Blessings are received by those who know how to ask with a fervent heart.
At a benefit dinner recently, I sat with family friend Maria Aurea Rowena “Weng” Antonio Domingo who was just brimming with gratitude over two of the greatest gifts she has ever received. Weng told me, of late, she had been boldly asking God for what she wanted so badly. Armed with humility and fierce determination, she got her wish. Significantly, she got not just one but two wishes instantaneously granted.
This is Weng’s story of how the verse “Ask and you shall receive” truly comes true. Weng told me she requested Metrobank Foundation, through its president, Chito Sobrepeña, if they could still accommodate grants for two worthy organizations Ballet Philippines’ Share the Magic Program and Youth Venture Philippines. These organizations, where Weng sits as a board member, are very close to her heart.
Weng knew her request was a tad late because that time Metrobank Foundation’s grants beneficiaries were already finalized. But she was unrelenting in knocking at the foundation’s door. And the door was opened for her.
“Christmas came early for me this year,” she said. “An angel disguised as Metrobank Foundation president Chito Sobrepeña came and granted my wishes.”
Because Metrobank Foundation opened its door for the wishes of Weng, who was truly touched by the gesture, more children will be happy in the season of hope and giving.
Weng didn’t have to tell me but I truly felt her genuine concern for the welfare of the underprivileged children. The way she discussed the projects with me was endearing.
For the past three years, Weng shared, Ballet Philippines’ Share the Magic Program has done its mission to expose public schools and underprivileged children to ballet performances. They invite organizations and individuals to sponsor children to watch a matinee performance at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The price of P350 per child covers a ticket, meal and transportation.
In 2010 alone, Weng said, there were 11,600 public school children who were able to watch ballet performance through the Share the Magic Program.
“Ballet Philippines was founded in 1969 and is seen as a keystone of Filipino culture. It believes that visual arts accelerates learning and makes children more insightful, inquisitive, well-rounded, and passionate. Through its program, Ballet Philippines makes sure that underprivileged children who can’t afford it otherwise, are given the same opportunities that children from well-off families get to experience whenever they want to. Supporting this program is a real investment in education and growth development. Giving it a bit of one’s time and money, then, contributes to our progress as a country,” explained Weng, who is married to Trade Secretary Greg Domingo. They have four wonderful children: Sophie, 26 (executive assistant of Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima); Migi, 21 (an Ateneo student); Bobby, 20 (a La Salle student); and Chrissie, 17 (a student at Assumption and an SK Kagawad in Dasmariñas Village).
Another organization that is close to Weng’s heart is the Youth Venture Philippines, an organization that is a branch of Child at Venture Netherlands, which helps out underprivileged Filipino youth. This Holland-based foundation, Weng said, does programs in Cambodia, Gambia, Kenya, the Philippines, Vietnam and Zambia. It has been in the country for the last six years.
CVN’s goal is to empower poverty-stricken rural youth through entrepreneurship. Its motto is “If the youth can successfully hustle and deal in the streets, they should change their products and become true entrepreneurs.”
Weng said, “To accomplish this, CVN applies the program they call TEASE (Training in Entrepreneurial Attitudes, Skills and Economics) and directs it at marginalized youth from 16 to 24 years old. The kids are provided training and start-up capital for a small business. After training, the kids themselves come up with their own business plan, which they present in front of the jury and their family. With enough support from like-minded individuals and foundations, Youth at Venture Philippines should be able to kick off its introductory training soon.”
Weng is very thankful that her wishes are granted because she knows in her heart that many children will benefit from this act of kindness.
“With Metrobank Foundation’s grants, Ballet Philippines and Youth at Venture Philippines will be able to extend these chances at a normal life to children who are in dire need of them,” Weng said.
Indeed, there’s no shortage of angels on earth. All we need to do is to ask with a sincere heart to be able to receive blessings.
(Would love to hear from you at miladayjewels@yahoo.com)