STAR Light, Candle Bright

For the sixth consecutive year, Operation Damayan, The STAR’s charity and philanthropic arm, embarked on its Christmas project, this year entitled "Candles for Peace".

Special candles were handmade out of wax and gel by Damayan employee-volunteers and "sold" to STAR Group employees at prices ranging from P5,000 to P100. At a touching ceremony last Thursday held at the lobby of The STAR building in Port Area, the candles were lighted and individually placed on a seven-tiered Christmas tree.

At each level, a prayer and a song were offered. Pilipino STAR Ngayon editor Al Pedroche prayed for Mindanao, asking God to bless that bountiful land and end the conflict there, as corporate communications assistant Mick Atienza prayed to be filled with love for fellowman, be they Muslim or Christian, and grace to "do unto others (as) we want others to do unto us". Classified ads head Arlyn Servañez lifted up the burden and tragedy of the World Trade Center attack to the Lord. Marketing services manager Tammy Mendoza prayed for healing for the wounds inflicted on our land by selfishness and greed, and blessing for our leaders especially President Arroyo and her Cabinet.

Closer to home and hearth, Pilipino STAR sports editor Dina Villena prayed for "peace in our families" and unity in the love of the Lord. Circulation director Fernando Lopez asked for blessing upon each employee and upon The STAR Group of Publications. Advertising account executive supervisor Anna Filamor acknowledged the difficult life of streetchildren, and offered a prayer that they "might find a home... (and) find their way home".

Accompanied by music from the Damayan choir and, appropriately, under the life-size nativity scene that dominates the lobby decor, harried editors, reporters, production, technical and other staff members paused in the middle of the busy newsday to focus on the urgent need to pray and look up to God. By the light of the 295 candles that filled the Christmas tree, there was hardly a dry eye as employees hugged and shook hands, singing along to "Let there be peace on earth".

Among the audience at the lighting ceremony were streetchildren from the Del Pan and Port Area communities who were Damayan’s special guests at a day of fun at Enchanted Kingdom yesterday. The funds raised from the "Candles for Peace" project were used to supplement this outing.

Operation Damayan was started in 1988 by STAR founding chairman Betty Go Belmonte to help the victims of typhoon Unsang in Bicol. Since then, Damayan has undertaken numerous disaster relief missions all over the country, as well as medical, dental and livelihood projects. Indigent patients, especially children, are continuously assisted through hospital visits, doctor referrals and financial aid. Operation Damayan is fully supported by The STAR Group of Publications and volunteer donors.