30/12/2024
🎄JRUAA Outreach Christmas Party 2024🎄
Tahanan ng Pagmamahal Children’s Home
Date: December 23, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Location: 45 Dr. Pilapil St., Brgy. Sagad, Pasig City
The JRUAA Outreach Christmas Party 2024 at Tahanan ng Pagmamahal Children’s Home was a resounding success, filled with joy, gratitude, and the true spirit of giving. This event, lovingly organized by the Board of Directors and Officers of the Jose Rizal University Alumni Association (JRUAA), aimed to bring the light and love of Christmas to the hearts of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children.
A Heartwarming Mission
The Tahanan ng Pagmamahal Children’s Home, a Christ-centered community, serves as a sanctuary of hope and healing for 38 children, supported by a dedicated staff of 15 members. This year, the children ranged in age from 5 months to 12 years, divided as follows:
• Babies: 10 (5 months to 2.5 years)
• Toddlers: 11 (3 to 4 years)
• Girls: 6 (5 to 8 years)
• Boys: 11 (5 to 12 years)
A Day of Celebration
The event began with an opening prayer led by BOD Treasurer Mhay Fresto, setting a solemn and meaningful tone for the day. A representative from Tahanan ng Pagmamahal welcomed everyone with an orientation about the home, its mission, and the lives of the children.
BOD Press Relations Officer Joey Bereber shared a heartfelt Christmas message, emphasizing the importance of compassion, generosity, and the true essence of celebrating Christmas. This was followed by a series of lively parlor games facilitated by Mhay Fresto and Joey Bereber, bringing smiles and laughter to the children. After the games, a jolly group dance ensued, adding to the merriment and creating lasting memories for everyone present.
Face painting was also a special activity, done on the children’s arms to avoid potential allergies. The children were ecstatic, proudly showing off their colorful designs, which further uplifted the joyful atmosphere.
Afterward, a prayer before the meal was led by Jermaine Ortega, and everyone shared a delightful spread of food, which included contributions from generous donors.
The distribution of gifts, loot bags, and other surprises was undoubtedly the highlight of the day. Each child received age-appropriate loot bags filled with toys, activity books, candies, and chocolates. Babies were provided with diapers, Cerelac, and baby biscuits, while the staff received spaghetti packs, groceries, and other essentials.
Expressions of Gratitude
The children’s happiness was evident in their laughter, excited chatter, and wide-eyed amazement at the gifts they received. Many participants, including the organizers, were moved to tears by the overwhelming joy and gratitude radiating from the children and staff.
As the program concluded, the Tahanan ng Pagmamahal expressed their heartfelt thanks by presenting a certificate of appreciation to the JRUAA. Additionally, the children personally handed out their handmade Christmas and thank-you cards, written in their unique penmanship—a deeply touching gesture that warmed the hearts of everyone present.
Acknowledgments
This memorable event would not have been possible without the generosity of the following donors:
• Food and bottled water: Ting Victorino (JRUAA President)
• Zesto drinks: Grace Cabrera
• Loot bags, toys, activity books, and baby essentials: Batch 77 c/o Bonett de Dios; spaghetti packs for the staff from Mr. & Mrs. Vic Tan (HS Batch ’77)
• Biscuits: Aileen Navor Hermoso
• Parlor game prizes and games paraphernalia: Joey Bereber
• 1 sack of rice: Sis Mhay Fresto
• 1 sack of rice and assorted chocolates and candies: Ruthie Beltran
• Tarp for outreach and face painting: Batch ’97, c/o Joemel Dela Cruz
• Candies and Fudge Bars: Batch ’78 Romyn Calub & F8-8 c/o Grace Cabrera
• Assorted groceries: JRUAA donors
The event was attended by the following BOD members and alumni:
Jose Bereber, Grace Cabrera, Bonett de Dios, Joemel Dela Cruz, Elenita Mhay Fresto, Aileen Navor Hermoso, and Jermaine Ortega.
Also present were
Abet Yatco, Anna de Dios (photographer/videographer), and Caitlyn Cuatico, the daughter and granddaughter of Bonett de Dios respectively and the three beautiful ladies from Batch ’78—Romyn Calub, Ruth Pelindario, and Jojie Sanchez.
The Outreach Committee, led by Ting Victorino, included Grace Cristobal Cabrera, Joemel Dela Cruz, Aileen Navor Hermoso, Bonett de Dios Nicomedes, Elenita Fresto, Ruthie Beltran, and Joey Bereber.
Reflection and Gratitude
The JRUAA Outreach Christmas Party 2024 was more than just a celebration—it was a testament to the power of unity, compassion, and faith. It reminded everyone involved of the joy of giving and the importance of making a difference in the lives of those in need.
As we reflect on this fulfilling and emotional experience, we give all glory to God for making this event possible. May the spirit of Christmas continue to inspire us to spread love and kindness in our communities.