Written by: Kuya Alvin Patron, Core Member
It was early morning when we headed to Ayala Alabang, where SOS Children’s Villages is located. It was a very exciting day as we were about to celebrate the first birthday of a wonderful kiddo along with the kids of SOS.
Once we have arrived the core volunteers Ate Nikki, Ate Iza, and Ate Iane started setting up the place before the event. We were also joined by the interns Ate Nica and Ate Sierylee who also helped. The kids gradually started coming in when the rain poured heavily. The sponsors and their guests also started arriving. Baby Cole was so cute! The guest list has a good representation of different generations: from the youngsters to the golden age of wisdom. They were friends and relatives of Cole’s who were invited by Ate Mariglen. Then the rain stopped and I knew it was going to be a good day.
The program was started with the grouping of the kids. It commenced by a game called “The Boat is Sinking.” Then the volunteers made their introductions before joining their respective groups with the young ones. Each group had to get to know each other and also come up with a group name. By the end of the huddle we already have teams Momoland, Titan, Bagani, Fly High, and Petmalu.
The first activity is a game called “Fish Be With You.” Each team is placed in a line with chairs on both ends. One chair has paper fishes while the other one is left empty. Each player is given a straw to be used during the game. The game mechanics involve transferring the paper fishes from one chair to the other chair using only the straws. Team Bagani won the trial run but it was not counted as an official win yet. The whole game was a very closed fight. It was Team Momoland who won the first round. Then Team Titan came from behind on the second round. While Petmalu closed in on the third round.
The next activity was a magic show. Kuya Koby never failed to dazzle the kids, even the kids at heart. He had sticks suddenly appearing out of nowhere. He also tied knots of handkerchiefs and then it turned into a large one. The bird from the hat never fail to impress. I, myself, could not get enough of the levitating table!
We finally started eating lunch as the next activity. But before that, a prayer was lead by one of the kids. It is also a U! Happy tradition that the volunteers join the kids during the meal to promote more connection. They were served with macaroni, plus chicken strips. During the whole course of the event, there’s also a sorbetes outside the function room that is served to anyone who lined up to get some. I love it as I am the type to constantly need to get an ice cream.
After lunch, the event continued on to the next activity, which is the bubble show. It was very entertaining to see how huge spheres of air form. One kid even got to the stage in order to get a closer look. And the mixed expression of fun and awe and a gasp every now and then from his face is priceless. Children do really remind us of the simple joys in life. It makes us appreciate the small things that make us happy.
Before the end of the event we called on Cole and parents in front. Then we gathered and presented the birthday celebrant with a cake while singing “Happy Birthday.”
It was very fulfilling to volunteer on these events where the kind-hearted sponsors were connected to the kids they want to share their happiness with. And we are very thankful for everyone who joined and made it possible.
