What’s your weekend purpose?

MANILA, Philippines - Thank God it’s Friday!, most people would say after a long and tiring five-day workweek.

For the typical weekend warrior, the usual plans include lounging by the beach, hiking up a mountain, hanging out in the mall or just curling up in bed for an entire day. For some, however, weekends are dedicated to volunteering!

In 2008, Insular Life forged a groundbreaking project with Gawad Kalinga for the Tambayan ng mga Bayani (Tambayani) program at GK Manggahan Kawayanan in Marcelo Green Village, Parañaque City. The Tambayani was created to benefit out-of-school and in-school youth.

Every third Saturday of the month, Insular Life employees volunteer their time and talent to help the youth by holding values formation activities, technical and academic skills trainings, arts and crafts, and sports.

Yes, with our busy schedules, the thought of volunteering may seem overwhelming and time-consuming, but the rewards of reaching out and making a difference in someone’s life are priceless.

The many benefits of volunteering include:

Volunteering improves health and well-being. Insular Life volunteer AJ Bautista says doing volunteer work helps relieve stress. “It is a way to de-stress. I also feel happier and healthier after talking and laughing with the kids,” he said.

You learn new skills. Volunteering can open doors to new learning opportunities and experiences that you never thought you could do before. This may come in the form of a new skill or a new hobby.

Volunteering connects you to others. Not only do you make friends with fellow volunteers, you also make friends with beneficiaries. Volunteer Elmer Saladas enjoys interacting with people and develops empathy by imagining what it’s like to live in their shoes.

You gain a sense of purpose. People volunteer to give back to the community and to make a powerful difference. “I feel that I am making a difference in the children’s lives. I feel a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment giving without expecting anything in return,” volunteer Dani Abuel said.

To mark the fourth year of volunteerism work that Insular Life employees have done with Gawad Kalinga, we held an outreach at the Hospicio de San Jose, Quiapo, Manila.

The Sagip Kids joined the volunteers in visiting the elderly residents that have been neglected and abandoned by their families.

While it’s easy to think about the positive impact that volunteers have on others, little thought goes to what the volunteers gain themselves. “Akala nila sila ang pinapasaya namin, di nila alam na mas pinasasaya nila kami,” one volunteer said.

Volunteers enjoy serving and helping others and they can’t wait to do more. After all, Insular Foundation’s mission is to help make lives better.

(The author is a full-time employee of Insular Life and juggles her responsibilities with volunteering with Insular Foundation. When she’s not volunteering, she’s exploring the world, surfing, mermaiding and sneaking in some wedding event coordination in between.)