Hello dear Hivers! š Iām 
As another school year begins, I found myself thinking back to a day that still makes my heart full. That was when I joined a volunteer outreach at an elementary school in a remote community in Bataan. We werenāt just there to visit. We came to play, teach, and feed the kids. It was one of those days that quietly changes you, the kind that stays in your memory long after the sun has set.
FC Del Rosario Elementary School was small and located away in a quiet rural area, where most of the kids walk long distances just to attend class. Despite of this situation, we were greeted with bright eyes and wide smiles. The children were clearly excited for our arrival, and we were just as eager to meet them. Even if we didnāt know what to expect, we knew we were there to serve and share.
We started the morning with simple games inside the classroom. No fancy materials, just laughter, running around, and shared joy. You could feel how hungry they were, not for food yet, but for attention, interaction, and the chance to be kids.
After the games, we gathered them to watch an episode from Bayani, an educational series that teaches history through the stories of Filipino heroes. The kids were glued to the screen, their eyes full of curiosity. Watching them sit quietly and absorb every scene was heartwarming. They were genuinely curious and engaged, even without flashy animation or effects.
Right after watching Bayani, we played Pinoy Henyo, a guessing game where the kids had to figure out which Filipino heroās name was taped to their forehead. They laughed at each other's guesses and got surprisingly competitive. It was amazing to see how well they remembered the names and stories from the episode.
From there, we moved on to The Boat is Sinking, a group game where they had to quickly form groups based on the number called out. If they didnāt match the number, they were out. It was really fun; lots of shouting, running, and friendly competition.
Before the feeding program, we conducted a quick health check by weighing the kids. This part was really heartbreaking.
Many of them were underweight, and we were surprised to find out that some who looked like they were in Grade 1 or 2 were actually older. The signs of malnutrition werenāt obvious at first, but they were thereāquiet and sad reminders that so many children in rural areas are struggling silently.
* Covered the child's personal details for privacy.
During lunch, we served them a warm, nutritional meal: Ginisang Monggo with Malunggay (Filipino Mung Bean Soup with Moringa Leaves). Nothing fancy, but it was probably the most complete meal some of them had in days. We also reminded them to wash their hands before eating.
They ate happily and gratefully. It felt good to know we could give them even just one full belly that day. It wasnāt a solution, but at least it was something.
The whole experience left me with a mix of emotions: grateful for the experience, yet quietly bothered by the reality these kids face. It reminded me of the importance of showing up, not just for grand causes, but for the small ones too.
You donāt need to have a title or a big budget to make a difference. That one meal, one lesson, or one game might seem simple, but it can leave a lasting impact on them, and on us too.
.š Thank you very much for reading my post š Hope you enjoyed it! āØ
See you again on my next blog! š
Love lots,
Elle š
She is someone with a big imagination and spends her free time chasing new adventures. She shares stories inspired by her love for travel, food, and furry companions. Writing doesnāt come easily to her, not because she lacks ideas, but because her thoughts often run faster than her words. Her storytelling is a mix of lighthearted tales and personal insights, written with the hope of connecting with curious, kindred spirits. With a camera in hand and curiosity in her heart, she documents the little things that make life vibrant, even if her photography is still a work in progress.
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