“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more”
– H. Jackson Brown Jr.
The importance of the holiday season in the Philippines cannot be understated. There is even a popular Filipino song with the lyrics “Iba talaga ang Pasko sa ‘Pinas,” which basically translates to Christmas season in the Philippines just hits different. It is long, festive, and grand with an emphasis on the Filipino culture of community, generosity, and family.
This is what HAPI-Alabang and HAPI-Delarama carried in their hearts when the two chapters collaborated for a joyous event at the House of Somang last December 29, 2024, which was led by AJ Zalameda, former HAPI Junior Ambassador, and Liberty Dedicatoria, HAPI-Alabang’s Lead Convenor.
The House of Somang is home to four senior citizens who were either abandoned by or no longer have living relatives who tend to and care for them. It is also the residence of ten orphans between the ages of four and eleven. This shows the diverse people who are being cared for in the House of Somang.
A friend of Ms. Zalameda introduced the House of Somang to her, which led to the idea of the two HAPI branches coming together to build a bond and connect with the residents.
“They liked the idea and were very excited about it because it was the first time for them to volunteer outside of their own respective locations,” Ms. Zalameda mentioned.
To make the event successful, Ms. Zalameda raised funds for necessary resources such as groceries and the medical requests of the residents. Meanwhile, Ms. Dedicatoria received other appropriate medications that were needed by the residents.
With prepared holiday cards and through energetic dance numbers, the residents were singing, clapping, and dancing together with the volunteers by the end of the event!
This collaboration was not only an opportunity to give hope and spread the holiday spirit to people but also for Alabang youth to mentor the Delarama youth, who were comparably not as experienced at volunteerism. For the first time, the Delarama youth were able to volunteer and spend time outside their community which resulted in an emotional and meaningful experience for everyone.
“No words can describe how I felt. These two groups of unique individuals helped me turn this vision into reality by working together,” Zalameda expressed her emotions after the event.
She added that she wanted to make an impact on the residents as well as bring the two teams together. “The success of the event was the result of HAPI-Delarama’s eagerness to apply what they learned and HAPI-Alabang’s willingness to guide the new volunteers,” she said.
HAPI-Alabang and HAPI-Delarma extend their gratitude for the event’s success to Sta. Cecilia Clinic for the additional medications; Sir Jace Williams, who sponsored medicines and hygienic products as well as the cost of transportation; and of course, the welcoming people of House of Somang.
