Stories of inspiration and Christmas joy from Happy Feet and The Freeman Foundation

Glued to my TV set while waiting for my tea to boil last Saturday night, I couldn't help but be teary-eyed watching the life story of this season’s  Pilipinas Got Talent first runner-up, “Happy Feet” featured on "Maalaala Mo Kaya." It was indeed a very inspiring story of going after one’s dream even if it means being against the whole world.

In the case of the Happy Feet it was their very own father who was unsupportive of them, scolding them for prioritizing dance contests than helping in the farm. That scene where they lost in a contest and when they got home their father told them they have no future in dancing and that it’s not something to be proud of was very heartbreaking, especially when the older boy answered back, appealing for sympathy not to take away their passion from them because that was all they got.

Fast-forward to the moment when “Happy Feet” made it to Araneta Coliseum not as a viewer but to show to the world what they got was a moment of triumph. But instead of smiling, my tears fell instantly because of that scene where the father showed up at the backstage to wish them luck. He had a very proud smile on his face. I get emotional with success stories, especially when the protagonist emerges victorious after all the struggles and troubles along the way. And stories like chasing one's dream and believing in one's self always make me cry. I may be straightforward, strong and candid but I always have a soft spot for success stories.

The story of Happy Feet should be the barometer for those who continue to dream and are still chasing their dreams. Their success only means there is hope for those who believe, persevere and have strong faith in God. Never mind those who underestimate your capacity, they are just spices to make you stronger and better. When you feel like you’re not getting to where you want to be or is losing hope, just remember the heartwarming story of Happy Feet and all the other success stories that came before them. Draw inspiration, energy and positivity from those stories.

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That said I invite you to be part of The FREEMAN Foundation’s goal of writing another success story via its upcoming Christmas with Angels on December 10. This has been an annual activity for many years now in partnership with various private institutions that share the same passion of making children smile during the Christmas season through gifts and games. This year, it has chosen to give a party to 100 children from the dumpsites of Consolacion and Talisay City respectively. It’s going to be a fun-filled activity for these children whose parents are very much occupied collecting garbage from the dumpsites for a living.

I come from a middle class family. Yet growing up, there were things and food I wanted before but never got the chance to taste and own because of economic shortage. It was disappointing but that was a reality I had to live with. Imagine how much disappointing it is for these kids to not even be able to taste a sausage or spaghetti, or to experience what a children’s party is all about.

I’m from a middle class family, yet in my elementary years I was always felt envious of my classmates’ beautiful school supplies: Notebooks, bags, pencils, sharpeners and more. Oh yeah my mother was a public school teacher but her salary then was barely enough, which should explain our limited resources. How much more these kids?

This is why I’m knocking at your hearts to join us in The FREEMAN Foundation to make these less fortunate children smile beautifully this Christmas by donating school supplies: Notebooks, ballpens, pencils, erasers, rulers, sharpeners, pad papers and crayons. I tell you, the genuine innocent smile these children will carve on their faces will give you true joy these Christmas. A P50 or P100 worth of school supplies may be small but if these are incorporated together, the amount will balloon to something huge and beautiful. Five notebooks, or five pens or pencils or whatever you can afford to donate will be of big help. You can also donate cash if you wish. We are just a call away: 416-8589 or 253-8613.

Want to be part of another success story? This could be the right opportunity!

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Speaking of success story, congratulations to my station dyRC 648khz. family, because in less than a year we made it to the top five spot in the 3rd quarter survey of AC Nielsen conducted in Metro Cebu last September 1 to 7. Yes, it’s not the top spot yet, but for a station that was ranked number 10 when it was relaunched last year, that is already a great achievement, knowing that getting to the top takes time and lots of hardwork. Congratulations my brothers and sisters in dyRC and thank you Cebu for this!

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Catch Rocco Nacino and Lauren Young at Gaisano Main @ 6:00 pm and at Gaisano Country Mall @ 8p.m. today for a mini show. This is to celebrate 18 years of successful business venture of Country Mall. If you have time, drop by at these venues and celebrate another success stories with these celebrities!