A cheerful Christmas party with orphans

It was a very inspiring and very cheerful Christmas Party organized by JY Gonzales and Partners in cooperation with Globe Telecoms and Innove. Held at the Children's Playground of the City Sports Club the whole day last December 4, the party will always remind me of how fortunate I am, that despite of being poor, I have parents, brothers and sisters.

I am so lucky indeed because, since my childhood until this day, I am still doing many things not only for myself but also for others, especially for people who need my help. Last Sunday's party was of lucky selected members of the local media and the orphans of SOS Children's Village in Talamban. Incidentally, SOS is celebrating its 25th year this year. For this reason, His Emminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal is calling on kind hearted people to give cheer to the children by giving them anything they can spare. JY Gonzales, Globe Telecoms and Innove had wholeheartedly responded to a very laudable cause, together with their friends from the media.

So, on that memorable day, married and single members of the so-called fourth estate acted as foster parents to particular orphans. The married media members brought along their families so that they can also share their blessings with these orphans. The single media personalities like Natnat Tomada, Roger Serna, Rolando Morallo, Jude "Morning" Bacalso, Regina "Atittude Girl" Aguilar, among others, became instant parents for a day. "Ang sarap ng feeling...," I sighed. It really made us so high spirited as we watched our "children" playing, participating in various games, eating with us, clowning with the two clowns and watched in amazement as Banat News contributor Vergel Racho did his thing with his illusions. Even the adults wondered how a flower could turn into a rabbit.

The SOS Cebu family celebrated their silver jubilee with other Children's Villages the world over last June. They also commemorated the birthday of their dear Father and founder, Dr. Hermann Gmeiner. Surpassing many trials and obstacles, he continued to put up more children's villages to help children in need and, as of April 2005, there are already more than 440 SOS Children's Villages worldwide, not including those still under construction. Bienvenido L. Delgado is the National Director while here in Cebu, the head is Mr. Dan Latonio who used to be in Caritas. He is the only "tatay" in the village with an unmarried foster mother each in the different houses that have all the amenities that a real house needs. June Layao is the Senior Social worker who supervises 12 others who are working under her. They are not in any way connected with the local Department of Social Welfare Services or DSWS.

Incidentally, the day before, a Saturday, I also joined the Kapamilya Christmas Party with the fire victims from 7 barangays which was held at SM City. It was certainly a very nice feeling that even at my age, I can still do things for others, giving cheer not only on Christmas day but - thank God - the whole year round until the day I will join Him forever.