Twas supposed to be start of rainy season but the weather was still sunny and hot.  Still a challenge for us since kids usually are hiding under shades around noon til late aftie. We had to carefully look around for hungry kids somewhere on center islands or in sidewalks.  As always, our first kids came from Greenhills, San Juan area. Those who are selling wiping cloths, cigarettes and Sampaguita garlands.

Red light. Cab driver helped us call their attention and they went to our direction scratching their heads.  As soon as they received the goodies, they sat under tall bushes and ate.  I have never outgrown that feeling…watching those hungry children eat voraciously.  Aren’t they suppose to be home and enjoying their childhood… playing? It’s not the case, however. At that young age, they already experience hard work to fill growling tummies. Not only their own, but their family members’, as well.

Allysa joined us that day. She’s only 12 years old but with a big heart for social work like this. She should be Facebooking or playing volleyball or whatever pre-teens should be doing on a summer vacation but, she chose to do this work with us. What’s amazing is the fact that we’re only acquainted for a very short time. That day was only the 3rd time we met, FYI. So, I really admire this young girl.

In fact, she wanted to help us cook and pack, only there had been mis-communication. She’d been waiting the entire morning for my call which never came until we were to pick her up for the distribution.

Thanks to her Mom, Shelly, for allowing her to participate in our monthly activity. Hopefully, Ally can still join us this month, which is a lil impossible since school year has just started.

We’ve missed Totsie, lately, in our operations since he’s been busy with OJT. *sigh* Maylene is also a loss in times like this. She’s a very reliable one when it comes to grating cheese and packing (and being my bodyguard hihi). But, like the saying goes, “when one door closes, another opens”. I must say that Carrie (real name Macaria) made the work lighter. I didn’t have to tell her what to do. So, the time I had to spend for cooking was reduced.  GOD has really been faithful in sending provisions. Lovely! There’s only one thing left unanswered — the van. But, in HIS time, I believe, it’ll come.

Blessings also come in words. Many people appreciate this work we do, though there are some who are unbelievers.  Both groups give me more drive to continue what am doing.

Lemme share this half funny half dismaying story about this old man sitting under Ortigas flyover in front of the Blessed Mary shrine in EDSA.

We eyed some children vending Sampaguita garlands at the switch of the RED light. Naturally, we called them and started handing them food and drink taking advantage while the traffic was at a halt. This old man came to us and started telling us in a commanding voice to give some food to an old, sick lady lying some distance behind from where we were positioned. And because we couldn’t maneuver back to where he was commanding us to go and knowing that soon the GREEN light will show, we didn’t take action. In stead, we asked a lil boy to give a pack of food and drink to that lady for us.  What this man did was yell at us and told us nasty words.  “What stingy people you are! That’s just food and you can’t even give the poor, old lady!” He had to reiterate this to us a few times. As he repeats the louder he shouted.

At times, I feel that effort isn’t appreciated. It seems that no matter what good you do, it’s still not enough. But, I don’t allow it to discourage me.  Seeing smiles on the faces of the children receiving my humble handout is reason for me to not quit. After all, I don’t do this for praises nor for appreciation. This I do because there’s a need.  Yes, this only comes once a month. But, just like what Pastor Ferdie (VCF Ortigas) shared once during a Church service, “what if this is the only meal they have for the day? …or maybe for the week?” Insignificant this may be, but, who knows how significant this is for those who receive.

These kids starve. As young as they are they already know how to be aggressive. Thinking that the ration won’t be enough for everyone …they had to box each other out and grab a pack of lunch as fast as they can.  And as Jamie and Bentz handed them food,  they kept begging.  Looking at them… observing what’s happening, I can’t help but ask myself, “why do they need to beg? We’re already distributing the goodies…” But, well, they’re hungry. And because they have to work hard to eat, something like this comes to them as a precious gift.  It’s way past lunch. They still hadn’t eaten.  I understand.

Twas getting harder and harder to find the children under the heat of the sun. We all decided to give out all that’s remaining to the people living under the Pandacan flyover. The cab was still parking and they were already flashing smiles at us. Greeted us with, “it’s been a long while…”

Please feel free to watch the video of last May 26th’s breadline. 

Not sure if that woman was joking. She came in a lil bit too late carrying this baby and asking if we want to take the baby with us. She had me carry the tiny lil one while we’re taking photos.  Of course, I didn’t take her words seriously, although, she reiterated the same words over and over.  

Well, it’s another experience. More learnings. Exciting, frustrating, exhausting, fulfilling…variety of emotions at a time.

Am excited for the next one this month. With GOD’s provision, I believe it’s gonna be another satisfying day. Delighted what I might learn this time. What responses will I get. What challenges await us all.

Deutpronomy 15:7. If there is a poor man among you, one of your brothers, in any of the towns of the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand to your poor brother; but you shall freely open your hand to him, and generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks.

Luke 12:33. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”
— Anne Frank

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.

Last November 2009, however, I coordinated with a group of college students (FEU) to do the feeding program at an orphanage in Sampaloc, Manila — Concordia Children’s Services (CCS).  We all spent the afternoon with the abandoned babies and kids.  Entertained them with games and fun treats.  This is part of the students’ project in school. Aside from the regular breadline, the kids were also provided their Christmas wish list: baby milk, toys, clothes and many others.

Please visit my Multiply site for more photos.

We don’t normally solicit but should anyone decide to offer any help so that more street children or abandoned children will be reached, we will gladly receive any form of help you are willing to give.  Old toys, old clothes or books will be much appreciated. We encourage everyone to do their part to reach out to the less privileged children all over the world. We can all do something to offer help. Again, it doesn’t have to be grand. You just have to have a heart.

Today, I received a mobile message from a classmate (Monalyn)  in college. She informed me that one of our former classmates (Jovie) needs help as their place is one of those greatly affected by the recent super storm Parma (local name: Pepeng).  She is in Abra.

Like many Filipinos in the Northern part of the country affected by the typhoon; her family, too, lost literally almost everything. Luckily, their house stood still. However, they lost everything else including their livelihood and crops.  They have no money left to spend for their daily needs and they only have one set of clothing per member — the ones they are wearing from the time the storm hit the country til now.  Her children are sick and needing medications.

This afternoon, I did not hesitate and decided to rush to the nearest Money Transfer Office to make sure she receives help before the branch in their province close at 5PM.  Good thing, in spite of long traffic and heavy rain, I was able to make it half an hour past 4.  There was long line of people receiving money, but I was able to send the money before 5.  Am happy she got it and was able to buy food, medicine and comfortable clothing for her children. She is very thankful.

We can all take part in helping the typhoon victims rebuild their lives.  These people are facing so much difficulties right now.  There is something that we can do. So many areas have not been reached til now and fatalities keep increasing because relief is not coming their way.  Different illnesses are starting to spread.  We can’t let this become pandemic. Let’s do what we can before it’s too late.

Any amount will suffice. But for quick fact, the daily average expenses in the Philippines range from $3.25-$6.50 for a family size of 4-7 members per household.

Right now, the basic relief goods needed are:

• Bread
• Rice
• Sugar
• Milk
• Bottled Water
• Medicine
• Clothing
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Bath soap

All these cost only $110.

Please coordinate with me for any help you might want to give thru: papertiger112609@gmail.com

OR

you may send you donation thru:  Victory Christian Fellowship

For those interested in making bank donations, please follow the following instructions:

PESO ACCOUNT
Account name: Victory Christian Fellowship
Account no: Current acct no. 0821-0298-13
Bank name:  Bank of the Philippine Islands
Bank address: Fort Serendra Branch Ground Floor Serendra Retail Area Bonifacio Global City. Taguig City

DOLLAR ACCOUNT
Account Name: Victory Christian Fellowship
Account Number:  Dollar savings account no. 0824-0542-58
Swift code: BOPIPHMM
Bank Name: Bank of the Philippine Islands
Bank Address: Fort Serendra Branch Ground Floor Serendra Retail Area Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Please email carol.almadin@everynation.org.ph with the following information so that we can confirm your deposit:

Your name
How you learned of VCF Relief Operation
The Name of the Organization on behalf of whom you’re giving the donation (if applicable)
The dollar or peso amount deposited
Date deposited
Bank branch

Any amount… any help is big enough to give relief to the victims. Let us open our hearts to get ourselves involved.

]]> http://nanoaid.org/papertiger/2009/10/14/typhoon-parma-victims-still-need-your-help/feed/ 0 http://nanoaid.org/papertiger/2009/10/05/43/ http://nanoaid.org/papertiger/2009/10/05/43/#comments Mon, 05 Oct 2009 03:01:41 +0000 papertiger http://nanoaid.org/papertiger/?p=43 Philippines still needs help.  It needs any donation you are willing to give as its people are trying to recover from the utter destruction caused by typhoon Ketsana (local name: Ondoy).  Millions of properties were damaged and too many people lost their homes.  About 288 people were killed.  Still more help is needed  in the Northern part of the country affected by another typhoon Parma (local name: Pepeng).

Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are also in need of help. If we can all offer something to help these nations, it won’t really be that hard for the victims to recover.  Many people are starting to rebuild their lives. Let’s do our part to give these people hope.

The items listed are considered priority goods to be donated:

• Bread
• Bottled Water
• Baby Milk formula
• Canned goods
• Medicines
• Clothes

Anyone interested/committed to give donation may coordinate with me on how to send your donations.  Please email me at:  papertiger112609@gmail.com.

Or you may send donations in kind through Victory Christian Fellowship.

For those interested in making bank donations, please follow the following instructions:

PESO ACCOUNT
Account name: Victory Christian Fellowship
Account no: Current acct no. 0821-0298-13
Bank name:  Bank of the Philippine Islands
Bank address: Fort Serendra Branch Ground Floor Serendra Retail Area Bonifacio Global City. Taguig City

DOLLAR ACCOUNT
Account Name: Victory Christian Fellowship
Account Number:  Dollar savings account no. 0824-0542-58
Swift code: BOPIPHMM
Bank Name: Bank of the Philippine Islands
Bank Address: Fort Serendra Branch Ground Floor Serendra Retail Area Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Please email carol.almadin@everynation.org.ph with the following information so that we can confirm your deposit:

Your name
How you learned of VCF Relief Operation
The Name of the Organization on behalf of whom you’re giving the donation (if applicable)
The dollar or peso amount deposited
Date deposited
Bank branch

This group continues to receive donations for their relief operations in areas most affected by typhoon Ondoy.  For the next days, they will still be distributing donations to areas that are still submerged in flood water and to evacuation sites.  It’s not yet to late to offer your help.

I, on behalf of the NanoAid Disaster Relief (team Philippines), express gratitude to Mr. Matt Dotson for offering help to our countrymen who are now recovering from loss due to Ondoy.  He has started the movement and if more people like him around the globe will extend help, the calamity victims won’t have a hard time recovering.

Any help will do. Cash or kind, it doesn’t matter. Used clothes, used slippers/shoes, toys for the kids, food …anything… will be much much appreciated.

I appeal to those who have kind hearts to send anything you are willing to give away. Used clothes and shoes are fine.  Some amount you can afford to donate is also appreciated.  Please stop sending your donations to big organizations and bodies as they have already received so much than they can afford to manage. The donations, both cash and kind, being sent to them are just being hoarded (not necessarily intentional), while many of the victims still suffer.  This is because there are just too many donations already on hand than they are ready to immediately dispatch.

If donations were just consigned to different groups, instead of to just one group or organization, more victims could have been reached.  But, sadly, this is not what is happening.  Which is why, we are here to act, first individually; and then, collaborate with more individuals (or coordinate with those who have means to transport the goods) to distribute the relief goods.  I have already done my part by donating ready-to-eat food, drinks and clothes from my own pocket.  I only had to spend  $110. Although, it’s not enough to feed the thousands of evacuees, it helped to ease hunger of some hundreds of the flood victims. If every one of us will voluntarily give the same amount, or even less, the total would already be  such a big help.

Please coordinate with me (or anyone from NanoAid) through this blog  if you wish to extend help.  You may also email me at papertiger112609@gmail.com.

This is the best time to take action.

Ketsana CNN Report

This is just a picture of what became of the Northern part of the Philippines.  How can these people recover?

We all can do something with our own little efforts. It doesn’t have to be grand. Whatever you can share/give, will be more than helpful.

“The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry man; the coat hanging unused in your closet belongs to the man who needs it; the shoes rotting in your closet belong to the man who has none; the money which you hoard in the bank belongs to the poor. You do wrong to everyone you could help, but fail to help.”  ~ St. Basil the Great

The question for all us now is what can we do to help?

I am one of the lucky few who was given the challenge to think of ways to extend help to the Filipino flood victims. Such a privilege.

One way I know how to help is to provide the people in the evacuation centers their basic needs like food, safe drinking water and medicines. I am going to make use of the money he offered to cook meals for the hundreds of children and old people in the area. They need nutrition more. Drinks and medicines will also be provided.

More and more donations are being received by big and influential companies, especially, the media. They receive huge amounts of funds and they can encourage people to volunteer. We don’t really need to be part of them. We can act and help in our own little ways. With our own best efforts.

No need to risk our own safety and health. If you know anyone who lost everything, why not offer your house, your clothes, your shoes, your food and whatever else you can share? Start with these people and feel the joy in giving and sharing.

This is the best time to show that we are involved. We’ll never know when we are going to be in the same situation. It’s when we are already experiencing the same that we will realize how comforting it is to know and feel that people care. There is no need to wait for that time to realize this. Let’s act now. We can do something.