the trip to anawim

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Sir Winston Churchill

The youth of the Site Acquisition Department of Globe Telecoms Inc. spent their Sunday afternoon quite apart from the rest of the Philippines last December 7, 2008. Whilst every other Filipino watched in the comfort of their homes “The Dream Match” between Oscar de la Hoya and Manny Pacquiao, the early Santas from Globe made the 30 kilometer trek to Anawim Compound in Montalban, Rizal.

The elderly and the homeless were treated to an afternoon of fun and gift-giving from the Globe employees. Headed by Amiel Lopez and Kris Pestañas, the group gathered gifts of cash or kind for the forgotten grandmas and grandpas of Anawim. Co-employees, contractors, and friends of Amiel and Kris collected money, medicine, food, and toiletries.

Anawim is Hebrew for “the poor of the Lord”. It was founded by Bo Sanchez, Catholic lay preacher and writer. He and some volunteers built huts from bamboo and nipa that housed the homeless on the hills of Montalban. The road to the refuge is bumpy and dusty, but when you get to the compound, you’ll be treated to one of the quietest refuge you’ll ever find in the whole of Manila. The fresh air and cool atmosphere is perfect for the elderly residents of Anawim, where some do suffer from terrible respiratory ailments.

The gang arrived at Anawim shortly after one in the afternoon. After a few minutes to unload the goodies they’ve brought, the lolos and lolas started to gather in front of the office. Food was then served while everyone tried to strike up a conversation with the grandparents of Anawim. Joy from Globe started the ball rolling as she gave two song numbers. The grannies weren’t to be outdone so they too gave their best and sang their hearts out.

Everyone was happy last Sunday. The givers and the recipients were all equally grateful for having been part of each other’s lives. That’s the beauty of giving; each one feels that warm, fuzzy feeling when you do something good. The employees of Globe Telecoms went home with a smile on their faces, knowing that for a few hours, they’ve made a difference.

And everyone got to see the boxing match too, together with the grannies of Anawim. Nobody lost after all.