Let us all come forth to support those really in need!

I woke up one morning and looked up on the wall. I wanted to do something more satisfying and exciting than an afternoon spent browsing the internet and doing practically nothing. An immediate plan came to me. Search on the internet for contacts and contacted the center for visiting. I had no time to waste as I hurriedly drove to buy food necessities, lunch, and prizes. On my way home, I managed to stop by the nursery to buy tree seedlings for the children to plant later on. I called up my good friend to help out. We were brainstorming for game ideas, and to my surprise, I got all the things sorted in less than two hours! What I enjoyed most was packaging goodies bags and twisting balloon animals *giggles*. Although, I can be serious sometimes, I remain a child at heart. From the second I stepped into the home, the children were so excited and happy. Their faces especially lit up when they knew plenty of fun packed games awaits. The children tucked into their favorite fried chicken complete with a variety of aerated drinks. After a hearty meal, the children played games and I performed my magic tricks. I was eager to get them all involved in the planting activities in their home compound because while I was browsing through their pictures on the internet, I noticed there was hardly any kind of trees or greenery in their compound! At the end of my visit, the staff came up to me and admired my patience with the children. I couldn't help but smile in my heart.

Indeed a nice charitable video or some FB pictures showing some environmental outdoors work just won’t cut it. While some people might think beauty queens are just faking it to show they are in good light, I personally think, it is being your most open and genuine self as well as enjoying the process of doing it really matter most. Also, doing something good OUT of the spotlight! In my past, I've visited nursing homes, other charitable homes and donated clothes, toys and books to the Salvation Army and no pictures whatsoever was taken. However, the reason I am sharing my experience today with pictures and long boring descriptions is to grab this golden opportunity to let people know despite who you are and what you are, help those in need. Do something of your own free will, you do it by choice and not because you are forced to do it.

Helping the kids out with the cross word puzzle game ^^ 

Playing games with the kids! 

  

Our tree planting session.

Preparing lunch for the kids. 

Donated tree seedlings to the home.

Running a non-profit humanitarian organisation is such a huge commitment and the financial struggles are large. The sponsorship and donations are used very wisely, however there are continuing financial challenges. Personally, it is satisfying to see that the money is spent on the children but overwhelming to see how much more could be done if there were more sponsors and donations. I urge you, yes you reading this to Please, HELP spread the word! 

Cempaka Welfare Home provides shelter to orphaned and abandoned children from destitute and broken families, regardless of gender, race, creed or religion. If you would like to contribute something whether in terms of monetary value or daily necessities, or just simply visiting the children, please contact Tel: 03-7880 3936.

Address: No. 58, Jalan SS23/25, Taman SEA, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, West Malaysia. 

May the children of Cempaka Welfare Home be blessed with fruitfulness in all aspects of their lives! : )

Reminiscing my time in Philippines ♥

I remember this experience vividly, as though it happened yesterday. What really amazed me was the beautiful scenery and the terrain was spectacular! I also realized while on the road in the Philippines that you will never go hungry, as there will always be vendors selling you peanuts, bananas, and even chips on the streets. Bayug Island was paradise, and had such a breath of fresh air all around! The cool breeze felt soothing across my face whilst the slow-setting sun provided an experience not to be missed. As we took a visit to the insanely beautiful Pagayawan Falls and did inaugural tree planting, I accidentally glanced upwards at the sky and froze in astonishment! I was paralyzed with awe and wonder at the sheer beauty of the scenery! This was the most amazing thing I have ever visualized with my own eyes. Same goes for my visit to the Tinago Falls and the Maria Cristina Falls which was the grandest and most majestic of them all. The waterfall is the second highest in the Philippines! 

By the way, it's well known that this beauty extends to the people as well. In my experience, from all the Asians I have met, Filipinos are the most kind and friendly people, extremely welcoming and curious, but also respectful. Filipinos really have an act of being so close to each other which I really like about. This element of closeness is a part of Pinoy culture that is found all the way throughout their people and is one reason why the place is so friendly. They always seem happy and smiling, and culturally speaking, music in the Philippines is absolutely everywhere! During the school visits, I was amazed that young school children playing instruments whilst performing a choreographed march. They love to sing and to dance whenever there is an occasion to celebrate. They demonstrated a lot of work, effort and commitment to their performances. Tagalog is the national dialect although there are many regional languages but however English is widely spoken throughout. Regardless of age, it was a great sight to see all Filipinos supporting the campaign for environmental protection and planting mangrove seedlings despite the scorching hot sun! I miss eating the humble coconut pie, filled with succulent slices of young coconut called BUKO, a simple, wholesome dessert made with an ingredient found in local abundance. 

 from left to right: Myself, Miss Earth - Water 2013, Miss Philippines Earth 2014

Planting tree seedling with the kids.

  

Giving my environmental talk to the students.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the hospitality and culture! I certainly look forward to going back to the Philippines soon!

As the reigning Miss Malaysia Earth 2014

I personally love working and interacting with children because children are full of wonder and interest about things you bring into the classroom. In fact, I am an enthusiast in whatever I am interested in. The children at Premier Montessori were so excited and interactive throughout the entire lesson. So what I have prepared for the children was a learning map which I call it the “LEARNING TREE” whereby it highlights the importance of trees! Just so you know I can only draw a stick man. That’s right. I mean terrible looking stick figure is all I can draw. Therefore, I have tried my best to color beautifully and keep it understandable to kids and fun at the same time! *chuckles*

I believe that environmental education for children should start as early as possible! The reason is because children's attitudes toward living things develop at a young age and they will imitate the attitudes and actions toward caring for the environment that you model for them. The best way for young children to learn about nature is through real interactions with it. They need chances to touch, feel, look and smell. Therefore, getting the children to participate in tree planting activity in their school compound will definitely get the kids excited about the environment too : ) Young children need more opportunities to explore nature and form a bond with it. By teaching children at a young age to be environmentally aware, WE are building lifelong habits that could potentially make a dramatic difference in the future of OUR earth!

Get the children involved in planting and care of trees. It's never too early to get started! It’s a wonderful opportunity to get kids into nature and instill a love for the environment, as well as teach them the importance of environmental stewardship and taking care of the planet ♥

- If we do not plant knowledge when YOUNG, it will give us NO shade when we are old - 

Warmest regards,

Renee