CLYDE C.

BELMES

REFLECTION PAPER:

The Heart of Giving

We decided to give some goods to the family of Zara Luma, my

former classmate during first year college, she is very hardworking,
kind and a family oriented person. Her parents are working as a
junk collector wherein they round on the areas of different
Barangays in Mauban days and nights to pick up some plastics and
newspapers and buy junks from their customers and random
houses. Her father became visually impaired yet it’s not
recognizable when he’s working because he still can do what normal
people can although he has some limitations.

When we visit their house to give our humble Christmas gifts we

experienced some hard time finding it because they moved to other
house which is bigger and better than the old one, but sadly, it is
not their home because they are only a caretaker of it, on the other
side, because of that house they will be having a home for
Christmas without worrying if it will rain and their house will be
again full of rain waters from the broken roofs and walls. As we sing
a Christmas song outside their home we can see the smile on their
faces, they are not supposed to be surprise because we discussed
to Zara Luma about our plans but because of her happiness and
excitement she already told those to her parents and in our surprise
they are still all shocked that we bought many things and I can still
vividly recall until now her mother’s tears. With that amount of
money, we can make one family happy. I am very bliss that I
experienced gift giving and thankful to our Lord that He gave me a
beautiful life and that I should not complain about simple things
because others are suffering more than I did. I am also sad thinking
that I can do simple things like that to make other people smile
even not because of a grade or a requirement in one course, the
idea of helping other always crossed my mind but I don’t have any
initiative to do so. I am sad because although I have the willingness
to help, it didn’t change the fact that I did it because it is a
requirement in school. I am thankful that because of this course I
realized many things, so much that I am sometimes ashamed of
myself every time I complain on how unfair life is for me, when in
fact, other people experienced much worst but they continue their
lives and accept the situation.

The heart of giving is not measured through the amount of

money used to help but the heart full of desires, and with an open
heart to empathize and be sensitive to other people, because above
all, our kindness will be judge by Him.
MARIELLE T. BOMBANI

I was complaining and seeing things that I don’t have, such

as how I wish that I have these things, how I wish we have better
life like the others but now I learned that money can’t our
happiness in some aspect yes but it is just temporary.

We all have a lot in our lives for which we should be thanks

for it. In our daily life, we often receive help from those who around
us also I realized that we should be appreciates all things that we
have, it might just be small but it doesn’t matter how small or big it
is because the important is we are all blessed even though we are
facing some problems. We all should be thankful for everything we
have gotten. In addition, I realized that how lucky I am because
everything that I need in my everyday life are there because of my
parent’s support.

My heart melt when the child also the parents smiled at me

and to my groupmates, the simply gift that we bought for them
makes them happy and I can see how thankful they are and I was
really happy by that. Those genuine smiled fueled my soul. Aside to
my parents they also serve as an inspiration to me to do better in
my studies as well as to do my goals possible.
PRINCESS ERIKA I. BOMBANI

“Happiness for all”

Gifts are usually given to a family, friends and special

someone if there is a celebration like birthdays, Christmas or if
someone had an achievement. I as a person is not a fan of gifts, I
don't usually give gifts to anyone that is important to me. At first,
this activity called gift giving is just giving gifts for me. I thought
that it's just as simple as that, it's like I give gift to our chosen
family because it’s a requirement to pass the subject. But when we
were there at Brgy. Baling balingan and saw the family we chose; I
can't explain the feeling I felt. Seeing how the kid smile when he
saw our gift, his smile when we took a selfie for documentation,
how he smiles at us and says thank you.

The reason why we choose this family is that the kid become
a respondent in an interview in our subject "Special and Inclusive
Education". The kid has a disability called "Cerebral Palsy", it is a
disability resulting from damage to the brain before, during, or
shortly after birth and outwardly manifested by muscular
incoordination and speech disturbances but despite of his disability
he is a happy kid. Their story inspires me, the family are so strong
to handle the situation because not just the oldest son has a
condition but also their younger daughter. She has a heart disease
and the family can't afford the medication for the two kids that's
why we decided that we want to give them an advance Christmas
gift to make them happy and thank God we succeeded by seeing
their smiles.

At the end of this activity, a realization hits me that "Your

happiness depends on you". Their family is an inspiration because
despite of their situations they can still smile and enjoy life even
though the kid was sometimes bullied by others. The playmates of
the kid called him zombie when their playing, he is always the one
who chase them while they are running. What's good in his situation
is that their perspectives are optimistic. They didn’t look at it as
negative, for them it is just a play and also the kid enjoys it that
why it is ok for the parents too. At the end of the day, the most
important thing in this world is happiness because this is the main
reason why we are doing everything for ourselves and for others.
JR FRANKLIN D. CALIWANAGAN

Smiles are contagious. We gave smiles, and we received smiles

too. A simple smile can send message. After the gift giving, I feel
awesome. The smiles on the faces of the family members where we
shared the grocery were priceless. It seems a simple gift is so much
for them.

I know that a grocery is not that expensive unlike what others

can give but through that we showed our care for them. It is not
just about the material things that we shared, but it is about how
happy those people after we surprised them. I feel so much blessed
for the things that I have which I never noticed before, after we
conducted the gift giving. It felt good to share something to them.
KRISTINE JOY CASTRO

It's better to give than to receive. I really believe in this saying

because it is true. As we were assigned to have a gift giving to
those family who is less fortunate that serves as our project, it is
quite exciting. The other groups were already done a day before us.
At first we haven't yet decided who is the family that will be given
due to the hectic schedule and full-loaded activities. However, we
managed our time well and we were also done gift-giving. This
family is from Sitio MCR Brgy. Soledad Mauban, Quezon. They are
my neighbors. They have a son but has a family that's why their
house was divided. Since they are my neighbors, I saw everything
on them, the hardships and struggles they encountered in their
lives and how they faced all of it. As we entered on their house, it is
not new to me because I often saw it when I'm passing by their
house. For sure my groupmates felt pity on what they saw because
I felt the same way too when the first I saw their condition.
Actually, we only gave the goods for the old couple. Despite of
their age, they still manage to go on the mountain to get some
coconut leaves to make "walisin" or "walis tingting". They also make
a bananacue stick. This is their primary source of income but it
wasn't enough for them because only a small amount they could get
through those things. They also said they find it already difficult to
work because of their age and health condition. When we gave our
small presents, they were really excited to open it. Since it was
already dark when we went to their house and their light was dim
so we helped them identifying each of the goods. They were really
grateful to us when they learned what are those goods given. They
said it was such a big blessing to them because they can't afford to
buy those things. We had a short conversation before we leave. In
our life, problems, hardships and struggles will come anytime. If
you are tired of suffering those, think of those people who’s
suffering too but not giving up. Everything happens for a reason.
Whatever reason that is, do not ever think to give up because life
only challenge us and making us stronger to face problem that will
came. I felt so blessed and grateful also because we helped
someone who really needed it though it is small things, they
appreciated it a lot.
CHRISTIAN DEIL M. CONDONAR
Sometimes giving a gift can be one of the most rewarding
feelings in the world. You never know how much you’ll touch
someone… and you never know what opportunities will arise from
unforeseen angles.

When we are planning who is the person we are going to give

Christmas gift, I do not think we can go to Sitio MCR Brgy. Soledad
because at that moment we didn't even know who we were going to
give the gift to. But we were still forced to go there because God
knew there was someone who needed our help in that area. It just
feels good when we help people. When we see the smiles coming
from them, I can't imagine how much happy it would be to give
someone a gift.

Being an SK Chairperson giving is not new to me. Because that

is one of my duties to help and to give without anything in return. I
really loved how much I helped them and how much I give my time
to those people who really need me. Nanay and Tatay Escudero
teach me to be strong and be my inspiration to continue my legacy
in our barangay. That Legacy will help many people who suffer on
their life.

This activity
gives me more
realizations that
we have to help
each other even
though you are not
in any position,
just help someone who really needs help. Bible said that in
Deuteronomy 15:11 “There will always be poor people in the land.
Therefore, I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow
Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.” And by these I
realize that giving is a way of God’s purpose. Many people
experiencing a hard life but the only reason is God will provide for
everything. Doing things for others whether small, unplanned acts
or regular volunteering - is a powerful way to boost our own
happiness as well of those around us. The people we help may be
strangers, family, friends, colleagues or neighbours. They can be
old or young, nearby or far away. Giving isn't just about money, so
you don't need to be rich. Giving to others can be as simple as a
single kind word, smile or a thoughtful gesture. It can include giving
time, care, skills, thought or attention. Sometimes these mean as
much, if not more, than financial gifts.

CLARRIZA MAE DATOS

Reflection of Gift Giving

 Christmas is upcoming, and it is the most valuable time to
spread love and to give, to share your goodwill and the blessings
that you have in other people. That's the essence of Christmas
making other people to be happy and to feel them that they're not
left behind. We feel them that we care for them. Christmas
represent as the most special memories that we have in our family,
relatives and friends. Like here in the Philippines we've celebrate
Christmas Holiday in a long days because Christmas here is too long
celebration unlike the other country.

This kind of activity really touch in my heart, because in every

single way of sharing, and making they feel the love to whom who's
really needed the most. This is something that you're gonna
cherish the moment that also can treasure, for you to show love of
others even though you don’t have any connection of them.

In this kind of activity,I experienced to walked a long from

South Emerald into Soledad because Mr ang Mrs Escudero is from
Soledad. So it's kind a challenge for me because it feels like I climb
the mountain upraise, and I walk up there with a twist because I'm
wearing heels. The reason is after of our speech in Filipino we
decided to go in there to find a person who will needed the most to
receive a gift. But It was exciting even though it's a little bit tired.
Through the willingness of mine I decided to go with the flow and I
really choose to just hide my tiredness. I know that the biggest
important is to see people to be happy and see there smile on their
faces. In that way it feels like all the tired and pain was fade away.
Because I see Nanay and Tatay so grateful, it was unexpected
surprise for them.

This kind of gift giving was not my first time to do it, way
back when I was In High School every Christmas season we're
having our gift giving and the most memorable for me is in Macasin,
Brgy Baao. It's a long way of walking and guess what, there are big
hanging bridges it's just a little bit scared. But see people around
you that they're contented and happy it felt that a big happiness for
you and for them. Sharing is everything I just love doing that kind
of activities. I feel the genuine heart of mine, just only see them
being grateful for only what they received in that simple way.

From this point we go in Soledad and we've met Nanay and

Tatay Escudero a "walis maker and a barbeque stick maker" are the
only one who lives in there small house. I love to see there smile on
their faces. They say thank you and that surprise gift is true
blessings for the both of them. I really love the part that they open
the gift with a smile. I like seeing people that even in the low status
of life but still they are contented and satisfied on what they have
on what they received. They have the strong devotion of god and
even in there age of 70 but still they are together. In their simple
and small house they live together and what's important is they are
happy to live together. In that I I believed that If you love each
other no one can separate the both of you in sickness and in poor. I
think nanay and tatay are forever.

There is also spiritual dimension to gift giving. All of life is a

gift from God. James 1:17 tells us that “Every good and perfect gift
is from above, coming down from the Father of lights”. Gift giving
should come naturally to those who have been the recipients of
undeserved generosity. In response to the generosity of God toward
us we should consider the needs of those who are less fortunate
and reach out to meet their needs.

Sometimes giving a gift is the most rewarding feelings in the

world. You never know how much you’ll touch someone and you
never know what opportunities will arise from a gift from above.
PRINCESS ROBIE C. DOLENDO

Reflection

The holidays are good time to reflect on our gift giving traditions
and how they make us feel the spirit of love in each and every one
of us. Gift giving can be a wonderful expression of love and
appreciation, but sadly, it can also bring us a lot of anxiety and
feelings of inadequacy. Many of us give gifts out of obligation,
rather than joy and love. When our team met lola Ester Bantayan, a
75 year old lady, living with her own in a small house in
Balingbalingan, I felt sad because no one is there to take care of
her and no one is there to be with her. But even though that is her
situation, I've seen her happiness and joy in her eyes and I admired
lola Ester for that despite that she's all alone in her life she has the
gats to smile and be happy. The smile that she brings to us makes
me feel great and honor that she is the one that our team choose to
give our gifts. A simple gift that I know will remain in lola Ester's
heart. Because a gift is a thing given willingly to someone and the
true gift giving is done freely without payment. Gifts have nothing
to do with the price tag, but with the love that gift is signifying.

ROSEMARIE T. EBREO

Gift giving is something that should not be a chore. It must

come from the heart. When you give gifts, you are giving something
willingly without wanting something in return. Making someone feel
special is more than enough reason to make you give more. The
family we chose was the family of Zara Luma, a former classmate of
ours. We chose them because we saw and feel that they needed
this little help that we could offer. We give them what they need for
their daily lives and on the upcoming Christmas Day like spaghetti,
coffee, noodles, can goods and more. As we went to their house, we
did not think that their home would be far if we were to walk, we
have that desire to reach out them. When we were at their home, I
only realized that the help we give to others is a great thing
because it brings a smile in them and also in us. It feels good when
you see the smiles on their faces, as they thank us I can feel the
sincerity. We also have the chance to talk to Zara in cell phone even
though she was in Quezon City as she works there also she thanks
us for what we did to her family. I am very happy by doing such
things.

“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and whoever

sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give
what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or
under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.’’

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

PRINCESS IGNACIO

Ethics- Gift giving Reflection

 This gift giving is open to my heart because it is so good to help
others despite the hardships I have been able to give, We help
people who are in great need for me it not just on the basis of
examination each group but it is my own generosity. I always keep
in mind, think, act and always remember to be grateful for
whatever things or status in life we have because even if were not
wealthy be thankful for it. As the Christmas comes it is a time of
great appreciation, help and to love one another even if it is not
Christmas always choose to offer something valuable.

As we make this gift giving, it takes time and plan to give a gift
for Christmas and while interviewing the family I can see the
pleasure and happiness to the whole family we are so grateful for
that. Feeling that we can help our fellowmen not only in Christmas
is a spirit of generosity but it is a particular interest to every
Filipino. Through all of this, I thank the lord because for me it is
another achievement to my life and even we are poor we still
choose to help and smile to other people without expecting anything
in return.

The family are not wealthy they encounter challenges because

their child is suffering from hearing problem. Even if they
encounter poverty it is not a hindrance for them to stop believing in
God, the family lifestyle does not interfere with their home because
the foundation are strong and centered to God. The parent guide
their children to the bright future. One of the important things i
have learned in life are facing different dilemma is not an adversity
but consider it to rise up and fight for the future. We need to be
brave for ourselves, families, and to the people around us. Fight for
it to contemplate the good life in the near future.
FRANK FLORENCE JUMARANG
 Reflection: Gift Giving

Christmas is really the season of giving. This is the season when

we feel most connected with each other and when benevolence is
rampant amongst our hearts. It is in this light that we decided to
share a little bit of what we have and give back to the community
through our Ethics course project.

Our beneficiary is a 75-years old grandmother who is living

alone in a small hut in Sitio Baling-balingan, Barangay Daungan,
Mauban, Quezon. Her name is Ester Bantayan and she is a woman
with a happy disposition despite everything that she is going
through in life. Her smile can really melt your heart because you
know that that smile is all she has to offer, and that same smile is
worth it. It surprised me that there are persons like that, that
despite all the hardships and disappointments, they can still smile
from the heart. It reminded me how our happiness is really
subjective and only dependent on how we choose to look at things,
on what perspective.

Christmas is really the season of giving, of love and of being

happy. Be like Lola Ester, smile wholeheartedly.

JULIE AN E. MANAOG
 "it is better to give than to receive"

It's so nice to see the smile of the child and his parent after
giving them a simple Christmas present. You can see how happy
they are. Especially, the smile of Ramses and his mother plastered
on their faces. Wherein the last time that we've interviewed them
(project in other subject) about their situation in life - Ramses had a
cerebral palsy - they need more support to the government for the
Therapy the child. And after the interview, we knew that they need
a financial support to buy food for everyday needs of her child who
have a cerebral palsy and to buy medicine for her daughter who has
a heart disease. That is why we choose to give our simple Christmas
present to them.

Giving something to someone is such a great feeling, wherein

a simple thing to do that is our own will to help someone. There was
a feeling of mine that I marked it as one of my greatest experience,
Wherein I've learned that helping others is not depend on our status
in life, it is our will to help others with all our hearts, because the
important thing is we help them even if in simple way and it is from
our heart. I also learned that It is better to give than to receive
because giving something to someone without expecting anything
to receive is one of the great feelings that we ever had.
 ROBIN MATUTO JR.

As I remembered on what Winston Churchill said “We make a

living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Giving to
others of whatever you have is the most valuable thing and the
most precious achievement in this world and on our lives. We bring
joy to others and in ourselves whenever we give anything because
they know the worth of things and we don’t expect something in
return. We all know that everything that we give to others will come
back to us. But what matters is that we make others happy by
giving what we have even it turns sometimes to sacrificing
ourselves just to make someone happy and satisfied. The
importance of giving is that we gave them this feeling of happiness
and opportunity for them to give also to others this sense of
endearment because of what they experience the feeling of
affection.

As we go in barangay Soledad, we met the two old couples

Mr. and Mrs. Escudero that live alone in their little home. We easily
recognize them as one of the people there that lacks of financial
support and because they don’t have money to buy some foods for
Christmas, we prepared some stuff for them for their Noche Buena.
I felt so emotional for them while one of my groupmate Deil
Condonar interviewed them. They talked a lot about their daily
living. Their hardship on their work scraping brooms for almost
about 3 pieces in a day because they say that they can’t do it no
more, that I think don’t satisfied their everyday needs. But although
they have the age, they still work for themselves, they say that
they can still go to a highland or in a farm to get something to eat.
They also talk about their relatives that gave them sometimes some
money. I am so grateful to lolo and lola Escudero because they still
can manage themselves and together, they still fight in life, work
hard, trust themselves and believe to the love and gracefulness of
the Almighty God.

During that moment, I suddenly realize that life is so worth

living. Worth living because it is worth fighting for, you are fighting
because of every special person that you still have and hope that
still binds your soul that everything will always going to be alright
as long as you have yourself with your love one’s. I also abruptly
remembered my parents especially my mother that sacrifices a lot
just to give me a better life. She taught me to be a nice person, to
be strong and encouraged me to be successful someday. That
moment while we interview them made me feel like I must need to
exert more sacrifices for my parents to help them also to have the
better life they always wanted for me. During that moment, I felt
some blaze in my heart that says that I need to keep pushing. And
for that, I realized to give much more to the people who needs my
help. I felt the joy and peace inside my heart while seeing lolo and
lola Escudero thanking for what we gave, for what we only have.
They acknowledge us and that brings a lot of confidence to
whatever we are going to do for the next chapters of our lives. I am
also thankful to the opportunity that is given to us by our project in
the course Ethics because it brings me to the idea that humanity
can still be seen in our society by just simply giving us the
knowledge to care for others, to protect what needs to be protected
and do it with compassion and dedication; wholehearted. These
days still not the end of the journey; we can still find ways to make
this world better, a world that our God wish to be. I remembered
again a quotation on Christmas Eve “The joy that you gave to
others, is the joy that comes back to you’’. So why don’t give to
others?
 ETHICS

MIKA SARAH R.
MEDIAVILLO
 December is known to be a gift giving month and by giving gift
we never know we touch someone’s heart and will never know what
God will pay back to us, because of all the good deeds we done to
others. Even in a simple thing we love to share and give help to
others it is our way to give thanks to our dear God for all blessing
that we receive in everyday life and by sharing our blessings to
others we show our care and love to them. Being generous is one
the characteristic of every individual. Giving gift is the most
rewarding feeling in the world.

It was a great experienced to give or to share something to

others specially to those people having financially problem not only
financially but also things that they don’t have. The family that we
choose is the family of our former classmate Zara she stops in her
study because of the financial problem their parents don’t have a
permanent work like our parents. The work of her parents is in junk
shop and his father has a condition he is blind. Despite of his
condition the willingness of him to work hard just to provide the
basic needs of their family specially to his child. Her parents push
the cariton every day to collect plastic bottle, carton etc. When we
go to their house, they are taking some rest because they tired of
the whole day in their work to relive their tiredness, we sang first
and give the groceries to them the smile on their face that make me
smile too. For us it’s just a simple gift but for them it was a big
help. From their situation in life, I realized how they really love their
child they do everything just to provide the basic needs. I felt so
sad for his father because of his condition instead of staying at
home but he works with her wife. They serve as an inspiration to
many people because they have the willingness and determination
in life to work hard for their family. I learned so much from them
and I'm so lucky because my life is not like them. Giving or sharing
something to others is one of the good things that we can done to
them. When we share our blessing from God we will never know
that what God can pay back to us because we are good one and by
helping others is one of the achievements in life that you have a
purpose in life and you will fulfill it by giving and sharing what we
have. When the times come that I have money or anything that I
can give them of course I will help with all my heart that is one way
to show love and care to them. We should live our life to the fullest.

SHERNA REYSHELL NADERA

Gift Giving
 Reflection Paper

As our project for the finals, we are assigned to give gifts to a

family who are unable have that much money to afford things or
food for Christmas. And so we are divided into groups and had to
choose a famiyto give our gifts from our hearts.

Our beneficiary is lola Esther Bantayan from sitio Baling-

Balingan of barangay Daungan. A 75 turning 76 year old mother
who choose to live alone in a little old house. We gave her some
noche buena package that my groupmates bought. It maybe not
that many, but the curve of happiness in her face shows that it is
enough. Out hearts are filled with joy and love when someone like
her appreciated our little effort.

Doing this activity fulfilled us, not just because of having good
grade in this course but also because we knew that we made
someone happy by doing such effort of giving gifts. Giving doesn't
only symbolizes generosity but it shows that whoever we are, and
whatever we are capable of we can show love for others through it.

What I've learned in this activity is to be grateful enough for

whatever we have. We should be thankful for we have at least a
family to be with everyday specially this coming holiday, we're
celebrating blessings of life, love and laughter. I also learned to
appreciate parents for not giving up on their children through thick
and thins and to give importance for they choose us everyday
because not everyone can experience a complete family that others
have. I also learned that love can be found everywhere and
sometimes from the unexpected ones.
L
KATE ZYRIES ENCINA NAYVE

They say you’ll never give

what you don’t have, but
sharing isn’t about how big or extravagant you’ve can give to others
it is about how sincere you are. It will not weigh on the amount, it’ll
weigh on the smiles you are wearing and the happiness you felt
inside while giving. Even though, you don’t have all the wealth or at
least the wealth like what rich people have, still you always had a
chance to share. As long as the sincerity and the urge of helping
others are there, no matter how small it is, it will be priceless.

Seeing them smile and uttered their thank you’s to us over and
over again, made me think that putting joy to others is not difficult.
A bunch of groceries is nothing, but because of their heartfelt thank
you it felt like we gave so much to them. Through smile they deliver
how happy they are for a simple gift that we gave.
ERLYN A. PASCUAL

As a Filipino, we truly cherished the Christmas days because this

season, we become one and united. On December 10, 2019, One of
the groups of 2B at Pambayang Kolehiyo ng Mauban do a
thanksgiving in barangay Daungan Sitio Baling- Balingan which we
choose one family or a person that not related to us to give them at
least simple help. We met nanay Ester Bantayan ,76 years old and
live alone in her house, well I can say that her house really needs to
repair because it looks old and I think its going to fall down if the
strong wind blows. She works as a “maghihilot” that enough to buy
her needs with her financial that get in the government the senior
ID. I asked her, “if she had a son and daughter”, and she answered
us, “ oo meron akong mga anak pero ayaw ko sa kanilang makitira
dahil kapag nag-aaway ang mag-asawa mahirap nang madamay,
pero kung solo ka lang wala ka pang kaaway .” I think she wants to
be alone because of its less problem and it is not complicated.
The first time I saw her walking on the road because one of her
neighbor call her in the multi-purpose in Barangay Daungan
because that time they are celebrating a Christmas party of senior.
That time, I know that she already drunk because she always ask
and say “why do you call me, don’t you know that I’m starting to
dance”, but when she saw us she greet us and smile as a respect .
When we create a good communication with her, we say our
purpose and What’s our reason, why we are here? And why we
want to meet her is to give our gift. When she accept our gift I saw
in her face a genuine smile and she always thank us.
I realized that sacrificing and sharing is not that bad because the
result of this is a true and genuine smile that paste on their faces.
Actually, I don’t really know what I feel but one thing that I assure
is I’m happy. Always remember that open our heart to help other
people.
CRYSTEL JOYCE M. REVUELTA
Aside from the other special gatherings, we commonly exercise
gift giving every Christmas season. We are busy buying different
gifts for our family and friends, playing music devoted to our God,
there are also lanterns and twinkling lights on the streets even in
houses. Those actions are tending to give essence and value to the
spirits.
I am not a person who’s preparing any present for Christmas
but because of this simple gift giving, I suddenly felt the
unexpected feeling when we gave our gift to Ms. Ester Bantayan.
She is now 75 years old living in Sitio Baling-balingan in Barangay
Daungan. She is living alone to her small house. I dont feel nothing
but happiness and greatness. We are all smiling especially Lola
Ester and felt blessed for what we did that day. I know that she will
enjoy the groceries we bought for her even if it is not too much. A
simple “salamat sa inyo” from her really touched our hearts.
With our simple action, I realized that we don’t have to spend so
much money to buy gifts, a simple and useful is enough to receive
an unconditional feeling regardless of our status in life. It is
important to remember that giving gift is not for our satisfactory
just to be called kind, it is about giving without any hesitation and
what’s the most important is the joy we brought to others.
DALE FRANCIS D. RUTAGENES

I was thinking before that gift giving activity was a nice idea
because through this activity you are not only helping others but
also you could be passed the course but after we gave our
Christmas Gifts with a little amount, I’ve realized that helping or
giving something to others is not a requirement but it should be
applied in everything all the time. We gave gifts that cost a little
amount but for them it was a huge that gave me a feeling that no
one can explain. Now, this activity wasn’t only a nice idea but a
nicest.

This activity gave me more realizations that we have to help

each other. I do believe that helping others is not only good for
someone or many but also it makes us happier and healthier too. As
far as I can see, doing things to others whether it’s small,
unplanned acts or regular volunteering is a powerful way to boost
our own happiness as well as those around us.

This value connects us to others that will create stronger

communities and help to build society for everyone. I want God to
give me more lives just to spread this value as a good Filipino. I
want also to spread love that people may do the same of mine.
Doing this value to others will help them to help others too and
because of this value we can develop, extend and spread the peace
and love that could have a better society.
VILLEGAS, NORIESHEL ZAM M.

Christmas is very special to me because me and all of my love

ones gather together to celebrate the birth of Jesus. This month, we
did something that touch someone’s heart. The activity of Ma’am
Pasatiempo gave us the opportunity to have a simple thanks giving.
Even if it is not new for me, I am so happy that I did something
good.

The time that we are buying the goods in the grocery, I am very
cheerful and excited. We went in every station in the grocery and if
we have a lot of money, we take many goods as we can.

After we went to the grocery, we went to Gly’s house to wrap all

the goods that we bought and went to the Luma Family’s house. At
first, we really don’t know where the house of Mr. and Ms. Luma we
asked some friend of Gly and she help us to get us there.

The scenario of our thanks giving was great. First, I am the one
who said “Tao po” just to let someone go outside because we are
scared if we proceed to sing a Christmas song first, they’ll say
“Tawad!” It’s funny because while we are singing the neighbors of
Mr. and Ms. Luma was watching. I think I got the loudest voice
among us. After we finished singing “Sa may bahay” Christmas
song, they let us in, in their house. We did small talk about their
life.
 The Luma’s family is the family of our classmate before, she is
Zara Luma. Her mother and father don’t have any job except of
“pangangalakal”. Every day they woke up early and start pulling
their “kariton”. Our friend Zara stopped studying because of
financial problem. I know it’s hard for them to stopped Zara in
studying, every parent actually. When I heard the story about their
family a tear rolls down my cheek.

For me it is one of my big achievements in life because I did

something good that we don’t expect something in return. God is
always good because he always makes a way for everyone to get
the blessings that he wants for us. I believe it’s better to give than
to receive. I hope they love our simple gift for them.