With change

By Daisydee Bautista

The store aisles are lined with school supplies. In shop windows are mannequins dressed in fall clothes. Is it that time of year already?

Loads of memories are conjured and I can’t help but look back and reflect. Though I don’t have to change my calendar quite yet, this is New Years for me. I think of all the people who have crossed my path and even changed my direction. Huge thanks go out to all the volunteers and supporters who make everything with ANAK possible.

For its fifth consecutive year, the ANAK Liwayway Scholarship for Leadership Excellence was awarded to recent high school graduates. This year’s recipients, Mary Jane Clemente (West Kildonan Collegiate) and Janelle Salinas (DMCI), were awarded scholarships to be used towards their post-secondary studies at the University of Manitoba. Both took part in a citywide competition that included both an extensive essay and group interview process. An honourable mention was also awarded to Mary Rose Anne Gonzales (DMCI) whose efforts in the competition made the decision very difficult, with a difference of mere hundredths in the scoring system. The 2011 ANAK Liwayway Citizenship Book Award was awarded to Ellamai Buno (DMCI) for her active volunteerism in our mentorship programs and for her academic studies. Congratulations to all of our recipients!

With change comes opportunity and I look forward to the coming year. There’s only more to look forward to from your ANAK!

Daisydee Bautista was recently re-elected as the Director of ANAK. To learn more about ANAK or find out how you can contribute, contact the author at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.anak.ca.

Janelle Salinas with Daisydee Bautista at DMCI graduation reception

Daisydee Bautista and Rose Anne Gonzales proudly display honourable mention award

Jane Clemente receives high school diploma and awards at West Kildonan Collegiate convocation

Ellamai Buno with 2010 recipient and award presenter Julian Arcega