Who We Are

Les Sourires de Manille is a non-governmental foundation that was formed in March 2008 by Frank Cancelloni and Victoria Castaneda.  The organization was created with the intention of giving reparative surgery and general medical assistance to Filipino children born with specific birth defects like cleft lips, cleft palates, goiter, hearing loss, and other complications that can be repaired with medical surgery.  Les Sourires de Manille’s medical assistance includes the cost of the surgery, as well as post-operative care.

The organization specializes specifically on children ranging from 0 months old to 10 years old, who in their eyes collectively form the backbone of future generations to come.  Currently, Les Sourires de Manille opens its services to children brought to their attention via referrals from volunteers and non-volunteers, as well as direct request from the child’s parent or guardian.

Les Sourires de Manille works with the cooperation of some of the country’s leading plastic surgeons, pediatricians, and other medical experts, all working as volunteers for the foundation’s cause.

The organization is currently being funded through donations from supporter individuals and organizations from various countries, primarily France, the United States, and the Philippines.

Although the organization’s name in Tagalog translates to “Ngiti ng Manila”, its reach goes beyond geographic boundaries.  Its operations are currently active in other areas in the Philippines, and are seen to reach out as far as possible, touching as many lives as it can.