In the Philippines, Jollibee is very famous among children. The contagious smile of this BEE brought delight and joy to the kids. Well, since Third (birthday celebrant) is from a wealthy family, feeding and giving presents to the less fortunate children was his top priority at his birthday party.
I was deeply honored and so lucky to have been chosen to facilitate this special day. I was like in a magic spell that cannot say NO when I heard directly from Third's mother my family friend, that there will be a program for this birthday celebration and I will be hosting this too. When it comes to kids, my heart really melts.
The Target
Those children who cannot eat three times a day or even a single meal in their daily lives were the primary choice of the family. On Saturday afternoon, we distributed the invitation cards to 100 children and 100 mothers. They were the recipients who were heartily invited to join the said celebration.
The program flow
At 2:30 in the afternoon of May 1, 2023, the mothers together with their children who received the invitation cards came to the school where the party was held and signed the registration form. This is the way of checking if they are officially invited. They are all excited as this program was intended for them.
Since part of the program is the holy mass, while waiting for the priest to come, the parlor games were played first. This was full of fun and thrill. The first game was the hampas palayok or hit the pot. The player was blindfolded and instructed to spin 3 times and afterward hit the pot being hung with prizes inside. Once it will be broken, all the players will run for the goodies inside which are free to all. The one who smashes the pot will receive a cash prize and a gift pack. I was having fun looking at the children. It was full of laughter and happiness.
The next game played was the best dancer on the floor. As the music was played, the children will give their best dance moves as they grooved the music. The happy faces of the children showed that they were enjoying themselves a lot and nothing can stop them from dancing. Stuffed toys and cash were the prizes for the lucky winners.
The mass commenced which was attended by families and friends too. Everybody who joined the program was blessed. It was done by Rev. Father Jun Torrevillas who is the uncle of Third. We were so thankful for the said mass.
The Giveaways Giving
The giving of slippers and toothbrushes to the children ages 4 to 9 years old was faithfully given by the birthday celebrant together with his mother. 'though these are not costly the joy in giving is incomparable.
Who will not be touched by looking at the faces of some kids wearing their cut-off slippers? I was speechless. They don't have any ideas that they will be receiving these pieces of stuff as these were surprises for them. This was so remarkable to me because this simple act surely make a difference in their lives.
The fun continued. After the giveaway distribution, the giving of food packs to hungry innocent children was done. The mothers also have their part, they received food packages too. While they were standing in line, trying to be entertained first, thinking that they might run out of food, I was emotional. It suddenly flashed to my mind that hoping someday I can give something to the needy. This party was so inspiring and motivating to me. I feel the importance of sharing and loving others, especially children who have nothing.
As they were enjoying their happy meals, the fried chicken with rice, burger steak, hotdog, and paired juices one of my co-teachers whom I invited conducted the story retelling. They were very attentive to the storyteller because afterward, there will be a trivia. Whoever answered the questions correctly, prizes will be given. The children were learning values from the story being heard.
The star of happiness
Aside from the food packages, the gifts, and the prizes received, the most awaited part of the program which is the main highlight was the appearance and exposure of the BEE of Jollibee. The children jumped and couldn't explain the overwhelming joy that they felt.
Bee has a dramatic entrance, he pretended to be embarrassed and hid at the back of the car as the children shouted for joy and called his name. The crowd was so surprised! The children were very delighted. This was their first time to have seen the Bee of Jollibee in reality. They thought everything was just a fantasy.
Automatically within seconds, Bee was immediately surrounded by the children. They were all glad and excited. They love to hug and give a high five to him. They cannot stop themselves not to hug him and the Bee responded to their wants.
When Jollibee danced, they were happier as they watched him. This happiness was priceless and the joy they felt was the best gift that Third had ever received. Laughter and smiles were seen in every face of the children.
The day brought so much joy to me although it was a little bit tiring. The services that I have rendered were all free for this was for the betterment of our future leaders someday.
This act of kindness creates positive impact and ripple effects that are more profound on the lives of the children and even on the community. This was not about being wealthy but about what's in your heart's desire that has the will to do good to others. Learning to value the importance of sharing and caring.
Together with my daily companion my fur baby Bebe, and of course my daughters, who enjoyed the party to the highest level, we would like to extend our gratitude to you for spending your time reading my blog. I know from the bottom of my heart that the generosity of this family (who considered me as part of their family) extended to the less fortunate is worth sharing. When there is sharing, there is love. It was such a great day for me with remarkable memories that will be treasured forever.