It probably means that Dec. 21 is the end of a great era & also the beginning of a new era.

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Today, December 21 is the most dreaded day of 2012. If we are to believe the Mayans, today is supposed to be  the ““end of the world” and the start of a global apocalyptic event. Like other predicted doomsday events, it will cause destruction and the end of humanity.

A descendant of the Maya, Jose Manrique Esquivel from Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula says  the December 21 date is a celebration of their survival despite centuries of genocide and oppression. He blamed profiteers for fueling doomsday fears.

Esquivel added that “for us, this Dec. 21 is the end of a great era and also the beginning of a new era. We renew our beliefs. We renew a host of things that surround us”.

While some believe that the Mayan prediction is true, I  look at it as another prophecy that will not happen. Doomsday scenarios are bound to happen again. What do we do when it comes again?

I say to just let go and let God.

Serenity

I recall a few years ago, my daughter  wrote that “ the only thing we should strive for, she said, is calm. “. I immediately thought of serenity. The following day, I asked “did you mean serenity?”

And she said “I think so”.

I explained that most human beings search for serenity in their otherwise chaotic life. It is probably true that the end of the world may come sometime in the future but what can we do about it?  Things will never be within our control.

So I told my daughter Serenity isn’t freedom from the storm , but peace within the storm and I reminded her “Remember the Serenity Prayer poster you bought for dad two years ago from the States?”

serenity prayer
The Serenity Prayer Poster Lauren bought at art.com is now placed at our bedroom wall

The Serenity Prayer is a prayer that applies to most of us in recovery whether in grief, loss, broken-heart, alcoholism, addiction or some dysfunction. And what is the most common element?

God or God as we understand God , to be more politically correct.

Without sounding preachy, I enthused that  “it was God that helped us in our grief recovery. Despite our initial anger with God, He helped us through the pain. Perhaps God can guide you too”.

True, it is God that is our source of guidance and positive change. It doesn’t mean we’re not responsible for ourselves. We are but we aren’t alone. Recovery is not a do-it-yourself project. We do our part, relax, and then trust that the changes we’ll experience will be right for us. Recovery does not mean looking at other people as our source to meet our needs. Sure they can help us but they are not the source. We can tap and trust God for the energy, wisdom and guidance for our recovery process.

Living one day at a time

We live life one day at a time which requires so much faith in us. We don’t look back at the past unless healing from the past is part of today’s work. We look ahead to make future plans. We focus on this day’s activity, living it to the best of our ability.

We surrender to God’s will . We stop trying to control and settle for a life that is manageable. We trust that God ‘s will for us is good, generous and with a direction. Through trial and error, we learn to separate our will from God’s will. An important of recovery is owning the power to take care of ourselves. Sometimes, we need to step out, step back or step forward which can be very frightening.

Without God’s help, I would not be where I am today in my grief recovery.

And so every time, some thing bothers me like the angst of my daughter, I always recite the Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

And I call upon God to help me and I will ask for what I need.

Just like Esquivel,  this Dec. 21 can be the end of a great era and also the beginning of a new era.

Maliwanag ang Pasko: making Christmas brighter and more fun

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Christmas lights bring out that warm fuzzy feeling that glows inside for the entire season. Childhood memories of twinkling lights along with Christmas carols are enough to lift my mood. Even during the darkest moment in my life when I lost my son, the fond memories brought joy in my heart.  It is my wish that others who feel sad, lonely and blue can find the joy of the season.  According to Ruth Carter Stapleton, ““ Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most.”

christmasdecorations (1)

I love it when anyone tries to lift spirits up for the Christmas season especially for the poor and less fortunate Filipinos.

Take for example One Meralco Foundation, Maliwanag ang Pasko(MAP) tie up with the Department of Tourism (DOT). Both are making Christmas brighter and more fun by energizing island schools and creating more Liwanag Parks .

DOT Secretary  Mon Jimenez explains that    “the creation of Liwanag parks will bring our people together, making the Christmas spirit stronger as we approach the actual day. And yes, it is a vision that can only be made through collaborative efforts. This  newfound partnership, therefore, is one perfect example that hinges on private-public partnership. This time, it is focused on the business of giving glory, where both parties work with their strength to create something bigger than themselves, reflecting the true spirit of Christmas,”

How to be part of the Maliwanag ang Pasko

Maliwanag ang Pasko  (MAP) has been around since 2006 and  it   promises to be bigger and brighter this year and they want you , my dear readers to be part of it. By joining the program, you could be one of two daily winners of P5,000 from December 1-22, 2012. At the same time, your support will help them energize island schools in Palawan, Bohol, Quezon and the Dinagat Islands, to help bring Christmas cheer to more children and communities around the country.

dinagat islands
New Nazareth NHS, Basilisa, Dinagat Islands

Imagine how your help can benefit the beneficiaries of the Maliwanag Ang Pasko program:

1. Cagbalete Island National High School (Mauban, Quezon)
2. Cagsi-ay III National High School (Mauban, Quezon)
3. San Fernando National High School (El Nido/Bacuit, Palawan)
4. Teneguiban National High School (El Nido, Palawan)
5. Gaudencio Abordo (Bulawit) National High School (Linapacan Island, Palawan)
6. Pandanon National High School (Jetafe, Bohol)
7. Cabul-An National High Shool (Buenavista, Bohol)
8. Rizal National High School (Basilisa, Dinagat Islands)
9. Cab-Ilan National High School (Dinagat Islands)
10. New Nazareth National High School (Dinagat Islands)

Join now by following these easy steps:

1. Like the Meralco Facebook Page on facebook.com/meralco

2. Install the Maliwanag ang Pasko app at apps.facebook.com/maliwanagangpasko

3. Take a photo of your home decorated brightly with Christmas lights or take a picture when you visit one of the Liwanag Parks, either here at Meralco or in one of the participating LGU areas

4. Fill out your details on the app and submit the photo

“Nobody is left behind when our bright tomorrow comes,” says MAP Program Head Jeffrey Tarayao

As Christmas blessings brighten our world, let’s help brighten others. I am sure  the school beneficiaries will  go back and remember these warm childhood memories of a brighter and  fun Christmas.

maliwanag park

Dealing with Grief: How our Christmas became a little easier to deal with

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1998christmas.jpg

For many years, my family greeted the Christmas season with great joy and heavy despair. Every Christmas without my son, I sensed my husband saying “I’m not ready yet….”I’m not ready for the annual flood of memories without Luijoe. “ Butch dreaded the sight of the cheerful Christmas decorations especially Santa Claus. I wasn’t ready either but I had two surviving children who wanted to celebrate Christmas. They experienced many magical Christmas memories so my daughter once wrote in a Christmas greeting card. How could I take that away from them? I tried to figure out how to handle the holidays I’m never going to be ready for in places I may never be settled in. I thought…as long as we have the stockings up and Christmas tree and cookies ready, then let the holidays come!

gingerbread garland

I decorated our new home (our new normal?) with the treasures that speak of our Christmas history, finding joy in the memories they sparked. As I caressed Luijoe’s stockings on my cheeks , the flood of memories spill out. It was even more stressful during the first Christmas without my son. I wasn’t ready for the clutch of pain that wrapped my heart in grief as I placed the ornaments on our tree. Oh yes, I have learned through the years. I brought some of the old, added a few pieces of new and practiced the art of blending yesterday with today in hopes of creating another memory for tomorrow. That’s how the “Christmas Angels theme” evolved in our home, in honor of our own angel, Luijoe.

christmas-tree

I created two color themes for our Christmas decors, the traditional red and green for the informal family den and burgundy, purple and silver theme in the formal living area. Maybe I just wanted to be creative and innovated for the sake of my new normal , my new life without my son. I never got the chance to be in total despair because I baked Christmas goodies like sugar cookies , food for the gods, fruit cake and the Gingerbread man cookies. I started the Christmas Angel themes as a symbol that Luijoe is not far from home, that he lives with us. Joyful activities like baking and decorating proved therapeutic as it evoked feelings of love for my children. I continued to survive because of that love. The spicy aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg and mace that wafted our house brought warm childhood memories. Blending this old tradition with new tradition helped me cope with grief during the holidays.

I notice the difference in my husband’s grief during the holidays. Butch is more cheerful. There are less tears yet I know the pain is still there. The heart never forgets, even when the world does. It looks like we’re getting better, improving either with time and patience. Or maybe because it is simply becoming a thread in the continuing fabric of our new normal. The fact that Butch bought Christmas Lanterns is a huge step in the grief journey during the dreaded holidays.

The change in mood happened six years ago. It came as a surprise when my husband wanted to go to Divisoria. I asked “what will we do there?”

His reply “buy ribbons”. I raised my eyebrows. We have never been to Divisoria together in the longest time. . Then he added “I noticed you are running out of red and green ribbons” . Wow, he noticed these minute details when in the past he was oblivious to anything that glittered in the household. I believe I learned to be more creative because of the artistic streak from my husband. He wanted me to have my usual supply of beautiful, color-coordinated ribbons to adorn our Christmas presents and cookie baskets. (Remember I have two sets of Christmas color themes?)

christmasdecorations

I look forward to the holiday season more than ever. I smile and sigh that finally my husband is able to handle the holidays a little bit better. I gather in my blessings and count them all. I count the blessings of the most important people in my life and I find the peace that comes with counting a holiday of joy remembered and love shared. Love never dies, and the light always shines in our hearts and home.

christmas family 2011

Other Articles on Coping with Grief during the Holidays
Handling the Holidays
How To Help Yourself Through The Holidays
Do I Celebrate the Holidays or Not?

Yakap MindaNOW: Help us send hugs to children of Davao Oriental

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“To children, stuffed animals like teddy bears are more than toys. They’re imaginary friends who are effective comfort givers in times of extreme stress and fear, helping them heal from trauma and tragedy” – A Thousand Bearhugs Project

My friend, Cathy Babao is once again spearheading the Bear Hug project which she started for the children in Bicol in 2006. Around this time last year, super-typhoon Reming (Durian) caused so much havoc in Bicol like no other. Not even World War two was like this. Cathy also organized the same Bear Hug project in Sendong stricken areas and the Negros Quake.

Bicol tragedy
And now Davao Oriental. I cannot begin to imagine their trauma in losing their homes, and even loved ones.

Storm “Pablo” “washed away entire villages and hamlets, wiped out roads and bridges; flattened cornfields and banana plantations; wrecked fishing fleets; and buried homes under landslides and walls of mud.

Sonny Tadanon, a fisherman and a father of nine, said at the evacuation center in the town of Davao Oriental recounts. ““I’ve lived here all my life and I am now 45, but I have not experienced anything like this before” .

Julius Julian Rebucas, told Reuters that his mother and brother had been swept away in a flash flood. ““I no longer have a family,” he said.The young boy recalls the last thing his mother said was  ‘I love you”.  ““It’s sad because I no longer have a family.”

When you hear this terrible news, one begins to ask is there anything one can do? There are many ways to help and one way to help out is checking our closet for plushies, stuffed toys or teddy bears that you can donate to the children of Davao Oriental.

teddy bears

Donate a teddy bear.

Send your donations to Sto. Domingo Convent, Information Center, 537 Quezon Avenue.

Please take time out from the Christmas rush to see if there are any stuffed toys or teddy bears your children no longer use.

Every bear that arrives matters because it counts towards making one more child happy. To share and to give is the true essence of the season. I pray that you help us make the thousand bears a reality. Think of one bear as one smile, one hug – one young life given joy and love this Christmas.

Two thousand years ago, a child was (and is) the reason why we celebrate the most important holiday of the year.

Photos from Inquirer

A Mother’s tale of the Gingerbread Man Cookie Who Ran Away

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Gingerbread ManOnce upon a Christmas season, a mother baked Gingerbread Men cookies to the delight of her three children who eagerly waited for the cookies to bake. The waft of molasses, cinnamon and spices excited them. “We’re hungry, mom!”. The mother told them to be patient and promised to read them the Story of the Gingerbread Man as soon as the cookies were baked.

She got three cookies and laid them on a platter.

“Can we eat the Gingerbread Man now?” The children tugged at their mom’s apron.

“Let’s read the Gingerbread Man story first so you know the legend…” the mother said and left the platter of cookies on the table. The three children and the mother huddled around the Christmas tree as she began to read…

Once upon a time a little old woman and a little old man lived in a cottage………
The little old woman and little old man were very hungry and wanted to eat the gingerbread man. As soon as he was cooked, the little old woman opened the oven door. The gingerbread man jumped out of the tin and ran out of the open window shouting, ‘Don’t eat me!’……..

The mother continued on until the end where the fox ate the Gingerbread Man.

“Did you like the story?”

“It’s sad that the fox ate the Gingerbread Man in the end. Can we now eat the Gingerbread Man Cookies? We’re not like the sly fox.” The children discussed among themselves.

“Sure…get your cookies on the plate.”

The three children turned to the platter…”Mom, look… the Gingerbread Man jumped out of the plate. He’s gone. ”

The mom looked surprised “Maybe he ran away… Let’s look for the Gingerbread Man”

The three children looked all over the house until each of them found their Gingerbread Man hidden in their toy chest.

The kids beamed with laughter “Silly Gingerbread Man. The fox will eat you anyway. Don’t run away now.”

And so this mother carried this tradition until the kids were older and wiser to know that the Gingerbread Man didn’t really ran away. By now you know I was that crazy mother. Hehe.

I instructed the kid’s yaya to hide it discreetly while I read the story to my three children.

For the past 20 or so years, I bake Gingerbread Man Cookies only because my crazy tale and the warm fuzzy feeling of christmas memories give my two older girls some comfort. The holidays are a wonderful time to fill my home with the aroma and fragrance of Christmas through baking Gingerbread Man and Christmas cookies. I ‘ve baked all sorts of Christmas goodies like Lemon Squares, Fruit Cake, Brandy Cake, Apple Pie, and other bar cookies but the demand of Gingerbread Man cookies are high on the list.

Though I don’t read the Gingerbread Man story anymore, I hang the cookies up on the garlands of our kitchen and dining area. The kids share the cookies to their close friends and they often say that they have never tasted a Gingerbread Man cookie.

Sure there are a few Gingerbread Man sold in other bakeshops. I bought the Gingerbread Man cookie in other bake shops but it tasted mostly of flour. Maybe because it’s not that easy to bake Gingerbread Man cookies . Our tropical climate makes the dough difficult to handle. Constant chilling is needed. Baking at the right temperature is tricky. If underbaked, the cookie crumbles easily. If overbaked, the cookie taste burnt and bitter. Still, I am sharing my Gingerbread Man Cookie recipe and the story for all to enjoy.

According to my girls, it’s the baking of the Gingerbread Man Cookies that evokes childhood memories of Christmas.

16th Worldwide Candle Lighting Event

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Communities across the globe are joining in The Compassionate Friends on its 16th Annual Worldwide Candle Lighting on December 9, 2012.


16th Worldwide Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting
 Where: Kiosk area of the Church of the Risen Lord,
 Laurel Avenue, UP Campus, QC
 Map : Check this google map:http://goo.gl/maps/fXzmQ
 When Date: Sunday , December 9, 2012
Time: 5:00 to 8:00 PM
Contact me here.

Here is a simple memorial which you can do at home with four candles.


Memory Candles


Read More →

Candle lighting eases pain of loss

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16th Worldwide Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting
 Where: Kiosk area of the Church of the Risen Lord,
 Laurel Avenue, UP Campus, QC
 Map : Check this google map:http://goo.gl/maps/fXzmQ
 When Date: Sunday , December 9, 2012
Time: 5:00 to 8:00 PM

worldwide-candle-lighting

Holidays are a season of cheer and happiness for many of us. For others it serves as a constant reminder of their loved ones who are no longer with them.

On the second Sunday of December, parents worldwide join together and light candles for their dead children.

For 12 years, parents gathered on the second Sunday in December in homes, churches, parks and gyms. Sunday night, families all around the world lighted candles at 7 p.m. in remembrance of their beloved children. It has been 4 years for the Compassionate Friends Philippines.

“You wish you could be naive again, go back to your life the way it was,” said Kristy Mueller, who organized the South Bay candle-lighting ceremony in Palos Verdes Estates in the USA.

“But you can’t,” she said. “You don’t get over it. . . . And this is a hard time of the year. When you can’t help but think about what you’re missing.”

For many of bereaved parents, this is a difficult month. Holiday traditions bring families together, but they also spotlight grief and amplify loss.

The company of other parents is part of what made Sunday’s candle-lighting so special.

candle-lighting

Our candle lighting ceremony is usually simple with traditional Christmas music being played softly, candlelight videos, poems read , stories of our children shared, candles lit — but it was packed with meaning.

13-worldwide-candle-lighting
A fellow parent wrote this poignant poem in Tagalog.

Sa Bawat Hakbang
by Vilma Dee

Sisinghap singhap ako’y nagsikap
Upang sa kalaliman ng dagat ako’y umahon
Tila ba sabik sa salubong mong yakap
Tulad ng hamog sa sariwang dahon

Unti-unti mula sa kawalang hanggan
Lagusan ng kamalayan aking narating
Tila ba sabik sa salubong mong yakap
Tulad ng maog sa sariwang dahon

Ano’t nasilaw sa bagong mundo
Sa dating payapa ngayo’y magulo
Tila ba lahat sabik ako’y masdan
Tulad sa hamog ng sariwang dahon

Di malimot unang haplos na iyon
Maipadamang pagmamahal tanging layon
Tula ba lahat sabik ako’y masdan
Tulad ng hamog sa sariwang dahon

Sa unang hakbang kamay mo’y kaagapay
Lahat ng gawin nais mo tayo’y sabay
Tula ba sabik na ako sa iyo’y matulad
Tulad ng paruparo mula sa kanlungan

Kay ganda din pala buhay sa lupa
Nguni’t di singganda ng tahanan ng MANGHUHULMA
Tila ba nagising sa mahabang paghimlay
Tulad ng paruoparo mula sa kanlungan

Sa piling mo nadama ko kaibang pagsinta
Nguni’t di singtulad ng pagibig ng MANLILIKHA
Tila ba nagising sa mahabang paghimlay
Tulad ng paruparo mula sa kanlungan

Iglap lang pala tayo’y magkakasama
Salamat AMA sa maikling magsasadula
Tila ba napagod sa pagsamantalang laya
Ngayo’y bumalik sa IYO puno ng sigla

AKING AMA, ako’y narito na
Dala ang masayang kwento sa lupa
Mula sa pansamantalang laya
ANAK mong ito’y muli kang bibigyang saya

A short video of our beloved children

 

Don’t let your money sleep. Grow it with Money Tree.

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I was too complacent during the years I grieved for the loss of my son. I left all the financial burden to my husband. Today, taking responsibility for our financial affairs improved my self-esteem and lessened my anxiety.

Each of us has a financial future. There are few future aspects of my life I can’t control, but one part I can play to assist our family’s future is setting goals. Now that my children are financially independent, our next goal is our retirement income. Not that I will retire anytime soon, but my husband and I need funds for our senior years. Aside from real estate investment, we placed some of our savings in mutual or equity funds in three financial institutions for long term investments.

Long Term investments

A vast majority of Filipinos are only aware of saving accounts in banks and time deposits and do not know that there are other vehicles which can best grow one’s money. I am not talking of those ““get-rich-quick” scheme that reportedly duped 15,000 people, including local government officials in the Visayas and Mindanao”.

The reality is, savings and time deposits earn 2.75% or less annually. With inflation currently at 3.6% as of September 2012, the purchasing power of your money will diminish over time.

There are many options to make your money grow. One is Philam Life’s Money Tree, a one-pay investment and life insurance plan that gives you the opportunity to invest in high-performing funds that take advantage of the Philippines’ booming economy. It also offers life insurance protection to secure your family’s future.

Benefits of Money Tree

What I liked about this long-term solution is the life insurance benefit in case something happens to me. Naturally, my beneficiaries are my two children. What benefits can you exactly derive from the Philam Life’s Money Tree?

1. Grow your money’s value over the long-term

Money in the bank actually loses its value and gets eroded by inflation. I just put enough for short term needs. Bank deposits only earn 0.375% p.a. for savings accounts while one-year time deposits earn 2.75% p.a. or less. This is not enough to beat the current inflation of 3.6% as of September 2012.

2. Ride on the growth of the Philippine economy

Gain access to an array of professionally-managed investment funds which allow you to participate in the growth sectors of the Philippine economy.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde said the Philippine growth in 2012 will be well in excess of 5%. And we are certainly looking forward to 2013 being in the range of 5% as well. Not only that, Philippines is now the fourth fastest economy in Asia, and is expected to be sixth fastest growing economy in the world by 2050. Philippine Stock Exchange reached multiple all-time highs this year and is expected to continue to further grow as our economy progresses further.

3. Gain from Professional Fund Management

Benefit from Philam Life’s expertise and experience in insurance and wealth management to help you grow your money over the long term.

4. Enjoy Guaranteed Life Insurance

One gets protection including your family with guaranteed life insurance benefit of at least 125% of your initial investment.

Each of us has our own individual needs and preferences and one should also undertake individual planning. Certain financial requirements may take priority over others. For younger families, a home might be a priority over retirement during the earlier years. No matter one’s stage in life, it is important to take a long-term perspective when it comes to investing. Maintaining this discipline allows investors to reap better returns and beat any uncertainties in market. The important thing to look at is to match your goals with proper investment tools. Short-term goals may require putting money in the bank but medium to long-term goals should not be funded by short-term savings.

What are your plans? Don’t let your money sleep. Consider long term investments like Philam Life’s Money Tree. Take control of your financial future today.

To know more about Philam Life’s Money Tree, call (02) 528-2000 or click here.
You can also visit Philam Life’s Facebook Fanpage at www.facebook.com/PhilamLifeAIA and learn tips on how to plan for your and your family’s future.

The gift of giving #GivingTuesday #GlobalTeam200

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The smallest good deed is worth a thousand grand intentions.

My three siblings who are based in the US will celebrate Thanksgiving day next week. Hopefully one day I get to join them in their celebration. One thing I know is a lot of sales are happening such as Black Friday, and even Cyber Monday. Take note , for the first time, there is another celebration happening… the first day of its kind – #GivingTuesday!

There is a day of giving thanks and two days are meant for getting deals. This year #GivingTuesdayâ„¢ is the giving season’s opening day.

While the Philippines does not celebrate Thanksgiving day, the idea of a day of giving applies to anyone around the world.

What is Giving Tuesday?

GivingTuesday.org states the mission statement of #GivingTuesdayâ„¢ as a “campaign to create a national day of giving at the start of the annual holiday season. It celebrates and encourages charitable activities that support nonprofit organizations.” On Tuesday November 27, 2012 charities, families, businesses and individuals in America are coming together to transform the way people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season.

It’s a simple idea. Find a way for your family, your community, your company or your organization to join in acts of giving. Tell everyone you can about what you are doing and why it matters. Join a national celebration of our great tradition of generosity.

““As a society, we’re more connected than ever before. With digital tools and resources, we are better positioned to effect real world change as a community. I got involved with #GivingTuesday because I saw the amazing potential for a powerful social good movement during the holiday season.” says Sharon Feder, chief operating officer, Mashable.com

Colleen Giles Timms the co-creator, #GivingTuesday adds that “”“#GivingTuesday is a wonderful opportunity for the giving community to come together under one ““umbrella” just as the retail world does on Black Friday. I think it’s a fun and important challenge to show what a difference a day makes. It is especially exciting to see the creative and dynamic initiatives taking shape all over the US.”

Ideas to get involved in #GivingTuesday

Wouldn’t it be great to have a day for giving back? There are many ways to get involved. Businesses, non-profit organizations, families and even individuals share some thoughts to get your imaginations going.

One idea for the family is “talk about causes that are important to you, perhaps one that has had an impact on your family. Research to find a walk, bike ride, or run supporting that cause and join in as a team. Get your family, friends, and neighbors to support you. Set a goal and raise it for your cause.”

One cause I want to pass my blessing to is World Vision Philippines’ Noche Buena campaign.

For only Php 1,000 (roughly $25) , a sponsored child receives a Noche Buena gift pack which consists of essential food items and a special hand-picked present of your choice (optional) which he/she can enjoy with the family, or even the whole community in the coming Christmas Eve! For more information you may log on to www.worldvision.org.ph or call hotline +632- 372-7777.

I spent an afternoon with the Aeta children last Saturday and I could see the World Vision Noche Buena Campaign is worth it. Last year, more than 35,000 children delightfully received their Noche Buena gifts. Passing on your blessings to this Noche Buena campaign can spread the love and cheers to more children in 14 identified poor communities this year.

Soon the holidays will come and the frenzy Christmas shopping can be quite stressful. It is important to focus on the reasons for giving. “If you focus on why you’re giving – to make another person happy – it really can make you feel better and there are physical changes that underpin that.” Sydney positive psychology expert Dr Tony Grant adds that “knowing we’ve done something to improve the life of others not only boosts our self esteem and gives us a sense of purpose, it also shifts our attention away from our own stresses and worries”.

There are many other ideas in getting involved on #givingtuesday. I hope #GivingTuesday will soon be a part of family traditions not only in the US but all over the world.

Pass on the blessings to World Vision’s Noche Buena Campaign @worldvisionPH

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For only Php 1,000, a sponsored child receives a Noche Buena gift pack which consists of essential food items and a special hand-picked present of your choice (optional) which he/she can enjoy with the family, or even the whole community in the coming Christmas Eve! For more information you may log on to www.worldvision.org.ph or call hotline (02) 372-7777.

The smallest good deed is worth a thousand grand intentions.

Molina, a small Aeta girl with beautiful brown skin and curly afro-like textured hair seemed shy at first . She lowered her eyes as I smiled at her. As a nine year old girl many moons ago, I can’t blame her. I was just as shy. I wracked my mommy knowledge bank to see if I can make her smile. It’s been years since I hovered around young children and decades since I was a little girl. What did I do back then? So I asked her about the games she played at home. “Did you play bahay-bahayan? , I asked in Tagalog. Her eyes lit up when we talked of our make-believe house. I recalled that kids like seeing their photos so we played around with the camera. Among the photos taken , she liked this photo below because she smiled.

It was easy from then on as Molina warmed up to the activities for the day. So what was I doing here? World Vision Philippines invited me and other bloggers like Ferdz to interact with their sponsored kids at a Zambales community . This was a prelude to World Vision’s annual Christmas event for children where each of their 35,000 sponsored children will be given a noche buena pack for the family and a gift of their choice.

The community was a 5-hour ride from Manila but it was so worth it. I have always wanted to visit a World Vision community and the added bonus was visiting an Aeta community that I have only read in my Social Studies book. The Aetas here were relocated after Mt. Pinatubo erupted. World Vision has been helping out with the community development and educating the children for the past 16 years. Eventually, the community will become sustainable enough for them to thrive on their own.

Molina, my assigned kid and I started with bonding activities for the afternoon. One activity was to illustrate the meaning of Christmas which they would share to everyone. I asked Molina what Christmas meant to her. She looked up at me and without hesitation answered “family”. That warmed my heart because family means a lot to me too. Molina did not waste any more time and started to draw.

Her artwork were symbolisms like thought bubbles that showed the Christmas lanterns, the Christmas tree,a gift , the dinner table and love.

I helped her with the artwork explanation and shared the similarity with my Christmas celebration. Christmas is about time spent with loved ones so dear. It is also the time of year that represents an amazing time of hope and redemption. Family is a predominant theme. Being together on this special day makes Christmas meaningful to them. One girl teared as she showed her artwork to us. She misses her father and mother wished they were around. Her grandmother takes care of her now but clarifies that she is well-loved. I can totally relate to her pain. Losing a son feels like our family is not complete. I have learned to live with that loss by embracing my son’s memory in my heart. How can one explain living with that pain? That I too am in that journey.

I believe art is therapeutic to the children. Let me share a couple of them here.

All about the family.

Amangpintor Lito Circa , a World Vision sponsored child many years ago helped the kids with some ideas.

While everyone was busy drawing, Lito used his hands to paint this poignant scenery that reminded him of his childhood days at the Pantabangan from “the 70s (time where the town of Pantabangan was submerged by the water) to the present with the style of creating image of Minggan on every painting that he made. ”

Beautiful!

Just as beautiful are the artwork of each child. How can one not get touched with their drawings that come from the heart? They just want to celebrate Christmas with their family with a meal like a “Noche Buena” . What makes it even more special is the family gathers and eat together as they rejoice and feast on the Nativity of the birth of Christ.

Yes, Christmas is a time of hope. The hope that is, because of Jesus. He is the reason for this season. Christmas is about sharing, giving and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

World Vision’s Noche Buena Campaign

If you have been feeling blessed lately, perhaps you might pass on the blessings to others you know who would need them more. One to consider is the sponsored children of World Vision Philippines.

World Vision, in it’s seventh-year Christmas offering, re-launches the Noche Buena Gift campaign to give Filipinos the opportunity to share their blessings to poor families this meaningful season.

For only Php 1,000, a sponsored child receives a Noche Buena gift pack which consists of essential food items and a special hand-picked present of your choice (optional) which he/she can enjoy with the family, or even the whole community in the coming Christmas Eve!

For more information you may log on to www.worldvision.org.ph or call hotline (02) 372-7777.

Last year, more than 35,000 children delightfully received their Noche Buena gifts. With your help, we can spread the love and cheers to more children in 14 identified poor communities this year.

I believe in the saying that when “something good happens to us, let’s make something good to others. The more we share our blessings, the more that we are blessed.”

Sharing our blessings feels good because we’ve made someone else feel good.