PUSO SA PUSO CHARITY CHRISTMAS PARTY
The Puso sa Puso Charity Christmas Party held last December 5, 2015 was a truly memorable event for the scholars of Manuel Roxas High School and the underprivileged children living under Tobias-Hemady Bridge. The organizers for this annual event spearheaded by Father Artur Chrzanowski SDS started with a meeting with Project Leader Sister Frances Mangabat SDS and event planner Teacher Reena Barretto.
The first challenge was to look for a good venue that was accessible and safe for children. We make sure that we choose different areas yearly so that we can reach out to kids from various depressed areas all over Metro Manila.
After looking at several venues, we found Manuel Roxas High School a public secondary school located at Scout Reyes Street, Barangay Paligsahan, Quezon City. It’s a good thing that when we spoke to the principal, he was very open to the idea of having the party there.
The next task was to gather 1000 children for the event. We got in touch with barangay kagawad, Mrs. Teresita C. Galapon also the chairperson for Senior Citizens and persons with disability in Barangay Roxas. We coordinated with the school’s outreach program as well that assists children who are scholars of the high school. We were lucky enough that we were able to tap people who were directly fostering 800 families who were living under the Tobias-Hemady Bridge.
What’s it like living under a bridge? This question became the driving force for us to make the Charity Christmas Party an extra special one.
It was the day of the party. The decorations donated by Tony and Rose Uy of Wellworth Balloons and Party needs were all set-up. Thanks to the help of the Society of the Divine Savior Loyola aspirants under the supervision of Jose Alvin “Jao” Cunanan who spruced up the place and gave it a fun party feel. Thanks also to Congresswoman Nanette Daza for lending us her large tent to protect the kids from heat and rain during the event.
The show started with a parade of dancing clowns followed by a dance number from Mcdonald’s lovable purple mascot Grimace. All the kids stood up in excitement just to dance with him. Brother Stephen Lyerio of the MCSPA (Mary Missionary Community of Saint Paul the Apostle and Mary Mother of the Church) did the opening prayer while Sister Frances Mangabat SDS did the opening remarks. Mr. Byron Barunuevo and Ms. Andy Fojas were the emcees of the show.
A song and dance number of the ALS students from Payatas and Parola fired-up the stage as they show cased their dance moves. Furthermore, World-class entertainer Mr. Abraham Velasco of the Golden Show demonstrated his mastery in acrobatics and juggling which kept everyone at the edge of their seats back to back with the multi-talented illusionist and ventriloquist Mr. Wanlu. Almost all the kids screamed in suspense and excitement. It was truly a precious moment not only for the young ones but for the young at heart.
Awesome raffle prizes were also given away in between the presentations. Generous family and friends of Teacher Reena like Mr. Jaime and Therese Faustino, Ms. Karen P. Rodas of Martinishopwerks, Mrs. Martha Barretto of Out of Asia, The Bead Shop, Ms. Belinda Dy of Animal land, Mrs. Annabelle Mar of M.Y. San and Monde, Ms. Arlene Padua of Post 10 Worldwide Inc. and Mrs. Norkie Liao Go of Mcdonald’s gave such wonderful prizes like sacks of rice, Noche Buena packs, coil holders, rosaries, backpacks, stuffed toys, Christmas pillows, picnic kits, Christmas trees ornaments, etc.
The show went on with several song numbers from an 8 year old child wonder from the Center for Pop Music. Additionally, Ronald Mcdonald performed next in a storytelling stint. Everyone loved the hip hop dance number of Letran Squires Uknighted headed by Coach Pao Nuguid and later on joined by the SDS Loyola aspirants on center stage to show-off dancing skills.
The party won’t be complete without a magic and illusion show by Master Allan Soriano. Lastly, the number that everyone was waiting for the Zumba party from the SDS Loyola aspirants lead by Zin Nica Gregorio.
It was a truly a perfect day at Manuel Roxas High School last December 5, 2015. The children were entertained, the volunteers did a good job caring for the kids, the food was delightful, and each child went home smiling carrying big bags of food and gifts. Mission accomplished!
