“The ultimate aim of the art of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the characters of its participants.” - Gichin Funakoshi

In keeping with the essence of true karate, AAK spread the holiday spirit of giving through AAK Cares: The AAK Annual Outreach Program, held last January 2, 2009.

Members of the AAK family visited the Bantay Bata 163 Children’s Village in Brgy. Norzagaray, Bulacan, where they interacted with the residents through a karate workshop and games.

The AAK members also donated food, clothes, toys, and other prizes to the children. Mrs. Marose Balao, an active environment advocate and mother of purple belter Joshua Balao, spearheaded the event.

The outreach was attended by Manuel Veguillas Shihan, Ma’am Josie Veguillas, and AAK Blackbelts Sir Chino Veguillas, Ma’am Kat Veguillas, Sir Ogie Bueno, Sir Sonny Montalvo, Sir Janssen Zurbano, Ma’am Ana Tan and Ma’am Butz Bueno. Also present were colored belts, and their families: Jose Habalo, Jayvee & Bambi Habalo, Laurence Silangil, Ven & Letty Silangil, Vincent & Charles Navarro, James & Melanie Navarro, Vani & Lars Peterson, Suzette Peterson, Alisa Cifra and Patrick Ongchangco.

AAK expressed their hope that the outreach program would become a regular activity for the organization, and that more members could take part in the future.