Giving gifts and sharing meals this Christmas

MANILA, Philippines — Christmas and the holiday season will not be the same this year.

Instead of the familiar sense of togetherness at family gatherings, there will be fewer hugs and more space between loved ones in this era of social distancing. Beautifully wrapped presents under the Christmas tree might be less abundant and, for some, a vacation to popular destinations may have to be postponed until further notice.

Despite this new reality, however, there is still much to be thankful for. While 2020 has given the world its fair share of downs, we find comfort in the knowledge that the fast-approaching New Year heralds the arrival of a fresh start and an opportunity for us all to continue to do our part to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

Although nobody has been spared by this global pandemic, the less fortunate members of society have it worse than others. The hardships they were once accustomed to before the health crisis crippled the economy have only become more challenging, with their livelihood completely compromised and employment opportunities as scarce as ever before.

Recognizing the dire situation, luxury hotel Winford Manila Resort and Casino, in partnership with the Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), is just one of the countless companies in the country embarking on Christmas community outreach programs to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Dubbed “Paskong Pasasalamat Mula Sa PAGCOR at Winford Manila,” it is the fourth edition of the corporate social responsibility initiative in as many years. The joint effort is an annual Christmas gift-giving and meal-sharing activity, with beneficiaries being indigent residents of neighboring barangays in Sta. Cruz, Manila, where Winford is located.

Each beneficiary was identified and selected by their barangay captains, with whom both proponents have maintained a close and healthy relationship since the luxury casino hotel opened its doors to the public in 2017.

Present during the morning activity were Winford Manila president and chief operating officer Jeff Evora; PAGCOR chairman and chief executive officer Andrea Domingo; and PAGCOR branch manager Jethro Chancoco.

“Paskong Pasasalamat has been Winford Manila Resort & Casino and PAGCOR’s annual Christmas outreach program since 2017,” said Evora. “It is our way of giving back to the local community, who has welcomed us here in Sta. Cruz, Manila, ever since we opened our doors almost four years ago. Winford Manila would not be where it is today if not for their continuous support.

“In the spirit of the Christmas season,” he continued, “we invited 150 residents from a chosen barangay for our Paskong Pasasalamat gift-giving activity. Although we would have liked to spread Christmas cheer to a larger number of beneficiaries, we thought it prudent to keep it smaller than previous years for everyone's health and safety, while also complying with social distancing guidelines mandated by the government.”

Last year, on its third edition, Paskong Pasasalamat mula sa PAGCOR at Winford Manila helped brighten the holidays for an estimated 500 beneficiaries, a substantial increase from the previous year. Both Winford and PAGCOR had hoped to steadily grow the event this year and top last year’s edition that saw attendees being serenaded by Christmas carolers as they received gift hampers and were treated to hearty meals.

Despite the growth of Paskong Pasasalamat being stunted this year due to the pandemic, Evora and team are satisfied with this year’s offering and remain optimistic that things will get back on track in the New Year.

“We pray that we overcome this crisis in 2021 so that we may all return to life as we know it and hope that this year’s Paskong Pasasalamat helped brighten the holiday season for our beneficiaries and their loved ones.”