The Filipino Ball is a charity dinner and dance to help raise funds for Children with Disabilities. It is truly the first of its kind, all out Extravagant Cultural Showcase of the Best in Philippine Culture, Fashion, Dance, Performances and Cuisine.

The night festivities will include performances from the country’s top Philippine Cultural Dance troupes in Canada, including award winning Fiesta Filipina and PCO, who will be performing their award winning Singkil and Tinikling. Plus, get ready for knock out performances from Award Winning Filipino Opera Singer, Lilac Cana, and also Ballroom dance champ, 12 year old Filipino Colin Petierre!

The evening will also feature An Haute Couture and Ready to Wear Philippine Fashion Show presenting fashions by Joy Couture, one of the star designers in Fashion. Arts. Toronto, and Filipino-Canadian Designer, Amanda Lew Kee, the darling and main buzz of Toronto’s Fashion Week, and JP Rangel, NYC-Based Manila Designer, from Parsons Fashion Design.

Wear your most Fabulous Terno, as the Competition for Best Butterfly Imeldific dress is judged by Celebrity Judges from Canada, with a grand prize of an exclusive handmade coutured Wedding Gown valued at $5000, compliments of Joy Couture.

FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=176937669050648

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VikydtiYQ0M

This is such a great ATTITUDE! Think beyond the comforts of your home, family and friends and embrace the challenges that others face. ACTIONS speak louder than words.

To learn more about Narayanan Krishnan and his official program please visit: http://www.akshayatrust.org/ OR http://akshayausa.org/

My blog this month will primarily focus on the topic of food and the surrounding issues thereof. Our survival depends on our access and intake of this unique source of energy fuel. We are all intrinsically connected in the food web, to the planet and with one another. Thus, this topic is of importance and relevance in highlighting some of the most pressing food issues we face moving forward in the 21st century.

Some of the upcoming blog posts will feature research and tips on:

~ Local Food Movement ~ Related Health Issues ~ Factory Farming ~ Pesticides ~ Global Food Crisis (industrialization of food supply) ~ Nutritional Facts (food facts vrs. food fiction) ~ Genetic Engineering + Cloning Technology ~

Let’s all challenge ourselves and make the commitment in joining our LOCAL FOOD MOVEMENT. This is a step in the right direction that we can all take part in which will bring us closer to a greener future. It requires us to rethink our relationship with food and to alter our traditional purchasing behavior. Make the conscious effort to shop in a more sustainable manner that makes sense for the environment and for your budget.

Primary Benefits of The Local Food Movement

Sustainable foods can be found in your community by purchasing locally grown produce and products. It’s easy to find farmers markets, Community Supported Agriculture programs, restaurants and more with the user-friendly Eat Well Guide. Simply type in your zip code to find out what’s in season near you. http://www.eatwellguide.org/i.php?pd=Home

1) Locally grown produce is fresher. While produce that is purchased in the supermarket has been in transit or cold-stored for days or weeks, produce that you purchase at your local farmer’s market has often been picked within 24 hours of your purchase. This freshness not only affects the taste of your food, but the nutritional value which declines with time. Other benefits found in fresh products include a higher content of vital water-soluble vitamins (ie. no transcontinental shipping); increased fibre and lower fat, lower amount of sugars and salt content of non-industrially processed foods.

2) Locally grown fruits and vegetables have longer to ripen. Because the produce will be handled less, locally grown fruit does not have to be “rugged” or to stand up to the rigors of shipping.

3) Buying local food keeps us in touch with the seasons. By eating with the seasons, we are eating foods when they are at their peak taste, are the most abundant, and the least expensive.

4) Local foods promote variety. Local foods create greater variety of foods available. Farmers who run community-supported agriculture programs (CSAs), sell at farmers’ markets, and provide local restaurants have the demand and the support for raising more types of produce and livestock.

5) Supporting local providers supports responsible land development. When you buy local, you give those with local open space – farms and pastures – an economic reason to stay open and undeveloped. By buying foods grown and raised closer to where you live, you help maintain farmland and green space in your area.

6) Local foods usually have less environmental impact. Look for farmers who follow organic and sustainable growing practices and energy use to minimize your food’s environmental impact. Long Term Sustainable Approach avoids extensive fossil fuel use, reduced food miles and non-industrially processed foods (fewer chemicals used and large machinery less necessary). Biodiversity is also encouraged through increases in organic production. A sustainable local food system will increase the sustainability of farms in the region. It will also shrink the ecological footprint of food and will in turn ensure the security of the regional food supply. In some studies, researchers have found that of the foods purchased at a farmers’ market in Toronto, consisting of locally produced food, averaged 0.0795 tonnes of Green House Gas emissions per kilometre of transport. In contrast, the products from the supermarket nearby, mostly consisting non-local foods, had Green House Gas emissions of 3.853 tonnes per kilometre. This is just one example of a long list of comparisons between local and conventional food miles.

7) Local Foods Promote Food Safety. The fewer steps there are between your food’s source and your table the less chance there is of contamination.

 Local Foods Support Your Local Economy. Money spent with local farmers, growers and restaurants all stays close to home, working to build your local economy instead of being handed over to a corporation in another city, state, or country. Since the food moves through fewer hands, more of the money you spend tends to get to the people growing it. To make the biggest local economic impact with your food budget, seek out producers who pay their workers a fair wage and practice social justice in their business. Short supply chains and farmers’ markets keep income and employment in locality. It fosters tourism and niche markets. If we were better informed about the benefits of local food initiatives, we could reduce our reliance on food imports and reduce scarcity in the food system.

9) Local Foods Create Community. Knowing where your food is from connects you to the people who raise and grow it. Instead of having a single relationship–to a big supermarket–you develop smaller connections to more food sources: vendors at the farmers’ market, the local cheese shop, your favorite butcher, the co-op that sells local eggs, a local café that roasts coffee. Helps build community vibrancy and retain local traditions; aids tourism and associated regional identity formation. The fact is clear; consumers want a greater voice in determining the source of their food. Sweden has recently announced plans to create a new label for ‘climate-friendly’ foods. Consumers will be able to choose food according to the impact its production and transportation methods have on the climate, and the UK grocery chain Tesco has also started to put ‘carbon labels’ on its products.

On the perspective of green wisdom and evolution of consciousness…

Having a deep respect for the environment, I am committed in taking positive actions that will contribute towards the betterment of our ecological future. We each have an integral role to play in pursing a green r’evolution’. Each week, I will be posting new blog entries which will explore different environmental issues, provide practical advice on how to reduce one’s ecological footprint and discuss current national/ international foreign policy in addressing these complex matters. Ultimately, my goal is to raise awareness, generate interest and engage the public in a creative interactive discourse.

I believe it is important to live in connectivity to the world around us and to pursue this awareness and appreciation thereof on a daily basis. This has recently led me to the study and practice of Buddhism. The development of consciousness in Buddhism is expressed practically as an ever greater sense of responsibility to act compassionately for the benefit of all forms of life; hence its relevance to any discussion of Buddhist-inspired environmental ethics. Buddhism teaches us to lead a more simple and less wasteful life, more in harmony with the environment. Dharma and enlightenment is a process involving the evolution of consciousness. Rethinking our relationship with each other and the planet will change the course of our future. Green sustainable teaching, global environmental cooperation, limiting consumption and ultimately transforming consciousness are the basis of this philosophical wisdom.

My hope is to merge these studies together and expand on these issues in my ongoing blog called “HARVESTING CONSCIOUSNESS”. Stay tuned.

Peace, love and respect.

Yours truly and on the way to enlightenment,

Chanel

~~~

Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space

Denis Davila, Director of Beauties of Canada alongside Miss Universe Canada 2010 Elena Semikina, Chanel Beckenlehner, Neda Derakhshanfar, Ava Ferdowsmakan and Katie Starke just recently had the opportunity to visit and inaugurate the new computer resource centres in three of the SOS Children’s Nicaraguan Villages. We were honoured to partner with such a great organization working together to ensure that the orphaned children have the bright future they so deserve. Deeply touched and indeed humbled by the generous donations, countless hours of charity work and contributions from our friends, family, alumni and business partners of the Miss Universe Canada family we were able to help others see the need.

Travelling with a purpose (Global Social Responsibility) we had a chance to give something back an opportunity to share skills, knowledge and friendship. We decided to help provide children with a computer lab which would give them the opportunity to explore, experiment and express themselves. We wanted to open a world of opportunities and show them that WE ARE ALL CONNECTED. In keeping with Google’s Mission Statement “to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful” and it’s passion for sharing knowledge across cultures our trip began.

SITUATION REPORT:

Nearly 76% of the Nicaraguan population lives in poverty of which 2 million are children under the age of 18.

The socioeconomic conditions in Nicaragua such as high rates of teenage pregnancy, high fertility, feminization of poverty, high migration, gender inequality, etc.., have resulted in a heightened risk of child abandonment and family disintegration.

SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGES-   ESTELI, MANAGUA and LEON

The town of Esteli was chosen as the location of the first Nicaraguan SOS Children’s Village because of the devastating 1972 earthquake that had left very bad consequences for the surrounding region. Many children lost their parents and others were abandoned because of the severe poverty of their families. In 1973 the first SOS families moved into their new homes. This became a place where youths live together and prepare for their independent lives while they continue their education and life skills training.

The outbreak of civil war in 1978 caused SOS to expand its operations across the country, including the opening of the SOS Managua in 1995. Located only kilometers from the heart of the capital city SOS Children’s Villages provides homes, day care facilities, health care services, a primary, a  secondary school and social center which provides support to vulnerable families in the community.

The province of Leon is situated in the western part of Nicaragua. It is among the regions that were severely affected by hurricane “Mitch” in 1998.  SOS Emergency Relief Programme and Emergency Accommodation was set up in Leon however in 2002 a study of SOS Children’s Villages determined that there was considerable need of family-based care for orphaned and abandoned children.  In August 2004 SOS Children’s Village Leon opened its gates with the goal to help the children and strengthen the families of the local community.

OUR VISITS

As we officially opened the computer/ resource facilities in each of these villages we saw first hand the work that had gone into setting up this educational facility for the most needy. Amazed and overwhelmed we were awestruck that even the smallest gesture whether it be a smile, hug, high five or signing their Canadian and Nicaraguan flags could help lighten and lift the spirits of the most vulnerable of all- the children. Can you imagine what the computer/resource centre will do to change their lives? You could not help but think of your own life, your family, your home and want to reach out and do more now. It reminded us how fortunate our life is and how poor this country really is. The reality is that a little can really go a long way, especially in a country where supplies and needs can be bought for such a small amount of money. These precious children welcomed and shared their lives with us through games, dances and tours through the village facilities. They greeted us with smiles, hugs and invited us into their homes. We gave gifts of toys, clothes, Canadian pencils and tied handmade friendship bracelets on over 800 children. The children were so very happy and so, so many would just latch on to us not wanting to let go. The overwhelming feeling was of love and gratitude!

We sat with the children and through the universal language of caring we taught them how to access their new computers for communication, education and social purposes. The children were thrilled and the SOS Mothers so proudly looked on with higher hopes for their loved ones. They even presented us with a handmade embroidered dress and a doll dressed in their national costume but the gift they really gave us was the passion to never, ever give up when faced with adversity.

As we approached our last day of this Goodwill Tour our hearts were filled with such raw emotions. It was like a roller coaster that was constantly tugging and pulling at our heartstrings as we went from village to village. The work that SOS Children’s Villages is doing for the orphaned population in Nicaragua is without a doubt worthy of the highest honour!  Without the help, love and support from these villages where would all these children be?

Having met hundreds of sweet, innocent children the common denominator is the basic need of LOVE. Without it how can anyone survive and grow into responsible, productive individuals that can then turn around and give back to society. For through love we find the compassion that stirs our souls to reach out and give back to our global community.

To say we have been inspired, motivated and educated on this enormous need to help is an understatement. Our lives will never be the same, as we once knew. Forever changed- our work has just begun!

SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGES- A LOVING HOME FOR EVERY CHILD

Please join us at our next fundraising event “FROM TORONTO WITH LOVE”

http://fromtorontowithlove.com/

Having met hundreds of sweet, innocent children the common denominator is the basic need of LOVE. Without it how can anyone survive and grow into responsible, productive individuals that can then turn around and give back to society.  For through love we find the compassion that stirs our very souls to reach out to our global community.

To say we have been inspired, motivated and educated on the enormous need to help in an understatement.  Our lives will never be the same, as we once knew. Forever changed- our work has just begun!

Without the sponsorship, financial support, charity work and contributions from our friends, family, alumni and business partners of the Miss Universe Canada family this would not be possible.  On behalf of the children that we have met and from the bottom of our hearts THANK YOU for aiding in building families and futures for the Nicaraguan children!

MANAGUA NICARAGUA- SOS Children’s Villages has been helping orphaned and abandoned children in Managua since 1995. With 190 kids, SOS mothers, caregivers and the board of directors we officially opened the computer/ resource facility. First hand we were able to see the work that had gone into setting up this educational facility for the most needy. Amazed and overwhelmed we were awestruck that even the smallest gesture whether it be a smile, hug, high five or signing their Canadian and Nicaraguan flags could help to lighten and lift the spirits of the most vulnerable of all the children.  Can you only imagine what the computer/ resource centre will do to change their lives? You could not help but think of your own life, your family, your home and want to reach out and do more now.   These precious children welcomed and shared their lives with us through games, dances and tours through the village facilities. The overwhelming feeling was of love and gratitude.  With pride and respect the children showed us their 13 family houses, the Village Director’s house, the Aunts family helpers house, the library, the multi-purpose hall, the medical room, the administration area and now the resource centre with computers. We also learned that there is a SOS Youth Facility consisting of rented flats in the city of Managua where the young people live together under the care of youth supervisors. Also near by are the SOS Children’s Village pediatric clinic and the SOS Children’s Village Primary and Secondary School where up to 1000 students can be taught. Partnering with the local community it is open up to the integration of all children.

The SOS Social Centre located in the village offers day care programs and training workshops for the local community parents and single mothers in need with the aim to strengthen local families and to prevent child abandonment.

The children were thrilled to have us share in a part of their day. They loved to play games and hold our hands but looking closely you could see a sadness and desperation in their eyes. They even presented each of us with a doll dressed in their national costume but the gift they really gave us was the passion to never ever give up when faced with adversity.

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED SPONSORING A CHILD OR A VILLAGE?

The outbreak of civil war in 1978 caused SOS to expand it’s operations across the country, including the opening of the SOS Manugua in 1995.

The SOS Children’s Village Managua, only kilometers from the heart of the capital city,cares for 96 young children and 32 teenagers.

SOS also runs a primary and secondary school (with the capacity to accommodate 1000 children) and social center which provides support to vulnerable families in the community.

SITUATION REPORT:

Nearly 76% of the Nicaraguan population lives in poverty of which nearly 2 million are children under the age of 18.

The socioeconomic conditions in Nicaragua, such as : high rates of teenage pregnancy, high fertility, feminization of poverty, high migration, gender inequality, etc.., have resulted in a heightened risk of child abandonment and family disintegration.

SOS CHILDREN`S VILLAGES – A LOVING HOME FOR EVERY CHILD!

To learn more about SOS Children’s Villages work in Nicaragua click HERE

To learn more about SOS Children’s Villages please click HERE

WHERE WE WILL BE TRAVELING:

I am having the time of my life here in Guayaquil! We have had a very busy last few days with photoshoots, videoshoots, touring the city and lots of rehearsals! Yesterday we had the official national costume presentation and today we all had the opportunity to meet the designer of the crown Daniella Kronfle! Tomorrow will be all day rehearsals in preparation for the final competition on the 18th! Our opening dance number is a hot merengue dance very sexy and loads of fun! I wanted to share with you all some information about this wonderful city!

Guayaquil is the largest and most populated city in Ecuador. With a population exceeding 3.3 million at the end  of 2009 it is the nation’s main port. Located on the western bank  of the Guayas River it is the center of Ecuador’s business and manufacturing industries. Guayaquil  is expanding its tourism base and has become a national and international tourist destination. It is becoming a place for first-class international tourism and business. Guayaquil maintains an infrastructure for import and export of products of international standards. The seaport the largest in Ecuador holds one of the largest influx of shipping on the  shores of the Pacific and the airport. Guayaquil, Ecuador is the nation’s largest city and the capital of Guayas Province. It is on the Guayas River about 40 miles north of the Gulf of Guayaquil, near the Equator. Guayaquil is Ecuador’s chief port and principal commercial and manufacturing center. An international airport and the only railway to the nation’s interior.

The journey at Miss Continente Americano is something I will never forget! The final pageant was a very glamourous event! The competition was held in the beautiful Palacio de Cristal. Miss Peru was crowned Miss Continente Americano 2010. I was given the honour of Miss Photogenic! Congratulations to all the delegates who put their best foot forward and did a wonderful job representing each of their countries!