Alabang, Philippines—It was just early in the afternoon and Haven for Children’s covered court was empty and quiet. The Bratpack team, along with Primer Group’s Center for Outdoor Recreation and Expedition (C.O.R.E.) and U! Happy Events, began setting up the equipment and chairs.
Then one by one, heads peeked out from one of the window of a nearby cabana, curious of the loud sounds and colorful banners and bags that filled their covered court.
Then one by one, the little boys started trickling inside the venue.
“Ate, may party po ba? Ate, gusto mo ba kami makita sumayaw? Ate, kakanta siya mamaya, pwede po ba,” one of the little boys asked one of the Bratpack visitors, while tugging her arm.
The party was indeed for them – 137 boys, aged 7 to 18, at the Haven for Children in Alabang.
According to Haven for Children officer-in charge Joel Pangilinan, the kids were former street children recovering from substance abuse.
“When we say substance users, ibig sabihin, ito ‘yung mga nakikita natin typicallyna rugby boys, solvent boys, mga batang hamog,” he explained.
“Sila mismo ang mga umamin na sila ay mga rugby boys, sila ang sumisinghot diyan sa labas, within Metro Manila,” he added. “Sila ang nakapag-create ng petty crimes.”
But hope is not lost for the kids.
“May isang case dito na totally abandoned, hindi namin ma-search ang mga magulang, isa siyang success story na namin,” he said. “Graduate na siya, dito na siya lumaki, dito na siya nag-aral, kami nagpatingin sa kanya, tapos hi-nire namin siya as house parent dito.”
“Itong batang ‘to, napariwara, pero sa tulong nitong haven, isa na siyang staff dito,” he added.
Party time
The boys were then called by the party host, Kuya Harvard of U! Happy, to gather together and start the games. With only a few volunteers, it was quite a handful to get the boys to listen, but as the day progressed, everyone was following all the activities.
Three games were played: Bato Bato Pick with rubber bands, Simon’s says, and a Dance Showdown.
The boys were shrieking with laughter and happiness as they played with the volunteers and with each other.
After the games, the boys were all famished, and food from the team was served to them. When everyone’s tummies were filled, each one were made to form a line to get a special gift from the Bratpack team.
According to Tayts Mariano, Bratpack’s Marketing Associate, school supplies and bags were given to the kids.
“We had a trade-in sale a few months back; if you traded-in your bag, you get 50 percent off your purchase,” she explained. “The ones that were traded-in were the ones donated today.”
When each kids had received their special gift, the Bratpack team was given a big surprise. All 137 kids said their thank yous, and hugged each one of the volunteers, which almost brought tears to them.
“Dahil first time ko ‘to, nagulat ako, nakakapagod tapos gano’n pala, ang kukulit pero sobrang saya,” said Erika Jose, Bratpack Robinsons Place Las Pinas Cashier II. “Ang sarap ng feeling, lalo na sa huli nu’ng nagpapasalamat sila. Tapos yayakapin ka, worth it ang pagod.”
Bratpack’s intern Mark Cortez, meanwhile, said: “It’s a nice feeling kasi you get to give back the community. Knowing that ako nag-ayos nung mga school supplies, it’s nice to give back.”
Mariano also agreed with Jose and Cortez, saying: “Genuine ang pag–tha-thank you nila. Feel na feel ko na kahit ‘yun lang binigay ko, ‘yung smile nila, pagiging thankful nila ay genuine.”
For his part, Pangilinan said the donation of Bratpack and Primer will be a big impact to the kids.
“Nakaka-boost ng kanilang tiwala sa sarili, proud sila na kahit nandito sila sacenter, mayroon silang mga ganoong gamit. ‘Yung ngayong naibigay niyo ay napakalaking tulong niyan, kahit nating sabihin na ilang months nalang magtatapos na ang klase, we can still use them in the succeeding year,” he said.
Through C.O.R.E.’s volunteerism thrust, “C.O.R.E. movers”, the company’s advocacy arm has been actively imparting the volunteerism spirit by partnering with Primer Group brands who do CSR-related activities, as well as encouraging KaPrimers who want to participate in outreach activities.
Photos and Write-up by: Mandy Fernandez Layout (on-line, internal release): Ela Arciaga