Helping out in their own small but special way to give back to the community, cosplayers and some very kind people got to make a difference as they brought some cheer to the Mangyan children of Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro just recently. With gifts of school supplies and treats from various individuals and organizations, it certainly was a concerted effort to bring out the goodness in people this close to Christmas.
After weeks of preparations, members of the National Cosplayers of the Philippines in coordination with the local government of Bongabong, and the Philippine Army 2nd Division 4th Infantry Battalion got to work hand in hand to make this outreach program across the islands a reality. Donations which included schools supplies, clothes and treats were accepted from many generous people, such as from the hardworking employees of Total Transcription Solutions, Inc. With their help, the organizers got to collect enough supplies for the 200 Grade 1 and Grade 2 Mangyan students who were the target beneficiaries of the outreach program.
The original date for the program was cancelled due to a storm that made travel to Mindoro dangerous and impossible. It was rescheduled the week after, and by twelve midnight, the outreach team, most still tired having just finished with their jobs, got to meet and loaded themselves and the donations onto a van and traveled around two hours to Batangas Port where they got on a roro around 3 in the morning.
The sea trip was quiet and uneventful, with some of the team catching on some sleep while the others got to catch up with each others lives and sharing their anxiety and excitement for the event later on.
A little over two hours later at around daybreak the ship reached the port of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro. It took us another two hours to reach the municipality of Bongabong by road. The province was lush with greenery and its vast fertile lands were filled with paddies and plantations as far as the eye can see.
Upon arriving at our destination, we were welcomed to a much welcome hearty breakfast, where our host got to update the group on the preparations. They then had a meeting with with the elements of the Philippine Army 2nd Division 4th Infantry Battalion for final instructions and coordination. The donations were loaded onto their truck for transport.
The group then began their own preparations for the program, putting on their cosplays and fixing their makeup so as to look their best for the program ahead.
After final preparations, the team was brought to the venue, the Ernesto Umali Gymnasium where the Mangyan children and families had gathered.
Cosplayer Cherry got to be the host and did a good job of getting the people interested and excited as she addressed them and introduced the rest of the team. They then started with a prayer of gratitude for all the blessings that day.
The cosplayers then began the program, engaging the Mangyans in games and special performances. They got to give smiles and gifts to everyone.
The soldiers got to take part in the fun as well. Later on, Mayor Elgin Malaluan got to address the Mangyans.
Meanwhile, the soldiers of the Philippine Army 2nd Division 4th Infantry Battalion were hard at work preparing a hearty lunch of piping hot rice and fragrant tinola for everyone. When preparations were done, everyone got to stand side by side by the tables and shared the simple feast together.
After the meal, the Mangyan children were asked to form lines so that they could receive their donations withe help from their teachers. They may be simple school supplies, but they expressed that it would go a long way towards their education. Seeing the smiles on their faces and their small words of thanks were priceless.
With the gift-giving, the program ended, and all that was left was to clean up and have photos to remember everyone by.
After the program, the team was finally able to take it easy and got to enjoy the many great sights and places that Bongabong had to offer. It is a progressive municipality that respects nature and the environment. Beautiful and haunting, we do hope to come back to see more of it someday.
It was great to see an outreach program that involved different groups succeed, and we hope it can be an inspiration for others, showing that great things can be achieved by everyone working together. Many thanks to the National Cosplayers of the Philippines for spearheading this worthwhile event and for accommodating us as their media partner. Many thanks to Michael Malaluan for helping organize this event as well as for his hospitality to everyone. Many thanks to Mayor Elgin Malaluan for his invaluable assistance. Many thanks to the Philippine Army 2nd Division 4th Infantry Battalion for their hard work and service to the people. Many thanks to the folks from Alpha Phi Omega for their help and dedication all throughout the outreach. And of course, congratulations and thanks to the members of the outreach team who made it all possible: Cherrie, Jhay, Crizha, Ryan, Cristy, Damon and Kim. Thanks for sharing the 8-hour trip back to Manila.
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