Written by: Ate Ren dela Cruz, Board Member
Christmas is a favorite holiday of many, may they be adult or child, because of the love, joy, and giving that the season brings. Our friends at SGS know this all too well, as this company has chosen to give not only during Christmastime but also throughout the year, having partnered with us in several other events prior and give back to the community.
For the morning of December 18, they chose to bring laughter and blessing to 25 grade 1 pupils from Nicanor Elementary School at their office in Chino Roces. We started the program with our customary getting-to-know, and grouped the kids with SGS staff into 5 teams to bond them better. The mood of the day was already on a high note, with the kids seeing their ates and kuyas friendly and caring for them. We then proceeded with games that was actually built to warm them up for the dance workshop ahead. The first game was Get up and Dance, where cones were passed around and those who were holding the cone once the music stopped had to dance. Next game was Pass the Dance, which is the U! Happy version of Pass the Message! Instead of passing on a message, the teams had to pass a dance step to reach the end of their line and the last person had to demonstrate the dance that was passed. First and closest to the original dance steps win!
It was a delightful sight to see both the kids and the volunteers overcome their shyness and just move to the beat and be open and expressive. It was indeed a great preparation for the dance workshop, which I was privileged to teach. Since everyone had been warmed up already, I went straight to teaching choreography, to the tune of a current kids’ favorite – I Got this Feeling. Everyone caught onto the dance steps quickly and were able to even create their own poses and choreography for the parts of the song that I told them to freestyle.
After much fun, games and dancing, it was time to refuel the energy with mealtime. Apart from our meals for the kids, the SGS team also prepared some chicken and barbecue to share, much to the kids’ enjoyment! As we reached the end of the program, the SGS team had another surprise – grocery packs for the family, as well as customized gifts for each of the kids which the staff prepared by themselves!
When every gift had been distributed, we ended the program with a group photo, to capture such a meaningful morning. It was truly a day that made everyone’s hearts full and which I am sure the kids at Nicanor will treasure. Thank you SGS! May you continue being a blessing to those who need those blessings most!
