Written by: Ate Denise Callanta, Core Team Member
Not all super heroes wear capes. Some of them wear pink and most are called “Mom”.
On a very hot afternoon in Alabang, Ate Edna and Kuya Paolo made a decision to spend their special time with the children at the SOS Village, along with their family and friends.
The event went by smoothly, all thanks to the efforts of the people present. Ate Edna’s family and friends were split into teams in order to accommodate all the 25 kids during the event. As each team
got to know one another through sharing names, ages, and aspirations, some children had their faces painted beautifully by a talented face paint artist, Kuya Eric. After the small sharing, a game called ‘Paint me a Picture’ was prepared. Everyone did their best to re-enact the scenarios given. After the tiring game, food was prepared and served with the help of Ate Edna, Kuya Paolo and their own children. The event ended with the whole hall wishing Ate Edna a happy happy birthday as her family shared loot bags to the little children with nothing but smile on their faces.
I could clearly remember Ate Edna’s first instruction to us: “Please talk to my children in tagalog,” she smiled widely. “I’m teaching them how to speak in tagalog eh.” It was a mother’s humble request to teach her children
something of noble intent. I suppose occasions like this present good opportunities to teach children humility, patience, and generosity, among others. And just like that, we were taught that more than anything, children can also be the most effective teachers to adults. Adults teach children technical things while children educate adults with their pure and literal raw thoughts. With the music of children’s laughter and the painted smiles across everyone’s faces in that small hall, it truly felt like the best afternoon spent with the best people at the right place.