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April 24, 2023

Miss World Venezuela

An Orphan who became a Miss World Venezuela
– Ivian Colmenares

There are so many successful orphaned stories all around the world.

The story of Ivian Lunasol Sarcos Colmenares, a Venezuelan model and beauty queen, who was orphaned at the young age of 8 and was raised by nuns, is one of the popular orphan stories. So why did a young little girl raised by the nuns become a successful beauty queen?

Ivian Lunasol Sarcos Colmenares was born on November 6, 2011, in London, United Kingdom, and unfortunately lost both of her parents when she was 8. She was raised by nuns in a covenant in Cojedes for five years. This period was so influential that she once dreamt of becoming a nun. She eventually gave up the idea when she realized she wanted the fame and success that being a model could bring.

Ivian auditioned as Miss Amazonas in her country’s national beauty pageant, Miss. Venezuela 2010, on October 28, 2010, and was crowned Miss World Venezuela. She also won the Most Beautiful Face Award.

On November 6, 2011, Ivian won the 2011 Miss World pageant at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre in London. She was awarded as a third runner-up during the Miss World Beach Beauty and the fifth runner-up in Miss World Top Model, becoming the eventual winner of Miss World. She became the sixth woman from Venezuela to capture the title. In a press conference after her victory, she said,

“This has taught me that life, although it may be bad, doesn’t have to end badly. Although I no longer have my parents, it has taught me to be stronger. I want to carry on doing the wonderful work that ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ and the Miss World organization does and to help people in need. I want to help people like me.”

The foundation is proud of the successful orphans who have a passion and drive for excellence in every task they are given. Your outlook in life should not depend on your history in life. Ivian made a turnaround in her life in that no matter what happened in her early years; she had a positive outlook that she could be a successful model one day. Indeed, she achieved her dream of becoming Miss World 2011.

By admin

INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT

April 24, 2023

Cynthia Lauper

A True Colors supporter of LGBT youth
– Cindy Lauper

Cynthia Ann Stephanie Lauper, born on June 22, 1953, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and activist. She has been celebrated for her humanitarian work, particularly as an advocate for LGBT rights in the United States. She also was part of the USA For Africa music project, singing one of the most famous parts of the 1985 “We Are the World” song. Lauper has sold over 50 million albums and 20 million singles; Lauper’s acting skills earned her Emmys and Tonys.

“My mother said I was a little odd as a kid. I was alone a lot, but I didn’t feel alone.”

Her charitable efforts were acknowledged in 2013 when she was invited as a special guest to attend U.S. President Obama’s second-term inauguration.

Lauper has been an LGBT rights supporter throughout her career, campaigning for equality through various charities and gay pride events worldwide. Lauper stated that she became involved in gay rights advocacy because her sister Ellen is a lesbian and because Lauper herself was passionate about equality. Lauper cites her sister Ellen as a role model. Her song “Above the Clouds” celebrates the memory of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man beaten to death in Wyoming. As a member of the Matthew Shepard Foundation Board, Lauper devoted a concert tour in 2005 to promoting the Foundation’s message.

“My music is about a joyful experience. I’ve learned that if you can affect other people, you should.”

She also co-founded the True Colors tour for Human Rights throughout the United States and Canada in June 2007. One dollar from each ticket was earmarked for the Human Rights Campaign, which advocates equal rights for LGBT individuals. In April 2010, Lauper’s True Colors United launched the Care campaign to help get straight people more involved in LGBT rights.

In 2012, Lauper started True Colors United after learning that while 10% of American youth identify themselves as LGBT, up to 40% of American homeless youths do so. The organization works to end youth homelessness, focusing on the experiences of LGBT youth. She set up the True Colors Residence in New York City for LGBT homeless youths. The 30-bed facility offers temporary shelter and job placement help.

“You always have to remember – no matter what you’re told – that God loves all the flowers, even the wild ones that grow on the side of the highway.”

The Foundation applauds Cynthia Ann Stephanie Lauper, whom we idolized as teenagers. She has become a champion of social causes, bringing equality and accessibility for many LGBT youths and homeless communities.

Our team is pleased to recognize Ms. Lauper on the International Day of the LGBT as one of the role models for bringing positive change for all LGBT youths who have been discriminated against and ridiculed. The Charity film titled “Myittar” which our organization partnered with in collaboration with Mandalay Productions has a small supporting character embracing love for the LGBTQ community.

By admin

INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT

April 24, 2023

Camilla Cabello

“An electrifying Cuban singer is bringing positive change.”

Camilla Cabello is a Cuban American Singer-Songwriter born in Havana, Cuba, on March 3, 1997. In February 2016, she partnered with Save the Children to design a limited-edition “Love Only” T-shirt to help raise awareness of issues involving girls’ equal access to education, health care, and opportunities to succeed. She also later created her charity single, together with the members of the nonprofit arts organization OMG Everywhere, called “Power in Me.” Cabello has also partnered with the Children’s Health Fund, a non-profit dedicated to providing health care to low-income families with children.

On April 3, 2017, Cabello performed at Zedd’s WELCOME! Fundraising Concert, which raised money for ACLU. That same year, she joined Lin-Manuel Miranda and multiple other Latin artists on the song “Almost Like Praying” for Puerto Rico hurricane relief. Cabello also announced she was donating all proceeds of “Havana” to the ACLU for Dreamers.

Cabello donated portions of proceeds from VIP sale packages to the Children’s Health Fund while on 2018 Never Be the Same tour. On July 13, 2018, she performed a concert in San Juan and donated some proceeds to the Hurricane Maria Relief Fund. In November 2018, Cabello became an ambassador for Save the Children.

In March 2019, Cabello announced she donated $10,000 to a GoFundMe campaign for a homeless immigrant. She also pledged to raise $250,000 for the Save the Children organization. In October 2019, Cabello performed at the We Can Survive concert, which donates to breast cancer. She also participated in iHeart Media’s Living Room Concert for America, a benefit to raise awareness and funds for the COVID-19 pandemic. In March and April 2020, Cabello participated in Global Citizen Festival’s Together at Home virtual concert to raise awareness and funds for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our Foundation is pleased to recognize the extraordinary services and offerings of Camilla Cabello at a young age. As part of our online blog posting on the Individual Spotlight series, we would like to recognize her love for the needy population in distress. She is one of our young, inspired leaders who bring positive change to disadvantaged children’s communities.

By admin

INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT

April 24, 2023

Beyonce Giselle Knowles

“You determine your self-worth,”
– Beyonce Knowles

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles, famously known as Beyoncé, is one of the world’s most renowned musicians born and raised in Houston, Texas. She was known as the lead singer of the R&B group Destiny’s Child before she embarked on a hugely successful solo career, beginning with the album “Dangerously in Love,” released in 2003 to rave reviews.

The world-famous pop star has been known to produce some of the best songs, with her music ‘Dangerously in Love’ being her best-selling song ever, with 11 million copies sold worldwide! And as of 2020, her net worth is a modest $400 million!

“A true diva is graceful and talented, and strong, and fearless and brave and someone with humility.”

Despite her popularity, Beyonce prioritizes giving back and using her music to inspire and become an influence for the betterment of those around her. She donated $250,000 to provide transitional housing for those affected by Hurricane Katrina as she and a former girl group mate, Kelly Rowland, founded the Survivor Foundation.

Beyonce also stands for feminism, LGBTQ rights, and equality, using her ability to compose songs to empower people, especially those experiencing racism.

Beyonce leaves an empowering message:

“It took me some time. But now I am strong. Because I realized I got. Me myself and I.”

On International Women’s Day, our Foundation would like to credit Beyonce Knowles as a fierce advocate of women’s rights. With every new song, Beyonce makes herself different by setting an example of what she does. Passion and inspiration fuel songs by Beyonce. Beyonce’s songs are not just mere expressions; they give you much more. They make you proud of who you are and give you abundant confidence and motivation, which are lacking in orphanage communities, compounded by children who are young girls that make up more than 50% of the orphan population in places like Myanmar, India, and Pakistan.

By admin

INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT

April 24, 2023

Aung San Suu Kyi

“By helping others, you will learn how to help yourself.”
– Aung San Suu Kyi

Aung San Suu Kyi, the most visible and polarizing political figure in Myanmar’s modern history, has contributed much to the country. She is an advocate of freedom and democracy. She was awarded the 1990 Rafto Prize and the Sakharov Prize in 1990, awarded to individuals that have distinguished themselves in their work for human rights and democracy. She has also won a $1.3 million Nobel prize for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights that she used and donated to establish a health and education trust for the Burmese people, wherein she founded Daw Khin Kyi Foundation.

The Daw Khin Kyi Foundation, named after the memory of her mother, Daw Khin Kyi, is a non-profit charitable organization that promotes the country’s people’s health, education, and living standards, focusing its attention, especially on the needs of Burma’s least developed areas. The foundation has developed different programs to achieve the needs of the citizens in Myanmar, which are mostly concerned about health, specifically Mobile Library for education, Hospitality and Catering Training Academy, La Yaung Taw (a Horticulture Training Academy), which provides Humanitarian assistance, and others.

“To be kind is to respond with sensitivity and human warmth to the hopes and needs of others. Even the briefest touch of kindness can lighten a heavy heart. Kindness can change the lives of people.” – Aung San Suu Kyi

The foundation’s mission is to achieve these goals irrespective of ethnicity, race, political division, or religion, believing that improvement in one place creates a better future for all. Aung San Suu Kyi has the purest heart and gives all their love to her citizens, as she stated that she is willing to donate her body organs to whoever may need them, even if this can cause harm and death. She also presented her house as an exhibition for the young generation to observe how Burmese Traditions and Burmese woman’s culture and outfits. Given her love for the country, Aung San Suu Kyi is considered the heart of Myanmar.

Mary K. Yap Foundation recognizes Aung San Suu Kyi’s undivided attention dedicated to the people of Myanmar and to providing humanitarian attention to the country she bravely extends to the fullest.

By admin

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.

By admin

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.

By admin

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.

By admin

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.

By admin

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.

By admin

Contacts

Miss World Venezuela

Cynthia Lauper

Camilla Cabello

Beyonce Giselle Knowles

Aung San Suu Kyi

“To be kind is to respond with sensitivity and human warmth to the hopes and needs of others. Even the briefest touch of kindness can lighten a heavy heart. Kindness can change the lives of people.” – Aung San Suu Kyi

Angelina Jolie

A generous heart

Carlin Isles

Jackie Chan

Sr. Rose Mary’s Reflection

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