“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’Matthew 25:40-45
This has been one of the theme scriptures of the recently concluded "Himig ko Handog ko" caroling and gift giving project sponsored by HOPE and Metro Lucena Christian Church.About 15 disciples rallied to the homes of 10 recipients with cheerful songs accompanied by guitar,maracas and tambourine,wearing red hats and with gifts in tow.
families from Site, the neighborhood of Kuya Rodel and Ate Mariz, Mommy Conch,Renda and Erma - The Merano and Dayate clan
Sannelyn Rapsing,a barangay street sweeper,living by the river in Milagrosa Subd. Often alone, and was said to throw things away and cry incessantly about her children,welcomed us to sing songs and flashed a smile at us.
De Vivar family near a trailer truck,the 20 yr old son Ramil, said that he persuaded his mom to move to another place, but she just stayed there unable to leave the memories behind,probably the reason why a sound mind escaped her. Aling Adela would often share that she have 24 children,and other tall tales.
A family near the street whose child was a student in West II where Dianne teaches was also a recipient.Children from the neighborhood flocked around us as we sing,and some of them even squatted looking up bewildered.
The last stop of Saturday's caroling was at Barangay 9 where Aling Erlinda lived.She sells crocheted goods beside VCCI bakery with her son who is handicapped.We all gathered inside her dark,makeshift home.It is a duck's pen,lit with gas lamps.Unperturbed by her surroundings, she offered a short prayer before we sang ,after which asked for our names,thanked us and imparted words of wisdom saying that she had offered her life to God and that she is happy even when she is poor.We know she is rich and so are we.
Aling Virgie of Hollywood, the neighborhood of Tita Annette, Elaine and Gian-the Siongco family.The first stop for Sunday caroling,we piled up inside her house and she chatted with us a little bit about where she sells balut.
Landing- Castello family.Children holding their own tambourines made out of bottle caps looked on as we rendered songs and by that time,we already memorized most of the songs even the one with the figgy pudding and Rudolph the red nosed reindeer.
riding the trolley P5 per head.
walking beside the rice fields
Donna who is a kakanin vendor, sells delicious home made snacks everyday around Rosario Village the neighborhood of Rolly and Marie.The hospitable family even gave us kutsinta and softdrinks-perfect to end the meaningful event.
