We all have something we hold close to our hearts—an advocacy, a purpose, or a simple act that reminds us what truly matters. For me, that purpose has always been clear: to bring joy to the children in our hometown of Marinduque during the Christmas season.
I may not have much to give, but I’ve learned that even the smallest effort, when done with love, can make a lasting difference.
🌪️ A Typhoon and a Turning Point
It all started on December 28, 2014, just days after a typhoon struck our province. The damage was overwhelming—houses were destroyed, families were displaced, and the holiday spirit seemed lost. In the midst of the hardship, I saw children still smiling, still hopeful.
That was the moment I decided to do something. I wanted to share what little I had, and create a celebration—however simple—that would allow the kids to experience the fun, warmth, and excitement of Christmas.
I didn’t have any sponsors. I didn’t even ask anyone for help that first year. I just saved what I could throughout the year, bought snacks and chips for games, and organized a small party. My family supported me wholeheartedly. My Nanay made her signature kakanin, and my siblings helped prepare food and manage the games.
It was simple, but it was beautiful. The kids were overjoyed. The parents, too, joined in and felt the spirit of community. That’s when I knew—I wanted to keep doing this.
💖 Growing a Simple Act of Kindness
The following year, I started asking friends and colleagues if they had used clothes, toys, or anything they could share. Some gave monetary donations. I even used the cash prize I won for “Best in Costume” at our office Christmas party to fund the celebration. Once again, my family helped with food, preparation, and everything in between.
By the third year, I was able to do even more. I saved enough to buy school supplies for the children. I brought them all the way from Manila to Marinduque, and we wrapped each one with care. I wanted the kids to feel the joy of receiving a gift wrapped just for them. We continued our little games, food sharing, and prize-giving—all driven by the simple goal of making them smile.
⏸️ A Pause, Then a Renewed Purpose
After that, I wasn’t able to continue the tradition for a few years. Life happened—maybe it was financial stress or personal challenges. Honestly, I can’t remember exactly why. But the longing to give never left me.
In 2022, though we didn’t have a full party, we decided to travel around nearby towns and hand out candies to the children. Their faces lit up, and to our surprise, even the elderly were excited to receive something. We shared what we had with them too.
That experience reminded me of the joy that giving brings—not just to the receiver, but to the giver as well.
Then, last year, my brother decided to carry the torch in his own way. He organized a small Christmas party for the kids in our area. I wasn’t able to do as much, but I contributed what I could. The children had a blast—and seeing their smiles brought back all the memories and reaffirmed why this tradition matters so much to our family.
👶 A New Chapter: Teaching My Son the Value of Giving
Now that I’m a parent, this advocacy means even more. I have a son, and I want to raise him with the values I live by—gratitude, compassion, and generosity. I want him to grow up knowing that blessings are meant to be shared.
This year, I’m bringing back our Marinduque Christmas outreach. I’ve started saving again, and I’m reaching out to friends, kind strangers, and anyone who wants to help make Christmas a little brighter for the kids and elders in our community.
🎁 How You Can Help
If this story has touched your heart, here’s how you can be part of our mission:
Even the smallest gift, when given with love, can change a life. Help us create a Christmas full of joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories for the kids of Marinduque.
Because true giving isn’t about how much we have—it’s about how much love we put into what we give.
Please visit our Facebook page: Kabataan ng Bagong Pag-asa (KBP)
#ChristmasOutreachPH #MarinduqueAdvocacy #GivingBack2025 #PaskoSaProbinsya #ShareYourBlessings #ActsOfKindness #TeachKidsToGive #SmallActsBigImpact
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