​What a beautiful and grace-filled St. Francis Day! Missionary Journeys of Justice, Mercy, and Inclusion (M.J.J.M.I.) was blessed to visit St. Joseph Friary and Formation House in Tagaytay City to deliver five desktop computers, donated in loving memory of the late Manuel Montesines. These computers will be used by the Conventual Franciscan friars and their seminarians for their studies and formation. Our heartfelt gratitude to the Montesines family and the Crescendo Group of Companies for making this generous donation through their Corporate Social Responsibility program and, more importantly, for supporting and advocating for education. What a beautiful way to honor Manuel’s memory—by helping young men prepare themselves for a life of service.

​Thank you so much, Fray Miguel and Fray Bernard, for welcoming all of us into your home and, most especially, for giving us Jesus in the Eucharist. We continue to pray for your 14 student-friars—that one day, they may become faithful servant priests who will bring Christ’s love, mercy, and hope to His people. And before we left, the Montesines family surprised us once again by committing to donate a printer to help the seminarians print their reaction papers, reflection papers, term papers, and other school requirements. Truly, God provides in ways we sometimes never expect.

St. Francis Day 2026 will always be remembered with grateful hearts. What began as a prayer became a beautiful reality. God heard our prayers, opened hearts, moved generous people, and made everything possible. Thank you, Lord, for reminding us once again that when we offer what we have for Your greater glory, You can multiply it into something far greater than we imagined.

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!
St. Joseph, pray for us!

​And just like that, we did it again! We were able to turn over the newly retrofitted classroom to the teachers and students of the Special Needs Education Department of Camp Olivas Elementary School in San Fernando City, Pampanga!

​Rallying the construction materials took at least a couple of weeks. The actual installation of the ceramic tiles and whiteboards took three days. Then came four more days of drying, curing, cleaning, and moving the furniture back in. And while most people think about Martial Law every September 21, I choose to remember September 21, 2026, as a day of caring, giving back, and loving. One thing I have learned from doing mission projects through the years is this: God calls us to a mission, He equips and sustains us, and He will complete the good work He has begun in us. 

Today, we can thankfully say: We have built our SECOND Noah’s Ark classroom! A classroom that stands as a reminder that even when the waters rise, God continues to provide. When resources seem impossible, He provides. When people become busy, He sends others. When the path becomes difficult, He opens another way. And when He begins a good work, He brings it to completion. This is the day that reminds me that caring is possible, giving is contagious, and love becomes even more beautiful when shared. Thank you to our dear benefactors and volunteers and Blessed be the Lord God Almighty!

​“Jesus in my heart, I believe in Your tender love for me, and I love You.” This prayer of St. Teresa of Calcutta, which I learned from Fr. Yulito Ignacio back in high school, came full circle today. I visited Fr. Itoy at Cardinal Sin Welcome Home in Sampaloc, Manila, where elderly and sick priests now spend their days.

​We began with Holy Mass for the Feast of the Queenship of Mary, joined by Frs. Dave Colong, Manny Neri, and Jun Pilande. Lunch followed—filled with food, music, stories, and laughter. Aside from those who celebrated Holy Mass, we were also joined by Frs. Ed Merin, Blas Briones, and Yulito Ignacio. Some priests could not join us because of hemodialysis, being bedridden, or official duties, but they surely appreciated our presence and gifts.

We turned over medical supplies, toiletries, eggs, rice, and other essentials. This was our small tribute to priests who spent their lives serving the Church and now, in sickness and old age, quietly offer their sacrifices for all of us. Thank you to our sponsors and volunteers who made this day possible.

“Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward...” (Matthew 10:41a)

​At 3:00 PM, I was surprised and deeply moved to hear the women of Bacoor City Jail praying the Divine Mercy prayer—a prayer that asks Jesus to forgive sins and bring sinners back to Him. Today, MJJMI and the Rainbow Warriors served 150 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) and 40 police officers with hot chicken macaroni soup. Despite the heavy rains brought by Typhoon Maymay, the afternoon was flooded with the mercy of Jesus.

​We prayed, talked, shared meals, and supported their livelihood by buying their handmade bags, pottery, and beadwork. I was inspired to learn that many are earning high school diplomas through ALS and developing skills through TESDA while waiting for their cases or completing their sentences. God’s mercy does not erase human dignity—it helps people grow, rebuild, and become productive. Thank you to our sponsors and volunteers for braving the typhoon to bring Divine Mercy.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” – Matthew 5:7

📸 Paolo C. Rance

​Despite nonstop rain caused by a Low Pressure Area passing through Bacoor, our team and the Rainbow Winners gathered once again for the third Wednesday feeding program for 270 children of Maliksi Elementary School. The cool weather made the warm egg lugaw extra comforting. The children also enjoyed wafers, biscuits, and juice—the perfect rainy-day snack!

​One boy became the “food patrol,” telling his classmate, “Kumuha ka na kanina, kukuha ka pa ulit?” His classmate simply replied, “Gusto ko pa eh!” Bessie gently explained, “Okay lang kumuha ulit, basta magsabi lang doon sa nagbibigay.” Both boys happily enjoyed another serving. That funny moment reminded us that honesty and respectful assertiveness build trust. When we are open about what we need, people are often more willing to understand and extend kindness.

Despite the heavy rain outside, the warmth of shared food, laughter, kindness, and grateful hearts filled Maliksi Elementary School. Thank you to everyone who continued to give their time, energy, and resources so that these children could enjoy not only a warm meal but also a beautiful reminder that they are seen, cared for, and loved.

​"May food na kayo?" I asked after hearing soft little voices behind me. Lily (not her real name) looked up and smiled. "Meron na po akong egg lugaw... ay, chicken sopas pala. Nalilito na ako, ang sarap kasi," she said with a shy laugh. That simple moment said it all.

​Because of the kindness of our benefactors and volunteers from both the Philippines and the United States, around 300 students of Maliksi Elementary School enjoyed a warm meal of chicken sopas, mamon, and bottled drinks. The group also spent time with a kindergarten class, watching our little Picassos and Da Vincis proudly finish their colorful artworks. Before heading home, they shared picture storybooks, snacks, and refreshments with the children.

The brightest part of the day wasn't just the food or the gifts—it was seeing the children's genuine smiles, hearing their heartfelt "thank yous," and knowing they felt loved, even if only for a little while. To everyone who gave their time, talent, and treasure, thank you for choosing to make a difference. May the kindness you shared with these little ones come back to you many times over, and may God continue to bless your generous hearts.

​"Anong gusto mo? Juice o bottled water?" tanong ko kay Alfred (hindi niya tunay na pangalan). Sumagot siya, "Kahit ano po diyan, nanghihingi lang naman ako. Wala namang bayad ito, di ba po?" Sabi ko, "Hindi dahil libre at nanghihingi ka, hindi ka na pwedeng pumili. Kunin mo yung mas gusto mo para solb ka." Napaisip ako pagkatapos ng usapan namin. Minsan kasi akala natin kapag wala tayong pera, mahirap ang buhay, o umaasa tayo sa tulong ng iba, wala na tayong choice. Pero hindi iyon totoo. One of God's greatest gifts is free will. He created us with the freedom to choose. Araw-araw may choices tayo. We can choose kindness over selfishness, hope over despair, honesty over corruption, generous leaders over selfish ones, life over death, and love over hate. Hindi natin kontrolado ang lahat ng nangyayari sa atin, pero lagi nating kontrolado ang pipiliin nating maging tugon. Kaya pili tayo nang mabuti lalo na sa 2028.

Today was our second mission day of Soup Kitchen Wednesdays at Maliksi Elementary School. We served hot egg lugaw and drinks to 270 children from Grades 1–4. Ang saya makita ang mga batang busog ang tiyan at masaya ang puso. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng sponsors at volunteers na nagsama-sama para maging posible ang feeding program na ito, especially sa Rainbow Winners. Dahil sa inyong kabutihan, maraming batang umuwi ngayong araw na may ngiti at may baon na pag-asa. At higit sa lahat, salamat sa Diyos na patuloy na tumatawag sa ating maglingkod. Every bowl served, every smile shared, and every act of generosity reminds us that when we freely choose to love, God multiplies that love beyond what we can imagine. God is your reward!

📸 Paolo C. Rance

​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

​The opening of a new school year is always an exciting time for children. It is a season of new friendships, new experiences, and new opportunities to learn. Yet learning becomes much more difficult when students lack the basic tools they need to succeed.

​To help bridge this gap, M.J.J.M.I. (www.jeffjacinto.com) visited the Grade 3 pupils of Bayanan Elementary School and distributed school supplies generously donated by sponsors and volunteers who chose to pay it forward. As soon as we entered the classroom, the children eagerly sprang to their feet and warmly greeted us, “Good morning, visitors, it’s nice to see you.” They listened attentively to the instructions of Teacher Evelyn Castillo and gratefully received their mga gamit sa pangarap, carefully marking each item with their names and bright smiles of appreciation.

Complete school supplies help children participate more confidently in class, stay organized, complete their work, and focus on learning rather than worrying about what they lack.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors and volunteers, our fellow pilgrims in this valley of tears, for sharing their blessings and making this mission possible. Above all, we thank God, whose love inspires every act of generosity and who placed compassion in their hearts to bless these young learners.

​On the first day of school, M.J.J.M.I. visited Ciudad de Strike Integrated School in a developing area of Bacoor as part of its Balik-Eskwela mission.

​In 1986, Robert Fulghum wrote All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, a book that reminds us that life’s most important lessons—sharing, playing fair, cleaning up after ourselves, and showing kindness—are often learned in childhood.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to our generous sponsors who provided the funds for 180 vinyl tiles (60 cm x 60 cm) and school supplies. We are equally grateful to the volunteer parents, under the supervision of Teachers Reggie and Alyssa, who generously gave their time and effort to install the tiles and transform the playroom into a warm and welcoming space.

Thank you for investing in the dreams and future of these children. Because of your generosity, they now have a clean, safe, and nurturing environment where creativity, friendship, and learning can flourish through play. As Fulghum reminds us, some of life’s greatest lessons begin in simple places like these. God bless you for helping build not only a playroom, but brighter tomorrows for every child who enters it.

Come to think of it, I suspect some senators may need a kindergarten refresher course before their next Senate session.