In spite the scorching heat of the sun at 2 PM last 20th of this month, me and my friends went out to go about our social work activity. Many groups were also out on the roads the same day to campaign. We were not campaigning for anyone, though. This we emphasized each time we were asked. Maybe, many people have become cynical about a person’s motives so it’s a little hard for them to understand that help comes every often. At the most unexpected time.
Twas my birthday. But, in stead of throwing a bash for myself with friends, family and relatives, I chose to offer my energy and time doing what I love doing — philantrophy. What I have started doing is nothing grand. Breadline for street children isn’t something to consider a big contribution to the society. But, I do believe that these children deserve the right to eat nutritious, delicious food …if not on a regular basis, at least, once in a while.
A few days before my birthday, someone asked me how will I celebrate the anniversary of my birth. I gave a canned answer, “I don’t celebrate my birthday. In stead, I do feeding program for the street children”. The person on the other line gave kind words and inquired more — how I started, how I do it, who cooks…blah blah blah. I have also received lotsa suggestions to join this and that group. What they don’t understand (or know) is I chose to do this thing because I want to serve these little ones with all that I am. Of course, with GOD’s grace. For I am able only because GOD provides.
Expense is all on me. This is one way of giving back to GOD all the blessings HE has showered me with. The time and energy (buying the stuffs needed, cooking, packing, traveling and distributing) I give for this is the service I give to GOD and to HIS people. HE loves me, HE loves the little children and so I desire to make these little ones feel that love.
I have nothing against any social work group, don’t get me wrong. But, I simply don’t intend to get any credit for this. And, being in a group, someone or something always gets the credit. It’s safer this way. We’re nameless. People see us but what are the chances they’ll see us again? What’s important for me is for them to feel love. For them to know that there’s hope. For them to realize that they are important. I want to touch lives. It’s damn hot out there. Burning. But, we go out there out of love.
I came up with this idea in response to my long time dream. Since I was small, there’s already a strong desire to reach out to the indigent. My heart desires to help those who I know can’t return the favor. I believe GOD will return it to me for them. God has given me so much compassion. So, when given the chance, I found my way to answer my nagging desire to help. GOD enabled me. HE provided …funds, strength, energy, time, good health and everything. No more reason for me not to fulfill my purpose on Earth.
Mom once suggested that I just pay someone to cook since I have to cook in volume. It’s no joke to cook that much food, y’know. But, I simply won’t go for an easy way. I desire to sacrifice for the little ones. “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)
For last 20th feeding program, however, GOD sent someone to help me with the preparation (of the food) — Jam. Both us did a night vigil just preparing the food for the next day’s activity. With just less than a couple of hours’ sleep, I started cooking very early that morning. My closest friends helped me packing the goodies, just the same. And just before lunch time, we were done.
One problem we haven’t resolved til now is transporting the goods. So, we had to hire a cab again. Which was not hard to do that day since Bentz (my friend) was able to save some mobile numbers of the cab drivers we hired in the previous breadlines. Thank GOD for making things a lil easier for us that day. I have to acknowledge the participation of that taxi driver, but I forgot his name, though. Starts with the letter R.
Around 1:30 PM, we were on the road to Pandacan flyover.
As soon as the people saw us parking, they started waving and flashing their bright smiles. We were like their frequent guests. It’s our 3rd time in that area. First thing they said was, “you’ve not visited for a long while”.
Another problem we still are trying to find solution to is controlling the crowd. They’re like mobs, actually. I never realized how starving people can get really aggressive just to secure themselves a ration. Some would even go back in line and pretend they haven’t received their share. We were missing one member that day so there were just 4 of us controlling the crowd and distributing the goods. And am talking of more than a hundred people lined up, both young and old. Twas terribly exhausting. But, the smiles on the children’s faces were enough.
This is the 2ndth time that I celebrated my birthday with the street children. Twas fulfilling. Tiring but very fulfilling. 
You may check more photos by clicking HERE.
