BUSOG LUSOG, BATANG MALIKSI (JULY 15)

​I overheard one conversation today that stayed with me long after the mission ended. "O, bakit 'di mo kinakain yung tinapay?" The Grade 2 student quietly replied, "Pasalubong ko po ito sa kapatid ko. Gusto niya po ito." Our volunteer smiled and said, "Bibigyan kita ng iuuwi mo sa kapatid mo, pero kainin mo muna yung food na para sa'yo." That simple exchange reminded me that kindness and generosity come so naturally to the human heart. The little boy was thinking not only of himself but of his younger sibling waiting at home. Even before satisfying his own hunger, he wanted to bring joy to someone he loved. The volunteer, in the same spirit of generosity, gently encouraged him to eat first so he would not go hungry, while making sure he would still have bread to take home for his sister. Two hearts, each putting someone else first.

​Today marked the beginning of our month-long Soup Kitchen Wednesdays at Maliksi Elementary School in Bacoor City. We were blessed to serve around 270 students from Grades 1 to 4, offering hot egg lugaw, bread, and drinks as our little contribution to this year's Nutrition Month. The children happily told us that the egg lugaw was "talagang masarap at nakakabusog," and hearing those words made all the preparations worthwhile.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to all our sponsors and volunteers whose generosity made this kick-off mission possible. Thank you, Dr. Satsatin, (principal), together with the teachers and school staff, for your careful preparations and for welcoming us so warmly into your school community. We are also deeply grateful to the Sun Life Financial Rainbow Tree Business Office for spending the day with the children and for committing to serve alongside us in the food distribution until our final Soup Kitchen Wednesday. Every bowl served, every loaf shared, every smile exchanged reminds us that even the smallest acts of love can nourish both body and soul.

"That in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 4:11)

📸 Paolo C. Rance