Project GAH: In Sitio Bonbon, Balamban, Cebu

December 27, 2015

Project GAH: In Sitio Bonbon, Balamban, Cebu

Merry Christmas Everybody! The most awaited day of the year has come. Yes, the season of giving is finally here and we, #TeamGoodIntentions, had just brought joy to the kids of Bonbon, Balamban for our annual Christmas gift- giving project.

The first gift- giving I have attended was in Medellin where we cheered the devastated kids of Typhoon Yolanda. Last year was in the neighbouring municipality, Daan Bantayan where we found out that there were still unfortunate people living in tents. Both needed a lot of time travelling unlike this year, we only travelled to Balamban for an hour and 30 minutes.

This time, we didn't have to squeeze into one car. Ate Rosalie had rented another car for all the things we had to bring and for some of the members of the group. We had kuya Munding drive for us. He's cool!

When we arrived in the place, it felt like it was a whole new world for me. I wasn't familiar of the place like I didn't even know it existed. Good thing ate Rosalie has her connections! We immediately unpacked the goods that we brought; packed lunch, water, toys, slippers and of course, stuffed toys! We can already see the kids giggling with excitement when they saw the stuffed toys (that includes the parents, of course)! Heart- warming smiles!

We started with a prayer lead by Kaede (kuya Warren and ate Brenda's daughter) and then went on with the games. The kids were all so energetic, we even joined in!

PHOTO FROM: Warren Manago

We only had 52 kids this year and we didn't have much space for games that includes running but we sure did make them laugh their hearts out. It was already lunch when we finished the games so we handed out the packed lunch and juice for drinks.

PHOTO FROM: Warren Manago

And then the main portion of the activity, the HUG- Giving! Everybody formed a big circle around us and then.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! Everybody was already singing a happy birthday song for me and they even got me a cake! I was so happy and surprised!

Look at this kid smiling for my camera! His stuffed toy is quite special because it came from ate Iannah (Ate Bear). Bianca, the teddy bear have always been her favourite but this time, she willingly shared her favourite hug.

We also gave out new slippers to the kids ;) It's a Merry Christmas indeed!

After everything else, we kept all the items that we brought, made sure that the area was clean, and left with happy hearts.

PHOTO FROM: Warren Manago

It's my third Christmas gift- giving project and every year, I always end the day smiling knowing that I have touched hearts. All of these are because of our friends who shared their blessings may it be by donating stuffed toys or money. That is why, #TeamGoodIntentions would also like to thank everyone who made this project possible. This year's gift- giving is indeed successful because of you! Thank you!

So, the kids received gifts and we received smiles and thats already enough for us. I just hope they live on with the value of sharing and love. I also hope they enjoyed the holidays as much as I did. Merry Christmas Everyone!

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Here are more photos from Kuya Warren.