It has always been one of my dreams to celebrate my birthday with kids from special homes. I believe one does not have to be a celebrity or a politician or a very rich person to conduct a personal outreach program such as this. So, for my birthday this year, I arranged an outreach program with the children of the House of Refuge Foundation in Quezon City last August 13, 2016.
Excitement had been building up since the day we started rehearsing for this special performance. Because of this, we made sure that this event pushes through despite the heavy rains and intermittent wind gusts that morning. Thankfully, we were able to arrive safely and were greeted by the bright smiles of about 27 children who are currently under the care of the foundation.
The House of Refuge cares for children who were abandoned, orphaned, neglected or mistreated by their respective parents. The House aims to provide an environment where they can grow up happy and become equipped and ready for the future life outside. [Know more about the House of Refuge Foundation, Inc. here.]
We had a simple program.
The Pansol Choir rendered songs including an a cappella Disney Medley. We were glad they liked the songs and sang along with us in some parts. We were told it was their first time to have a choir sing for them while they were having their meal.
It would not be a Kids Party without Bring Me and other fun games as facilitated by a Jollibee host. A special apprearance from Jollibee himself even made the "gloomy" weather, "jolly"!
We can tell the kids love performing for their guests. They performed a series of song and dance numbers. Three of the kids also performed a Wushu exhibition which showed the kind of discipline and skills they have developed inside the House. We were moved when they rendered the song which was specifically composed about their lives. We got a little teary-eyed by the words, the music and the heart-felt singing.
All of these and the joy that we shared together even just for a short while made our day extra-special. This is one birthday celebration I will never forget and, for sure, it will not be my last visit to the House of Refuge.
Many thanks to the management and children of the House of Refuge, to my dear PANSOL Choir and to all those who made this possible.
I am so blessed with all of you around. Let us always inspire each other even in our own little way.
