In school, I was taught to give back to the less fortunate whatever I could to help alleviate their poverty. To make the 'giving back' more fun, the administrators opted for a Fund Drive - the section which could provide the highest number of goodies will receive a prize. It's not really the prize that drove my schoolmates to rummage for their old, but usable, clothes, nor ransack their magazine rack for old newspapers, nor even to plead to their parents to donate a sack of rice (which, by the way, could give the section more points), but the fact that that particular section will be recognized as the most generous. So, I was oriented with an outreach that merely required the giving of whatever stuff the less fortunate might need. The more stuff, the merrier they'll be.
Come 5 October 2008, a friend of my cousin (whom I consider a good friend too) invited me to a whole different outreach: it involves kids, and it involves me. The outreach I attended was sponsored by CCF (I apologize a hundred times for not knowing what this acronym stands for), a Bible-sharing group. The kids were those less fortunate kids from their barangay (a small community of people), but other members of the CCF likewise brought with them their younger siblings. So it was heart-warming to see these kids from both ends of the wealth spectrum being brought together to enjoy something which transcends social status - the Zoo, and Jollibee, the famous local fastfood chain.
My kid's name was John Paul, and he got so much energy, I had a hard time keeping up with him. But it was all fun, and I enjoyed playing nanny for the day; although by the end of the morning, I was on the verge of giving up, not because I didn't like what I was doing but because it was pretty tiring what I did.
Everybody was asked to assemble at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the barangay, then a bus took us to Manila Zoo. I vaguely remember having visited this zoo when I was a kid, but I explored the zoo like it was my first time. I didn't get to explore much though, what with a hyperactive kid in tow. I plan to go back, if only to explore the place at my leisure. About a few minutes before lunch, we were whisked off to Jollibee, CCP Branch. It was a delightful lunch, being tired and hungry. After we were fed and watered, the kids had lots of fun with the parlor games, and the appearance of Jollibee himself. I have to admit I was kinda delighted with his honor's presence (hahaha!).
The outreach was fun, and fulfilling. It wasn't only giving back; it was truly reaching out, as well. I can't wait for the follow-up come December.
P.S. More pictures are posted here.
Come 5 October 2008, a friend of my cousin (whom I consider a good friend too) invited me to a whole different outreach: it involves kids, and it involves me. The outreach I attended was sponsored by CCF (I apologize a hundred times for not knowing what this acronym stands for), a Bible-sharing group. The kids were those less fortunate kids from their barangay (a small community of people), but other members of the CCF likewise brought with them their younger siblings. So it was heart-warming to see these kids from both ends of the wealth spectrum being brought together to enjoy something which transcends social status - the Zoo, and Jollibee, the famous local fastfood chain.
My kid's name was John Paul, and he got so much energy, I had a hard time keeping up with him. But it was all fun, and I enjoyed playing nanny for the day; although by the end of the morning, I was on the verge of giving up, not because I didn't like what I was doing but because it was pretty tiring what I did.
Everybody was asked to assemble at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the barangay, then a bus took us to Manila Zoo. I vaguely remember having visited this zoo when I was a kid, but I explored the zoo like it was my first time. I didn't get to explore much though, what with a hyperactive kid in tow. I plan to go back, if only to explore the place at my leisure. About a few minutes before lunch, we were whisked off to Jollibee, CCP Branch. It was a delightful lunch, being tired and hungry. After we were fed and watered, the kids had lots of fun with the parlor games, and the appearance of Jollibee himself. I have to admit I was kinda delighted with his honor's presence (hahaha!).
The outreach was fun, and fulfilling. It wasn't only giving back; it was truly reaching out, as well. I can't wait for the follow-up come December.
P.S. More pictures are posted here.
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