the children's program last November 2017 was again a success for we have reached some more new members from farther neighborhoods, mostly children of  farmers in the town of Victoria, tarlac.. this time we had a guest from the us, gladys guzman, first cousin of mila. she also gave some gifts to the children. her presence was very much appreciated by everybody.

ketsana's focus on establishing relationship with  children is of vital importance; it is an investment that will keep ketsana
alive in the coming decades. to win the hearts and memories of these children  means counting on their support in the near future. many of these children  knew about ketsana a few years back, when they were just very tiny. so, ketsana is already a part of their life. the regularity of the children's program gives them a little hope, a little joy of expectation.  Next year again! yes, every year, we meet with them and some of the parents. last year, we have made known  to them the change in our concept , that of building a ketsana center on the available grounds. they were enthusiastic about  having a center where they could meet regularly several times a year. for there will be projects for them which shall focus on self-reliance and turning them more productive. when we left, the construction  of  an extension hall was started. this hall  is connected  to the existing  farmhouse already  which  is very familiar to most of them. in this way we put into action the concept of synergy, which  is making more out of less. 

​Until next year again.

A Ballet Dance story  in the Middle  of the battle  with break-and  HIP Hop artists'   participation.

The event was a cultural success s in the sense that all the dancers   and  the audience enjoyed the day's event to a high degree .  however, the targeted  collection for the project in tarlac was  barely met. so, the young ketsanans have decided to plan another event in the near future with better strategies. we wish them more success in this area next time.

by jun asuncion

This time, the younger  Ketsanans , headed by venance  pammatter and kidlat kagalitan,  are giving us a challenge: to give love through a dance battle! love and battle are perhaps diametrically opposed, a paradox. But, in the name of charity, in the noble purpose of giving and caring, everything is possible and all things just find their right places in the total picture , categories are transcended and people just  come together  to help.

this coming  saturday, june 3, the battle in heuried , zurich  shall rage and shake the whole community. dancing warriors from different corners of the globe, equipped with  hard training, mental and physical fitness , will face off  and  show their skills and artistry  to the  rhythm of music only they can synchronize with.

In fact, it's a battle  not  in the normal sense of destruction but of construction. they will be battling so  to help raise fund for the construction of the multi- purpose mission  hall project in victoria, tarlac, philippines. this  is the modern spirit of charity: younger people want to share their talents  and be involved  in  inspiring other people to do the same, thus, making life on earth, through dance,  beautiful.

​so come on saturday, june 3, 2017,  give love through  dance.

Trio Konzert
(Benefit Concert 2014)


Tindog Tacloban
(Rise of Tacloban)

Klassisches Konzert 

5. Dezember 2014
19.00 Uhr
Gemeindesaal Zollikon
Rotfluhstrasse 96,  8702 Zollikon


Charisse Dumlao 
Klavier

Ballade No. 3 Opus 47 F. Chopin
Grande Valse A Moll Opus 34o. 2. F. Chopin
Etude Tableux Opus 33 No. 8  Rachmaninoff

Geboren 1984 in Tacloban City auf den Philippinen, Charisse begann im Alter von vier Jahren mit dem Klavierspiel. Da sie in einer kleinen Stadt mit geringen Möglichkeiten für klassischen Klavierunterricht aufwuchs, brachte sie sich das Meiste selbst bei, bis sie im Alter von 17 Jahren nach Manila zog, wo sie ihr Studium begann. Seit ihrer Ankunft in Manila entwickelte sie sich zu einer aktiven Musikerin und nahm an verschiedenen Pianowettbewerben, Meisterklassen und Piano Festivals teil.

Sie arbeitetet als musikalische Begleitung in Balletschulen, Theater sowie für die Eurythmie, bei Chören, Kammerorchestern und verschiedenen Soloinstrumentalisten und für bekannte Sänger auf den Philippinen.

Sie beendete ihr Studium der Musik an der University of Santo Tomas, Manila im Jahr 2007. Bis zu ihrem Wechsel nach Europa im Jahr 2011 arbeitete sie als freischaffende Musikerin. Zurzeit ist sie als Eurythmie und Chorbegleitung an der Rudolf Steiner Schule Bern, Ittigen Langnau tätig.



Eunice Meiller
(Gesang) Sopran

Singet nicht in Trauertönen  R. Schumann
Die Lotusblume R. Schumann
Auf Flügeln des Gesanges F. Mendelsohn
Vergebliches Ständchen J. Brahms
Widmung R. Schumann


Geboren in Cainta, Rizal, Philippinen studierte Eunice bei Prof. Gloria Coronel und erhielt ihr Bachelors Diplom in Gesang an der University of Santo Tomas Musik Konservatorium in Manila, Philippinen. Sie war ein Mitglied der international gefeierten University of Santo Tomas Singers (UST Singers), unter der Leitung von Prof. Fidel G. Calalang. Sie nahm an 7 Weltkonzertreisen und Chorwettbewerben in den grossen europäischen Städten, Asien und Grossbritannien teil. Im Jahr 2012 beteiligte sie sich am Kulturzentrum der Philippinen an Verdis La Traviata.

Seit November 2012 lebt Eunice in Schaffhausen, Schweiz. Sie nahm Gesangsunterricht mit dem Bariton Reinhard Strebel in Schaffhausen und nun bildet sie sich bei der Sopranistin Jeanette Fischer weiter. Sie ist derzeitig Mitglied des Schaffhauser Oratorienchor unter der Leitung von Kurt Müller Klusman und dem Konzertchor Schaffhausen unter der Leitung von Guido Helbling.


Markus Hühne 
Violine

Violine Konzert g- Moll Opus 12/RV 3A  A. Vivaldi

Schindler's List  
J. Williams

Mit drei Jahren wollte er schon Violine spielen. Seine Eltern erlaubten dies aber noch nicht und so konnte er, nach einer musikalischen Grundbildung und zwei Jahren Blockflötenunterricht, erst mit acht Jahren mit dem Geigenunterricht anfangen. Wie bei vielen Sachen war auch hier aller Anfang schwer. Er hat aber relativ schnell angefangen im Orchester zu spielen, was ihm auch grosse Freude bereitet hat.

Nach drei Jahren Unterricht bekam er, zusammen mit fünf weiteren Personen,  die erste Gelegenheit als Solist aufzutreten. Das  war sein erstes Highlight. Im darauffolgenden Jahr, hat er bei einem Musikwettbewerb (Jugend musiziert) mitgemacht und dort den 2. Platz belegt. Es folgten noch ein paar weitere Konzerte und mit 14 Jahren ist er in das Jugend Sinfonie Orchester Göttingen eingetreten. Das Ganze war eine aufregende, interessante und lehrreiche Zeit für ihn.

Nun ist er seit ein paar Jahren in der Schweiz und hat seit dem nur noch für private Zwecke gespielt. Er freut sich schon Sie auf hoffentlich angenehme Weise zu unterhalten.

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                                      Zum Benefizkonzert am 5. Dezember 2014

Ein Hoffnungsschimmer für Millionen von Menschen, die am 8. November 2013 durch den Taifun Haiyan nicht nur ihr ganzes Hab und Gut, sondern auch ihre Liebsten verloren haben.

Der Präsident der Phillipinen, Benigno Aquino, hat für die betroffenen Gebiete der Visayas-Gruppe in den zentralen Philippinen endlich letzten Oktober die Umsetzung des Sanierungs- und Wiederherstellungsplans der Regierung abgesegnet.

Trotzdem - dies bedeutet wiederum eine lange Wartezeit für die Betroffenen, denn die Regierungsprojekte und Bauarbeiten durchlaufen standardmässig unzählige Prozesse, welche die Umsetzung unnötig verzögern. Wie dem auch sei, was lange währt, wird endlich gut.

Aber genau während dieser Zeit des Wartens, Bangens und Hoffens sind diese Menschen auf schnelle, direkte und unbürokratische Hilfe von Privatpersonen sowie wohltätigen Institutionen angewiesen.

Die Ketsana Foundation hat den Menschen von Tacloban City praktisch schon in den ersten Stunden nach der Verwüstung durch den Taifun Hayian tatkräftige Hilfe geleistet. Mit dem Erlös des letztjährigen Konzertes von Dr. Siebenmann konnten wir einigen Fischerfamilien den Neustart erleichtern, indem wir komplett ausgestattete und motorisierte Holzfischerboote vor Ort herstellen liessen und ihnen zur Verfügung stellen konnten, damit sie sofort wieder ihre Arbeit aufnehmen konnten.

Die Dankbarkeit der Fischer und ihrer Familien war überall zu spüren als wir ihnen im letzten April in Tacloban einen Besuch abstatteten. Unsere Gedanken galten auch den kleinen Kindern, indem wir  ihnen Schulmaterial verteilten. Ich glaube, dass sich die Dankbarkeit eines Menschen am ehrlichsten und sanftesten im Antlitz eines Kindes widerspiegelt.  

Der heutige Abend ist der ideale Zeitpunkt, um dem langen Warten ein Ende zu setzen. Mit  Ihrer Unterstützung helfen wir den Menschen in dem kleinen Fischerdorf Sta Cruz, am Rande von Tacloban City, ein Brunnenprojekt zu realisieren, denn Wasser bedeutet Leben! Bei unserem Vorhaben werden wir auch von drei Künstlerinnen und Künstlern unterstützt. Dank ihrem selbstlosen Einsatz, ihren monatelangen Vorbereitungen und vor allem auch durch ihr künstlerisches Können ist es uns möglich, einen wundervollen Abend zu verbringen.

Der Gedanke „Lass uns gutes Tun und nicht müde werden und nicht nachlassen“ hat mich mein ganzes Leben lang begleitet. Schon als junger Schüler habe ich den Gedanken umgesetzt, in dem ich der Nachbarschaft nach jedem Wirbelsturm beim Aufräumen geholfen habe. Möge dieser Gedanke auch heute Abend präsent sein und uns die rhythmische Poesie feiner Harmonien und Melodien miterleben lassen.

Im Namen der Ketsanagruppe, möchte ich Sie zu diesem Wohltätigkeitskonzert herzlich Willkommen heissen.

 Ketsana Foundation (jun asuncion)

by jun asuncion


A cruel twist of fate would have it that the Ketsana Foundation’s library project be deferred to another propitious time. The unimaginable scale of destruction to lives and properties, the unfathomable depth of sorrows and pains, existential angst and social displacement of the victims which typhoon Haiyan had left required from us a reflexive change of plan and priorities. Even Switzerland had to defer some planned activities last November 18 by declaring this day  a national fundraising day for the typhoon victims in our country. So every sensible individual and nation saw the urgency of the situation, hence, a shift in priorities.

In keeping with Ketsana Foundation’s rule of thumb of helping the affected directly, two of its members will be going to these typhoon-ravished areas to give some families things they needed for their livelihood, such as fishing boats, garden tools, etc. Simply said, tools they need to start rebuilding their lives and immediate environment.

We have decided, however, that only half of the total proceeds of the benefit concert last week would go to the south and the remaining amount for our library project in Bulan.

This means, we have to organise another fundraising activity next year to reach the amount needed for this project. For those who may be reading this message and who feel the need to help Ketsana Foundation to finally  realize this project, please contact us. Soon Ketsana Foundation will have its own website where we can publish in detail all our activities and report the financial status. This is in keeping with transparency and credibility for we know that those who want to help also want to know what happens with what they give.

The benefit concert itself was a total success. Many people came that evening of November 21 in spite of the sudden snowfall which caused a little turbulence in the otherwise always orderly streets of Zürich. The pianist Dr. med. Robert Siebenmann did his best to make the cold evening a pleasant one for all with his warm and very personal rendition of Brahms and Chopin. The apero held at the lobby was opulent as  many friends came with their home-made specialties like Christmas cookies, Glühwine, cake, sandwiches and wines. It was a crowd of medical people, of artists and musicians.

I thank Mila, Elizabeth and Franklin Patricio and Madeleine Borel for their priceless help in making the event a success. Our biggest appreciation naturally goes to our pianist Robert Siebenmann for inspiring others to help and to all of our sponsors, friends and guests. Last but not least, our best appreciation and acknowledgement goes to our consul Miss Tess Lazaro (who delivered a nice  spontaneous inspirational speech) and cultural attaché Irene Sadang for gracing this memorable evening with their presence. Photos of the concert to follow.

For the meantime, we ask the children of Bulan to be more patient as we work more to realize our plan. Thank you and carpe diem.

Congratulations to the Ketsana Foundation, especially to the two individuals who started  it, Franklin Patricio and Milagros Asuncion, and its two active members, Jun Asuncion and Elizabeth Patricio, for successfully organizing another charity event for the benefits of our less privileged brethren in Sorsogon!

I was moved while reading the story of how your library project came about. I hope that the magnanimity, determination and the noble cause you have always espoused will be
an inspiration to the other Filipinos in Switzerland to continually share the fruits of their  success to our less fortunate countrymen in the Philippines.

I share your pride and congratulate you on your past achievements of providing mobile tent centres for the medical missions in Sorsogon, as well as the other assistance you
have extended since 2008 to help brighten up the lives of the victims of natural disasters  in the provinee. Your untiring efforts and unwavering enthusiasm has continued to be the source of  strength for our less privileged people in Sorsogon who have been the recipients of numerous tragedies in the recent past. It should be an inspiration to many to pitch in doing deeds of kindness and acts of charity.

I thank Dr. Robert Siebenmann for generously offering to do this classical piano concert and sharing his talents to help build a brighter world for the children of Sorsogon.
Helping build a humble library for these children is already one big step towards the realization of their dreams. I also thank all the friends and supporters ofthe Ketsana Foundation who, through these years, have tirelessly supported the cause of the foundation. May your unflagging support and generosity inspire others to do their share in building a world free from the bondage of poverty.

To all of you at Ketsana Foundation, your friends and supporters, my best wishes on your future projects and hope that the little drops of kindness from your heart will make a mighty ocean of love!

Leslie J. Baja            Message of Amb. Baja to Ketsana Foundation ( original in pdf)

Ambassador

.

by jun asuncion


The Ketsana Foundation in Zürich which was founded by Franklin Patricio and Milagros Asuncion, with active members Jun Asuncion and Elizabeth Patricio, has organized another Benefit Concert in Zürich this coming November 21, 2013 which will  be held at the Gemeindesaal Zollikon, Rotfluhstrasse 96,  8702 Zollikon, Zürich.

This will be another  classical piano evening which will showcase for a charitable cause the musical talent of Mr. Robert Siebenmann, himself a seasoned Swiss heart surgeon working at the world-class Hirslanden Clinic in Zürich.

Convinced by our cause of helping young people develop love and passion for reading printed books, and impressed at how the Filipino pianist Mr. Cases played for the Ondoy victims last 2009 to help our medical missions in the Philippines, Dr. Siebenmann readily offered his precious hands to help us raise funds for our project of building a modest public library in Bulan for the young students.

To add extra boost to the morale of the Swiss-Filipino friends who support this project, we have also invited our Philippine Ambassador in Berne Mr. Leslie J. Baja to join us this evening. With Dr. Robert Siebenmann’s precise and relaxed hands as a surgeon, an evening of quiet and relaxing classical piano music of Johannes Brahms and Frederic Chopin  awaits us on the 21st of November for sure.

We also invite friends of Bulan Observer from all over the world to join us and to help support this Library Project.



My personal message for the Concert on November 21:

Now, may I ask? When was the last time you were in a library? Long ago? Not me, for I’m every day in a library, – in my mini library at home. Indeed, it’s such a special privilege or a luxury to have one at home where you can read and write undisturbed to compose your mind. In my library, I have written many articles for my blog. A library is very similar in a way to a Karate Dojo because it’s a place of quiet, respect and introspection; a place for working and of balancing your mind and body.

The Roman Orator Cicero once said that ” if you have a garden and a library, then you have everything you need”.  The same Cicero said that  “We are not born, we do not live for ourselves alone; our country, our friends, have a share in us”, – kind words from a man who existed over a hundred years before Christ.

It is in this context of garden, library and sharing that we felt moved to take Cicero literary and continue with this project of building a modest library in Bulan for those children who don’t even have a garden or a proper home. A library is a meeting place, a very democratic place where young people learn to know their culture. Hence, raising funds to build a library is building up culture as opposed to destruction of culture by  cutting funds meant for public libraries as some government leaders do.

There is a personal background to this library project. For it was once my plan to help a primary school in Bulan by sending boxes of books in English I have bought myself for their library which in itself is in a very desolate situation for lack of government funds. But on their way to Bulan, in 2009, these books were destroyed in Manila by a series of heavy floods that hit the Philippines at that time. Instead of replacing those books, my friends here decided we would rather send medicines and first aid materials to the victims in Bulan. Yet along the way we have never given up this library project in spite of the typhoons, floodings and earthquakes that batter the archipelago every year.

But a noble dream remains just a dream if one does not act.

We acted and that’s why we are gathered here tonight because we invited you to help us make this dream a reality. The fact that you are here tonight means you support culture and you feel that others have a share in you.

One person who felt the same way even went beyond that for he volunteered also to play piano for us tonight. As a heart and vascular surgeon by profession, his duty is about saving lives of people who come to him with broken hearts in the true sense of the word, people who are between living and dying. The same hands and fingers that have saved people from dying will be playing the piano tonight and thereby saving a piece of culture in Bulan someday soon, - i.e., as soon as the library building has been built with a little help from all of  us.

My heartfelt thanks then to our pianist Dr. Robert Siebenmann, a heart surgeon with a heart for the less fortunate children, for taking with us the very first concrete step to realizing this library project, – where  children living ten thousands miles from here  may have dreamed of.

About Dr. Robert Siebenmann (English translation of the German original by junasun)

Robert Siebenmann began his piano studies at the age of 12 years with piano lessons at the music school and the Winterthur Conservatory with Emil Schenk.

During his High School in Erlangen ( Germany ), he continued it with Karl Pratter. In addition to the study of medicine in Zurich , he took piano lessons with Alfred Ehrisman . The time-consuming and demanding training as heart- and later as  vascular surgeon, had left him at times with little or no time for playing the piano, However, he had never given up completely to continue with his favorite hobby. But as a busy cardiovascular surgeon at the clinic Hirslanden he has but only on the weekends the time to practice and play .

He feels honored to receive as  an amateur the opportunity to play for a charity event in front of an interested  audience. The main thing here  is primarily to support a charity event, an event being organized now and then  and with success by a group of Filipino nurses of Clinic Hirslanden and their friends. He asks the audience not to expect a professional performance yet  he hopes that he is able to do justice to  the music and to the composers...