F.A.R.M. Unwavered (2)

We have been receiving queries on how we address the challenge of similar products proliferating in the local market: Are the competitors a threat? What do we do when others' prices are distorting F.A.R.M.'s market price? What makes F.A.R.M. stand out from the rest?

Our stand is very simple: F.A.R.M. is very much more than a private enterprise. It is an advocacy. It is a network of friends aiming to help Baao. It is widely talked about in many parts of the world. It has gained a lot of media attention because of its originality and the causes it supports. It has a very brilliant project called Buttons to Hope that has now started to deliver. And needless to say, it has a crazy beautiful blog that gets read 200 times a day!

Therefore, F.A.R.M. remains unwavered. And it welcomes and embraces healthy competition, as long as it is indeed healthy.

We trust that you will continue supporting F.A.R.M. Thank you from the button of our hearts!

Reposting a similar article that came out in May 2009.

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F.A.R.M., as you are all aware, uses high quality, old, discarded buttons, some of which are really vintage. Some designs never get repeated. They are one of a kind.

F.A.R.M. is a product of an artist's passion for the vintage, a result of her artistic creativity, an instrument to promote a cause - employment, education, empowerment, friendship, love for the art....

F.A.R.M. has a strong network of exceptional women, who do not sell to earn. They are in for an advocacy.

F.A.R.M. is supported by remarkable clients, with astute tastes and discerning in their choices.

and F.A.R.M. is wowing the world because of its unique character.

Those reasons make us stand out from the rest. We will never be affected by skeptics and mimics. Those will come and go.

We may exist now and say goodbye in the future. But this one's for sure, we will definitely leave a mark.

Thank you for patronizing the real F.A.R.M.

Buttons to Hope now in search of scholars!

What is Buttons to Hope?

• Buttons to Hope (BTH) is a project that aims to provide free two-year college education to worthy and aspiring youth of Baao through the F.A.R.M. advocacy.
• It generates funds to support a number of scholars throughout their two-year courses/programs in Camarines Sur universities and colleges.
• It is undertaken and managed informally by a core group of Baaoenos; and supported by a wide network of friends in the Philippines and many parts of the world.

Why do "F.A.R.M.ers" support Buttons to Hope?

• Our network is sharing the same interests and obviously aiming toward the same goal, which is to help Baao in any way we possibly can.
• We believe that each and every F.A.R.M.er in the network has the willingness and capacity to participate, cooperate and share his and her precious time, resources and ideas for a great cause.
• We are certain that through BTH, we can all work together to make a difference.

Who is eligible to apply for a BTH scholarship?

• Any resident of Baao, who is a candidate for high school graduation in March 2010, is welcome to apply for a two-year college scholarship.

What are the requirements for application?

The applicant should submit the following:

• Completed application form with 2X2 ID picture
• Photocopy of report card (third grading)
• Recommendation by school principal or adviser

All requirements must be submitted on or before 30 March 2010 at the F.A.R.M. shop, Villa Esperanza, San Nicolas Baao, Camarines Sur.

What will be the basis of and process for selecting scholars?

• The candidates will be selected based primarily on academic standing and family income. The requirements submitted will be the basis for screening.
• The short-listed candidates will be called for an interview during first week of April (to be announced).
• The BTH panel will choose deserving scholars based on the submitted essays and interviews.
• The number of scholars will depend on availability of BTH funds.
  
  
  

What will the BTH scholarship cover?

• BTH will cover the two-year education of selected scholars including tuition fees, miscellaneous fees, books and allowances as long as these expenses do not exceed P10,000 per semester.
• Parents are expected to contribute their share, particularly on expenses not anymore covered by the scholarship (e.g., food and transportation allowance).
• Continuation of scholarship will be based on the scholar's academic performance.

For inquiries, email farmbaao@gmail.com or text 0916-5512852

Photos by Bembot Briones and Bernadette de los Santos

Buttons to Hope reaches out to Baao schools!

F.A.R.M.ers Bernadette de los Santos (BTH focal person in Baao), Ritzie Robosa and Bembot Briones went around town to introduce the Buttons to Hope scholarship project to private and public high schools in Baao:

1) Agdangan High School

2) Eusebia Paz-Arroyo Memorial High School (San Antonio/Buluang)

3) St. Monica Academy

4) Sagrada High School

5) Baao High School (San Vicente)

Here's what our letter to the school heads says:

"We are writing to introduce and offer to your school the Buttons to Hope (BTH) Scholarship Project. BTH aims to provide free two-year college education to worthy and aspiring students from Baao. It is undertaken and managed informally by a core group of Baaoenos; and supported by a wide network of friends in the Philippines and many parts of the world. BTH is now generating funds to support a number of scholars throughout their two-year courses/programs in Camarines Sur universities and colleges. Please check out www.farmbaao.blogspot.com for more information about BTH.

We have enclosed 10 copies (but may be reproduced) of the BTH Scholarship Application Form, which you can share to interested and deserving students of your school. The cover page provides a brief profile of BTH, and guidelines for the scholarship project.

We hope that through this simple and humble gesture, we will be able to help deserving youth from Baao finish their college education and bring hope to their families. For questions, you may email us at farmbaao@gmail.com. Thank you very much."

Signed by JBB, Team Leader, BTH

Surreal as it seems, BTH finally takes wings!

Sweet smiles from Turkey!

The fab and pretty Alis from Turkey says "Merhaba" to all F.A.R.M.ers!

We say hello back to you, sweeties!

Your pleasant, stunning smiles just made our day!

The Button Hole from a F.A.R.M.er's point of view

“You don’t take a photograph, you make it." - Ansel Adams

Baao's artist and F.A.R.M.er Bembot Briones captures the Button Hole and the whole of La Huerta....and proves there is heaven hidden somewhere...

And it's in Baao!

La Huerta is a 4-hectare farm that grows ornamental plants and vegetables. It promotes organic farming and features a “pick-and-buy” vegetable store, certainly one of its kind in Baao.

This little paradise is "F.A.R.M.'s farm." It's a peaceful refuge for farmers, artists, women, environmentalists, and F.A.R.M.ers!

The lush of greens and the gorgeous landscapes are both products of nature and a woman's passion for art and life.

The Button Hole is a huge structure in La Huerta that was built through F.A.R.M. It now serves as an agricultural hub for tourists in Bicol and other regions.

They are lovely in photos but absolutely more alluring in reality. Come visit La Huerta, see the Button Hole, and experience hospitality in Baao.

Thanks Bembot for your fresh eye and exceptional talent. We love it!

Who's into F.A.R.M. these days?

Nothing new. Beautiful girls, of course!

Highschool buddies Jenny Tria-Samonte and Marielle Sanchez-Beiermann have recently indulged into such decadent goodness, that is F.A.R.M.!

Whether or not they are enjoying every bit of it, it's up to you to judge!

As we always say, we love it when it's posh! Thanks girls!

A F.A.R.M.er wins the Crown!

"Three of the country’s most dazzling beauties were proclaimed as this year’s Binibining Pilipinas during the Coronation Night held March 6 at the Araneta Coliseum. The three candidates bested 21 other aspirants and will represent the country in the prestigious Miss Universe, Miss World, and Miss International pageants.

Getting the judges’ nod for the three most coveted titles are candidate no.11, Krista Arietta Kleiner, as Bb. Pilipinas-International, candidate no.10, Maria Venus Raj, as Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, and candidate no.21, Czarina Catherine Gatbonton, with candidate no.22, Dianne Necio, and candidate no.18, Helen Nicolette Henson, as first and second runners-up, respectively. The winners were constant favorites during the series of exciting pre-pageant activities, showing winning forms especially during the first-ever Pre-Pageant, which showcased the swimsuit and long gown competitions, and a Question and Answer portion with the judges."

"21-year old Venus stands at five feet and nine inches tall and hails from Bato, Camarines Sur. Currently working as an Information Assistant at the DENR Region IV, she has a degree in B.C.A. Major in Journalism. Aside from playing volleyball and basketball, she is also into singing.Vital Statistics: 35-22-35Weight: 110lbs"

- Bb. Pilipinas website

Congratulations Venus for this remarkable feat! You shine among the rest!

Your beauty and F.A.R.M combined is simply divine! You are without a doubt, the loveliest!

We are so proud of you. From the button of our hearts!

(See more photos of Venus on the runway, with F.A.R.M.)