Dear Friends of Carewell,

Amazing! The –BER months are here! And now, the great roller-coaster ride all the way through to Christmas begins! But, first, a recap of August. As always, this blog and photos are available at www.carewellcommunity.org and on FB.

First off, a HUGE CAREWELL THANK YOU to all who worked so hard to make the Ride for Cory2 and our very first Race for Cory inspiring and exciting events! Despite near-typhoon conditions, over one hundred hardy cyclists converged on Tarlac last 27 August. The R4C2 had the townsfolk lining the roads and cheering the cyclists on through the wet and windy conditions, and we were met with cold beverages and warm smiles and greetings at each rest stop along the 60km route. Checkout this cool video by Jojo Rinoza here.

The first Race for Cory, co-presented by LBC, was an exciting event starring 80 pro cyclists, with Team American Vinyl bringing home the top prize! For more details, please visit this website.

Our deep thanks to race director, Ric Martinez, the management and staff of the Aquino Center in Tarlac, the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation, our major sponsors: 7-11, LBC, RFM, Smart, the government and citizens of Tarlac, and everyone who made this ride possible! See you all next August!

As always, September is a busy busy month! On the 9th to the 10th, Carewell will be bringing its members to Balai sa San Juan for its 2011 Respite Weekend. We are all looking forward to a fun and replenishing 2 days at this beautiful resort in Barangay Abung, San Juan, Batangas.

On Sept 17, Carewell executive director, Bobbit Suntay, will be giving 2 talks at the Silver Linings educational forum and homecoming for breast cancer survivors and their loved ones in Davao.  Bobbit will be addressing 2 topics: “How husbands cope” and “The role of family and friends.”  Our thanks and congratulations to Kara Alikpala for hosting this wonderful, annual event, and for her inspiring presence as the heart and soul of icanserve Foundation!

Now that it’s September, why not shift into shopping mode and get a jump start on your Xmas list - assuming, you already know who has been naughty and who has been nice!  On September 24-25, Carewell will hold the Souk! Bazaar at the Rockwell Tent.  Are you ready to buy your Christmas presents?  Come join us!  Are you a vendor wanting to join our bazaar?  Please contact us, as we still have some tables available.  Please call 815-1294 or 751-0242 for details.

Click to enlarge poster

Saving the very best of September for last, Carewell is celebrating its 5th anniversary this year.  And whom better to kick off our celebrations with than our very own, world-class performer: Lea Salonga!  On September 28, Carewell will host, A Special Night with Lea Salonga.  Accompanied by her brother, Gerard, on the piano, Lea will render songs in an intimate setting, along the lines of her acclaimed performances at the Café Carlyle in New York.  Maraming salamat, Lea and Gerard, for honoring us with your performance!  There will be sumptuous food thanks to Margarita Fores, and delicious wine thanks to The Straits Wine Company.

Looking forward to next month, on October 8, Urban Ashram Manila will be holding a fundraising yoga session at its center in Pasig.  Would you like to help raise funds for Carewell while having a whole lot of healthy fun?  Please contact 02-377-YOGA (9642), 0917-881-YOGA (9642) or email: info@urbanashrammanila.com to signup for October 8.  You can also join the regular yoga sessions at Carewell every Wednesday afternoon.  Thanks to Maricar Holopainen and her team for making this all possible. 

And that’s about all for now, friends.  Enjoy September and, until next month, always Care well, every step of your way.

Best,

Bobbit/Robert