More than one hundred children from a Lapu-Lapu City community felt the festive spirit of Christmas during a special gathering held earlier this month.
A Celebration of Hope and Community
The event, titled "Joyful Hearts: A Christmas Gathering," took place on December 13, 2025, at the Soong dumpsite in Soong, Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City. It was organized to bring joy and warmth to the young residents of the area.
The celebration was hosted by Hokkomslow Organization Inc., a Cebu-based non-profit known for facilitating local and international volunteer work for community development. The event was made possible through a partnership with TU and Hokkomslow, and with crucial support from families and friends of the organizers.
Faith, Games, and Generosity
The program began with an inspirational Christmas message from Pastor Catalino Paloga. He spoke about the true meaning of the season, reminding the children of God's love, hope, and the joy that comes from giving. His words established a tone of faith, gratitude, and compassion for the simple yet meaningful celebration.
Following the message, the children eagerly participated in a series of fun activities designed to spark excitement. The afternoon was filled with:
- Engaging games for the children.
- Thrilling raffle draws with prizes.
- The distribution of food packs and special Christmas giveaways.
These activities generated widespread smiles and laughter, turning the dumpsite area into a hub of holiday cheer.
Volunteers Make It Happen
The smooth execution of "Joyful Hearts" was thanks to the dedication of key facilitators and volunteers. The team was led by Peng Toledo, Tonet Castro, Raydyl Gillado, Schubert Gillado, and Baby Ceballos.
They were ably assisted by a group of volunteer parents from the community who generously gave their time to ensure every activity ran smoothly and every child felt included.
Ultimately, "Joyful Hearts: A Christmas Gathering" served as both a festive party and a powerful reminder of community spirit. It showcased the beautiful simplicity of people coming together, sharing their blessings, and creating space for happiness. Through these small acts of giving and shared faith, the event successfully brought a much-needed light to the children's Christmas season.
