Teen and adult volunteers of the monthly Kids Nutrition Campaign and SHADE (Secular Humanist Advocacy, Development & Education) were honored by children beneficiaries of Humanist Alliance Philippines, International (HAPI) through a recognition program on February 13, 2018, at Villa Ortaliza Private Resort in Laguna. The daytime excursion was organized by Jamie Del Rosario-Martinez, HAPI Executive Secretary and Kids Nutrition Campaign Project Manager alongside parent volunteers of our foster community on Ilaya Street in Muntinlupa City. Also in attendance was McJarwin Cayacap, HAPI National Events Officer-in-Charge, and Web Content Editor.

Laughter filled the private resort as children beneficiaries and their dedicated volunteers soaked and played in the pool together all-day. A little rain did not even stop them from having much fun on their very special day. Trophies and medals donated by Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Dela Rosa Fresnedi, and certificates of recognition by HAPI were awarded to the outstanding volunteers of 2017.

“Nang tinanong namin ang volunteers kung ano ang gusto nilang kainin sa
espesyal nilang araw, wala silang request. Basta raw may swimming pool at
sama-sama ay masaya na sila.”

“When we asked the volunteers what meals they would like served on their special day, they did not request any. They were just happy enough to know that there will be a pool and a whole day to play together.”

~ Jamie Del Rosario-Martinez, HAPI Executive Secretary

Although the day was dedicated to the volunteers’ enjoyment and leisure, the meals served did not deviate from the kind of nourishment that our Kids Nutrition Campaign always takes into consideration. Stuffed and grilled tilapia, stir-fried tofu and vegetables in oyster sauce, and eggplant fritters alongside some salad and fruits filled the luncheon table at the delight of everyone. Indeed, it was a very touching sight to see all come to the table to have a share of the much-deserved feast.

“Masama po ang pakiramdam ko kaya hindi ako nakapasok sa trabaho ngayon, pero nang nalaman ko na may recognition program, hindi ko po magawang magpahinga kasi alam ko magiging masaya ako kapag sasama ako.”

(I have been feeling unwell so I had to miss work today, but when I learned about the recognition program, I can’t help but join as I know it would be fun to bond with my peers.)

~ Michael John Dolleton, Awardee

Article Author

McJarwin Cayacap
HAPI Metro Manila Member
Web Content Editor
National Events Officer-in-Charge
Coordinator for Foundation Beyond Belief

He’s currently in between careers, so he busies himself with anything that works for the good of humanity. Other than being a humanist, he is a realist, an art aficionado, a frugal foodie and a weary wanderer.