26 SEPTMEBR 2005

The JVP Joven Ignacio Art Cards: Fusion of Art & Volunteer Service

Dear JVP Community,

A fusion of the visual arts and JVP's art of giving.

That’s one way of desribing the launch of JVP's Joven Ignacio art cards last Saturday. I would like to thank the former JVP volunteers who attended the launch at the Designs Ligna in a show of support for the project. Also at the launch wee many other guests who were supporters of Joven Ignacio, but have probably heard of JVP for the first time.

The event, hosted by JVPFI Communications Officer Donna Vergara, started with the invocation, "How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place", a song that celebrates the beauty of God's creation, sung by Ron Calderon (JVP Batch 18). It was followed by the profound reflection on creation and talent by Fr. Mars, our National Chaplain. JVPFI Vice President Eric Soriano (JVP Batches 18/19) opened the ceremony with his welcome remarks, which was followed by the presentation of JVP and the card project by yours truly.

A respected psychologist, collector of Joven's artworks, and his personal friend, Dr. Milagros Capistrano, made a wonderful introduction of Joven, saying that Joven's generosity shines forth in all his works whether in the arts or architecture. The humble person that he is, Joven returned the gratefulness of JVPFI in his speech as according to him, the project was the least he could do to show his support to the worthy cause of JVPFI. He asked for a show of hands of former JVP volunteers present in the event and asked the audience to give them a round of applause.

Sponsors of the card project - Art Angel Printshop owned by JVP couple Bebs and Tina Pavia (JVP Batches 7 & 8), Joseph Server & Associates, and Designs Ligna of which Nicky de Lange (JVP Batch 7) is owner and president - were then thanked with appreciation letters, gifts, and complimentary card sets. Aside from the talent of Joven Ignacio manifested in each artwork, the furniture of Designs Ligna and the printing of Art Angel were themselves a showcase of Filipino talent. The launch was concluded with the closing remarks of Nicky who said that it is not too often that business can directly support a non-profit project like the Joven Ignacio Art Cards and so it was his honor to have done so, especially since JVP holds a special place in his heart.

The event was truly heart-warming and uplifting to both the visual sense and the human spirit. Joven Ignacio himself was very happy with the ceremony and signified that he would want to join the part-time volunteer service program to be implemented in May 2006.

The launch was financially rewarding with 240 boxes of cards sold in two hours or two boxes per minute. With the help of Joy Belmonte-Alimurung (JVP Batch 13), the card project was featured in a half-page article in the Lifestyle Section of The Philippine Star last Monday, September 19, and in a whole spread in the Arts Section of the Starweek yesterday, September 25. The card designs featuring Philippine birds and flowers are shown in both articles. Already, we have received inquiries and orders from readers of the articles, former JVP volunteers (even from abroad) and from members of the Ateneo de Manila community. Each box of cards costs Php 150.00 and contains three designs with two cards per design.

I truly hope you will support this project. You can make the card set your individual gift or your company's Christmas gifts to your patrons. With most of the expenses of the card project covered by sponsorships, the project can raise an amount sufficient to support at least three volunteers for one year. We will soon announce the other outlets for the cards and will also make them available on-line. We can deliver or send by courier by arrangement.

Allow me to end with this portion of my speech during the launch:

At the back of each of the twelve thousand cards we produced, there is a brief description of the mission of JVP. We hope to make the card sets not only a project to raise funds, but also to promote volunteer service for love of God, country and neighbor. At only Php 150.00 per set of six cards, the card set is a fine all-occasion gift that celebrates Filipino art, nature's beauty and volunteer service that inspires hope. And so when you give each card set as a gift, you not only make somebody happy with a fine gift and financially support our volunteers and make the people they serve happy, but you also share with your loved one a reason to hope.

With your support, this new art of giving and inspiring hope will help JVP continue its mission of helping our brother and sister Filipinos in need. This project celebrates God's grandeur shown in His creation, in human talent, and in generosity of heart.

In Christ,

Jo Maribojoc
Executive Director

Click here for Joven Ignacio Art Cards Pricelist.