A Christmas With the Aetas
#GlobeOfGoodStories
Engr. Oliver Placido, ICONtributor02/15/19 10:02am

The Philippines, being a predominantly Christian country, widely celebrates Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ who perfectly expressed what genuine love is. During Christmas season, love pours out like an open bar where you just can’t get enough cocktails! It is definitely the highlight of the year. Everyone celebrates Christmas in many ways, whether by having family reunions, conducting outreach programs, or, just simply dancing in Christmas parties.

For Globe #TeamNorte – together with the Young Engineers Section of the Philippines supported by Radio Engineering Circle, IECEP Foundation Inc., Philippine Technological Council and the University of Saint Louis, Tuguegarao – we celebrated Christmas by bringing music to a party of 29 Aeta families on December 27, 2018. The sun was boasting then at Bugatay, Peñablanca, Cagayan when the program started, but as Globe #TeamNorte unloaded their presents, the more they got excited to bring joy to the Aetas. Joining us were members of the Young Engineers Section, employees of the University of Saint Louis (led by Rev. Fr. Pres. Neil Sta. Ana), invited guests and generous sponsors (IECEP Qatar Chapter, IECEP KSA-ERC, Rosenberger, EFB Geostrukt Inc., and Engr. Kris Andrew Trinidad). We were also assisted by Barangay officials of the community as the Aeta families were gathered at the Barangay Hall.

 

“That activity with the Aetas taught me to appreciate more all the blessings I have right now. Many times I complain about not having this or that. The Aetas, they have a lot less than what I have but they were contented. I saw in them a genuinely happy community despite their hardships in life. During the activity, they smiled and laughed all the time and it was amazing just seeing those happy faces.” - Maynard Guinucay, NTG/TSD Access

“Definitely my experience as a volunteer has changed my life. The impact on me was amazing. It feels really great to realize that there are still people who feel blessed for receiving simple joys. Nothing is more beautiful than giving love to other people, especially during the Christmas season.” - Krystle Pagalilauan, SG

 

“The outreach program made me realize that we can be a channel to help. We can extend help in our own special way.” - Kathlene Alvarado, NTG/TSD Access

It wasn’t too long until the program started. The event was blessed by Fr. Neil, President of the University of Saint Louis, who traveled all the way to Brgy. Bugatay to join on the endeavor. With lots of excitement, the program commenced with games for kids, hosted by Engr. Ariel Lorenzo. Of course, it wouldn’t be as exciting without prizes! Also, the family of Engr. Jeffrey Conciso (IECEP KSA-ERC) donated toys as simple gifts that the kids would surely appreciate. School supplies and grocery bags were distributed to the families too. With gratitude painted on the faces of the Aetas, the team evidently brought joy to the community.

 

 

“It’s overwhelming to share simple joys to the community of Aetas”. - Edcielyn E. Jose, NTG/BRMS

 

 

“The outreach was amazing and planned carefully. I will bring my wife and kids next outreach so that they can appreciate life where giving and sharing is important.” - Bernard Gamiao, NTG/ AEI

 

 

“Happiness comes in different forms.” - Joselito Lucas, NTG/TSD Access

 

 

“Amazing Christmas Season encounter is delivering your purpose-driven service to the IP community, the Aetas,” - Oscar Mabborang, NTG/SEI

 

The program continued with a hygiene talk from volunteers of #TeamNorte. The team demonstrated proper hand washing by cleaning each of their fingers. They also demonstrated proper bath-taking and proper brushing of teeth during the presentation of oral hygiene. After which, you can see the eagerness of the Aeta community to answer the review questions from the volunteers! Each family received a set of hygiene kits for them to use and apply what they have learned during the talk. Up next, it was the adults’ turn to put their game faces on and they proved to be as enthusiastic as the kids who participated.

  

 

“‘A beautiful smile is worth a thousand Words.’ It inspired me more to reach out further to the communities of  Indigenous People, focus on helping them, and pursue the creation of sustainable projects to enrich their lives.” - Gerhard P. Tan, NTG/TSD Access

 

The last talk focused on health and nutrition. Volunteers from the University of St. Louis, Tuguegarao emphasized the benefits of eating vegetables to one’s health. The activity promoted food sustainability by giving each family a set of vegetable seeds to plant. Apart from these, gmelina seedlings were given to address deforestation in their areas.

 

 

“The outreach for the Aetas added purpose to my 2018. It paved the way for me to spend Christmas in a more meaningful way. Given the limited time, we were able to give seedlings and goods that are beneficial to their living. My 2019 resolution is to spread more goodness not just in indigenous communities but also to everyone I meet. Thank you Globe for this opportunity!” - Severo Balucas, NTG/TSD Access

The collaborative outreach program was more of a Christmas party because it focused on having fun. Actually, one of its best parts was when the kids were dancing with us, the volunteers. As they stomp their feet to dance, it filled our happy tanks, feeling like each dance step equates to an ounce of bliss. 

The activity ended with a speech from the Aeta community leader where she thanked everyone who made their Christmas interactive and entertaining. It made them feel that they are loved and taken care of. Leaving the Aetas, it felt more like it was us who were given gifts than the other way around.

  

Volunteers from Globe #TeamNorte, Young Engineers Section of the Philippines, Employees of the University of Saint Louis & invited guests

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About our ICONtributor

Sometimes, Oliver Placido goes by the name "Paul" or "Jack" but his real name is the same as that of the billionaire vigilante from "Starling City". He may not be an "Archie" but he's a "Chandler". As a travel enthusiast, he wishes he had Hiro Nakamura's ability to hop from one place to another; If not, he finds riding on Drogon, Viserion or Rhaegal to be cool. 

Like Dan Humphrey, he has a blog at www.kindabackpacking.com where he writes real experiences instead of gossips. Ver is also in search for an Amy Santiago to his Jake Peralta 'cause he claims to have already lost his Robin to his Barney.

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