HAPI Alabang’s Year-End Celebration
By Glemir Sordilla
HAPI Scholar
The HAPI-Alabang Chapter has been one of Humanist Alliance Philippine, International‘s busiest volunteers of 2021. From installing a reading room, setting up a livelihood program for moms through a bulk rice program, to showcasing their love through a bowl of nutritious food for the people of their community, HAPI-Alabang was truly exemplary! Not even the pandemic could deter or slow them down. In fact, COVID-19 only seemed to motivate them to give back to their community in times when they were most needed.
HAPI-Alabang held a delightful year-end party last December 12. A total of 130 excited kids participated! It was a bright afternoon where they celebrated through interactive games, nutrient-rich foods, and enjoyable gifts that brought smiles and laughter to everyone who was involved, including the volunteers.
It is important for HAPI to recognize and value the people behind these events, which is why the volunteers of HAPI-Alabang also received holiday treats (much to their surprise and amusement). The Alabang team extended their gratitude and appreciation for these presents.
When asked how her experience was in supervising and aiding HAPI-Alabang in this venture, Maria Juana Valenzuela, HAPI CFO, said the number of recipients posed a big challenge.
“I’ve already been with them [for] two years. I saw them struggle, [so] I am happy when I see them happy. I’m very grateful to our affiliates like Foundation Beyond Belief who help us in our mission,” reminisced Valenzuela.
To everyone’s delight, Javan Poblador, HAPI CEO, was also in attendance to give some insight and background on what the organization is, including its mission and hopes for the future. After the short lecture, Poblador asked the participants questions about HAPI which the kids eagerly answered to prove that they were indeed listening.
Touching the lives of the future generation is highlighted in every HAPI event. Kids are always the subject, may it be in events that call attention to progressive education, critical thinking, and food security programs. This is proof of the organization’s emphasis on investing in society’s future.
This year-end celebration of HAPI-Alabang puts a cap on a year that was filled with countless success stories. It speaks to the resilience and compassion of humanists that even amidst a global upheaval, we can still be present in our community.
“Celebration of Life” has been emphasized by HAPI Founder, Marissa Torres Langseth numerous times. It is a reminder for all of us to not just rejoice and acknowledge our wins, but most of all, take a step back and look at how far we all have come.
