Success Story: Kimberly Mitchell, Loving with Purpose

April 28, 2013 By 4 Comments

Image 4 with Belle and Blanc

 

It has been almost a year ago when Kimberly Mitchell sent me a copy of her book, Loving with Purpose. Since then, whenever I have the time I would take a few minutes and read through some of her sage advice on loving, living and starting to see things in a more purposeful way in dealing with people. In some fashion, I would say that her book has similarities with the book that I authored with the rest of the AMSDaily writers last July – the only huge difference is Kimberly’s book focuses solely on loving and maintain relationships with purpose.

Today, she shares with us her story – and one lucky reader shall receive a FREE copy of her book. Make sure to enter the giveaway at the bottom of the interview.

Please do visit Kimberly’s website at  http://www.lovingwithpurpose.com. She has a lot of information on her site which will definitely help you see love with purpose. You can also like her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LovingwithPurpose. 

Here is Kimberly’s purposeful story:

 

Alpha: What inspired you to write your latest book?

Kimberly: I was at a crossroads in my life and decided to write again. I actually wrote most of my life, but never a book. Once I made the decision to write, I had to figure out what subject matter I wanted to take on. Then one night, when I went out to dinner, I saw an older gentleman escort his wife to the table by putting his hand on the small of her back. That’s when it hit me; I would write about chivalry! Once I started writing, I couldn’t stop. The book took on a life of its own; covering topics from dating to blending, and more. I’m actually working on my second book now, along with blogging for others, offering presentations and speaking engagements.

Alpha: What have been the rewards and challenges of writing it?

Learning each and every task necessary to publish my own book. The second challenge was telling my story, while protecting anyone in my life by hurting them. I wanted to make sure I was genuine, honest, and responsible.

Image 8 with Belle and Blanc

Alpha: What is the book’s core message?

The book is about a lot of things, but mainly it’s about a woman’s choices; her choices in dating or marriage, with her children, friends…even her finances! I talk about abuse, blending, discrimination, and religion, too. If there’s a choice for women to make, most likely she can find a section in the book covering that topic.

Alpha: What do readers need to know about you?

I am a woman with a purpose; to help women make better choices, while helping them realize their own self-worth.

Loving 3D picture

Alpha: Any advice to a struggling writer?

Make a table of contents BEFORE writing so you follow the flow as thoughts come to mind. Research, learn, and then write.

Alpha: Where do you see book publishing is heading?

Self-publishing and audio books. When you go with traditional, you still have to do most of the marketing, which is the hardest part of the work. I tried to go traditional, but after almost ninety proposal packages I gave up. Now, after doing all the work, I’m grateful for what I’ve accomplished. My only regret is that I can’t share my work with many of the bookstores because of nontraditional.

LwP bitmap

 

 

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To read other inspiring Success Stories, click here.

 

Alpha Sanford is the creator and editor of Aspire.Motivate.Succeed! a personal development website which aims to inspire and motivate people from all walks of life through its bi-weekly articles. She interviews and features inspiring individuals whose extraordinary work impact the lives of many people in the community. You can contact her via facebook, twitter, and email.  You can also join her FREE monthly newsletter where you will get tips to a more successful life. Emailamsdaily@yahoo.com with the heading NEWSLETTER to join. If you are already an amsdaily subscriber, you will not automatically receive these monthly newsletters unless you email her.

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Saturday Success Story #27: Anna Oposa

March 17, 2012 By 5 Comments

By Alpha Miguel-Sanford

Photo of Caloy Soliongco for Philippine Star

At 24,  her list of achievements (A-list) keeps on growing. Here’s what you can find on her A-list:

- in June 2011, she was named by Yahoo! Philippines as one of the Pitong Pinoy awardees for her efforts in the field of environment.

- in April 2011, she initiated and a co-founded “Save the Philippines Seas“, to protect, as the name suggests, the Philippines seas.

-  she was the Philippine Youth Ambassador to ASEAN and Japan in 2008, and the Philippine youth leader in the Denso Youth For Earth Action program in Thailand and Japan in 2009.

- in February 2009, she co- organized the Isko cleans UP (ICU) movement at the University of the Philippines.

- she is a Goodness Ambassador by Human Nature and this month’s (March 2012) cover girl for Human Nature, Magalogue

- she is a renowned environmentalist, speaker, scuba diver, world traveler, freelance writer, singer, performer, teacher and yoga practitioner.

She continues to inspire more people in her many great advocacies especially for the environment. She is her own A-list. She is Anna Oposa.

And, this is her story:

AMS: Tell us about yourself. Your education, training and what you are currently involved in.

Anna: My name is Anna Oposa, Filipina and proud. I turned 24 a month ago. Writer by profession, environmental advocate by passion.

Education:

De La Salle Zobel – Grade school and high school
Pratt Institute – Creative Writing, Pre-College Summer Program
University of the Philippines-Diliman – Batch 2011, BA English, cum laude

Current projects:

A lot of top-down, bottom-up work. With the support of selected government officials, I filed bills I wrote, like the Shark’s Fin Bill, and a proposed Fisheries Administrative Order to protect thresher sharks. I’m heading the project to makeCavitethe biking capital of thePhilippines. I wrote the Provincial Ordinance for that too. The kickoff event will be in the end of April.

My next big projects that will run ’til next year are establishing a shark shelter in theVisayanSeasunder Save Philippine Seas and developing San Vicente,Palawan, as an eco town with the Climate Change Commission. There’s also creating the Save Philippine Seas mobile app, launching the new website, working on waste management programs in UP, etc. Never a boring day.

AMS: You were named as one of Yahoo’s Pitong Pinoy awardees. Would you please tell us how did you get that award?

Anna: My colleague in SPS nominated me. I found out on June 12, 2011. My “online stage mommy,” Tita Noemi Dado of @momblogger sent me the link of the Yahoo! article.

AMS: Your involvement with marine life is tremendous! How were you introduced to this? At what age?

Anna: My dad is an environmental lawyer, so I guess you could say that my exposure to the environment began when I was still a fetus. He pioneered environmental law in thePhilippines, so when my brothers and I were growing up, we would be brought to different projects — reforestation projects inMt.Maragundon, illegal fishing raids in the Visayas, rescuing marine turtles inCebu. But when you’re a kid you don’t really think about these things as extraordinary because you grew up with it. You don’t see it as a “passion” because it was the norm. Other people went to offices inMakati, my dad went to beaches. Plus he and my mom love to travel, so we would go on annual family trips around thePhilippines, go spelunking, island hopping, trekking. All five of us (my dad, my 3 brothers, me) are licensed scuba divers. That kind of co-existence with nature contributed greatly in being an “environmentalist,” because there is greater motivation to protect things and places that you have fallen in love with.

The funny thing is, I never saw myself going into this path because my heart was committed to musical theatre. I spent my summers in theatre and dance workshops. I had voice lessons every week for about 10 years, and even did a couple of shows with RepertoryPhilippinesand Stages. I didn’t want to go down the same path as my dad, because I’d have a lot to live up to and I’d always be compared to him. 

In 2007, I went on a cleanup dive to skip an exam (it was either take the exam or go to the beach, dive, and pick up trash… DUH) and that changed everything. It was one of those Aha! moments. I saw all sorts of crap 60ft below underwater. Diapers, plastics, car parts. I was disgusted and disappointed. I was like, “Okay. I need to do more.”

AMS: Save the Philippines Seas, is your baby. Who came up with this idea and why?

Anna: It was inspired by a report of a US-based company allegedly engaged in large scale extraction of corals and other marine resources. There was an ongoing conversation online, on Twitter and Facebook, and the ones most active got together on Skype and said, “What do we do now?” “Why don’t we create an online platform…” And that’s how SPS was born.

AMS: Aside from your passion of the seas, you also love to sing and perform. I saw some of your singing videos and made me smile. Tell us more about your many other passions? 

Anna: Thank you! 

I’m most passionate about stopping global whining. Meaning, people who sit around bitching and waiting for the world to change. I’m passionate about spreading good vibes!

My other advocacies are responsible sexual health (I also work with SexandSensibilities.com), arts and culture (meaning treat our artists well so they can stop leaving), education (I think teachers should earn as much as business executives), and youth empowerment (I believe that the youth is not wasted on the young.).

AMS: Were all of you always involved in these types of cause? Since when?

Anna: Oh, not at all. I wanted to be on Broadway. I wanted to be a doctor. I wanted to be many, many things, but being in environmental advocacy was never part of my vision.

AMS: What do you think would be the most important skill  a person must possess on order to sustain employability and success?

Anna: Persistence. I’m not the smartest or most talented one out there, but I am “abnormally persistent.” My dad calls me the country’s “foremost environmental pest” because I’m so good at being makulit and following up.

AMS: What are some of your greatest achievements thus far?

Anna: My proudest achievements are those that don’t end up in my resume.For instance, banning the use of Styrofoam in UP through Isko Cleans UP, a waste management program my best friend Kester and I started in 2010. My favorite one is compellingManilaOceanPark to change their marketing collaterals of their shark exhibit from “Shark Attack” to “Shark Encounter” to promote my favorite animals in a more positive light.

AMS: Who are your support systems? Who are/were your motivators?

Anna: My family is an incredible support system. My dad, my mom, and my three brothers. I also have a powerhouse of best friends who are there for anything and everything. I call them when I feel like a task is too big, when I have good news, when I have a story about a dive. Palagi silang may baon na words of wisdom. Just a few days ago, I was having a panic attack about facing a certain government official because I’m a bit too emotionally invested in a project coming up, and my best friend said, “Remember what we say? If your dreams don’t scare you, you’re not dreaming big enough.”

AMS: Can you share some of your tips in becoming successful like you?

Anna: Haha, I think I’m far from being successful. But here is what I usually tell people who ask for a pep talk:

Stop making excuses. Age is not an excuse to be complacent and lazy. Every excuse is a choice to fail. It’s not about being the smartest or most talented, but having the courage to do something. The greatest change makers I know are also the biggest troublemakers I know. 

AMS: What are your next goals for yourself?

Anna: As for myself, I want to take my MA in 2013, visitEngland andBrazil, publish a creative non-fiction book, co-host a TV show. There are many.

AMS: Finally, what is your definition of success.

Anna: My personal definition of success is doing what you love to do, being able to financially sustain your lifestyle through that pursuit of passion, and creating lasting social change.

To read other inspiring Success Stories, click here.

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Saturday Success Story #26: ACTS

March 10, 2012 By 13 Comments

ByAlpha Miguel-Sanford

I want you to click on the video below before moving on with the rest of today’s featured story. I want you to listen to the music and let it play as your background while you read this week’s success story.

 

 

The music you are listening right now is from the three Sahagun sisters, Kathrine Ann, Christine and Fatima - the singers behind the group ACTS. They are a Pop/Christian Contemporary female vocal group who are dubbed as “born in thePhilippines, raised inAustralia and now live in Las Vegas!”. They have performed in several occasions in different art genres from singing to plays, musicals and dance numbers. They have recently concluded their first headline concert in Sydney, Australia of which their fans “could not get enough of them”. They have also released their first extended play album in November 2011 titled, “Speak Love”, which is available on itunes and on their website.

Interviewing them was another goal achieved! When I started doing this Saturday Success Story series I wanted to interview a singer, because of a few reasons but primarily because of my isolated interest in music. Yes, I can sing and have sung in karaokes just like every other Filipinos and Filipino-Americans I know but the buck stops right there and won’t go far in advance. Well, God is really good – He gave me a group to interview – the ACTS! What is even more special is that as I interview them I realized that the world is really small (they go to the same church as my Aunt Rose Sudaria-Cabiltes and her family goes!) and kindness really shines in any form. In their case, their kindness reverberates in every note they hit, in every song they deliver and in their voices.

They are what you would want to hear when you want to strengthen your faith and get closer to your spiritual being. They are what you would want to play during dinner, weddings and even parties! They can practically sing anything under the sun. They are the A-C-T-S!

This is their story:

 

AMS: Tell us about yourselves. Your education, training and where you are currently involved in. 

ACTS: We are three sisters, Kathrine Ann, Christine and Fatima Sahagun. We were born in thePhilippines, raised inAustralia, and now living inLas Vegas. We are a three part harmony Pop/Christian Contemporary female vocal group initially called the Sahagun Sisters, then in the year 2000 we changed our group name to ACTS, which is an acronym of our names/nicknames: Ann, Christine, Teemy (Fatima) Sahagun.

We all graduated from UNLV (Kathrine – BA Math; Teemy – BS/BA Marketing; Christine – BA Film).We started singing at school, church, community, and family events as members of choirs and vocal groups. We then had music lessons withJunJavierMusicSchool& Madelene Capelle. And now we perform as ACTS from church, local, national, and international events. We have also performed in concerts for major Filipino artists as opening and feature acts, including back-up singers.

AMS: Who came up with the idea behind ACTS?

ACTS: We have been singing and performing individually since we were young. Only when we began taking vocal lessons together did we officially form our group. Our singing teacher brought us together to sing with three part harmony. A few years later we were invited to sing at our cousin’s concert inCanada. Her last name was also Sahagun, which led us to change it to ACTS. Our mom was the one who thought of it since it’s an acronym of our names & from the book of ACTS in the Bible.

AMS: When did the three of you finally realized you wanted to do this?

ACTS: In the early 2000s, as we continued to sing together, we immediately developed a passion for performing. But not just as performers, but a group that makes a difference in the lives of everyone through our songs.

AMS: Growing up, did you always dream of putting together a show and spreading your music with mission?

ACTS: Yes. Our dream has always been to record an album of our original music, have our own concerts and tour all over the world. We want to impact & encourage everyone who listens to our music whether old or young.

AMS: Were all of you always involved in singing? Since when?

ACTS: Yes, since each of us were about 5 years old.

AMS: Did the three of you go through formal voice lessons? If yes, what was the most important thing you learned from your trainers/coaches?

ACTS: Yes. The most important thing we learned is that our voice is the most fragile instrument we’ll ever have and it can never be replaced. So we have to take care of it daily through vocal exercises, proper diet and rest, otherwise we risk losing the ability to sing at our optimum level.

AMS: I’ve been talking about ACTS but can you tell us what is ACTS and its many missions?

ACTS: ACTS is an acronym of our names: Ann, Christine, Teemy, and our last name is Sahagun.

Missions: We want to spread a positive message of love, hope, and peace to everyone through our music & even our lives. It’s our desire to encourage, inspire & impact everyone in a positive way. We also want to share about the love and joy that we have found in Jesus.

AMS: You guys mentioned that you just had your show in Australia? Was that your first concert outside Las Vegas? How did it go?

ACTS: We’ve performed inLas Vegas, multiple cities in Northern and Southern California, Canada, Philippines, andAustralia. But the concert at the beginning of this year inAustralia was our 1st concert outside of Las Vegas, in which we were the headline artist. It turned out great! It was a full house and everything went well. We were really grateful for all the support we received.

AMS: Recalling your first show as compared to the most recent concert you had – how was this most recent concert different from your first show?

ACTS: Our first performance in a concert was in Canada as special guests. It was exciting since it was our first concert ever and our first concert inCanada. We were able to sing four songs and was able to sing with our cousin, who is a well known artist there. But our most recent concert inAustralia was our first concert in our hometown and we were the featured artists. We were able to sing a longer set, open and talk to the audience and share our stories. As for the quality of our performance, we definitely have seen improvements since our first concert in Canada. Our harmonies are tighter now and feel more at ease singing on stage and interacting with the audience.

AMS: I love your California Gurls Filipina remix version, whose idea was that?

ACTS: Thank you! Christine came up with the idea of the remix and we all re-wrote the lyrics together. The song was current and very popular at the time, so we thought it would be fun to do a remix and incorporate our roots in there!

Editor’s Note: Click their amazing remix video below.

 

AMS: Could you tell us about your first album and how did you put it together?

ACTS: Speak Love is our first album that we’ve recorded. It’s an EP album that consists of original songs, written and composed by us. It was produced by Jesse Barrera inSan Diego. And the kickstarter fundraiser definitely made a huge difference. Everyone who supported our fundraiser helped make this dream come true!

AMS: What are some of your greatest achievements thus far?

ACTS: Performing as Opening and Feature Artists, and Back Up Singers for numerous Filipino artists, such as Gary V, Nora Aunor, Apo Hiking Society, Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby, Ai Ai Delas Salas, Ray Valera, and many more.

Getting past 3 rounds of auditions with America’s Got Talent

Making it to the top 20 ofLas Vegas’s X-Factor with Fox5 Network

Gaining subscribers on youtube and facebook

Recording our EP album

Having our first concert in Australia

AMS: Who are your support system? Who are/were your motivators?

ACTS: Our parents. God. Marc and Chris, our family, our church family, friends, our music teachers, people we’ve worked with musically, and Lil our dog.

AMS: Can you share some of your tips in becoming great singers and performers?

ACTS: Vocalize and sing as much as you can, but of course knowing your limit and not straining the muscle.

Sing because you want to and have a passion for it. Sing from the heart, people can sense when you’re not.

If it’s your dream to sing, don’t quit. Even if you get rejected or hear the word “NO” a lot, don’t give up. Keep doing your best and stay passionate. Something good will always happen when you work hard.

Practice being comfortable on stage and interacting with the audience.

Most importantly pray and have a positive attitude because we’ve experienced that when challenges or situations arise, whether it’s during performances or with regards to your dreams and goals, prayer and staying positive helps make everything work out.

AMS: What are your next goals for ACTS and for yourselves?

ACTS: Recording a full length album. Going full time with ACTS. Tour. Go on missions. Be internationally known. Excel and be successful in every aspect of our lives.

AMS: Finally, what is your definition of success.

ACTS: When we’ve made a difference in people’s lives (even if it’s just one person). When we enjoy what we’re doing and it doesn’t even feel like work. Accomplishing our goals. When we make our parents proud. And when we’ve honored God through our talents.

To read other inspiring Success Stories, click here.

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Saturday Success Story #25: Cromwell Bacareza

March 3, 2012 By 12 Comments

Recent statistics show that out of the 12 million Filipino schoolchildren, 97% suffer from tooth decay, 67% are infected with intestinal worms, and 30% are malnourished. It is alarming that a number of Filipino children suffer from basic proper hygiene and simple healthy habits which can have a direct impact in their attendance to school. When basic needs are not met, the future of these children is in jeopardy. 

This is when somebody who cares enough to identify these educational and health deficits can start a huge change. Someone who thinks outside the box and uses minimal resources but maximizes participation of stakeholders and policy makers come into play. Someone who “engineers change” and understands that health and education are key to alleviate poverty.

Cromwell Bacareza originally from Iligan City but currently resides in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines is that “someone”. He is the Director for Operations, of FIT, an NGO that works closely with the education and health sectors to develop and implement effective health programs. Cromwell is the contributor partner with the different agencies in institutionalizing sustainable health practices in the educational sector such as twice yearly deworming, daily handwashing with soap, and daily toothbrushing with fluoride. These strategies may not be new however; these tried and tested programs, address essential factors in the improvement of the lives and the future of Filipino schoolchildren. With his strategic planning and collaborative approach with various public sectors, such as with the Department of Education and Department of Health, Cromwell sees the future of the Filipino children happening now. He says, “To have the change we want, we must be the change ourselves. Change should start from within!”

This is his story:

AMS: Tell us about yourself. Your education, training and where you are currently involved in.

Cromwell: After a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from DE LA SALLE University in 1996, I pursued an MBA degree at ATENEO DE CAGAYAN-Xavier University. I also attended a District Health Management Course, sponsored by INWENT and aWASH in Schools Course conducted by EmoryUniversity sponsored by UNICEF. As FIT Director of Operations, I lead the FIT project staff in supporting the Department of Education and the Local Government Units to implement and institutionalize the Essential Health Care Program in more than 40 provinces. FIT provides technical assistance such as capacity building activities to partners, staff and other stakeholders in the institutionalization and management of the Essential Health care program.  FIT is involved in the formation of training modules to be used in schools and day care centers all over the county and utilizes its extensive network with LGUs to convince various government executives to support and own the program.

I represented the Philippinesin the United Nations High Level meeting on Non Communicable Diseases in 2011 and in the 1st Asian Public Health Dentistry Meeting in 2009. As FIT Director of Operations I served as a resource speaker on the Global Forum on Sanitation and Hygiene held in Mumbai,India and the Handwashing University in Nairobi,Kenya.

AMS: Growing up, did you always dream of putting together a mission and being involved in charitable organizations?

Cromwell: Growing up in a family of businessmen, entrepreneurs and politicians, I never imagined to be working in an NGO.  I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur. Surprisingly, fate led me here to become a social entrepreneur.

AMS: Tell us what is FIT for school and its many missions?

Cromwell: Fit for School Inc. or FIT is a Philippine NGO that was established in Cagayan de Oro in March 2009. Though we may be a young organization, we fully commit ourselves to supporting the government’s health and education sectors in their efforts to improve health and learning of Filipino children in schools and day care centers. FIT supports the DepEd and LGUs in the management of the Essential Health Care Program (EHCP).  This national flagship DepEd program is funded by about 30 LGUs throughout the country and implemented by more than 50 DepEd divisions, targeting about 2 million children in public elementary schools. EHCP uses effective interventions – daily handwashing with soap, daily toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste, integrated into daily school activities, and twice yearly deworming to combat high-impact diseases that often plague Filipino schoolchildren.

Cromwell: The Essential Health Care Program is unique in that it’s the largest handwashing program in the developing world that is funded with government resources.  The intersectoral collaboration between FIT, DepEd, and LGUs plus financial and technical assistance from international development partners such as GIZ, AusAID (through BEAM-ARMM), and Unicef are key to the implementation and sustainability of the program. Each partner has a crucial role to play to ensure that health and hygiene issues are addressed.

Daily program management is in the responsibility of school heads and teachers, thus ensuring that the program can be implemented in almost all schools, even in under-resourced locations. Main funding for the Essential Health Care Packages (toothpaste, toothbrushes, and soap) is provided by local governments. FIT facilitates cooperation between DepEd and LGUs; advocates for funding; offers training to DepEd and LGUs; develops new tools, strategies, and practices to improve program implementation; helps monitor EHCP implementation; and researches the impact on the health and education of children beneficiaries.

FIT also works closely with the University of the Philippines National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH), the  Province of Camiguin,Xavier University, and the St. Radboud University Nijmegen on a scientific research project that evaluates the effectiveness of EHCP on child health, educational performance, and behavioral change.

AMS: In your experiences with FIT and deworming – what is your regular day-to-day routine? Do you also go out in the community on a regular basis to conduct deworming?

Cromwell: Here in the Philippines, the program is being implemented in more than 40 provinces. So naturally, it is impossible for me to visit every school. But I do travel a lot to visit and support implementing areas and make it a point to visit as many schools as I can. This will give me the opportunity to touch base with the teachers, PTAs, the barangays, and most especially the children.

Deworming, just as the daily group activities, is managed and implemented by DepEd’s teaching as well as health and nutrition staff.

AMS: How important is sanitation and hygiene for Pinoy children?

Cromwell: Water is an essential element in sanitation and hygiene. You need it in toilets, you need it to wash your hands, you drink it, etc. Sad to say, most schools in the country do not have access to water and in connection with that, toilets as well. Without those two elements, tackling child-related diseases such as tooth decay, diarrhoea, and intestinal worms is futile. Without those two elements, cultivating lasting sanitation and hygiene habits (handwashing and toothbrushing) in children will be extremely difficult.

Now, due to bad hygiene practices and poor personal sanitation, 67% of Filipino schoolchildren suffer from intestinal worms and almost all first-graders have dental caries (about 97%). These worms rob children of nutrients and energy, contributing to the fact that 33% of children are malnourished. In addition, tooth aches caused by dental caries cause pain and suffering, making it the number one reason for absenteeism among children.

A scientific research project on EHCP by DepEd, GIZ, and FIT in Northern Mindanao has showed that the interventions espoused by the program lowered malnutrition by 20%, reduced increments in oral infections by 40%, children had 50% lower rates of intestinal worm infections, and 30% fewer days of absenteeism.

Simply put, when twice yearly deworming along with toothbrushing with fluoride and handwashing with soap are done regularly, children have greater chances of becoming healthier (thus reduced absenteeism) and more active in school (creating positive impacts on a child’s educational achievement).

AMS: What are some of the greatest achievement that you’ve had with FIT for School?

Cromwell:

Awards / Achievements

  • 2009 South-South Cooperation Award for its innovative approach to improve child health using the existing structure of the school system
  • Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Education Award in recognition of outstanding transformational leadership and for efforts to help improve oral health through effective health promotion initiatives
  • FIT’s WASH facility prototype included in the Enabling Technologies for Handwashing Database (World Bank Database)
  • Creation of International Fit for School Course with the help of GIZ, SEAMEO INNOTECH, and the World Medical Association (WMA)
  • Invitation to speak in various international conferences and forums
  • Given the responsibility by PPPHW of the national coordination for the Global Handwashing Day in thePhilippines

Partnerships

  • GIZ/AusAid – expansion of the program in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao
  • UNICEF – coverage in 10 divisions in thePhilippines
  • Danida – particularly inCebuProvince

AMS: With FIT who are your support system? Who are/were your motivators?

Cromwell: The backbone of FIT’s operations lies in the strength of the people behind it.  We have a pool of dedicated project officers who are assigned in various areas all over the country in providing support to the partners.  We have also administrative and research departments based in Cagayan de Oro andMakati to help with FIT day-to-day activities.

A good sounding board and strong support is also provided by GIZ headed by program adviser Dr. Bella Monse.

The direction and guidance of the various agencies and FIT’s Trustees helped establish FIT as an organization.

FIT is known for collaborative work – involving not just the big agencies but those who do the day-to-day work, such as the school heads, district supervisions, PTA officers, Barangay captains, local chief executives, and teachers who are empowered to own the program. Their commitment and support to the program and to what it can do for the children is what keeps the program running, alive, and effective.

We are contributing to a change that would shape the lives of countless children. By maximizing their human potential and making children fit for school, we thereby give them a better chance in life.

In addition, we are also positively changing how other people approach public health. We advocate the wisdom of prevention rather than curative solutions and one way to do so is to instil lifelong habits. We also believe health and education are inseparable and thus stakeholders involved in public health and education have key roles to play.

AMS: If, you were to tell us what are the most important skills that you need in order to be successful  in life- what are they?

Cromwell: I believe in not just settling for what’s there – that there is always a better way – which then leads to another skill that I believe in – being flexible in approach but firm with objectives. Another is identifying what motivates us as person, what inspires us to do what we do because these things will essentially mold and sustain our passion for whatever it is that we find ourselves doing. Last is being persistent and patient. Nothing comes easy and everything will take time – which is why it is key that you love what you’re doing if you intend to stick to it in the long run.

AMS: What are your next goals for FIT as the Director of operations? For yourself?

Cromwell: For FIT, it is to strengthen the partnership between our key partners – DepED and the LGUs. Next is to institutionalize the EHCP on a national level, thereby increasing the number of children having access to the program. In connection with that goal is to involve the children and recognize that they are not just recipients of the program but are in fact enablers of change as well. Lastly and really quite a long-term goal is to make personal hygiene and wellbeing a commitment or habit for all children and grown-ups. This includes good grooming, maintaining a clean surrounding at home and in the school, and proper diet.

AMS: Finally, what is your definition of success?

Cromwell: Success is being able to change the lives of people especially children positively.

Filed Under: Daily Inspiration, SATURDAY SUCCESS STORY Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Special Edition Story: Crosby Tatum on “Surprise, Surprise”

February 25, 2012 By 4 Comments

By Alpha Miguel-Sanford

Crosby Tatum is up for a cause! He is the producer, director, actor, film editor for his first film “Surprise, Surprise!!!” which he and his partner Jacquin Holland have been working for over five years.

Crosby also wants your support for his project.

In his upcoming film “Surprise, Surprise”  a romantic comedy about a smart, but socially under confident college student who tricks his womanizing best friend into switching identities, to date a beautiful, charming internet girl, to save his grades and his scholarship, Crosby wants something out of it. He wants to encourage viewers to encourage self-confidence and increase self-esteem. He knows about being intimated and being left out; he was in that situation before!

Having experienced that, he wants to send out a message about his project.

This is his story:

AMS: Tell us about yourself and what are you currently involved in.

Crosby: I’m a producer, director, writer, actor, editor, musician fromBoston,MA, my hometown.  Currently I am involved in over 5 different film, television, commercial, music projects at various stages and working on a feature film with Mark Wahlburg’s older brother, Arthur Wahlburg, called “Learn From The Master.”  We are currently shooting at the moment.

AMS: When did you start Triceptus Studios? What made you build this company? Tell us about the mission of you company?

Crosby: I started Triceptus Studios back in 2002 as my own venture, inspired by a class project I did at my college, The New England Institute of Art inBrookline,MA.  What made me build Triceptus Studios into what we are today was directly centered around our accomplishments in our early years of inception.  In 2003, we had an award-winning variety TV series called “The Beantown Block”.  We also produced and aired two other comedy pilots called, “DA’ Block Presents” (sketch comedy), and “All 4our One” (sitcom) in theNew England region.  We also worked on several music video & short film projects that were accepted into over five different film festivals in theNew England/New York Area.  We also produced our first music offering, “Laz & Cat – Tricity Vol. 1.”  That is currently on iTunes, Amazon, and many online music retailers worldwide.  We continuously develop new & exciting ideas and content for all entertainment mediums available and in development, which is our company’s mission: “to make creative, innovative, thought-provoking, and exciting entertainment for audiences around the world.”

AMS: You are in the process of creating your first film, “Surprise, Surprise” with Jacquin Holland. Tell us about this exciting project.

Crosby: Well, Surprise, Surprise is a romantic comedy about a smart, but socially underconfident college student who tricks his womanizing best friend into dating a beautiful, charming internet woman, to save his grades and his scholarship.  Its a film that has high stakes, high rewards, and high hilarity, with a story that you can enjoy with your family and friends.  We currently have Maya Gilbert attached to our film.  She is a Hollywood actress who has worked on TNT’s Southland, NBC’s Harry’s Law, and was recently in Ava Duvernay’s 2012 Sundance film, “Middle of Nowhere”.  Myself and Jacquin are slated right now to produce, direct, and act in the film, and we’re talking to anotherHollywood actress to join our project.

AMS: Who is/ are inspiration behind your first film?

Crosby: Believe it or not, this film’s inspiration comes from my experiences dealing with low self-esteem, and social underconfidence issues when it comes to talking with women.  It’s also inspired by my experiences dating online and also taking shortcuts with finding the right girl to be with rather than meeting them out in the open.  My friends are also inspirations behind this story because I believe from my observations hanging with them while they talk to different women, they can just pick girls up by the mere glance at them and grab their numbers up like their eating an extra tall stack of hot-butter pancakes, effortlessly mind you.  That is in stark comparison with myself who has to summon up a big, tall glass of courage, just to say ‘hello’ to someone hoping I don’t mix my words up or trip on my own shoe laces.

AMS: Why is this film very important to you? How will this impact the rest of the viewers.

Crosby: This film is important to me because, this is my story I want to share with everyone.  Social underconfidence and low self-esteem has been an issue with myself for so long that, I feel like I need to make this film to help myself become more open and more sociable with others, including the opposite sex.  At the same time I feel like our film might help inspire and encourage our viewers to become more sociable and confident in themselves, inspiring them for higher goals, and to just be open and honest with themselves in regard to the things they love or want in life.

AMS: How would you finance this film?

Crosby: Great question.  Because our budget is around $350,000 dollars, the best way for us to finance our film is to seek out private investors while also seeking sponsors for financial and vendor help.  To raise a portion of our budget, we just started a 30-day online fundraiser on indiegogo.com, a “crowd-funding” website, to get the ball rolling with financing this movie.  How indiegogo.com works is, we set a financial goal to raise for our film, to acquire talent and begin production.  In our case, our goal is set to $50,000 dollars.  People worldwide join in on our film project by donating as little as $1 dollar, which will lead us to reach our goal before our time limit is up.  In exchange for all donations, each donor gets a reward from us for every donation they make.  We keep the money if we reach our goal or not.  But if we don’t reach our goal, our film will be “negatively affected”, and we might not be able to make our movie.  Our fundraiser is online at: www.indiegogo.com/surprise.  Please share it with your family, friends, and colleagues alike.

AMS: How do you envision this film?

Crosby: I envision our film as an urbanized, “Cyrano de Bergerac”, that meets “The Kings Speech”, “The Social Network”, and “Van Wilder” at the curb.  In some ways, our film is almost like a throwback to some of the crazy, colorful black comedies of the 90′s and early 2000′s.  Such examples would be films like “Booty Call”, “Sprung”, “Friday”, and “Strictly Business”.  Our film will just has a lot more modern day references and technology in it, tossed in with our own colorful, smooth cinematic style we’re known for.

AMS: In creating and developing the idea of this inspiring romantic comedy film, what are some of the obstacles you encountered and how did you overcome them?

Crosby: We had several obstacles that have stood in our way of getting ready to make this film.  One of them is basically money because, to make a great picture with the right cast and crew, your gonna need the money, there’s no way around that.  But, one of the more challenging obstacles we’ve faced was, overcoming objections from those who really don’t see this film in the manner that we see it and getting people on board with our film.  That as it may be, we believe in our goal, we believe in our film and the talent we have, and we’re happy to be in the position we’re in now.

AMS: What do you think are the skills needed in order to become a successful film maker?

Crosby: I think you gotta have a little bit of a thick skin when it comes to being a filmmaker because, it’s highly competitive, very close knit, everyone has an opinion whether you like it or not.  You just have to believe in yourself and your abilities, and you just have to produce and execute solid content.  Relationships are key in this business because it’s talent-driven.  It just comes down to making sure you develop and foster your own style, you have a solid network of individuals to support you, and you continuously stay busy producing, directing, acting, or anything active in filmmaking.  Everything else will fall through.  Just stay patient.

AMS: Do you thinkBostoncould be the nextHollywood?

Crosby: I believe so.  We’ve been fortunate to house many big-time productions like “Zookeeper” and “Grown-Ups” and “The Town” thanks in part to the Massachusetts Film Office which facilitates the Massachusetts Film Tax Credit.  Boston and in particular,Massachusetts has been fortunate to work with many of the industry’s finest from around the world and we want to continue the work.  Until we have a self-reliant major production and distribution studio that can house both independent and major film and TV productions here inBoston, and essentiallyMassachusetts,Hollywood will beHollywood andBoston will always be a place whereHollywood uses for its productions.  We need to change that.  That’s just my opinion on the matter.

AMS: Finally, what is your definition of success.

Crosby: To me, success is saying something that you want to do, and doing exactly what you said you would do.  Results always change.  The outcome might not be what you expect it.  But if you stay focused on your goal, work hard to get it, and not detour yourself away from it, you will achieve it.  The moment you achieve your goal is the moment you’ll find success.  Anyone who wants success, just say what you want to do.  Then go do it.  Success will be waiting for you in the end.

To read other inspiring Success Stories, click here.

Filed Under: Dreams, Motivations, SATURDAY SUCCESS STORY Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,