SALAMAT Tita!

For some years, I was associated with a community-based foundation that organizes charitable works every once in a while, medical missions and even gift-givings every Christmas.

It has been two years now and I almost forgot how it felt to give back. Not just the usual giving through donations, but being actually in the forefront, extending warm hellos and exchanging stories with the direct beneficiaries.

It's a good thing that the company where I work brought me back to that old feeling -  of the overwhelming outpour of gratitude from once lesser lonely individuals. We are ardent supporters of Bantay Bata 163, where every department and branches of our office nationwide have atleast a can to fill with 5-peso coins. (we try to stick to that)

After collecting and filling up 45 cans full to the brim, our boss decided to hold a turnover activity for the kids. Aside from actually giving our donations through the coinbanks, we prepared a little "party" for the kids at the Children's Village in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

Over 50 kids were in attendance that ranges from different ages and different stories. Regardless of it all, happy faces welcomed us and warmed our hearts as they endlessly say "Salamat Tita!" everytime we give them something, from little candy bags to the bags of school supplies and food items we prepared for them.

These kids, with their sweet smiles and hearty laughs will surely melt any rock-solid heart. It almost brought tears to some of us who joined the activity. Truly satisfying.

The kids weren't allowed to be photographed on close range. Most of our photos have kids with blurred faces (as per Bantay Bata).

Now my head is in circles and is asking my self why have I abandoned the foundation that helped me throughout my college years. I'm afraid of changes, but change has to start within me. I needed to straighten things out and with that, I'm opening my heart to those that needs a helping hand.

It's always nice to give back. And so I will. AGAIN.
And this time, I hope to keep this promise. PROMISE. :)