Maria Christine Sacay Gabuya-Brown

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Filipino-American Magtinabangay Foundation, Inc.

FAMFI

I have considered my life to be blessed. I have a strong foundation of spirituality. I am surrounded by people I love & by people who loves me. I make a living doing what I thoroughly enjoy. I am so fortunate & I feel a need to give something back to society.

My husband and I, along with the help of our families, operate a day care and pre-school business from our home. We know how important it is for a child to start life healthy. The way a child develops physically, mentally and socially determines the rest of that child's life.

Although I've been living in the US for 20 years, I grew up in Cebu City, in the Philippines. I still have many friends & family in Cebu that I stay in contact with. I am very aware of the ongoing poverty & hardship the children there have to endure. People in the US know that other countries are not as wealthy as they are. However, unless people have actually been to other countries to see the poverty first hand, they don't understand the severity of it.

My goal is to take a proactive stance in making people aware of the tremendous need to improve the lives of these unfortunate Filipino children. I need to enlist the support of others in the US. Therefore, I have created a non-profit Charity foundation called Filipino-American Magtinabangay Foundation, Inc. dba FAM Foundation, Inc. The children are our future. By improving their lives, we improve the whole world.

"It is easy to ignore things we don't actually see. We get wrapped up in our busy lives and focus only on our immediate family & surroundings. We need to remember that our big, beautiful world isn't big at all. Thinking on a more global level, we are all God's children, and it is our responsibility to help each other."

"I finally know the feeling of real joy!!! Helping people and doing it without expecting anything in return is very rewarding- what a wonderful feeling!!!"

"I dedicate my missionary work to God because without Him I am nothing, to my parents Papa Alfie-my strenght and anchor, Mama Mila - my model and best friend in the whole world, to my children Scott & Sarah - my life, pride & joy, to my borther Alfie jr., sister Gamy & their families - whose always there when I needed them, my in-laws, Dad Gerry, Mom Connie & Tom whose always been supportive to us and the last but not the least my husband Cory - the love of my life."

A Hundred Years From Now

It will not matter

how much money you had

the sort of house you lived in

or the kind of car you drove

but the world may be

different because

you were important

in the life of a

CHILD

For the Love of the children...

It has been said that a person belief shapes who they are and what they do. Even as a young child I heard the calling of God upon my life.

I find my greatest fulfillment when I do what God has called me to do. It is not the fame nor the fortune that fulfills me. It is only when I am in my passion I feel complete.

Jesus is our greatest example. He told his disciples, suffer not the children to come unto him. I am simply doing what Jesus himself did. He touched the untouchable. Reached the unreachable. Love the unlovable. All because of LOVE. It was love that drove him to pay the ultimate sacrifice.

It is my hope that my life has challenged you to reflect on all that God has given to you. In order to give back to those less fortunate than us.

Please remember I do this all for Love of the children. Thank you all for your love and support...

I'm Grateful God Sent You To Me...

Once in a lifetime,

Someone special enters your life.

You don't know how it happens,

or where it might go.

You welcome them with open arms.

Appreciating them for who they are.

Don't care where they have been:

You're just grateful for their friendship

and that God has sent them.

THE WORTH OF A WOMAN

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,

but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe

there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel and cheer when

their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member,

yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how

much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have the compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their family and friends.

Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.