For this activity, we decided to cook lugaw, a comforting dish that is both filling and familiar to everyone. Preparing it, however, was no easy task. We put in the effort to buy all the necessary ingredients, peel, slice, and ready them for cooking. The challenge became even greater because only a few of the youth were able to attend due to personal schedules and commitments. With fewer hands, we had no choice but to multitask — cooking, preparing, and managing other responsibilities all at once.
Cooking lugaw in large quantities is already time-consuming, especially when working with 3–5 kilos of rice. The process requires patience, continuous stirring, and careful attention. To add to the challenge, we cooked it the traditional way — over an open fire. While it gave the dish a warm, smoky flavor, it also tested our endurance since we had to deal with the heat, smoke, and the slow pace of open-fire cooking.
We started cooking at around 12:30 noon, and after much effort and teamwork, the lugaw was finally ready by almost 3:00 p.m. Our original plan was to serve it earlier since it was meant to be a snack for the children, but despite the delay, we pushed through and gave our best to make sure everything was prepared well.
In the end, what mattered most was not just the food itself but the effort, dedication, and heart poured into the activity. Even though we faced struggles — from limited manpower to the challenges of traditional cooking — the smiles of the children made everything worthwhile. These small moments remind us that service, no matter how simple, becomes meaningful when done with love and genuine concern for others.