When in Manila, no matter how busy we are with our personal lives, may we never forget to take the time and participate in worthwhile activities in order to make a difference and touch people’s lives!
I find joy in sharing. Everybody in my circle knows that fact. I love organizing stuff for people and making efforts to show how special they are but never have I tried volunteering before so when my artist friend Nel Diamond invited me, I didn’t have any 2nd thoughts. I immediately contacted my friends to ask for donations as well. Since the year was about to end, I thought sharing my blessings and making children smile would be the perfect activity to show how grateful I am with all the blessings I got!
meet Nel Diamond
The Paint Their Smile project started last year and was spearheaded by Nel Diamond Paredes. I personally admire this kid a lot because of his genuine heart for charity. When he started his own business (Indefinite Stone) in making hand painted personalized shirts, shoes and bags last year, he thought of putting up an activity for hospital kids so his business would have more direction. I find him to be very unusual because usually, people at his age prefer hanging-out at bars, drinking and busy with their own vices but him… he prefers to make a difference. He has already organized art exhibits to raise funds for less fortunate kids and even worked a summer job just to raise for funds for them. I’m really impressed that’s why I believe he deserves much support and recognition for being such a great example for all of us. I knew in my heart that this activity would be worth the effort!
Here are the happenings on that wonderful morning….
how nice it was to see so many volunteers that morning
For our 1st stop, we visited the National Children’s Medical Center
Joining me are my friends Ashyah, Badeth and Frank’s niece Blashnell
I thought it would be a great idea to expose her about charity at a very young age.
I’m glad that she appreciated the activity very much!
just gotta love that smile!
Meet the SMILE Painters!
this is really not an organization but a gathering of friends who are willing to give their time to make kids smile
For our next stop we visited the Tahan-Tahanan Cancer clinic for children at the East Avenue Medical Center. The kids there were very nice and friendly!
I’m so glad they loved our gifts
I couldn’t really put into words the wonderful vibe that day!
So many life lessons and realizations…. something which you will never learn inside the classroom.
I’m so thankful that even our friends from AKIBA Cafe gave treats and toys!
I’m so happy for having the opportunity to share this activity with my friends!
Ashyah with Joy
As expected, it turned out to be beyond successful!
We sure painted a lot of smiles that day! I never thought how reaching-out, talking with the kids and parents would have a profound effect on me and my friends. To personally hand them the gifts and connect with them had an indescribable positive effect. As to what Nel said, ” It’s not about the presents but our presence. ” Somehow in our own little way, we were able to make them forget about their pain even just for a little while because we made them feel that they are not forgotten and very much loved. Now, I truly agree with what Burt Bacharach is trying to tell us for decades now… “What the world needs now is LOVE.” I’m certain that God will provide us with more when He sees your genuine desire to share. No matter how hard my trials are as early as now, I know that He is just testing me if I will easily surrender or go for my happiness no matter what. I’d like to think that I am leveling up. I know that after these trials, I will have a much upgraded armor to face the world stronger. I just need a few cups more of courage and faith…perhaps this is what YOU need too!
ahhhhhhh…… there is really joy in giving and no matter what they say, LIFE is still great when in Manila!
I would like to thank my generous friends who also sent gifts and treats for the kids!
AKIBA Cafe (serves the best Trifle Teas in the metro!)
Ubales Family (Shiela, Dorris, Raphael and Ruby)
Nino Lantican
Cherylle Catacutan
Leilani Sonza
to my friends who came, Badeth, Ashyah and Blashnell
and of course, to Nel Diamond for organizing this event!
The Paint Their Smile 2.0 Gift Giving Project
