Let’s find out what joy some members of the Hands On Manila get by helping others through volunteering their time.
(If you want to know more about HOM, call their office at 843-7044 and 843-5231 or e-mail them at handsonmla@ edsamail.com.ph.)
Tisha Cruz-Bautista, president, Franck Provost Group: Volunteering your time rather than giving material or monetary donation is, for me, a genuine giving of self. Time is truly one commodity that cannot be owned but only borrowed and shared. It is this sharing that enables us to appreciate what we have given and teaches us generosity of spirit. We learn the lesson that volunteering is its own greatest reward.
Theodore Ivan Paris, assistant manager, BPI Bank: A volunteer has a great opportunity to make a positive contribution to society. This is what drives me to participate in endeavors that allow me to affect someone’s quality of life and make our community a better place to live in. The Hands On Manila organization has served as a vehicle for me to make a difference in other people’s lives. What I learned is that I do not need to donate a building or send a check to make a positive contribution. Just being in a position to contribute a little time and a effort to touch the lives of others is enough to have a rewarding volunteer experience.
Porky Puno, vice president, JP Morgan: Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces when I fed and interacted with them in a soup kitchen; being appreciated with hugs and pleas to come back from teenagers when I taught them how to cook; cultivating my artistic side while painting a mural for an orphanage; and just being with people who have a common goal in mind – to make a difference!
Annie Young, president, Cooks Exchange: There’s a lot of good feeling you get when you volunteer. You donate only two hours of your day and you take home this good feeling that lasts for a long time. It made my day when one of the kids said, "Balik kayo ha!"
Margarita Fores, chef: There is just so much in my life to be thankful for! Volunteering gives me the chance to give back and give thanks for the countless blessings!
Ginny Roces De Guzman, vice president, Sugarhouse: Doing volunteer work is like going to my exercise class, the difference is I exercise my spirit. Working with the children is very rewarding. I have made new and exciting friends, surprisingly some are nuns. I am grateful for the opportunity. The work is great for the heart.
Boots Moyer, partner, Ysmael Moyer Valenzuela & Associates, Inc.: The Hands on Manila model is so perfect for a working woman like me because it is flexible and gives lots of choices for the type of volunteer work one prefers to do. I spend time at the Holy Family girls orphanage where I teach the girls English and personality development, stuff like table manners, dining continental style, grooming, etc. We have progressed to that stage where some of the girls have gotten over the feeling of intimidation when asked to speak in English and will now speak and let themselves be corrected on grammar and pronunciation without embarrassment. I derive satisfaction from the fact that in my little way I am empowering these girls to be able to deal with some of the challenges that will face them after they leave the orphanage.
Marilou Sarthou Lacson, general manager, Jupiter Arms Hotel: Just knowing that I am sharing my time and giving part of myself to a wonderful cause makes it all worthwhile – especially when I see the smiles on all those little faces!
Marot Moreno, community worker: Volunteering my time to reach out and help people with whatever they need goes to fulfilling the very essence of my faith – giving material as well as spiritual help. Only through this act can I truly express my gratitude to God for all the benefits He has so generously given me. It is only through this giving, without expecting anything in return, that I am able to become the "Quintessential Christian."
Babette Piguerra, associate stylist, Tinette and Co. Salon Professionals: It gives me joy to be able to share my hair-cutting talent with others. Giving the underprivileged food to eat or money to live on for the moment is a temporary situation for them and only encourages them to be dependent on others. But teaching them to be skilled is like giving them a rod to fish with so that they can fish their own. There is no reward more satisfying than seeing the pride, enthusiasm and the hope in people’s eyes as they embark on their new-found careers.
Glenn Fetalvero, student, electronics and computer engineering, Don Bosco: 1) The thought of using my free time and sharing it with others; 2) Meeting new friends and colleagues; and 3) Knowing that I can put into practice what I have learned in school.