Written by Board Member, Glenn Costales
The midday glare of a fine Saturday kicked off one of the busier weekends for U! Happy Events. The organization’s current Secretary, Ate Malou Galian, celebrated her birthday with patients from the National Children’s Hospital in Quezon City. Together with her generous friends, who volunteered their time and resources, children from several wards got to revel in the festivities prepared that day.
The celebration started with a bang straight away with a magic performance by U! Board Member and Talentadong Pinoy Hall-of-Famer JB Dela Cruz (Laserman). Kuya JB wowed the crowd with his neat display of illusion and artistry. The children themselves got to participate and even played magician to the delight of their parents and the whole crowd. Kuya JB likewise provided words of inspiration to the children and encouraged them to hold firmly to their faith despite their circumstances.
After that, four of Ate Malou’s enthusiastic friends —Kay, An-An, Karen and Leng-Leng — gave an animated story-telling presentation to the children. Complete with their masks and their spirited portrayal, they offered an entertaining act and a valuable message that can surely help the children as they move forward with their treatments and time under the hospital’s care.
A nurturing lunch was fittingly served next to everyone in that part of the hospital. Both children and parents enjoyed a gracious and savory meal from Ate Malou completing the day’s birthday-theme event. But the celebration did not end there. Ate Malou and her friends went around the wards and into the rooms to hand out early Christmas presents to the patients. The gifts consisted of different snacks and toiletries, among others, that are sure to aid the children during their time there.
Mark 9:37 says “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” Truly there is so much more at work when we choose to spend fruitful time with the innocent young ones. It is even more special when we can offer them moments of joy and encouragement in their struggles, whatever they may be. Through the kindness of Ate Malou and her friends, indeed those moments became a reality.
Thank U! to everyone who made the day possible. Aside from Ate Malou and her friends, U! would also like to thank the National Children’s Hospital and their staff for opening their doors to us. The team of U! Happy Events will continue to support the hospital and their thrust in providing quality pediatric care especially to indigent patients.
