Media Recognition For ANCOP International (Bermuda)

A full-length article on ANCOP’s advocacy work in Bermuda has impressed both the Church and media. Entitled, “New charity aims to ‘make poverty history’ in the Philippines”, Jessie Moniz of the Royal Gazette reported on how “tackling global poverty may sound overwhelming to the average person, but…the task may be as simple as going to the movies.”

(ANCOP) International Bermuda aired the GK movie ‘Paraiso’ (Paradise) on July 21 and 22 at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI).

The Gawad Kalinga (GK) movement is sweeping across the Philippines and overseas but the
Philippine film industry will not be left behind in being a part of it. Three inspiring stories of ordinary people touched by Gawad Kalinga are highlighted in the movie “Paraiso: Tatlong Kwento ng Pag-Asa.” (Paradise: Three Stories of Hope). The title of the movie Paraiso, meaning “paradise”, is simply what GK has been to the masses as the grassroots movement is radically rebuilding the country one family at a time.

THE GK TRILOGY

Umiyak Man Ang Langit (Even If Heaven Cries) is based on Jocelyn’s life experiences who lost loved ones in the mudslides of St. Bernard, Southern Leyte. The story captures the pain, the internal struggles and the healing that takes place in all of us once faced with life-changing events.

Ang Kapatid Kong Si Elvis (My Brother Elvis) on a lighter note, is a story centered on a boy who ate pebbles to satisfy his hunger and a GK volunteer’s family who adopted him as their own. The story captures the challenges and rewards of being involved with GK.

Marie is a story based on how a tragic loss can be turned into a living legacy and a new beginning. Marie Rose Abad perished in the twin tower tragedy of 9/11. Rudy Abad honors his wife with a living legacy.

The movie is the first of its kind whose making in itself captures the very essence of GK, the bayanihan spirit or being heroes for one another. Mainstream movie producers (the likes of Butch Jimenez, Robert Arevalo, Ricky Davao, Carmi Martin, Michael V. and Lilia Dizon), and entertainment executives (the likes of Bobby Barreiro), all waived their fees for GK and contributed their talents to be a part of the GK movement. The production people and vendors likewise sacrificed and did their own share of GK padugo (bleeding for the cause) in getting this movie made.

Building a Paradise for all by reshaping an image, cultivating the mindset and reaching out to a higher calling of being a hero is what Gawad Kalinga is all about.

Read more of Jessie Moniz’s article at the Royal Gazette.

Bermuda Bishop’s Support for CFC & ANCOP (Bermuda)

On Friday, May 16th, Fr. Joseph Palubeski and I met wit the Leadership Team of Couples for Christ (CFC) and ANCOP: Jay and Lori Autor, Evelou Mosley and Mot Parayaoan. The following memorandum is an attempt to put in writing the clarifications and conclusions that resulted from our meeting.

1. The Bermuda Group of CFC and ANCOP are affiliated with CFC Canada. The Canadian CFC is united and continues its affiliation with the original CFC group officially recognized by the Holy See. As a result, CFC Bermuda continues to enjoy the recognition and support of the Diocese of Hamilton in Bermuda.

2. ANCOP is the fund-raising body for Gawad Kalinga (GK), one of the pillars of the CFC Ministries. The new leadership of GK has acknowledged past mistakes and has also accepted the recommendations of Cardinal Rylko as policy going forward. Further, ANCOP is a registered Charity in Bermuda. It was agreed that ANCOP will do one major fund-raising event per year in Bermuda that will call upon the support of the Diocese.

3. Fr. Joseph Palubeski, C.R. has been appointed the Bishop’s Representative and Spiritual Director for the CFC members and ministries in Bermuda, effective immediately.

4. As a Catholic Lay Organization recognized by the Holy See and by the Diocese, CFC and ANCOP will submit their year-end financial statements to the Chancery Office so that the Bishop can include the data in the Annual Financial Report that is submitted to Rome by the Diocese of Hamilton in Bermuda.

5. CFC Bermuda will not be involved with Spirit Radio. Any future projects for Media involvement by CFC will be submitted to the Bishop for prior approval.

6. I have spoken to Mr. William Fischer and he accepted my recommendation that his $2,500 donation be forwarded to ANCOP for the construction of a house in Bangladesh or in the Philippines.

7. Procedamus in pace. Let us go forward in the peace of Christ!

Bishop Robert J. Kurtz, C.R.
May 17, 2008