Hinuhà Vol. 4: - Path of Endless Hope

A Season of Sharing: Reflections on Feeding Activity

by Raffy G. Estoque

Part of ASRP's annual program of activities is an outreach which is a feeding activity for children. Through this activity, student-researchers are able to practice their formation of being men and women for others and respond in their own way to the realities they faced when they do research. Last December 21, 2005, the children of Sabang, Naga City were treated to a nourishing "goto" (rice gruel) in coordination with the local government of the said barangay. The activity certainly gave delight to the children as it touched too the hearts of the student-researchers.

"I love children. That is why I really enjoyed the half-day feeding program especially dedicated to the children of Sabang, Naga City. I realized how an experience could be extraordinary by simply being with the less fortunate and making them happy even for a while. I became inspired to persevere more in life so that I can be a big help for the less fortunate." - Raffy G. Estoque

"It was the second time that we held a feeding activity. Despite the tiring preparation, it paid off upon seeing the overwhelming reception of residents of Sabang, Naga City who participated in our activity. The children were very eager to see what we had prepared for them. It was not just the thought of sharing that I deeply appreciated but the significance of doing small things which brought meaningful smiles to those in need." - Sarah V. Luares

"Prior to the feeding activity, I volunteered to become part of documentation committee. And one of our roles was to talk with a number of children participants. It made me realize that children were already aware of what was happening on their surroundings like family-related problems." - Robert Caezar J. Fausto

"It was very fulfilling that in our own simple ways; we were able to help and made the children feel that some people care for them through a feeding activity. Even though it only lasted for a day, the laughter we shared would always remain in my heart. It was neither the food nor the games we played that made the outreach memorable but the smiles in every child's face which made it more valuable. Seeing those smiles made me realize that the activity was a success, worth-doing, and repeating." - Rachel U. Bustamante

"The fulfillment I had when I looked upon the happy faces of children in Sabang, Naga City was exhilarating. The large crowd brought a greater significance to celebrating Christmas with kids. It was also on that day when being an Atenean, a man or woman for others, was manifested by putting God first through service to others." - Leo A. Ricafrente

"It brought back the kid in me - playing, sharing gifts and being cuddled. The activity was a very fulfilling experience. It brought me back to the good memories of yesteryears." - Fe B. Din

"Mingling with those children, I was very glad that with a simple "goto" (gruel) we touched their lives. It was not because we have more or we are better but because we did something well with greater love for them." - Angela May B. Rodrigo

"It was fulfilling watching those children smile and laugh. The sparks of joy in their eyes truly inspired me and made me feel the essence of Christmas. Any material thing in this world can never replace the happiness and fulfillment I felt in this activity." - Maribel A. Aliñar

"It pained me when I saw a little boy who does not even have a pair of slippers. But during the activity, I was touched by the sight of that boy not minding his bare feet getting stepped on and dirtied by the dusty floor just to get a share of piece of bread for his sister. Through him, I have realized that tangible things like slippers cannot spell our existence. I need more than those things. I know my family is there to give me love and support. They are more than enough." - Michi A. Baron

"Being able to share God's blessings with the little children truly shows the essence of Christmas- the season of giving. No matter how simple the ways and how small the amount, it is the willingness and joyfulness to share that counts. Through this simple activity, we were able to convey the message to the children and to their parents that if they strive harder in life, there will be more people who will be willing to help them." - Edelyn B. Rogando

"Opportunities to help and be helped are things to be cherished. The outreach activity of extending a hand to other people especially to those children in and out of school in Barangay Sabang, Naga City - was quite an experience. It was indeed an inspiring and heartwarming activity that encouraged each and every one of us to exercise making other people happy." - Rachelle M. Rapiñan

"Bonding with those children in Barangay Sabang was an honor for me. In our own little ways, we made them happy (although some were not able to receive gifts). I learned to appreciate things around me, especially God's countless blessings that I did not pay much attention to before. It also taught me that life is not all about receiving, but also about giving and sharing what one can offer. No matter whether we are rich or poor, we must always remember that God is counting on us to help others." - Kean Evan Bobby E. Papaya

"The outreach program made me realize that somehow in some simple ways, we could bring happiness to others. We could make a meaningful Christmas by doing good deeds for other people. Being with the children was such a great feeling for me especially when we made them laugh. I would cherish that moment as one of the best Christmas I've ever had." - Joe A. Albino

"Having the opportunity to interact with the less fortunate children gave me an additional learning in life. I have learned through them that happiness and contentment are choices. We have our freedom to choose, whether to be happy and be contented in life or not." - Karl Anthony V. Banan

"My outreach activity experience allowed me to share what I have and bring smiles to children. However, I realized that the activity was just a fleeting relief to their hunger. There is a much deeper and broader hunger that needs to be satisfied - hunger for a decent life with love." - Marife D. Fullante

Ateneo Social Science Research Center

Hinuhà Vol. 4: List of Articles

November 2006

Hinuhà

A Season of Sharing: Reflections on Feeding Activity