Written by Core Team Leader, Ren dela Cruz
It is always an exciting time for us when given the opportunity to collaborate with other NGO’s who are committed to our cause for children. It is even more exciting when that opportunity comes in the form of an out of town event with hundreds of kids and kind hearted volunteers! Last June 6, we were given that scenario exactly, through a grand event at Enchanted Kingdom with Payatas-based NGO Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid (2KK). The event consisted of 200 lively kids from Payatas and right about 260 volunteers, who participated through the reach of various NGOs, one of which was our group, U! Happy Events.
We first met up with our volunteers in several Metro Manila pick-up points and drove to Enchanted Kingdom in Laguna, where the kids were brought directly via buses, as well. Upon registration, we then paired each volunteer with their ‘Kapatid’, pertaining to their assigned kid from 2KK, whom they were going to tour around the whole afternoon in E.K. Since there were 200 kids to be paired with volunteers, Kuya Harvard lightened up the mood and got everyone energized by asking the kids who wanted to show their dance moves, as he played some catchy tunes. He even called me up front to do simple steps for them to follow, and Cherifer Boy, the official mascot of event sponsor Cherifer, also gamely joined in on the action.
After the spontaneous dancing and the registration, we then trooped inside E.K. where ate Janna from 2KK welcomed everyone and thanked the volunteers for spending the afternoon with the kids. A dance number by Cherifer Boy followed, as well as a special presentation from E.K. featuring the Wizard and several other characters from the theme park! Once the performances were done ate Janna asked everyone for a group photo, announced the launch of 2Kk’s Instagram account, and shared event guidelines. We then split into groups to enjoy all the rides and attractions EK had to offer!
At around 8PM we all gathered at the registration tent for dinner and photos, and it was clear that each pair of volunteer and kid had bonded well over the afternoon. In a heartwarming gesture, each kid handed their ate or kuya a handmade Thank You card to show their appreciation. To cap off the amazing day, we gave away loot bags to the children as they hugged their ates and kuyas goodbye. A bonus surprise for the day was being able to catch the EK fireworks display, a perfect ending to such a spectacular, fun- and love-filled day.
We would like to thank everyone who was a part of this grand adventure. Congratulations as well to 2KK for the success of the event! We look forward to more events like these!
