On the morning of the 12th of June, 2017, members of the Humanist Alliance Philippines, International (HAPI) attended a feeding program for children at their adopted barangay, Purok 7C at Ilaya st, Alabang, Muntinlupa city. With them came along some of the delegates from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and the USA, as well as visiting HAPI members from the islands of Cebu, Leyte, Iligan City and Negros Occidental (Bacolod), who had attended the recently concluded two -day Asian Humanist Conference held last June 10-11, 2017 at the Bayleaf, Intramuros Hotel.
HAPI’s local and foreign volunteers pose for a picture after the feeding program.Atheist Republic of Metro Manila Consulate (ARMMC) Representative, Aizy Joy Pacanuayan (With glasses), poses with the children of Purok7C and the volunteers of HAPI.HAPI NutriCamp Project Manager, Jamie del Rosario Martinez (In yellow), introducing the volunteers to the children of Purok 7C.HAPI Founder, Marissa Torres Langseth,joined by local and foreign volunteers, ride a rail-cab to Purok 7C in Alabang, Muntinlupa city.
Feeding Program
HAPI Kids volunteers usher the children in line.
During the event which was prepared and organized by the HAPI NutriCamp Project Manager Jamie del Rosario Martinez, the children of Purok 7C performed a dance number to the tune of “Mobe el Cadera” to welcome the visitors. Prim, proper and well-behaved, the children then went in line and were treated to a meal served by the volunteers. School supplies were also disseminated for the coming school year topped with a bottle of peanut butter to add to their nutritional needs.
(Left) The children of Purok 7C fall in line for treats and meals. (Right) Children settle down to enjoy their meals.
Post-Conference Celebration
The “Boodle Fight” was introduced to the Philippines by US GI’s stationed in the country during the American colonial period and was adopted by local soldiers to celebrate camaraderie and good will among officers and the rank-and-file..
“It was indeed a day full of fun and selfless enjoyment. All of them are down to earth and showed their true to life colors and behavior.” – Ms. M
Proceeding to the HAPI-Farm at Trece, Dasmariñas, Cavite, it was time for the group to enjoy and experience some time off from life. The volunteers all partook in a meal consisting of seafood, (like crabs, shrimp and fresh yellow tuna fish) lechon, and buko delights. Eating with bare hands, commonly called “boodle fight”, to strengthen the camaraderie and empathy amongst themselves.
“What else can you ask for? A life of luxury and travel is not complete without going back to where you came from” – Ms. M
Coming all the way from NYC, USA to attend the much awaited HAPI Convention in Manila, Philippines, HAPI Founder, Marissa Torres Langseth or “Ms. M”, orchestrated the post-con event of camaraderie, realism, wonder, and selfless giving.
HAPI is growing leaps and bounds, with local affiliations to boot. The organization is expecting more volunteers and is continuously pursuing events and activities in the days to come. These types of activities will boost the morale of the members, as they are not only appreciated as volunteers, but are recognized as “movers” of the organization.
Our heartfelt gratitude to the donors of these special events, namely Marissa Torres Langseth, HAPI Founder, who donated the lechon, and the native kubo; to Ronel and his cousin John Lester Aguila, who donated the peanut butter packs for the HAPI kids; and a special thanks to Jamie del Rosario Martinez, as always, and to the HAPI members and guests who attended the event.
“We hope to see more events like this in the future to keep our feet on the ground.
Let us see what came out of that serious planning after that day of ” fun and enjoyment” in Cavite.
I am sure, all members went home refreshed and still savoring what life has to offer.” – Ms. M
Marissa Torres Langseth, aka Ms. M, is the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of HAPI, she has since retired and is now enjoying her life travelling the world and meeting people.
HAPI”s next big event will be the HAPI – Trees Project which is entering its 3rd year and will be held nationwide in the Philippines this September 23-24.
HAPI Trees has grown EXPONENTIALLY since its inception. The year 2015 had 9 chapters and 2016 had 19. For this year of 2017, 24 chapters are on board…and we’re still counting!
Our organization relies on our people and donors alone. If you want to be a part of this project, find the nearest chapter, join us, and PLANT. THOSE. TREES!
