TF Foundation, Parklane treat 100 kids from Cordova

CEBU, Philippines — One hundred children from a coastal village in Cordova town were treated to a fun-filled party yesterday as an early Christmas gift.

The event was dubbed "Christmas with Angels" spearheaded by The FREEMAN Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Cebu Parklane International Hotel.

The project, which is now on its 11th year, is aimed at making children or little "angels" feel the spirit of the Christmas season especially those who are from families that could hardly afford even their basic needs.

Johnzel Intong, 6, is one of the chosen kids to enjoy the party.  Raised in a striving coastal village, he is a stranger to funfairs and other fancy parties.

Johnzel, the eldest of six siblings, grew up in a community where fishing has been the main source of livelihood. His father is a fisherman.

Huge gatherings were uncommon to the Intong family who are accustomed to simple living along the coastline.

His mother, 25-year-old Jeramae, said Johnzel was looking forward to the day of the party.

"Nalipay ko kay makaadto siya og lugar nga wala pa niya naadto. Makasinati siya og bag-o. Ganahan gyud kaayo siya mokuyog. Matod pa niya, 'makadala gyud ko og bugas, Ma'," she told The FREEMAN. (I am happy that he was able to go to a place where he has not been to before and experience something new.  He was so excited especially because he can bring home a pack of rice.)

Aside from toys, school supplies and giveaways the children received, their families were also given grocery items distributed at the barangay in the afternoon right after the party.

Early morning, the 100 children were fetched from the barangay in Cordova town and were ferried to Cebu Parklane International Hotel in Cebu City.

Everyone seemed to enjoy and got thrilled with the games prepared for the half-day activity.

The smiles and laughter of children were the main attraction of the event and the very reason why the collaboration between The Freeman and Parklane management went on for more than a decade.

"We have seen how happy the children are that we have given them the venue to enjoy an early Christmas celebration... Christmas is indeed for children," said Jaybee Aquino, the hotel’s Marketing and Communications Manager.

She said hotel executives are committed to the partnership.

As part of their corporate social responsibility, she said the company wants to give back by sharing some giveaways, preparing the food and venue for the party attended mostly by less privileged children.

“At least for once a year, we are giving joys and cheers for one hundred children,” said Aquino.

She assured that the company will always back the project sustaining it yearly.

The project was a brainchild of The FREEMAN general manager Melandro Mendoza.

This was earlier proposed in 2000 when he was still working for Philippine Star under the project brand “Adopt an Angel.”

When he was assigned in the Cebu-based media outlet, Mendoza continued the project adopting the same concept but renaming it “Christmas with Angels” in 2004.

In 2006, the formal partnership with the foundation and Cebu Parklane International Hotel happened and several parties were already held for minor indigenous peoples and children from far-flung areas and at the dumpsite.

For its 11th run with the hotel, Mendoza said at least 100 children aged six to 12 were chosen from Sitio Sambagan, Barangay Catarman I where they did an ocular inspection.

He said the foundation wants to give a simple treat to the families as their livelihood is seen to be affected by the proposed bridge from Cordova to Cebu.

Catarman I Barangay councilwoman Helconida Cañete thanked the two main sponsors of the project for choosing children from their village as the beneficiary since they were able to enjoy the items and things shared by the two companies.

“Nalipay kaayo mi sa The Freeman Foundation ug Cebu Parklane International Hotel tungod kay nihatag sila og gasa alang sa mga kabataan. Dako kini og ikatampo sa panahon sa Pasko diin gihatagan nila og bili ang panahon sa paghatagay,” she said. (We are happy for what The Freeman Foundation and Cebu Parklane International Hotel organized for our kids.  These kids will know the value of sharing this Christmas season.) — /MBG (FREEMAN)