Meet our ambassador in Philippines – Maria Lourdes A. de Vera Maria Lourdes A. de Vera is an Award-winning Author, Artist, and Top 100 Most Influential Filipino Women on LinkedIn. “Following my heart, I could not wait for my dad to get off the 1959 VW Beetle to read my first short story “ The Swan”. I was thrilled and beaming with joy as he sat with his stethoscope still in his hand and listened to my story. My dad gave me encouragement and inspired me to perfect my craft.” Great things come from simple beginnings “I first set out as a columnist for a local newspaper. I made a benchmark featuring children, their habits, and fun activities, then I talked about significant milestones in the psychological and emotional development of a child and the importance of the family. My writing stint at 24 grounded me perfectly well.” Never abandon your passion in life. Pursue your art “My first published book about children was awarded the 2015 prestigious Best Book Award for “ the Youth and Child.” I discussed painting and storytelling and their impact on the developing child. It was showered with endorsements and outstanding reviews from the founding president of the Society of Adolescent Medicine of the Philippines, Inc. (SAMPI), Dr. Alicia Tamesis and Rosa Maria H. Marcelo, MD, FPPS, FPCAMS, Professor of Pediatrics. College of Medicine, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital and President, Philippine Society of Adolescent Medicine Specialist, Inc., from Parents and Educators.” Be great in the things that you do best. “Do your best in the things that inspire you. I am passionate about teaching and I revel in the use of creative art as a medium of instruction for lower school children and to support mature students. Learning through the arts is an exciting discovery and process that enhances confidence, finds an artistic spark, develops creativity and promotes healing. With a little bit of acting and drama with one’s voice, storytelling sparks the imagination and creates a participatory and immersive experience that allows my students to actively engage and establish an emotional connection with the elements of the story.” Hone your craft and master your process. “Create a positive environment. It is dynamic, open and inclusive. School is the child’s second home. Making it a happy and warm environment boosts learning. Appreciating what they can and are able to do, Affirming what is true, good and beautiful in each child and providing assurance in their lowest moments are important value points in developing Attitudes, knowledge and skills. Affection wraps everything and nurtures the sum total of the child’s well-being. Acknowledging every Child as unique and Accepting them as they are works wonders. The positive experience nourishes Hope for the future. Effective Education matters to build dreams and connect communities.” Maria is recognized as one of the 2015 Ten outstanding teachers in their field of expertise selected by ( UST, Network of Outstanding teachers NOTED, Metrobank Foundation ) UST College of Education, University of Sto. Tomas. Espana, Metro Manila, Philippines. She is a Licensed Professional Teacher promoting Restorative Education to facilitate the holistic development of the child. A member of the Rotary Club International, she enjoys participating in social service activities. https://youtu.be/dtR6B7a0i1U Sharing and authenticity “To make a difference in someone’s life, you don’t need to do great feats of action or travel far. Kindness starts where the home is. It started simple, as a young girl, along with my Grandaunt, we helped needy children. I followed through with the cause. I extended to visiting the elderly, special needs children, abandoned children housed at “ The Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa.” My thoughts for abandoned, neglected and abused children would be: Hope is seeing the future yet to be written and Love sees the future written. Empowering through reinforcing what is good in them, there is no better help than self-knowledge and confidence. Developing life skills is helping reach sustainability. Lastly, Igniting their passion for life and living. There is life even after abuse and anyone can recreate it with the proper guidance and motivation.” In August 2021, She was recognized for her inspirational leadership abilities and philanthropic services promoting human rights, peace and harmony globally by the International Human Rights Council, India for 2021. Maria is a consistent awardee for social service since grade school. “Give a child a fair chance in living up to their hopes and reach for their search for their gifts.” Accomplished two decades of experience as an educator with a demonstrated history of mentoring preschool to graduate school. Maria was an ICU Nurse and Psychologist. A Nursing Clinical Instructor, she handled Nursing Research as her field of expertise and Management. An engaging and funny speaker has been a frequent guest lecturer in colleges and universities within the National Capital Region with several invitations in Europe, the Middle East and China. She wrote 18 books for medical surgical nursing before completing her Masters Degree at the age of 22. Her advocacy is to raise awareness of the well-being of abandoned, neglected and abused children through her published written articles and research. Her contribution has been acclaimed by international journals worldwide. A seasoned artist, joined several Art exhibits, theatre, dance and performed in several concerts. She supports the significance of creative art as an effective approach to imaginative thinking, problem-solving and positive channeling of behavior and skills. Art is a vehicle for expression and an essential channel for healing. As a violinist, she has mentored and sponsored music students. An outlandish abstract painter, she has donated her painting to several Institutions children volunteered to paint in public schools and shared teaching in art too. Maria also was chosen as Top 100 most Influential Filipino Women on LinkedIn in 2021 and 2022. Connect with Maria on her social media pages: Linkedin Twitter Instagram Latest Books Absolutely Poetry Anthology is a collection of poems written by poets around the world. It is a project initiated by Steve Wheeler to help raise
