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Pamulaan Launch in Manila
In January 16, 2006, Cartwheel launched the Pamulaan Center for Indigenous Peoples’ Education in Manila. Pagpamula: Pag-Asa Para Sa Edukasyong Katutubo, held in Makati Sports Club, gathered partners, volunteers, and friends to share in the good news that is Pamulaan Center. Benjamin Abadiano, from whose vision Pamulaan sprang, formally introduced the Center to the guests. Dra. Julieta Ortiz, President of Pamulaan partner University of Southeastern Philippines, also shared some words on the Center.
A most special part of the event was the participation of Cartwheel scholars from Bukidnon—Grace Danio, Jomer Dogia, Pinky Enecito, Paula Subalan, and Luell Danio—who shared their stories and performed dances unique to their Tala-Andig tribe. Sponsors of the college scholarship program, Nanette Santos, Filaine Tan, and Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, in turn relayed their insights and experiences from being instrumental in the education of hopeful youths. Closing the program, which was hosted by Cartwheel friend Jimmy Cruz and then-Jesuit Volunteer Coleen Ramirez, was Cartwheel founder, Gina Alfonso. Pagpamula signified the realization of a dream and the breaking of new ground that gives hope to our indigenous brothers and sisters.
Panibagong Paraan Awards
The Pamulaan Center for Indigenous Peoples’ Education, in which Cartwheel is a partner organization, was showcased as a finalist and later a winner at World Bank’s Panibagong Paraan 2006, last May 26-27, 2006 at SM Megamall. The Japan Embassy through Panibagong Paraan awarded ILAWAN Foundation $20,052.00 for the construction of two classrooms in Pamulaan.
This year’s theme for Panibagong Paraan (New Ways), Development With Equity, explores ways of equalizing opportunities so that all Filipinos can have a chance for a better life and, together, work for the nation's development.
A Musical Exchange Series
Last June 10-14, 2006, Cartwheel partnered with Music For the People (MFTP) for the Mindanao leg of its Philippine tour. MFTP is a classical music group that aims to harness the power of music to speak to every person regardless of age, gender, race, and belief. The tour kicked off from the Pamulaan campuses in Davao and Marilog, then proceeded to Malaybalay, Miarayon, and Cabanglasan in Bukidnon, and culminated in Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan in Cagayan de Oro City.
In each destination, both visitor and host played the part of performers as the tour was aimed at an exchange of culture, arts, and ideas. A truly singular event that will hopefully be followed by more, the MFTP musical exchange tour stroke a chord of harmony between stark differences and sowed a deeper respect for each participant’s traditions and beliefs.
MYMP: Live in CDO
Last June 24, 2006, popular artist MYMP performed for Cagayan de Oro fans for the benefit of Cartwheel and Junior Chamber International Bai Lawanen (Phils.), Inc. (JCI). The night began with an appearance by Angela Calina of Pinoy Big Brother fame. The packed crowd at Corpus Christi Gym was serenaded by the love songs MYMP is known for and treated to dance tunes that brought them to their feet. The proceeds of MYMP: Live in CDO went to the support of Cartwheel’s programs and the socio-civic activities of JCI.
Cerrudo Classic: Classic Ko
Cartwheel Foundation, Inc. staged Bimbo Cerrudo and the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra for Cerrudo: Classico…Classic Ko, on the evening of July 5, 2006 at Teatrino, The Promenade, Greenhills Commercial Complex. The tandem of Cerrudo and the Philharmonics covered a diverse range of musical styles from Broadway to opera classics to radio-friendly rock. It was a night of gathering more support from individuals for the education programs of Cartwheel. Proceeds of Cerrudo: CLASSICO… CLASSIC KO Concert help sustain the College Scholarship and Pre-School Programs of Cartwheel.
Kalindogan 2006
Pamulaan celebrated Kalindogan 2006: An Indigenous Peoples’ Assembly and Thanksgiving for the 1st Year Anniversary of Pamulaan as Center for Indigenous Peoples’ Education, in the Pamulaan campus in Mintal, Davao City. Kalindogan, which means gathering, brought together IPs of Mindanao as well as groups and organizations sharing in the advocacy of IP rights. Representatives from new partners UNICEF, the Japan Embassy and World Bank also graced the event. The five-day long event, from October 18-23, 2006, marked the inauguration of Pamulaan’s Twin Projects (the Classroom and Multi-Purpose Hall, and the Dorm and Dining Hall), the launching of its partnership with UNICEF and books and curriculum specifically developed for certain IP tribes, and a Youth Congress and Peace Conference.
