Tagaytay City -- ​My favorite charitable institution is Tahanang Vedruna in Tagaytay City. The child care facility, operated by the Carmelites Sisters of Charity-Vedruna (CCV), facilitates a favorable situation for children who are orphaned, vulnerable, abandoned and neglected by providing basic needs of shelter and food, educational and other social resources and a better upbringing based on a “family-style” model.

Earlier today, I accompanied some friends for an outreach to the Tahanang Vedruna kids. The event started with an interactive and lively celebration of the Holy Mass presided by Rev. Fr. Joseph Raymund D. Biliran from the Diocese of Novaliches. The visitors and the Tahanang Vedruna children served during the Holy Mass. After the Mass, all present---visitors, kids, sisters and staff---had lunch boodle fight style. Nutritious food were piled on top of banana leaves laid out on long tables and was taken with bare hands. We all ate until we had our fill. Afterwards, Rico Montesines of Crescendo, Randy Abella of Big Heart and Sr. Rose Señorin, CCV of Tahanang Vedruna addressed the kids and the visitors with some words of encouragement and thanksgiving. The visitors brought loads of rice provisions, school supplies and foot wear. As gesture of thanks, the kids showcased their talents through dance performances.

I wouldn't have fulfilled this annual mission without generous donations from corporate sponsors and individuals donors: Big Heart, Team Crescendo, Rolly Galinato of Mary Immaculate Parish Divine Mercy Apostolate, Rev. Fr. Joseph Raymund D. Biliran and regular anonymous contributors. There's nothing more precious than putting smiles on the children's faces. May God shower upon you His choicest blessings far beyond anything you can ask or imagine!

Help a child smile today by donating to:

TAHANANG VEDRUNA
c/o Sr. Rosita F. Señorin, CCV (coordinator)
Carmelites Sisters of Charity-Vedruna
3770 Kaykulot Road, Barangay Sungay East, Tagaytay City, Cavite
Telephone: +63 2 938-3702
Mobile: +63 906 469 5220

Las Piñas City -- ​Soup kitchen and values education class for underpriveleged children in Talon 5, Las Pinas.

Today, I told the story "The Emperor's New Clothes" to the kids in our mission community in Las Pinas. No one would tell the emperor that the beautiful new clothes didn't really exist. In a time of where fake news is prevalent, telling the truth is a revolutionary act. Afterwards, the kids made a commitment to always be honest and tell the truth in all situations at home and in school.

Thank you to our generous contributors who pulled together the goodie bags and served food to the kiddos: werpa couple Natz and Bot, Teacher Mariel, Ate Jean Fuertes, Engr. Francis, partners in outreach Jen and Del. A big thank you to Ate Demi Cadangen and the De Los Reyeses of Las Pinas for the food provision. May God shower you abundantly with His choicest blessings now and always!