Habitat builds homes, changes lives
A visit of former President Jimmy Carter and his wife to the Philippines many years ago, to help build houses, so far away from their comfort zone, touched the heart of Fernando Zobel. Today, Zobel is one of the stalwarts of Habitat for Humanity, having been with the organization for the past 20 years. Zobel has been taking the lead in mobilizing more supporters and volunteers for Habitat as Capital Cabinet chair.
For 35 years, Habitat for Humanity Philippines has helped over 4.5 million low-income and informal settler Filipinos attain decent housing and centers, thereby improving lives and strengthening their communities.
The recent gala dinner at the Shangri-La, the Fort proved to be not only delicious but touching with inspiring stories from engineer Christian Seso and US Department of Housing and Urban Development general deputy assistant secretary Claudette Fernandez, who spoke about their difficult and humble beginnings. With Habitat’s help, they were given hope to go forward and achieve much success in their respective fields.
Award-winning husband and wife chefs, 2003 James Beard awardee Margarita Lorenzana Manzke and husband, Michelin star awardee Walter Manzke awed us with an outstanding gourmet dinner that pulled out all the stops. Dishes ranged from a cauliflower panna cotta topped with Kaluga caviar, fresh dover sole with truffles, a tender and perfectly cooked Wagyu to a frozen mango sorbet combined with a freshly baked almond dacquoise as the sweet ending of a truly fine meal; all accompanied by top quality wines and sparkling champagne.
Habitat organizing chair Anna Lorenzana de Ocampo shared, “I hope we can continue to grow our mission to change lives for the better as we transform lives. Its impact goes beyond bricks and mortar – restoring dignity, igniting potential, and creating a sense of belonging for the many lives it has changed. With an enormous housing backlog of 6.7 million housing units, let us light a fire in us for the urgent need for continued action.”
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To donate, volunteer and advocate for decent, affordable homes visit www.habitat.org.ph
