Written by: Kuya Carl Tan, Admin Officer
Hospicio de San Jose has been an institution for over 200 years. It has received numerous visitors over the years who have blessed the institution with their kindness and love. On a cloudy Sunday afternoon, it was Ate Maria “Sunny” Caparas who would be a blessing to Hospicio. Upon arrival, she was greeted with smiles by U! Happy volunteers and eager children who were waiting for the program to begin. As she entered the room, Ate Sunny found herself surrounded by various kids from the Sanctuary, St. Joseph, and St. Mary homes.
The program kicked off with host Ate Beth making introductions to the kids and grouping them with the volunteers for the games. As Ate Sunny and her friends sat down with the kids of their respective groups, music could be heard playing as the games began. After a rigorous game of In or Out, in which the kids were particularly spirited and striving to earn prizes, they got to sit down and relax while watching two amazing shows Ate Sunny had in store for them: a bubble show and a balloon twisting performance. The kids were dazzled by the bubble show, with applause and spirited smiles all around, this excitement was intensified when Kuya Allan started inviting audience members to step inside the bubble circle. After a mix of children, teenagers, and even Ates and Kuyas got their turn inside the bubble, the show came to an end, only to be followed by the balloon twisting performance, which to be just as captivating as the bubble show. The performer made it into a game wherein the kid who guessed the shape correctly would be the one to receive said balloon. This caused both a frenzy and confusion among the children as they were eagerly guessing the shape in order to win the balloon but were also getting confused as the performer created more and more complicated balloon formations.
After the two shows, the kids were treated to delicious meals that they ate with their respective groups. After this short intermission, the festivities continued, this time with the kids as the performers, as they had prepared their own dance numbers for Ate Sunny. Three different groups of kids from three different homes (Sanctuary, St. Mary, and St. Joseph) in Hospicio danced their hearts out for Ate Sunny, and filled the room with music and movement. After one final surprise in the form of baon pack giveaways for the kids, the program then concluded with a jubilant singing of Happy Birthday for the celebrant. There is no doubt that everyone went home that day with full and happy hearts, the kids from having a wonderful day, delicious meals, and great company, and Ate Sunny having been able to make a difference with the blessings she provided, while at the same time bonding with the kids and spending time with them. It truly was a blessed day that would not have been possible without Ate Sunny’s giving spirit.
