie-Anne Delfin Huff

Hometown:

North Hills, CA

Occupation (outside of KAP):

Actor, Sketch/Improv Comic, Writer

What made you decide to become a KAP board member?

KAP was born out of a group of us Fil-Ams who visited the Philippines in the summer of 2003 through a program called Tagalog On Site. Our group was so touched by this community’s story. When I returned home to the States, I just felt there was no way I could go on with my life without staying connected to the Madapdap community and helping out in some way. I believe in the integrity of human life and I think KAP helps to enhance the lives of the people we serve. Being part of KAP’s Board is the least I can do.

Describe the role you play in KAP:

I am “Director of Operations,” which simply means I make sure things get done! Currently, KAP is run by a small group of volunteers who are young professionals with a deep desire to help. While we all have a passion for our work with KAP, we are also juggling our own personal careers outside of this work. At times, it can be challenging to balance these elements and my job is to make sure that everything runs smoothly. I am also the point person for the Sponsorship and Outreach committees.

What is your favorite thing about working with KAP?

I am just happy to know that I am making a difference in the lives of the folks in Madapdap, especially those of our young clients who receive physical therapy. I am a product of a lot of privilege and I am glad to have to opportunity to use the resources I have to benefit them.

I also love the people I work with. Despite the increasingly materialistic, celebrity-crazy nature of our time, I think I am part of a generation that does actually care about the greater good. With environmental awareness also spreading world-wide, I am proud to know that KAP is doing its part in remedying some of the effects that pollution can have on a community.

In what ways has working with KAP influenced your life?

Being a part of KAP has added a deeper sense of connectedness to my life. I feel more connected to my “roots” knowing that the work I do benefits people in the Philippines, where my mother was born. At the same time, I also feel more connected to people here in the States, especially those who I work with or who have volunteered for KAP. Whenever I tell others about KAP, they are always excited to hear what we are doing and interested in lending a hand. In a way, it makes the world feel a little more like a community.

Where do you see yourself and KAP five years from now?

I definitely see KAP expanding its reach and providing services not just to more families in the Madapdap community, but all over the Philippines, and perhaps all over the world! There are communities all over the world that have been adversely affected by pollution and I see KAP helping those communities to live healthy, self-sustaining lives.

In five years from now, I still see myself at the helm of a larger, more far-reaching version of KAP. While I still plan to pursue my career in entertainment, KAP will always be a large part of my life.

Name: Roland Navarro
Hometown: Palmdale and San Fernando Valley, CA
Occupation (outside of KAP): Marketing and Social Enterprise
What made you decide to become a KAP board member?

First and foremost, I recommend anyone interested in the Philippines, or anyone wanting to explore their roots to look into Tagalog On Site (study abroad program). That experience changed my life and convicted my heart to do something good for this beautiful country. Without Tagalog On Site, I wouldn’t have been a part of KAP. I first encountered the children and mothers of the Madapdap Community while studying abroad with TOS. The opportunity to make a real, practical, and empowering difference for these families has always been the reason why I continue to work with KAP.

Describe the role you play in KAP:

I think of big picture ideas for KAP.  Random things like recruiting board members, awards to apply for, the website, random fundraisers, bringing in consultants, retreats. The problem is, I’m pretty absentminded and not really good with details.

What is your favorite thing about working with KAP?

I love working with an organization with no political motives. KAP is full of people who earnestly and honestly want to help people. That is why we have mastered the art of “stumbling forward” over these past 3 or 4 years. To start with a passionate idea, and to organically grow based on what is working and throwing out what isn’t, this is awesome! It’s sounds pretty common sense, but you would be surprised how many organizations get caught up in politics and bureaucracy. For example, with our recent commitment to memorize and discuss KAP’s Vision and Mission at the beginning of the meeting, we’re breaking down our organization to the true meat and foundation. I feel like I’m in an organization that has grown and progressed tremendously, while still keeping it down to earth. That’s such a wonderful feeling to have!

In what ways has working with KAP influenced your life?

KAP has shown me that anything is possible if a group of people are committed enough to make things happen. For real, none of that cliché BS. People are always talking talking talking. Or even better, people are always complaining about the world. After my experience with KAP, I know that achieving a certain goal in your mind and heart can actually happen if people just DO something about it. All it takes is that first step, and BAM, several years later, you’re at a point in your life where you’re like, “are you freaking kidding me? Are we really here?” Seriously, do that first step, stay somewhat consistent with that dream of yours, rinse and repeat that dream, while taking a baby step forward every week or two. After a few years, you will find yourself at a place you never imagined. Who would’ve known that a one-time $40 donation, would eventually lead to a community center, and internationally recognized 501(c)3, children walking for the first time, and a livelihood project for the mothers? This is only the beginning!

Where do you see yourself and KAP five years from now?

I’m finishing up my trip around the world with my beautiful wife. I have either made significant progress with my bank for the poor, or have established something more concrete and tangible in the Philippines and with the Filipino American community in Los Angeles. Kamay at Puso at this point, has grown to be a national network of college students and young professionals in the United States; while at the same time, being a source for substantial progress in the Philippines.

A wonderful end to a wonderful year of growth!  We just wanted to honestly and truly thank all the supporters that have helped Kamay at Puso this year.  From substantial progress at the community center, to our newest donors, we have really taken this organization to new heights!

We are proud to have been a Top 15 Nominee for the Galing Bayanihang Pilipino sa Amerika Award from ABS-CBN. This program recognizes a project or service, with a measurable impact on a sector or community in the Philippines or in overseas Filipino communities like in the U.S.  The award honors a Filipino group based in the U.S. or a group run by American citizens of Filipino ancestry.

Even though we didn’t make it as a Top 7 Finalist, it was a great first step in understanding international media outlets and its influence.  Although we are very excited about the growth prospects that media coverage can bring to Kamay at Puso, we must also act and think responsibly as well.  As an organization committed to our current project at the Madapdap Therapy Center, we must make sure that the mothers and children are not exploited, as well as their privacy respected.  

 At the end of the day, it was a great learning and bonding experience for all the boardmembers who bravely trekked through rain and a flat tire to the ABS-CBN studios in Redwood City, CA.

Several directors of Kamay at Puso were interviewed recently at the San Diego Fil-AM Festival by the Backroom Podcast Crew

Check out the interview here: (starts at 43:05) Play

A couple of boardmembers participated and spoke at the First Bayanihan sa Amerika Conference organized by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General. 

The Bayanihan sa Amerika is the first conference of Filipino community centers and associations that provide services and programs to Filipinos in the United States of America or development assistance and donations to underserved communities in the Philippines.

As a whole, it was a great experience for KAP to meet key leaders in the Filipino American community concerning issues both in the United States and the Philippines. 

Hi Everyone!

Kamay at Puso is sponsoring a BBQ at the park! We’ll have plenty of food/drink and games!!! Best of all…you get to hang out with us!!!

Check out the flyer for all the details. You can also download the flyer at the bottom. Feel free to print them out and spread the word!