humanism

Most of us have told a white lie at some point in our lives. A friend may have asked for our opinion on a new outfit, and we offered a reassuring smile with a quick “You look great!” even if we weren’t entirely convinced, or when the colors didn’t quite complement them. Maybe we praised

“Sometimes we’re born into families who don’t know how to love us properly. They can – but the rest is up to our friends. They can love you all the time without judgment.” – Ryan O’Connell I believe that friendships that begin in childhood – or those formed during our early teenage years – are

Last March 23, HAPI-Bulacan proudly joined the Barangay Pinagbakahan Basketball League, a thrilling opportunity for the kids to venture into the vibrant world of sports. While HAPI remains committed to nurturing minds through science, secularism, critical thinking, and humanism, it also recognizes the importance of physical activity in a child’s overall development and interests. Through

The HAPI-Bulacan Chapter launched the HAPI-Bulacan Youth Group at the HAPI Headquarters last February 1, marking a significant step in HAPI’s mission to promote humanist values among young individuals. The event included the election of the group’s first set of officers, many of whom have been part of the HAPI community since their childhood; some

“Being a humanist is a fulfillment of my ambition to make a difference in the Philippines and beyond. Being a woman makes it unique because I have better ammunition based on my background and life experiences.” – Marissa Langseth Women have made significant contributions to the development of humanist thought and activities, though their roles

In this busy, modern world, it is easy to forget and replace the unique love that grandparents have to share. Nevertheless, this connection is one of the most priceless treasures that life has to offer. Extended families are the cultural norm in the Philippines, and grandparents are a core part of everyday life. It’s common

I have lived a rather confusing life. My ever-shifting perspectives have caused me a great deal of problems throughout it. I have lived both a faithful life and a life devoid of it. I tip-toed around these two beliefs as they were the only ones I knew before, but as I grew older, new experiences

In a world filled with differing ideologies, humanism is a unique perspective that emphasizes the importance and agency of every human being. At its core is a strong belief that observation, logical thinking, understanding, and the scientific method can help humanity grow as a society. Since humanism emphasizes the agency of every human, this also

On July 22, 2024, Typhoon Carina landed in the Philippines and left significant damage in the community. In response to the situation, Humanist Alliance Philippines International (HAPI) quickly organized and stepped in to support the surrounding communities. Typhoon Carina brought heavy rains and strong winds, resulting in severe flooding and food scarcity, forcing many residents

Teaching children about humanism and kindness instills in them the values of empathy, respect, and ethical behavior, empowering them to make a positive impact on the world. On May 10, 2024, HAPI-Bulacan organized an educational program aimed at teaching children about kindness and the principles of Humanist Alliance Philippines, International (HAPI). The event sought to

“There is no greater reward than working from your heart and making a difference in the world.” – Carlos Santana The story of impoverished Filipinos being taken advantage or displaced from their homes by powerful landowners is a tale that has been told time and time again. It is the unfortunate reality of residents of

HAPI CEO Angie Driskell and HAPI CFO Mutya Valenzuela returned to the Dumagat community in Dona Remedios Trinidad (DRT), Bulacan, to offer essential items to 50 children and adults last April 7, 2024. They distributed clothes, shoes, bags, and toys, and the community was treated to hearty meals consisting of pancit noodles, bread, and treats.

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” – Margaret J. Wheatley Humanist Alliance Philippines, International (HAPI) took part and hosted one of the talks in the first-ever Philippine Secular Summit last February 17, 2024, in Quezon City. The occasion provided a forum for the country’s largest secular

In a world full of questions and uncertainties, many people find comfort and guidance in humanism. Grounded in human values and ethics, it provides a framework for understanding our existence and living a purposeful life. The journey to humanism is unique for everyone, shaped by personal experiences and reflections. Here are a few ways people

Gender equality is a fundamental aspect of a just and equitable society. In the Philippines, significant progress has been made in promoting gender equality, but challenges and disparities persist. Humanist principles, rooted in reason, empathy, and the belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, offer a valuable framework for addressing these challenges

It’s heartening to hear about instances where immediate action is taken to assist those in need. On July 22, 2023, HAPI National, together with volunteers Princess Paquiz and Arnel Inocencio, made a visit to a family residing in Sampaloc, Manila, who were in dire need of help. The purpose of this visit was to assess

“Ensuring a healthy future means investing in the generation who will carry that future.” – Mal Fletcher July has come around, which means it is Nutrition Month in the Philippines! This year, the theme is “Healthy Diet, Gawing Affordable for All”. Angelica Driskell, HAPI Junior Ambassador, described the situation of the community in Bulacan where

June is observed as Pride Month due to its historical significance linked to the LGBTQIA+ movement. The selection of June as Pride Month can be attributed to the Stonewall Riots, a series of events that occurred in New York City in June 1969. During the Stonewall Riots, customers of the Stonewall Inn, a well-known gay

“All kids need is a little help, a little hope, and somebody who believes in them.” – Magic Johnson HAPI has made it their mission to touch the lives of Dumagat children as much as they can. As such, another trip to the tribe’s homeland last June 7 resulted in laughs and smiles for the

In a rapidly changing world, young leaders possess the potential to shape the future and drive positive change. Their fresh perspectives, innovative thinking, and boundless energy make them a formidable force in addressing complex global challenges. This article explores the qualities that set young leaders apart and highlights the key attributes that contribute to their

In the age of pervasive fake news and misinformation, humanism and critical thinking are essential. As technology advances and information spreads rapidly, the ability to think critically becomes crucial. By embracing humanism and incorporating philosophy to nurture critical thinking, we can empower individuals to discern truth from falsehood and navigate complex issues. Philosophy is a

“The garden suggests that there might be a place where we can meet nature half way.” – Michael Pollan HAPI-Bulacan has been working tirelessly for the growth and maintenance of its hydroponics garden. This community garden aims to increase food security, improve local ecology, and promote unity among the locals. “HAPI CFO Mutya Valenzuela started

The HAPI-CDO team conducted the HAPI Arroz Caldo for Kids feeding activity at Sitio San Pedro Taguanao, Brgy. Indahag, Cagayan de Oro City last April 23, 2023. The activity was supported by Kagawad Bruno Exequil of Brgy. Indahag, the Sangguniang Kabataan of Indahag, and Sitio San Pedro officers.  The feeding activity took place in a

HAPI-Cagayan de Oro successfully conducted a feeding activity at a relocation area in Barangay Indahag, Cagayan de Oro City last February 26, 2023. The initiative was organized by Johnny L. Denden, HAPI-CDO Lead Convenor, in collaboration with the Phase 1 Habitat Youth Organization headed by Kerwin Goro and Lowen Pantaleon. About 100 children were present

We are part of a marvellous natural cycle where the sun sets and rises, the seasons change, and flora and fauna cohabit in perfect harmony. The world is mostly a peaceful place, as shown by its oceans, mountains, and forests. But as soon as humans are included in the mix, the balance is thrown off

As destructive behaviors go, crab mentality harms not only individuals but society as a whole. Among Filipinos, this infamous mentality can be traced back to colonial-era Philippines, where the colonizers pitted the people against each other to maintain control. Tragically, Filipinos came to perpetuate crab mentality themselves after decades of internalisation, leading to unhealthy competition

Though we still have a long way to go, it’s wonderful to see how far women have come. In the growth and advancement of society, women are fundamental. A modern, productive world is unimaginable without them. Brig Young famously said that “if you are educating a man, then you are educating only one person, but

Thought experiments are famous for a reason. They’re fun tools that simplify scientific concepts without involving much of the unwieldy math. In essence, they are springboards to rigorous scientific discussion, using intuition first and mathematics and experimentation after. But therein lies the catch: intuition. Like with any field, common people who are not involved in

People often say that students are the future. This may be true, but it doesn’t mean they are immune to the effects of smart shaming. Smart shaming is when someone puts you down publicly, often on social media, for expressing or giving them the correct information. It implies that you are stupid, trying hard, or

Last February 4, 2023, the kids of HAPI-Alabang’s Reading Room made Valentine’s Day cards containing kind messages for beneficiaries of the chapter’s food security event. As an extension of their lesson on kindness, this activity focused on being kind to people whom they do not know but are in dire need of compassion. After the

Looking at the state of the world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and believe that there is nothing to be grateful for. After all, a lot of people are in a financial slump. Families could barely make ends meet. Homeless and unemployed individuals abound. What is there to be grateful for? Well as it happens,

This past 18th and 19th February, the HAPI Bulacan Reading Room held two programs for two separate age groups led by HAPI CFO Mutya Valenzuela. The lecture focused on being kind to our world and how to properly care for it. The kids utilized their creativity and craftsmanship to deliver the concepts. The kids engaged

The Philippines marks its first EDSA commemoration under the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He is the son of the President ousted by the original EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986 and a frequent apologist of his misgivings. Have Filipinos completely forgotten about EDSA and what it meant for the country? Here’s what Filipino humanists

By Glemir Sordilla Associate Editor “Food is maybe the only universal thing that has the power to bring everyone together.” – Guy Fieri The Agta tribe, also known as Dumagat Remontados, enjoyed a nutritious meal courtesy of HAPI and its partners last January 29, 2023. An estimated 65 people attended the event in Sitio Kambubuyugan,

HAPI-Alabang Welcomes New Volunteers By Phoebe Dedicatoria HAPI Scholar Last January 24, 2023, HAPI-Alabang held a meeting discussing some points that new volunteers need to know. The event also became an opportunity to distribute the custom t-shirts that volunteers in the chapter were eagerly waiting for. The meeting started with an introduction to HAPI and

HAPI-CDO Says NO to Human Trafficking in Symposium By Maria Louizza Fugoso HAPI Scholar HAPI-Cagayan de Oro successfully held an Anti-Human Trafficking Campaign and Workshop last January 15, 2023. The event took place at Balangaw sa Kalinaw Village (BSKV), Taguanao, Indahag, Cagayan de Oro, considered one of the province’s most remote areas. The event was

HAPI: A Night with the Unsheltered By Shawn Evans Quiming HAPI Scholars In Poblacion, Malolos, Bulacan, last January 20, HAPI Volunteers and HAPI CFO Mutya Valenzuela spent the night with the unsheltered in order to deliver 80 packed dinners, 60 brioche buns with butter and sugar, 80 packed biscuits, and 100 bottles of water. The

HAPI’s New Shirts Celebrate the Humanist Cause By Edgar Louis de Gracia HAPI Scholar Are you looking for a new comfortable shirt? Pues, look no further than HAPI’s latest t-shirt merch, featuring a variety of designs that fit all genders. Adults, teenagers, and even children are guaranteed a fresh piece if they want one. Made

HAPI-Bacolod Takes Part in Children Summit and Baseline Research By Glemir Sordilla HAPI-Bacolod Member | HAPI Scholar   “Young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation.” – Kofi Annan HAPI-Bacolod joined Community’s Hope and Initiative for Lasting Development, Inc. (CHILDInitiative) for their Project ISA – Isip, Swey, Alert focus group discussion

A Setback in Modern Society By Johnny Denden Lead Convenor, HAPI Cagayan de Oro In the modern era, the public judges us through stinging “words,” which could result in depression and anxiety for any given individual. After society judges them through sensational hearsay, rumors, and gossip that spreads throughout their community, a victim becomes concerned

The HAPI Reading Room Takes Off By Angie Driskell HAPI Junior Ambassador As the year comes to an end, the HAPI Alabang team, with the guidance of HAPI Junior, has started to conduct learning sessions at the HAPI Reading Room in Alabang. The location serves as a place for the children to learn about humanist

Attraction to Death By Junelie Anthony Velonta || Buta’ng Amang Ambassador, HAPI Youth When is the birthday of Jose Rizal? When one asks the common Filipino, not many would reply with the correct answer. Some, even, would answer December 30. However, what was December 30 to the life of Rizal? Oh, right. It was the

Cebu City: The Philippines’ First Capital By Kryshia Gayle Solon HAPI Scholar Before Metro Manila became the nation’s central hub for politics, commerce, and industrialization, there was Cebu City. The Queen City of the South is one of the most pivotal islands in the history of the Philippines as it is where Magellan first set

The Sad History of Joan of Arc By Kryshia Gayle Solon HAPI Scholar The story of Joan of Arc has been told time and time again throughout history. Joan is known as a woman who led the French army to victory against the English and saved France from being conquered. But how much of this

The Ugly in Pretty Privilege By Kryshia Gayle Solon HAPI Scholar Each of us has experienced privilege in one way or another. Privilege is simply an advantage that some individuals have over others due to factors such as social class, race, or gender. We often think of privilege as a negative thing because it unfairly

HAPI-Zambales Launches Two Feeding Programs By Angie Driskell Ambassador, HAPI Junior The HAPI-Zambales team is known for its bread-giving projects and feeding programs at local hospitals. Recently, they broke out of their routine and decided to reach out to a specific community. On October 9, 2022, in partnership with Atty. Tyrus Joshua Macaraeg and with

HAPI and HASH Launch an Awareness Campaign on the SOGIE Bill and HIV/AIDS By Takudzwa Mazwienduna Humanist Author   The Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) bill is one of the most progressive pieces of legislation in the Philippines. It is also known as the Anti-Discrimination Bill (ADB), which sums up its purpose. Considering that it

HAPI Holds SOGIE Talk and HIV-AIDS Testing in Alabang By Shawn Evans Quiming HAPI Scholar On October 22, 2022, a SOGIE & HIV-AIDS awareness campaign was held at the HAPI Alabang Reading Room, headed by HAPI Pride Ambassador Steven Cross, who spoke with about 20 participants regarding SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression Equality).

HAPI Receives Fourth “Humanism at Work” Award from GO Humanity By Glemir Sordilla HAPI Scholar   Humanist Alliance Philippines, International (HAPI) has been internationally recognized by GO Humanity yet again, bagging the “Humanism at Work” Award during the latter organization’s Heart of Humanism Awards last July 14, 2022. GO Humanity, which is a global network

Real Unity Comes Through Communication Amidst Diversity By Kryshia Gayle Solon HAPI Scholar The current world we live in is one of great diversity. With such a vast array of cultures and beliefs, it can be challenging to communicate with one another effectively. As the world becomes ever more connected through technological advances and communications,

How Baybayin’s Legacy Lives On By Kryshia Gayle Solon HAPI Scholar ᜉᜋᜈ “Pamana” / “Legacy” in Baybayin Baybayin is a pre-Hispanic Philippine writing system that was widely used throughout the islands before the arrival of the Spaniards. The term Baybayin comes from the Tagalog word, baybay, which means “to spell.” Spanish missionaries first documented it

HAPI-Duma organizes community kitchen: 1st project by new officers By Roma Jane Hechanova   With July dubbed as Nutrition Month, HAPI-Dumaguete, led by its newly elected officers, organized a community kitchen at Silliman Park on July 23, 2022 in collaboration with Bantayan Women’s Association. Approximately 60 attendees, including about 40 kids, participated in the event

Over the Rainbow: Negros Occidental Pride! By Eldemar R. Sabete HAPI-Bacolod Member | HAPI Scholar After the rain, look for the rainbow Amidst a tumultuous past two years in Negros Occidental, HAPI-Bacolod’s partnership with local LGBT, feminist, and ally organizations has arrived to break the sadness and devastation brought by the pandemic, Typhoon Odette, and

HAPI Leaders Join the World’s Largest Humanist Conferences By Mary Jane Valenzuela HAPI Chief Financial Officer Humanist Alliance Philippines, International (HAPI) was thrilled to join not one but two major humanist conferences this past June 2022. The first was with Humanist Society Scotland in its first-ever International Humanist Conference last June 4. A day before

Measuring Excellence By Donna T. Darantinao HAPI Scholar How do we measure excellence? Is it through the words we write? The things we say? Our school and work achievements? Or perhaps it is through the praises and good words people say about us. Who really knows? The thing about “measuring excellence”, though, is that it

𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 By Junelie Velonta HAPI Youth Ambassador & HAPI Scholar While we now know and have rediscovered the ancient epics and myths of our forebears, it came with heavy labor. Yes, some of our stories survived. Yes, Filipinos still write and recite stories and poems. But what of

HAPI Kids for the Earth By Glemir P. Sordilla HAPI Scholar | HAPI-Bacolod Member HAPI-Alabang Kids are once again stepping up towards making a difference in their community through their first official Clean-Up Drive. Officers and several volunteers of HAPI-Alabang prepared a fun but, more importantly, productive day. It consisted of the anticipated Clean-Up Drive

HAPI Jr. Delarama’s First-Ever “Game Day”! By Angie Driskell HAPI Jr. Ambassador Since the start of the pandemic, it has not been possible to have any face-to-face events with the children of HAPI Jr. – Delarama, Parañaque. This was due to the strict protocol and guidelines that were implemented in their area.  The first event

The Youth Call to Action: HAPI-Bacolod Teams Up with Local Youth Orgs By Eldemar R. Sabete HAPI-Bacolod / HAPI Scholar The Bacolod Chapter of Humanist Alliance Philippines, International recently allied with Bacolod Youth Coalition for Democracy (BaCoD) as the latter crafted a Local Youth Agenda involving young people across different sectors in Negros Occidental. BaCoD

“Her”Story By AJ Ballares Member, HAPI Board of Trustees The movie “Liway” struck me to the core for two reasons. First, because this movie is based on the true story of a Negrense activist mother who was shielding her son from the trauma of their life as political prisoners; and second, because this woman was

Globalization x Humanism By Krysia Gayle Solon HAPI Scholar In the fast pace of modern society, we don’t immediately perceive the impact of our actions on the world around us. However, the truth is that even menial things like subscribing to Netflix, patronizing Samsung or Apple devices, or collecting Rick Riordan’s books are great contributors

The Human Element in the Russo-Ukrainian War By Edgar Louis de Gracia HAPI Scholar Disclaimer: The writer’s opinions and views do not necessarily reflect that of the whole organization. It was February 24, 2022. Russia invaded Ukraine under the guise of “de-nazifying” and “de-militarizing” the country. As awful as the war is and as much

Turtles Still Matter: A HAPI Trip to PawikanCare Sanctuary By Shawn Evans Quiming HAPI Scholar HAPI CEO Javan Lev Poblador and CFO Mutya Valenzuela recently joined HAPI-Zambales Leaders Van Catayong and Garry Rabang in visiting the PawiCare Center in La Paz, San Narcisco, Zambales. Escorted by “Kuya Rey”, one of the sanctuary’s heads, they watched

How HAPI Impacted Me (#10) An essay series featuring retrospectives by HAPI members, staff, and leaders in celebration of its 8th Anniversary. “I can still remember the first time me and my friends were invited to a ‘meeting’ by Humanist Alliance Philippines, International. By the time we went out of that meeting, I was already elected

Why “Encanto” Feels Close to the Filipino By Junelie Anthony Velonta HAPI Scholar Filipinos, even months after the release, can’t seem to shut up about Disney’s latest animated movie: Encanto. Well, how could they not? From young to old, many Pinoys who have seen the movie identify with one or many of the Madrigals. Breadwinners

HAPI-Bacolod Welcomes New Officers! By Glemir Sordilla HAPI Scholar | HAPI-Bacolod Member “The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress,” go the famous words of Charles Kettering, the innovative engineer. Change, despite being daunting and difficult, can be what everyone needs. Management reform is a challenge for every organization.

HAPI and PawiCare Hatch More Baby Turtles! By Angie Driskell HAPI Junior Ambassador HAPI CEO, Javan Poblador, and HAPI CFO, Mutya Valenzuela, recently visited the PawiCare Center in La Paz, San Narciso, Zambales. They were accompanied by HAPI-Zambales Lead Convenor, Van Catayong, and Assistant Lead Convenor, Garry Rabang. PawiCare is a Pawikan Protection and Conservation

How HAPI Impacted Me (#5) An essay series featuring retrospectives by HAPI members, staff, and leaders in celebration of its 8th Anniversary.   Before I became a HAPI Scholar, I was just a normal high school student, with my life revolving around studying, playing games, and being around my friends and family. When my mother suddenly

HAPI Jr. Holds Brunch and Gift-Giving for Bulaceño Kids! By Angie Driskell HAPI Jr. Ambassador The children of HAPI-Bulacan said goodbye to 2021 and welcomed 2022 with a brief year-end activity last January 2, 2022. Thanks to very generous donors, the HAPI Jr. Bulacan Brunch and Gift-Giving ensured that each child participant received a toy

HAPI Honors Top Chapters and Members Humanist Alliance Philippines, International finally celebrated its eighth anniversary last December 26! To mark the occasion, members not only gathered at the organization’s Bulacan Headquarters to eat food and share “hapi” memories, the most dedicated chapters and members were also honored with awards! Humanist of the Year How do

HAPI Celebrates 8th Year of Advancing Humanism By Joshua Villalobos HAPI Scholar   Manila, Philippines / December 25, 2021 – While others are celebrating this day as the birth of the Christian God, Jesus Christ, folks from the Humanist Alliance Philippines, International celebrate its successes, milestones, and growth as this is also the date it

History is not “What, When, Where” By Junelie Velonta HAPI Scholar History does not repeat itself. It simply is a record of what we, as a collective species, as a nation, or as a culture, have done in the past. If anything, history is a thing — a construct. There is no instance in which

NutriCamp Brings Smiles to HAPI Kids in Cavite By Glemir Sordilla HAPI Scholar  “History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children,” Nelson Mandela famously said, emphasizing that we should look out for future generations. A new HAPI chapter blossomed last October 17, adding to the continuously growing and

By Glemir Sordilla and Joshua Villalobos HAPI Scholars Did you know? Over 476 million indigenous people live in 90 countries all over the world, accounting for 6.2 percent of the global population. August 9 marks the annual celebration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People. This honors the same day back in 1982

By Glemir Sordilla HAPI Scholar Have any of you experienced dreading the arrival of your disconnection notice from the electric company? How about the horrible situation where you and your family will not be able to eat because of your empty rice container? I am pretty sure every one of us was once in that

By Angie Driskell HAPI Jr. Ambassador Not only did the pandemic make it difficult to spend time with the children of Manila and Caloocan City throughout 2020, it also made it near-impossible to mount any of HAPI Jr.’s planned events. But finally, last July 18, everything came full circle with HAPI Jr. – Family Fair. It was

By Angie Driskell HAPI Jr. Ambassador Rain or shine, HAPI Jr. and HAPI Kids – Alabang always do their best to deliver what they promise! This was the case last July 17, 2021 at the ‘Love in a Bowl’ event held in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Not all of the children were able to join the

By Mutya Valenzuela HAPI CFO Mothers are often the central pillars of their families, yet as women, they continue to face persistent inequality and injustice and bear the brunt of poverty. To overcome poverty, women must be empowered. When women are able to improve their lives, they transfer these improvements to the lives of their

By Johnny L. Denden HAPI-Northern Mindanao Lead Convener More than a year into the Covid-19 pandemic, the virus is not showing any signs of halting its deadly effects on society. This generational health crisis has greatly complicated everyone’s life. Because of it, a lot of initiatives from various organizations around the Philippines were forced to

From Our CEO, Javan Poblador HAPI started 2021 with a reason to celebrate despite the doom-and-gloom everywhere. In the span of three months, we managed to establish five more Chapters all over the country. We have seen our Chapters stepping up on their advocacies and exemplifying our humanist values through many different projects and programs

By Glemir Sordilla & Joshua Villalobos HAPI Scholars In Merlie Figura-Hammer’s recent HAPI article titled “Science and humanism will get us through this pandemic”, she stated that humanist beliefs emphasized the potential value and goodness of human beings, highlighting common struggles and providing a rational way to solve global problems. It is worth asking how well

More than a year after the illegal detention of Nigerian humanist Mubarak Bala, justice has still not prevailed. Humanist Alliance Philippines, International joins in the continued call of nearly 100 other humanist organizations and free speech advocate groups from around the world to release Mubarak Bala.

By Stephany LovendinoHAPI Sorsogon ChapterWriter As part of celebrations for Women’s Month, HAPI-Sorsogon (the newest Chapter of HAPI!) made its first-ever event called the Basket-Making Workshop, which aimed to teach participants the art of basket-weaving, as well as to empower women to acquire new skills and knowledge. The event was held last March 27 at

By Mutya ValenzuelaHAPI CFO Last March 28, HAPI National and HAPI Zambales visited Pawicare, a pawikan (sea turtle) hatchery in San Narciso, Zambales. From October to March every year, sea turtle moms come out of the water to lay eggs in the town’s beaches! During this time, the Pawikan Rangers of Pawicare collect their eggs

by Kith Baquiran Metro Manila, Philippines December 30, 2020 As a motorcycle rider, I have been in the streets of Metro Manila. I cannot deny how many homeless people that I see every time that I pass by the roads of Manila. It’s heartbreaking to see those children or families living on the isle of

Javan Lev Poblador, The Youngest HAPI CEO By Junelie Anthony Velonta Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines   Many unexpected things happened to us this 2020. From wildfires to a global pandemic to a highly divisive US election which was keenly observed by the whole world, misfortune upon misfortune seems to have piled up for all—many

By Alvin John Ballares, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Who’s excited for this year to end?  Understandably everyone.  What a year it has been- many think it’s best forgotten as it was a year riddled with natural calamities, financial struggles, and of course this vicious virus that affected us all, the COVID-19 pandemic. So I had to

In order to provide a workspace that is more conducive to productivity, HAPI’s Headquarters is now located at 078 Looban St., Pinagbakahan, City of Malolos, Bulacan. During our kick-off event last December 18, we held a course and sponsored everyone’s lunch afterwards. For the kids, we also gave out milk and cookies – baked with

The second HAPI Jr. – Health is Wealth event took place in Sta. Cruz, Manila and Caloocan City on December 13, 2020. As with the first part of the initiative, the children were provided with masks, milk, crackers and holiday tokens. Since the children all belong to different barangays in those cities, it required additional

By: Maria Juana Valenzuela “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” – John Bunyan Once Mother Nature gets angry, no amount of preparation can stop her from taking out her frustrations on humans. We were deeply heartbroken when we saw the aftermath of super typhoons that hit our

Why You Should Support Senate Bill No. 1373 by Joshua Villalobos Bacolod City   Why You Should Support Senate Bill No. 1373 On Sunday, TV news magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho featured a 13-year old girl married to a 48-year old grown-up man in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.  To paint it visually, the “marriage” is between

Steven Angelo July 2020 City of San Fernando, La Union When we go up north, we always aim to be in the City of Pines, Baguio City, to feel its cold weather, to mesmerize the beauty of Cordillera Mountains and to feel the bristles of pine trees. Intimate love for Baguio means in-depth love for

Fresh out of June, which is World Humanist Month, the Humanist Alliance Philippines, International (HAPI) caps off a successful second quarter of 2020 in which we saw not just the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic but the resilient response of Filipinos to it. In truth, the efforts of independent, non-government organizations like HAPI are just

Woman…Freedom…Divorce…Abortion? Part 1 Written by Filipinas Del Valle March 8, 2020 Angeles City, Pampanga (I wrote this paper in 2008 as part of my social reform classes, a decade have passed and it’s still the same. So, for Women’s Month Celebration,  I am making this as a public statement in support of my advocacy towards

    TAAL Relief Operations : The HAPI Way Written by Filipinas Del Valle February 24, 2020 Tagaytay City, Cavite, Philippines            Filipinos around the world are  renowned for being resilient and happy people. We are known to make jokes about everything. We are, after all, gifted with a sunny disposition.