Gift-giving in Sitio Lumbani

by: Norch Van P. Honoridez

In line with the Yuletide season, the Paulinians from Gr. 6 to 4th year went to Sitio Lumbani to give gifts to the less-fortunate. Because there were a lot of us, we rode in a convoy of jeeps to get there. The road going to the exact place where we were to give gifts was too narrow for the jeeps to pass so we got down and walked instead. It was a long, hot walk but when we saw the situation of the people living there, we thought it was nothing compared to their great need. The atmosphere in the area suddenly changed from despair to happiness when we started giving our gifts that consisted of rice, canned goods and some toys. We went to their homes to personally give them our gifts. They were very glad when they saw us approaching with our presents. There were some of us who were not able to give their gifts in the lower part of the barrio so we hiked up the upper part of the place to distribute our presents there. Gift certificates from Julies’ Bakeshop were also given to those who were not able to receive the gifts from the students.

Simultaneously, Paulinians from Preschool to Grade 5 distributed their gifts to the less fortunate children who were invited inside the school campus.

All-in-all it was a happy day not only because we were able to change faces of despair into smiles of joy, but also because we made the star of the Christmas season happy---Jesus Christ.