Children of Kids Nutrition Campaign were all smiles at the afternoon program in Barangay Alabang, Muntinlupa City on May 30th, 2018. Why wouldn’t they? It was also the 60th birthday of the Founder and Chairperson Emeritus of Humanist Alliance Philippine, International (HAPI), Marissa Torres-Langseth, RN, MSN, ANP.
Since its inception in 2015, Kids Nutrition Campaign, through its Project Manager, Jamie del Rosario-Martinez, has received support from the HAPI Founder among other donors. The 3-year long relationship made HAPI special and close to the hearts of the children. Truly, the program stays true to its mission: “To help those in need regardless of religion, non-belief or political ideology.”
Kids Nutrition Campaign took a break from recipes recommended by Food & Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) as HAPI volunteers served Filipino-style spaghetti, fried chicken, and lots of cake to the delight of the children.
A celebration wouldn’t be complete without talented performances, and the HAPI children delivered. Cheers filled the community’s basketball court.
Born and baptized as a Catholic in the Philippines, Marissa started asking questions at fifth grade as she learned Science: “Why are we here?” and “What is our purpose?”. Then, nobody could answer her. As a child, she wondered why she couldn’t get gifts from Santa Claus in spite of being a good girl. This led to her asking complex questions: “Why is it that Santa Claus doesn’t give gifts to poor people?” and “Why is it that God does not bless the poor people?”. She has since defied superstitious beliefs and opened her eyes to the inequalities caused by religion in many locations and at different times.
Marissa’s questions are the same questions HAPI would like every child in its foster community to ask. Humanism starts from curiosity and understanding of humanity. Through prayerless programs and projects of HAPI, children are made to see that there is goodness outside and beyond religion, and that humans are good by nature.
Along with the children of Kids Nutrition Campaign, the HAPI board of trustees and officers worldwide greeted their one and only Mother in Humanism the happiest birthday ever.
The Author
McJarwin Cayacap
- HAPI Metro Manila Member
- Web Content Editor
- National Events Director
- Public Relations Officer
Currently in between careers, 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. He looks forward to working in the central government.
