Reaching Out Through Brigada Eskwela 2010

I can't remember the last time I laid my hands on "dirty" community works.

But last Saturday was another eye-opener for me to the windows of the real world - the real Philippines. My company, the Ramcar Group of Companies - Battery Group, initiated a response to corporate responsibility. It is enlisting our company to a nation-wide Brigada Eskwela. It was volunteerism in the truest essence of the word - no forcing of the employees to join, no promised additional benefits... just pure act of charity and sincere willingness to help out.  

Payatas C Elementary School was our chosen school. Stepping on the grounds of this humble school stirred up my humanitarian genes. Right there and then, I was so eager to sport on my gloves and masks and start doing the "dirty" job. I felt the need of the school for both financial and moral support. In the face of the principal, you'd see how grateful he is for our little hands who would give a noble help to their school. Their school houses 3000++ young kids who tried to fit themselves in just about 21 little classrooms - some of which are even makeshift classrooms! Yes, 3000++ kids in 21 classrooms. Sad. Depressing. 

But just as I was feeling that depression, I saw a bunch of teachers in their positive aura. Hah, shame on me. This school which I regard as a "depressed" one, ranks #5 in the National Achievement Test. Yes, this public school which is situated in a private land, is one of the top performing schools.

It did not take any convincing to sincerely do my part in "cleaning" the school. With my joyful and equally eager colleagues, we did not waste any minute to clean the rooms!

The humble principal of Payatas C Elementary School

"ako po ay nahihiya at nanghihingi at namamalimos na naman kami ng tulong sa inyo...."

above was an excerpt from his speech when he welcomed us. It touched my heart.

Sporting with Motolite shirts and caps, the whole team is so ready to bring it on!

With our HR manager carrying out the task of turning over our donations of books

The real deal!

Everyone was collectively sharing efforts in helping out our adopted school!

Proof that volunteerism knows no gender! :p

that's me at the center striking a pose and taking a quick break!

Closer me!

Work in progress: my second chair!

The finished products!

It was a short yet very fulfilling activity. It reminds me of my social responsibility and have given me a venue where I can mix fun and charity work!

Until the next Brigada, colleagues! We did a great, great job!

Christmas In My Heart

I am not rich, but in my own secret way, I do help the poor. I help the people whom I see the will to live and survive amidst the bitter surprises of life. We have several house and store helpers, who works tirelessly for us. As my dad would describe them, they are the people who bring in money to the family.

Our business is not that of SM or Ayala, but we do generate jobs for the people who are included in the group of the poor. We cannot give them a competetive salary, but we are treating them as our family. And so last Christmas, I organized our 2nd Christmas party. From food, games, prizes, and bonuses - I single-handedly prepared those things. At least, there is no pressure on my part as these are the people who enjoys the simplest pleasures of life. =)

FAMILY.

What could be more happier than spend the party with their family!

I love how excited the kids were when they saw the festive mood in our house. Everyone were just so ecstatic!

FOOD.

We did not have the grandest preparation in the table, but we did see to it that everyone is FULL!

In this time that you will realize how special it is for them to eat "good food". I love how the kids munch on the hotdogs and mallows!

 CHILDREN'S GAMES.

As we say, Christmas is for the kids. And kids love games! I love how they smiled when they got something from the pabitin. And oh, their shy faces when they were bathed with flour, too!!!

ADULT GAMES.

Bring on the eggplant, and liquor! lol!

PRIZES AND BONUSES!

Money and gifts made their laughs when up to their ears!

DANCE.

And let the grooves begin!!!

I have attended so many Christmas parties before. More glamouros. More food. More liquor drinks. But I experienced the true essence of Christmas when I am with the less fortunate. No fuss. No overspending. No expensive clothes. Just the happiness that I have shared what I have with those that have less.

Lipad Na, Bumoto Ka!

And so 2010 national election is at the tip of our nose. We know it, this is one of the most crucial turning point in the history book of the Philippines. Our fate as a nation is at hand. We need to give our share, no matter how little it may seem or gigantic it may be.

We always hear in every media outlets that we, as Filipinos, should exercise our rights - the right to vote specifically. I admit that I'm not a die-hard Filipino but I feel the need for me to ensure that my vote will be counted. But what hinders me to do so? It is the skyrocketing airfare that will leave my ATM grieving once again. You may ask, why did I not transfer my registration here in Makati? It is simply because my home is in Negros. My vote is needed in our local city - a blossoming city in which if will not be taken cared of, the growth will be staggard. I am passionate to bring my local city into a different level.

This is a national issue where everyone should help. The voters have the will, but sometimes we do not have the means. This is where I see the need of the companies to help out. Airline and bus operators. They can HELP a lot. In this trying times, it is the best time for them to take their corporate responsibility into a deeper level. Drop your fares to a lowest level specially designed for the May 10 elections. I assure you, people and politicians will thank you a lot!

This does not mean though that I am not grateful to the frequent promos each of these airlines have. My previous blogs can attest how thankful I am! This time, dedicate your promo taglines to the election such as "Lipad Na, Bumoto ka!"

Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Airphil Express, Zest Air - ARE YOU GAME?