Written by: Ate Denise Callanta, Core Team Member
“Masaya ang buhay.”
When asked what Kuya Chris’s desire for everyone present in his birthday celebration, he simply smiled and wished everyone to continue being happy as he added the beautiful words, “Masaya ang buhay” (Life is full of joy)
A bright beam of beautiful smiles and cheerful waves welcomed Kuya Chris and his family on a Sunday morning, as he celebrated his birthday with the charming community of Elsie Gatches in Alabang.
Kuya Chris along with his two daughters and other colleagues began the program by introducing themselves with a twist: as they were asked to tell their favorite games, all females should disguise their voice as males while all males had to conceal their voice as females. After the brief introductions, Kuya Chris and his companions were then led to different teams with the Kuyas and Ates of Elsie Gatches as they further get acquainted with one another. After connecting and getting to know each other more, Ate Dyali told us a story and taught us a lesson on how we should ask for permission before using something that doesn’t belong to us. A game of pass the garter and paint me a picture was played right after the storytelling, which was subsequently followed by the exhibition of Kuya Ramir’s amazing talent of Led Poi dancing while everyone watch with anticipation. The delicious food was served with the help of Kuya Chris and his company. Kuya Chris ended the event with his short but gratifying wishes for himself and for everyone at Elsie Gatches.
I learned more about what the residents in Elsie Gatches do on a daily basis through short sharing. While most of them also earn money through simple labors such as doing laundry and making clay pots, others go through classes to get the basic education that everyone’s at liberty. In these little things, I got cultured on how hope works;
Hope is doing the laundry
Hope is making clay pots
Hope is going to school
Hope is working, working, and working some more until it gives them the liberty to do what normal people do because they are able. Hope is working so hard, so that more people may be able to reach them out and find colors in their magic of delight.
And by these little things, they get to flash the brightest smile that can blind and everyone near just couldn’t help but flaunt the same beam.
Surely, life can be too beautiful sometimes.
