MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Friends, This month, we honor and celebrate one of the most important people in our lives - our mothers. They are shining examples of unconditional love and sacrifice and we are inspired by their daily loving work to nurture decent and upright human beings. A lot of our dealers are also mothers themselves who are greatly concerned about using safe, non-toxic products for their families. We're also happy to announce that we've just launched Human Nature in four more areas in the US - Minneapolis, New Jersey, San Diego and Seattle. On top of this, Human Nature was covered in a 30 minute feature by LA18, the largest Asian TV Channel in the USA, on the show ‘Kababayan’ hosted by Janelle So, a big boost which helped inform many Filipinos across the USA that Human Nature has arrived there! I hope we all find some time to thank our own mothers for giving us life and selflessly nurturing us. Happy Mothers' Day to all! Sincerely, 
Anna Meloto-Wilk President Gandang Kalikasan Inc. IMPORTANT UPDATES: Race to the Summit  There’s still a few weeks left to really make a difference in the lives of our citronella and lemongrass farmers in Camarines Norte and Negros Occidental! This is also your chance to win a free trip for two to Singapore to attend the Gawad Kalinga Global Summit on June 25-27. Click on the links below for the list of the Top Performing Dealers for the period March 1 – April 30: - Top 20 dealers Metro Manila - Top 20 dealers Provincial Not on the list? Feel free to contact Head Office or your nearest Human Nature branch to know your ranking and points. For more information on Race to the Summit, please click here. Human Nature USA Launches Human Nature USA just had a very successful 4-city Dealer’s Launch last April 17-24. Dylan Wilk, Vice President of Gandang Kalikasan Inc. together with Michael Gonzalez, President of Gandang Kalikasan USA travelled to Minneapolis, New Jersey, San Diego and Seattle to lead the launch and training. Several hundred people composed of Filipinos, foreigners and various Filipino organizations were present at the different events. Other people expressed strong interest in promoting the Human Nature advocacy in new areas, particularly in Chicago, Boston, New York, Arizona and Colorado. 
[L-R]: Human Nature USA Director Wowie Meloto-Gonzalez, San Diego Area Distributors Tina Balch and Joy Garcia, Human Nature USA President Michael Gonzalez, GKI Vice President Dylan Wilk 
New Jersey launch display 
Dylan Wilk giving a presentation in Minneapolis 
Filipinos and foreigners loving the products 
Human Nature USA President Michael Gonzalez presenting the business opportunities Kababayan LA, hosted by Janelle So on LA18, America’s largest Asian TV channel, also featured Human Nature in a full 30 minute show. To see the full interview, please click here: 
Screenshot of Dylan Wilk’s interview at Kababayan LA Watch out for upcoming launches in different states by checking out the Human Nature USA website: www.humanheartnature.com/usa. *as shared by Wowie Meloto-Gonzalez Up and Coming! Watch out for the release of the new catalogue in the next few weeks featuring the 1st ever Human Nature Global Ambassador on the cover! Can you guess who she is? - She's a James Bond Girl appearing in "Die Another Day" -- the ONLY Filipina Bond Girl! - She's the new host for Ripley's Believe It Or Not -- the FIRST TIME for Ripley's to solely use a female host in 80 years! - She was the body double for Angelina Jolie in the movie “Tomb Raider”! - She's deeply involved in socio-civic work and is a Gawad Kalinga partner! - She has an IQ of 140! An impressive mix of beauty, brains, talent AND heart. Watch out for her as we unveil her very soon later this month! Gawad Kalinga Builders Night Human Nature, together with 500 volunteers and partners from the corporate, government and academic fields, recently participated in the GK Builders Night at the NBC Tent last 5 May 2010. The event, themed as “Kalinga Politics: The Politics of Caring” featured renowned leaders who shared how the GK Way has had a profound effect on their respective fields. Ernest Cu (CEO, Globe Telecom) shared on how Globe goes beyond Corporate Social Responsibility by imbibing the GK spirit in their business models and human resource development. Dean Alex Brillantes (UP–NCPAG) presented the Kalinga Bill which was crafted in cooperation with Ateneo School of Government and partners in Congress. Once passed, this will pave the way for massive landbanking for the poor by Local Government Units. Mayor Freddie Tinga (Taguig City) shared the rise of their beloved city and how they plan not to abandon their poorer constituents, starting off with giving quality education through Taguig City University which features a designed curriculum for Nation Building. Lastly, Vice President Noli de Castro shared how Tony Meloto and GK taught him the true meaning of service and leadership. He reminded the crowd that we do not need a position to serve and private citizens are of great power to help build our nation. All Human Nature Dealers are invited to the next GK Builder's Night at 6.30pm on June 9, 2010 at the Rockwell Club featuring Bayanihan Economics: The Economics of Sharing, featuring Manny Pangilinan (PLDT) and Dylan Wilk (Human Nature). Entry is free. The GK Builders Night is a monthly series of talks (planned to be held every first Wednesday of the month) targeting young urban professionals to see the adaptability and benefit of Gawad Kalinga in their respective fields. *as shared by Mike Go, GKI Business Development Consultant DANGEROUS CHEMICALS 101: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) / Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) / Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are cheap, chemical surfactants commonly used in personal care products for their foaming and cleansing properties. Unfortunately, the feel-good feeling you get from the suds and bubbles leave your body with not-so-good harmful and even toxic effects. According to studies, SLS strips off your skin’s natural moisture barrier irritating and eroding your skin, leaving it rough, pitted and dry. SLS is also absorbed into the body and is known to mimic the hormone estrogen potentially posing health risks such as PMS and menopausal symptoms, dropping male fertility, and even increase in breast cancer. In fact, a report published in the Journal of The American College of Toxicology stated that SLES could cause irritation in concentrations as low as 0.5%. Many formulations contain more than 10%. SLES is the alcohol form of SLS. While it may be slightly less irritating, it may also pose more danger as it cannot be metabolized by the liver, making the side effects much longer lasting. Many studies have indicated the various long-term effects of these surfactants. SLS not only can penetrate the skin but can also be retained in the eye, brain, and heart. In feminine wash, SLS/SLES can seriously interfere with the natural vaginal flora, causing irritation, imbalances and damaging your vagina’s ability to cleanse itself. Yet it is extremely cheap and so many manufacturers choose to use it, despite these negative side effects. Human Nature’s newest product, the all-natural feminine wash (due out on June 1st!), has zero SLS/SLES! As we care for our hair, skin and body, it is important to keep our body’s most delicate area free from these harmful chemicals as well. Watch out for it in the new catalogue!  SPECIAL FEATURE: Meloto Moms in the Spotlight Human Nature and Gawad Kalinga are inextricably linked as the former is a brainchild of the children of Gawad Kalinga founder and father, Tony Meloto. This Mother's Day, get to know the Meloto women as they share with us what it has been like to be a Meloto mom. Meet Lyn Meloto, wife to Tony Meloto, joined by her two eldest daughters, Anna Meloto-Wilk and Wowie Meloto-Gonzalez and daughter-in-law, Eena Kanapi-Meloto. Lyn: Being married to Tony means making sure that I am always with the children to take care of their needs and keeping the household in order. That frees him up to devote more time to Gawad Kalinga and taking care of the needs of the poor. Although we miss him from time to time because his commitments prevent him from being around during some of the children's important milestones like graduations and birthdays, I always remind my children that their father loves them very much and that we are making these sacrifices to secure their own future in this country. Anna: Being a Meloto Mom means sharing your husband and your dad with the rest of the country (and the world) and thinking about the future of other children and not just my own. It means not spending birthdays and anniversaries together when there are GK events or other pressing issues in the national stage. It means always working hard to be honest and live a life of integrity because people are looking up to my dad and my husband so I don't want to tarnish their reputation. Wowie: When I was still single my ultimate dream was to be a mother… to be like my mama. Growing up, I have witnessed her selfless love for her husband and 5 children. She would sacrifice her own happiness and comfort just to be able to provide for us. Now that I am a mother living in the U.S. away from mama, my prayer is for God to guide and mold me to be even just half as caring, loving, and selfless as her. Eena: As it is, being a mom is already quite challenging. I learned that with my first baby and so, kind of, had nightmares about having my second. But now that he's here, I realized it's not so bad. I guess God has a way of really molding and rewarding you. Adding another dimension to that is being a Meloto mom. Well, it’s like raising the stakes a bit higher. When I got into GK, I made a conscious and very much willing decision to embrace a life that will serve God, country and the poor. Being single, it was not too difficult. I could go off on this adventure on my own. And in that adventure I met and married my husband who I shared the same vision with. Now with 2 children in tow, while it is equally exciting, there are everyday choices we have to face. Whenever I am faced with these realities, while I get a bit troubled, in the end they make me even more resolute about the path we chose to take. What makes me stronger every day is my husband. We have times that we talk about "our life" and "our choices" and he always recognizes that we are truly blessed. He treasures the simple things we have: our children, our mission and our bigger family. He has made me a true Meloto mom. 
[L-R standing]: Tala Meloto, Jay Meloto, Tony Meloto, Camille Meloto, Michael Gonzalez, Dylan Wilk, Chloe Meloto-Wilk [L-R seated 1st row]: Eena Kanapi-Meloto (with baby Elias), Anna Meloto-Wilk with Wolfie Meloto-Wilk, Lyn Meloto, Wowie Meloto-Gonzalez with Mikel Meloto-Gonzalez [L-R seated 2nd row]: Celine Meloto, Ariel Meloto-Wilk HEAD OFFICE UPDATES 
Mara Esguerra – Research and Testing Manager
A bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, a master’s degree in Environmental Science and 12 years teaching experience in the UP Institute of Chemistry make Mara an invaluable member of the Research and Development Team. Her role is to conduct research and safety assessments for all ingredients as well as ensure the stability, safety and efficacy of all products. 
Rheavie Galvero – Sales and Administration Associate
Rhea is the first GK beneficiary to join the Human Nature Office Staff (we already have many working in the warehouse). She comes from GK Brookside and has been privileged to have undergone extensive training thru GK-Ateneo’s Project Educate. She is now part of the Sales Team and will be focused on handling sales and dealership applications of walk-in clients. DEALER OF THE MONTH  Ma. Carmela Maghirang or "Icar" to friends was a long-time supporter of Gawad Kalinga even prior to her introduction to Human Nature. In 2009, apart from regularly participating in construction builds in GK Los Banos, Icar further involved herself by volunteering to be a Teacher Aide in Sibol - a day care center and preparatory program for children aged 3-7 years old residing in a GK village. Icar has been teaching the kids every Saturday since then. Her love, generosity and commitment for the GK Los Banos residents is evident in the manner she is greeted each time she arrives at the village as the children excitedly call out "“Ate Icar! Yehey! Ate Icar is here!” and by the special bond she shares with the parents as they talk to her and confide in her. On the surface, it appears that Icar is the one helping the village. Yet the truth is, it is the villagers who bring joy and fulfilment to Icar. Having signed up as a dealer in September 2009, Icar has now reached Franchise Manager level. Her experience as a GK volunteer and genuine commitment to help the poor has made it very natural for her to spread the advocacy to everyone. "As a branch operator, I feel blessed to have opportunities to meet dealers like Icar. She is truly an inspiration as I have personally witnessed her relationships with the residents in the village. The residents have become a significant part of her life. I admire and appreciate her genuine heart and soul. I believe that you can measure a person by how she deals with people who are helpless and couldn't fight back. Truly, Icar has fully embraced the Human Nature advocacy," shares Elaine Monasterial, Branch Operator for Human Nature San Pablo Branch. *as shared by Elaine Monasterial If you are having trouble viewing this email, please read the online version. Human Nature Newsletter is the regular newsletter of Gandang Kalikasan Inc.
Contact Details: Tel. No. (02) 931-5787 Fax. (02) 951-3627 Email: customer.service@humanheartnature.com |
