ASP Marikina Valley Chapter Brings Christmas Cheer to Special Kids

By: Alex Cabason, President, ASP Marikina Valley Chapter

Christmas is the season of gift-giving; and what better gift than the gift of self? This was the concept that spurred ASP Marikina Valley Chapter to organize “HO-HO-HO!- A Special Christmas with Santa!” last December 11, 2010 at 4 pm at SM City Marikina.

Chapter President, Alex Cabason, together with some officers; the school directresses, Ms. Joanne Coronado and Ms. Maan Alvaran; planned the program and distributed tasks like food preparations, decorating of the venue and soliciting gifts/donations and collection.

Ms. Mitchell Martel, SM City Markina Mall Manager, offered the SM Events Center for the activity. The chapter was able to borrow a coaster from Marikina City Government. to fetch the children from Barangka ES and bring them to SM, and back.

SM Events Center was jam-packed that afternoon with about 250 children, parents and teachers. Mr. Regin Cruz, Assistant Mall Manager, delivered a special Christmas message while Teacher Angela and Teacher Nissan, volunteer hosts, moderated the program. Well-rehearsed song interpretation numbers from Schola entertained the audience. Barangka Students also offered a song and dance number.

Students entertained the audience by their Interpretation Number

Forty-nine (49) students from Barangka Elementary School Special Education Center were recipients of gifts and donations from the chapter and partner schools: Milestones Therapy Center and Schola Antipolo Integrated. The children were especially delighted by the surprise entrance of the Jollibee mascot, and the presence of Santa Claus, who distributed the gifts to all the kids.

Children, Parents and Teachers who join the special program by ASP Marikina Chapter

Photo-ops followed after the games for children with special needs from the different schools. Dr. Fabian Cadiz, Vice-Mayor of Marikina City came towards the end of the party, and the chapter acknowledged his help in lending the coaster.

The event was indeed very exhausting for all the organizers, but it was well worth the effort when we saw the broad smiles on the faces of the children, especially those from Barangka, and the parents. Bringing Christmas cheer to special children is like giving the light of the Christ child to the world.