Dear Friend,

"I bring you good news of great joy, that will be for all people! Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you..." -Luke 2:10

What an extraordinary blessing Christmas is! It is the most magical news of all! A great King (THE greatest ever) was born in a lowly stable. Though the greatest King (since He is ruler of heaven and earth), He came to be our best (THE bestest ever) Friend, one who is there whenever, wherever we need Him. He is not only our very best friend in life but His Word guides us and gives us our life direction. He is our Master Teacher (THE wisest, most knowledgeable ever).

Christ is many things and ALL things to us who celebrate His coming! This is the news that we must carry in our hearts daily specially to those around us who have not heard it or have forgotten it's magic! Let us walk in gratitude and have hearts full of joyful worship during this grace-filled season and always!

Christina
e-Newsletter Editor

P.S. This newsletter comes to you early this year so you can participate in the Ukay-Okay project (see below)

In this Issue:

Christmas Corner
Papemelroti is now on Friendster and Blogs!
Ukay-Okay Segunda Mano Project
Social Action Invite
Scrapbook Labels Now Available
Cafe Papemelroti Exhibits
Books for Less Updates
Wild Manila 2!
December is Volunteerism Month!
New Papemelroti Products for Christmas!

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The most important part about "Christmas" is the first six letters.

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Christmas Corner
Just a few more days and before you know it, Christmas is here! Before we get caught up in the whirlwind of parties, shopping and traditions, let's ponder the wonder and remember the reason for the season!

- Special times need special ways of living. Start each of these advent days differently. Maybe read a chapter from "Purpose Driven Life", sing an inspirational song or visit the garden, all the while dedicating this 'alone' time to the Lord.
- A very meaningful family activity is Preparing for Jesus' Crib. Have an empty crib in the center of the home. Have strips of paper beside it and a pen. Every time a family member does an act of kindness, or good deed, they should write it down on the paper strip and place it in the crib. The goal is to line the whole crib so that when Jesus comes, it will be very comfortable for him! (Very small children need not write down their acts if they're unable to).
- Invite carollers in for merienda or a meal instead of giving them money or candy. Most probably they are from a nearby neighborhood that is in need. Encourage your children to talk to them. Better yet, organize a caroling group and sing in an impoverished area of your community, a prison or hospital. Bring enough food to share.
- Participate in efforts like "Pondo ng Pinoy" (coin bank) which encourages the regular habit of caring for others by giving in a little extra money (even P0.25) every day.
- Have a birthday cake and children's party for Jesus! This will help kids center their idea of Christmas on the birth of Christ rather than on receiving gifts. Have a portion of the party dedicated to the reading of the Christmas story (best read by a child if possible).
- Rejoice in the heavenly music of Bukas Palad's "Pasko Na" concert on December 11 at the UP Theatre, Diliman Quezon City. Shows at 3PM and 8PM, (Ticket prices P100, P200 and P500), call 4261023 or 0917+8274454 for details.

*Some of these suggestions have come from Kasunduan, the newsletter of Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon Community.

Papemelroti is now on Friendster and Blogs!
Now you can add yourself to our Friendster account (search for Papemelroti) and you can also read our latest e-newsletters online at http://papemelroti.blogspot.com ! You can even be updated whenever a new post is up through Yahoo! Get a hold of the latest promos and discounts as soon as they're available! To subscribe, go to www.yahoo.com and be a Yahoo member. Then go to our homepage at www.papemelroti.com and click on the "Add to my Yahoo" button near the bottom of the page.



Ukay-Okay Segunda Mano Project

Do you want your home to be less cluttered with so much stuff? Do you want to help people in great need? You can do BOTH by joining the Ukay-Okay Segunda Mano Project!

We need your still usable clothes, shoes, bags for adults and children, toys, houseware (pots and pans are very popular), etc. for Tahanan ng Panginoon's (TNP) outreach programs for our underprivileged countrymen. This will be held at the Nativity of the Lord's Parish, E. Garcia St., Cubao, QC at December Please bring your donations BEFORE the end of November to any papemelroti branch (see bottom of this e-mail). You can also volunteer to help! Just contact Patsy Paterno at 3751069 / 3742442 / 4126487 or e-mail ppaterno@papemelroti.com. ALL proceeds from the sale will go to TNP (Click to http://welcome.to/tahanan to learn more about what TNP all about). Please pass this message to your friends, officemates and neighbors! Thank you!


Social Action Invite
Do you believe that each of us can make a difference in our world today? Ever wanted to band with other like-minded individuals for a worthy cause? Can't join a regular project since you have limited time but want to go when you can? Don't know what cause you really want to work for yet?

If you answered "YES" to any of these questions, then join our listing for Social Action invites. We will send you current projects that Papemelroti knows about and supports. These invites are open to all so you can bring your friends and relatives as well to any of these events. Just click here to subscribe!


Scrapbook Labels
Now available! Join the ever-growing league of scrapbook hobbyists all over the world! Make your own colorful and creative scrapbook covers using different materials such as art paper, ribbon, lace, doilies, buttons and drawings! OR choose from our available templates for wedding, baby, graduation, travel and all occasion albums. Have these made at any of our shops! Only P50 each for any size under 8.5" x 11" (this product is only available with purchase of any of our scrapbooks). Visit our shops to take a peek at these soon!


Cafe Papemelroti Exhibits
Around Zambales a mini photo exhibit by Ed and Gigi Paler, October 18 - November 27
Zambales is life, gifted with the natural beauty of its surroundings. The name of the province is derived from its earliest inhabitants, the Zambals. The Spanish found them worshipping spirits called anitos; they were referred to as "Sambali", from the Malay word samba, meaning "to worship". The term was later Hispanized to "Zambal".

See Zambales come alive in the images of Castillejos' ancestral house, San Antonio's Capones Island, surfing at San Narciso, a century old tree at San Felipe, breathtaking beaches at Iba, Sta Monica Church in Botolan, and many more!

-About the Photographers
Ed and Gigi Paler are hobbyist photographers. Of all things, they most enjoy the gathering of images from hard to reach places - from mountaintops to islands and caves. They tend to seek off-the-beaten-path destinations and unusual adventures, in part to demarcate themselves from the usual stock imagery, but also to help their common case of wanderlust. The framed photographs are for sale for P1,500 each.

This exhibit is sponsored by the Zambales Provincial Tourism Ofice
Municipality of Iba, Zambales
Municipality of Masinloc, Zambales


Books! Books! Books! a celebration of reading at the cafe, starts November 29
Books for Less sponsors a month-long venue for a literary feast at Cafe Papemelroti! A booklover's delight!

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Avail of a 10% discount for your next meal at Cafe Papemelroti! Just present a print out of this e-newsletter and give it to our staff there!

Cafe Papemelroti is open from 11AM to 9PM on Mondays to Thursdays and 11AM to 10 PM Fri & Sat, Closed on Sundays (For parties we may extend our hours upon prior request and open on Sundays by appointment). For special arrangements and reservations please call the cafe at 3726799 or 0917+5181050.

We hope you come drop by the cafe & gallery soon! Click here to view online map


Books for Less Updates!
NOW OPEN! The newest branch is now ready to serve you at Robinson's Festival Mall, Alabang. More branches coming up soon! Watch out for the opening of BFL Casa Susana, Alabang which will also have a Papemelroti branch!

New at BFL! See the latest arrivals of 2004 magazines like Glamour, Martha Stewart Living, House Beautiful, Nicolodeon Kids, Bride, Better Homes, Marie Claire, Woman's Day, Family Circle and more!!! Giftbooks just right for Christmas too!

It's easy to find the book you need at Books for Less! Just e-mail bookrequest@booksforless.ph or contact the TEXT Hotline at 630-9999 (no format needed). For other BFL inquiries please e-mail booksforless@vasia.com or call 371-4539 for details. For branches and other information visit their website at www.booksforless.ph


Wild Manila2!
Haribon Foundation in cooperation with Smart Communications and Cycling Advocates presents Wild Manila2 on December 5, 2004. Haribon Foundation for the Conservation of Natural Resources is again partnering with Smart Communications and Cycling Advocates to bring to you Wild Manila2. Wild Manila2 is an urban adventure race which aims to increase awareness on biodiversity conservation among urban dwellers.

This year, Wild Manila2 will have 2 levels: The Competition and the Fun Bike Caravan
Participants of the Competition Level will run and bike through 12 "greenbelts" within the metropolis. Kicking off at the Quezon City Memorial Circle and culminating at the Makati Park.

Competition level: 4 in a team with at least 1 female
Reg fee: P2500/team

Fun Bike Caravan: P300/participant, 16 years old and above, P200/participant, below 16 years old
Registration fees should be paid directly at the Haribon office - 4/F Fil Garcia Tower, 140 Kalayaan Corner Mayaman St., Diliman, Quezon City 1101.

For more details, contact us at 920-7430 or email us at volreg@haribon.org.ph
Exciting prizes await the lucky winners!


December is Volunteerism Month!
Did you know that volunteerism is a rising trend in our country? Well, let's all get in on the action!

In recognizing the contributions of volunteers to society all over the world, the United Nations General Assembly Resolution Nos. 40/212 and 52/17 has declared December 5 each year as International Volunteers Day (IVD). In our country, every December 5 is also IVD and every December is National Volunteer Month.

This year, our centerpiece activity to celebrate these special day/month is an event entitled "Discover. Act. Volunteer - A Volunteer Fair Celebrating Everyday Heroes" that will be held in Intramuros' Clamshell 2 on December 5, Sunday.

There will be a Volunteer Forum, a mini-concert, Awarding and Recognition of Volunteers*, and a Photo exhibit, and at least thirty (30) NGO's spearheading different causes will be on-site to recruit interested Volunteers.

See just how many volunteer opportunities you and your friends can get involved in! Circulate this info to your e-groups and make this an even more popular activity/event! Meet the people who are making a difference in our country by the way they are dedicating their lives in selfless service and dedication to various causes. It's gonna be fun!!!

*Incidentally, our Papemelroti artist Calej will receive an award for 2 of her volunteer essays on her involvement with He Cares Foundation ("The Seed") and Kythe ("The Sixth Floor")!!! Calej is the author and illustrator of Papemelroti booklet, "Friendship Fun" which is available at all Papemelroti outlets.


NEW Products from Papemelroti!