I have been planning to share these two stories for the past months, but due to some unforeseen events, I had to postpone this write up. Two #GlobeOfGood stories that happened in two different settings and memorable months of the year. Why only now? Why not? I believe it was purposely postponed because of better reasons, this month seemed to be the best time to write such stories since we are in a situation wherein our faith and hope are the only two words that keep us sane.
Why hope? The stories you are about to read are all about children hoping to see the world from a different perspective and children hoping for an extension of life. I wish these stories of children can inspire our Ka-Globe to get going amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
NLAB-Northern Luzon Association For the Blind (School For the Blind)
(December 14, 2019, Baguio City)
Simultaneously with the NLWEST yearly Christmas Party and Team Building, the morning of December 14 was filled with heartwarming and inspiring activities with a group of visually impaired children together with their house parents and teachers at the activity room of NLAB building.
The school houses indigent, visually impaired children from different provinces of the region - Ilocos, Pangasinan, Benguet, and Mountain Province. The children are taught basic education and other activities that hone their talent like singing and playing different kinds of musical instruments. They stayed and taught in the school until they are ready to be enrolled in regular schools. Due to poverty, some of the students are rarely being visited by their parents, and the visit made a great impact on them.
The event started with the children singing their prepared prayers and Christmas songs. It was said that visually impaired persons can sing and play the instruments better. Remember Kodi Lee, the American Idol winner?
Poems were read, and a lot more beautiful angelic voices were heard. When one of the students sang a popular melody, everyone joined in and the whole activity room was filled with music, laughter, love, and happiness.
Some of our teammates who can play the guitar shared some techniques and eventually collaborated on another song to wrap up the program.
The children were afterward treated with simple lunch. We turned over some of our gifts and granted their wishlists which included - (1 ) heavy-duty binding machine, medicines, gift packs, cash, and simple tokens for the house parents and teachers who tirelessly manned the school. When we started to bid our goodbyes, the air was filled with sadness, and the children asked us to be near them to feel our hands and our faces as a way of thanks and remembrance.
It was another life-changing encounter and a realization that we shouldn't be complaining much about what we lack,but rather, be thankful every day for all the blessings that are being given to us.
Give Love on Heart's Day - MMSU OPD Pediatic Cancer Ward gift-giving
(February 14, 2020- Batac City, Ilocos Norte)
"I am sorry to break the news but your child has stage 3 cancer." It is not a scene from a movie but a reality that some of our unfortunate parents need to face. How are they going to cope with their normal life? Their day-to-day activities are suddenly disrupted just like what COVID-19 has done to humanity. Everyone is not spared, we need to adjust accordingly and face reality with stronger faith and cling to hope that everything will soon be okay.
A mother herself raising two boys aged 4 and 6, Loida Dalere of Ilocos Norte felt the need to help when one of her doctor friends requested to visit her at MMMSU hospital. In the waiting area of the hospital, she saw parents with their children lining up and waiting for their turn to be attended to in the radiation and cancer room. She was moved by the scene in front of her. That is why she decided to interview a few of the parents and was touched by their stories. After that encounter, together with FSO, RSO, and NTG groups, they decided to organize an activity that will at least alleviate their situation, even just for one day.
So on February 14, Team Norte celebrated Valentine's Day with the children patients of MMSU hospital who are all diagnosed with cancer. About 40 children aged 3-12, together with their parents attended. A simple program was conducted, too, to the delight of the children.
Games were played and gifts were distributed, plastering innocent and happy smiles to the faces of the children. The scene brought tears to the parents and Globe personnel. It was a fun-filled day that will forever be etched in the heart of everyone who participated in the event.
Dr. Jhoan T Galano, Unit head of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, thanked the organizer, while Loida gave her salute to the parents for not giving up on their children and prayed and hoped that their sacrifices and their current predicament will end soon.
We seem to be in oblivion where we do not know what the future will bring, but as I am writing these stories, I feel blessed that I can see the beautiful sunrise every day. Positive that life will go on as planned by our Almighty.
As I worked from home, the experiences I have with the children have helped me and given me hope that there is a better life after this pandemic: Continue our purpose of sharing and doing a Globe of good.
NLAB is knocking on our good heart for financial assistance since some of their benefactors have ceased to help.
For your donations you can contact our TSH in Baguio, Mr. Tuy Tasong (09176882899) or email jomendoza@globe.com.ph
The NLWEST Team committed to live our Purpose by doing Globe of good in every encounter.
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About our ICONtributor
Jaime Mendoza is happily married for 19 years and a loving father of three hyperactive children. Friends and colleagues describe him as "kalog”, "kenkoy" and a natural comedian, but when it comes to work, he takes it seriously.
Part of Jaime's personal goals includes sharing and imparting acquired knowledge to subordinates, colleagues and to anyone who needs his help.
Jaime is the new Regional Sales Head of North Luzon West (CSales).
