Coop Community
About our Coop
Fomerly G1NKE Cluster, the Buhay Aralan® Coop is a Charlotte Mason-inspired homeschool co-op created for Filipino families who want to homeschool with structure, support, and shared joy. We gather weekly to learn in community—through stories, science, music, nature, and art—while keeping home rhythms sacred and flexible.
Why Every Family Feels Like Home
Grounded in Charlotte Mason’s Science of Relations—especially her belief that “Education is a science of relationships — that shall start the child upon the road to a happy and intelligent life”—we’ve created a co-op that honors each family’s pace, rhythm, and gifts.
Membership
We thrive when every family contributes—no matter how big or small. We don't expect perfection, but we do expect presence, communication, and shared responsibility.
Come Learn With Us
We’re not just a co-op. We’re a growing village of Filipino families learning together in rhythm—with structure, joy, and heart.Whether you're just starting your homeschool journey or finding your way back to community, G1NKE offers a space where you and your children can belong, contribute, and flourish.
A Family-First Learning Community
Our Values
We are not a school, tutorial center, or daycare. We are a shared space for meaningful learning, built on four values we call the 4 Cs:
Community – We believe in togetherness. Compassion is our strength.
Commitment – We dedicate this work to God and honor each child’s growth.
Collaboration – We each bring what we can and trust others to do the same.
Creativity – We value beauty, exploration, and joyful curiosity.
Families commit to showing up—not just physically, but with intention and care—so that we can grow alongside our children, and with one another.
Our Mission-Vision
Our mission is to build a supportive homeschooling community where families unite to enrich our children’s education through collaboration, shared responsibility, and faith-driven values.We envision a thriving coop where families create meaningful learning experiences, fostering creativity, compassion, and life-long connections in a faith-filled environment.
It Takes a Village
Contribution over Consumption
What makes us unique is that everyone contributes. Whether through teaching, organizing, or simply being present—parents bring time, talent, and heart into the circle. We don’t all do it the same way, and that’s what makes it work.Our cluster turned coop wasn’t built to fill a gap—it started with a group of families willing to show up for each other, teach our children side by side, and offer what we could, even in the middle of very different seasons of life.We’re here not just to teach our kids together, but to live out what community really looks like—and we’ve been called to open that up to others who feel aligned with our values.
❤️ Watch our Co-op Highlights below to see how our days flow, how our families connect, and how learning happens when it’s rooted in trust and shared purpose.
Learning Partners
With each person's capabilities, lifestyle, background and chosen providers, we continue to CHOOSE our tribe because it takes a village to not only raise, but also to “C” children for who they are.We've committed to continue creating a space that honors the Filipino homeschooling lifestyle, offers gentle structure, and doesn’t overwhelm. Our community thrives on shared effort, community accountability, and flexibility.Here’s what makes our co-op work:
Weekly Gatherings – Children join age-appropriate sessions focused on living history, nature study, Filipino, arts, TLE, and practical life skills.
Parent Collaboration – Each family contributes by teaching, assisting, or supporting events or classes.
Access to Resources – Members get exclusive access to shared resources, first dibs to events and online class recordings.
Our coop is unintentionally designed for multi-age, multi-style homeschooling. Whether you're eclectic, CM, or just figuring things out, there’s room here for you.
Membership
How to Join Us
*Buhay Aralan® Co-op Membership is designed as a yearlong commitment to community-powered learning. Rather than offering separate tiers, we keep it simple and unified—because real co-ops work best when everyone shares in both the joy and responsibility.🧩 One Membership. Full Access.Your membership includes:
Weekly co-op sessions (in-person and online)
Exclusive access to Buhay Aralan® courses and tools
Priority booking and discounts on special events and clubs
Community support through shared planning, narration, and feedback
Non-members may join selected events on a pay-per-event basis, but priority always goes to enrolled members first.
Is Our Coop Right for Your Family?
We ask every family to check in with their values, pace, and readiness before joining. This isn’t a perfect fit for everyone—and that’s okay. If it’s for you, you’ll feel it in your gut. ❤️
🌿 This is for you if...
You love being an active part of a supportive homeschooling family.
You’re excited to share your time, skills, and resources.
You believe in community, compassion, and lifelong learning.
You’re ready to invest in a membership that fuels shared activities.
You want your kids to grow in a creative, courageous, and faith-filled environment.
📅 Our Year-at-a-Glance: A Rhythmic Yet Flexible Homeschool Calendar
At Buhay Aralan®, we understand that each family moves to a different beat. That’s why our calendar is designed to offer structure without rigidity—so you can see how our programs flow throughout the year while still honoring your own family’s rhythm.Our scheduled classes, events, and product launches follow a mindful cadence grounded in Filipino culture, life seasons, and learning themes:
July to September: Love of country and real-world learning through Buwan ng Wika and Global Tales Celebration events and emphasis on Filipino culture and civic awareness;
October to December: Nature, literacy, liturgical seasons, entrepreneurship and joyous gatherings;
January to March: New year resets, courageous conversations and reflective giving; and
April to June: More mindful culmination celebrations, restful reminders and rhythmic planning
We also follow a weekly rhythm:
Mondays – Filipino, Society Studies and Habit Training;
Tuesdays – Nature Study and occasional hikes, playing and baking;
Wednesdays – Citizenship and Parent conversations;
Thursdays – Science and Theater Studies;
Fridays – Community spotlights;
Saturdays – Events and trips; and
Sundays – Rest and reflection
Our calendar is updated throughout the year, but we publish it early to help you plan. Use it as a reference, not a rulebook. Life happens—and we welcome that.
🚫 This is not for you if...
You’re only in it for personal gain.
You prefer minimal involvement.
You’re not willing to share responsibilities or costs.
You don’t resonate with our values.
You’re uncomfortable with a community-driven approach.
You’re looking for a transactional or service-based setup.
When you're ready, we’d love to hear from you. Waitlist opens every March and September. Let’s raise our kids together—with rhythm, faith, and shared joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I get with the annual membership? - As a member, you get guaranteed access to all core co-op sessions, exclusive Buhay Aralan® resources, priority slots for high-demand events, discounted activity fees, and inclusion in our member-only chat groups and support systems. You’ll also save on shared educational licenses that would otherwise cost much more individually.
What is required of each member family? - Simple: fill out the form, choose a payment plan, and commit to helping lead or support one team or committee. Every family contributes—not perfectly, but meaningfully—so we can build a strong and loving co-op together.
Can non-members still join activities? - Yes! Non-members can join select co-op sessions and community events (like field trips or webinars) on a pay-per-event basis. Slots are limited and subject to availability.
Is this co-op flexible for families in different seasons? - Absolutely. You don’t need to attend everything or be a seasoned homeschooler. We honor each family's rhythm. Just show up with presence, willingness, and respect—and we’ll help with the rest.
What’s the membership fee and are there installment options? - ₱8,000 per family annually (net of processing fees and taxes). You can pay in full or quarterly via credit card (PayPal) for flexible terms.
Is there an online-only option for membership? Why isn’t there a separate tier for online or face-to-face? - We keep just one membership tier to make things simple, flexible, and sustainable for our community. Members get full access to both online and in-person offerings, but you're never required to attend everything—just what fits your family's season. A unified tier also means all members help support the whole program, even if they don’t join every class or event. This avoids the admin burden of managing multiple plans and allows us to keep the co-op affordable, community-led, and focused on meaningful learning for Filipino families.
What happens if I miss a payment? - Access to online resources will pause until payment is arranged. Just message our team—we’ll support you while keeping the system fair for all.
Do I still pay the full fee if I choose installments but can’t continue attending the classes and events? - Yes. Choosing the installment plan is a full-year commitment. This helps us plan and run the co-op sustainably for all members. You also get to keep your copies of the shared resouces.
Are there extra costs beyond the membership fee? - Most core sessions and major events are covered. Some special activities (like field trips or guest workshops) may have additional costs, always announced ahead of time.
How do I sign up for membership? - Fill out the membership form on our website, select your payment option, pay and watch the free Orientation Seminar. You’ll get an email confirmation and group invite to our Members Portal and Discord Community Server once you're in.
Can I transfer or refund my membership? - Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you face unique circumstances, talk to our core team—we’ll walk through options with you.
When are interest forms open and how long is each term? - Enrollment opens every May. While we have a year-long structure, families are welcome to re-evaluate their participation in classes or events on a quarterly or monthly-basis.
My child/ren is in high school. Are there activities that suit him? - Yes, we have students aged 13 and up, and several of our included offerings are especially suited for this age group such as Dulaan Tudlaan, our weekly online theater studies class exploring Filipino, world, and classical plays. Students develop confidence in reading, interpretation, and performance while engaging with moral and social themes; and the Citizenship & Plutarch Studies, guided readings and discussions from Plutarch’s Lives paired with Filipino civic themes. You’ll also get access to picture study guides from A Humble Place, which are great for artist appreciation and narration at any age.
How are funds used? - Fees go toward venue rental, materials, admin support, licensed curriculum access, and tech tools. Any excess is pooled into a reserve fund or donated via our Eater Outreach Progam.
About Us
Meet Our Core Contributors
Each of these parents is a living testament to the mission, vision, and values of Buhay Aralan®. Through their gifts, service, and steady presence, they show what it means to raise and educate children in our community—with compassion, creativity, commitment, and collaboration. The work they do—seen and unseen—is what makes this co-op not just possible, but purposeful.
Laarni Claracay is a licensed nutritionist and homeschooling mom of four. With her husband Franz, she raises their family as missionaries while leading the Agham and Science & Food Clubs—where learning is hands-on, family-centered, and deliciously fun.
KG Galima facilitates the Citizenship with Plutarch and Habit Training weekly online classes. A wife and mom of two, she teaches with gentle structure, faith, guided by obedience to the Lord. Her approach nurtures habit, virtue, and a love for truth.
Jasmine Bernaldo serves as acting director for the kids' Dulaan Tudlaan theater productions, leads programs on kidpreneurship, advocacy, and civic formation through Kaunlarang Panlipunan. She manages backend systems with clarity. strategy, and purpose.
Windie Odiaz leads the weekly face-to-face Laro't Likha Club sessions with Pinoy games, flag ceremony, and Riches as well as the Pugon Baking Club. A cheerful homeschool mom to Nadine, she brings 7 years of experience and energy.
Vim is a photographer and musical director, while Mille leads dance presentations. Together, the Pangantihons head the "Himig at Sayaw" Club, sharing the same rhythm, creativity and connection they do with their kids through music & movement.
Janine Pasamonte, Summer's Mom leads the Living Filipino classes and the annual Easter Outreach. With six years of experience and a heart for language learning, she brings a gentle, practical approach that honors each child’s pace and Filipino roots.
💛 Family First, Always
In Buhay Aralan®, we celebrate the gifts within our community. We are happy to share the businesses and services offered by our co-op families—from baked goods, homemade soaps, construction, event styling, crafts to coaching, classes, and more. Supporting each other is part of how we grow—together.
