Happiness multiplies when it is divided. This adage proved to be true. Adjectives wouldn’t sufficed to describe what we felt during our Christmas Outreach in Brgy. Bagong Silang, Los Banos, Laguna last December 19.
The rains that soaked the Philippines in the past days worried us. And so we prayed. Gray clouds enveloped the sky as we were driving towards Los Banos. Mt. Makiling was hidden from sight. But God heard our prayers.
When we arrived in Bay, Laguna, the sun’s rays peeked through the clouds. Light started to illuminate the sky. The van stopped at Brgy. Kabulusan, the starting point of our hike going to the remote barangay up in the mountain.
The barangay council of Bagong Silang assisted us in carrying our goodie bags. They brought a white horse which would help us with our things. At first, I pitied the horse but his master assured me that the horse can manage to bring our things.
And so, off we go to the village, walking along the narrow, rocky, and unpaved trail. Thank God! Everyone safely arrived at Purok Uno of Brgy. Bagong Silang.
When we arrived at the Bagong Silang Elementary School, we saw early birds in the school. They were excited. After coordinating the program with their teachers, we began the party. A total of 92 kids registered. We were only expecting 72 but the pre-schoolers joined the fun.
Each class showed their talents in singing Christmas Carols. After which, we facilitated the game, Pinoy Henyo. The parents and the teachers also joined the game that made the students laugh their hearts out.
The kids actively participated in the game, Longest Line. The boys won but the girls didn’t end up empty-handed. Everyone who participated had gifts.
We then distributed the goodie bags containing rubber slip-ons, first aid kit, two notebooks, and a pen.
Candies were handed out to the pre-schoolers. They were so disciplined that they lined up in receiving their gifts.
Of course, the most-awaited part of the party–eating–followed. We prepared spaghetti, hotdogs, puto and juice for them. Special thanks to Tita Luz Enriquez, Dyan’s mom, who cooked the spaghetti sauce and baked a bunch of puto for the kids. The spaghetti noodles and hotdogs were cooked on site. Thanks to the locals of Bagong Silang who assisted Liz, Angge, Janet and J in preparing the spaghetti and the hotdogs.
We were relieved that we fed all of the guests even if we prepared for only 72. Some of the kids loved the spaghetti that they returned for another serving.
Our success won’t be possible without the help of generous souls who contributed in kind (Our parents and our relatives who supported this activity) and in cash (donors who wanted to be anonymous) via paypal.
We’re glad to share that after buying the goodies, food, and paying for the transportation, something was still left in the budget. We decided that we donate the remaining fund to the survivors of Typhoon Sendong (Typhoon Washi).
We chose the Philippine Red Cross and the One for Iligan movement of the Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. Here are the screenshots:
Words were not enough to describe how grateful we were. The smiles and their “thank yous” were priceless. Mission accomplished! It really felt great to share the blessings that we received. Indeed, it’s better to give than to receive. That is the true spirit of Christmas!
Merry Christmas everyone! May we all live up to the real meaning of the season. 
