Packing dreams into a shoebox

Former South African President and Nobel laureate Nelson Mandela once said that education is the most powerful weapon one can use to change the world. The truth behind these words still ring true today as we aim for more Filipino children to have access to good education so that they can be productive members of our society in the future.

For the past six years, TeamAsia, an integrated marketing communications agency, together with the IT-Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) has worked hard to bring realization to the dream of many Filipino children for education through its “My Dream in a Shoebox” project.

My Dream in a Shoebox is a Christmas campaign that has allowed children across our archipelago to dream bigger dreams and achieve greater goals through the gift of various school supplies packed inside a decorated shoebox. Last year alone, almost 30,000 shoeboxes were distributed to some of the most underprivileged students in the country so that they can continue going to school and improve their lives.

“My Dream in a Shoebox has allowed us to change lives,” Monette Iturralde-Hamlin, TeamAsia president said. “And this year, like the past years, we aim to once again outdo ourselves in giving Filipino children a brighter future ahead of them. Our friends from the industry have been instrumental to the continued success of this campaign, and we really look forward to touching more lives this year!”

Last August 10, TeamAsia President Monette Iturralde-Hamlin, IBPAP President and CEO Jomari Mercado and Fr. Martin Mroz of the Payatas Orione Foundation signed a memorandum of agreement that marks the partnership for this year’s project.

In 2014, TeamAsia and IBPAP hoped to collect 15,000 shoeboxes but they have almost doubled this target. This year, they aim to collect 20,000 shoeboxes filled with school supplies and raise Php 500,000 to help furnish Payatas Orione Foundation’s Training Center in Dalahican, Quezon.

“The IT-BPM (Information Technology and Business Process Management) industry has been a proud advocate of our children’s education, and this year we continue this proud tradition of educating our youth in the hope that they will shape a brighter future for our country and our people,” IBPAP President and CEO Jomari Mercado said.

For more information about My Dream in a Shoebox and how to donate to this project and make #BiggerDreams come true, you may contact Beverly Aguilar at btaguilar@teamasia.com and Katrina Pimentel at kepimentel@teamasia.com.

Making #BiggerDreams come true. (L-R) TeamAsia President Monette Iturralde-Hamlin, Fr. Martin Mroz of Payatas Orione Foundation, and IBPAP President and CEO Jomari Mercado sign a memorandum of agreement that marks the partnership of the three organization for this year’s My Dream in a Shoebox.

About TeamAsia
TeamAsia is an award-winning integrated marketing communication firm. Our biggest interest is taking brands to the next level experience of visibility. We do this by exploring innovation to its fullest potential through our five core services: integrated marketing, experience, creative, content and digital. In our 23 years in the industry, TeamAsia has been recognized by several organizations such as the Mobile Web Awards, the Philippine Quill Awards and the Web Awards for our excellence.

About the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP)
The Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) is the enabling association for the information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) industry in the Philippines. IBPAP serves as the one-stop information and advocacy gateway for the industry. With over 300 industry and support-industry members, including five associations—the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc., Contact Center Association of the Philippines, Game Developers Association of the Philippines, Healthcare Information Management Outsourcing Association of the Philippines, and Philippine Software Industry Association—IBPAP plays a pivotal role in sustaining rapid growth of the IT-BPM industry by working to ensure an enduring supply of high-quality labor, supporting service innovation, and providing country visibility.

IBPAP assists investors in setting up operations easily and quickly in the Philippines. Relevant research, introductions to key government and industry officials, and a series of briefings at each step of the investment process ensure a seamless development process. On-going support is provided through a wide variety of initiatives, including programs for HR development, business development, and on-going knowledge sharing and networking opportunities.