It All Started With Cookies
By Zerissa Yulo
Working hard, earning more, striving to be the best – these are some of the things that people try to attain in their everyday lives. Sometimes it’s not enough. Life always has a way of saying stop and just look around you.
It started out with an idea. And last year was just a hint of more things to come.
Out of the numerous suggestions to come up for this year’s charity fund raising, it finally came down to cookie baking. This was something entirely new especially for a group of amateur bakers. But just like the cookie dough, it only needed the right ingredients combined with love and care. The first cookie baking session started with only one station, but, by the last session on July 26, 2008, there were 4 baking stations producing more than 200 jars. Overall, the group was able to sell 323 cookie jars. In total, the funds collected from cooking baking, donations and props-selling amounted to S$7182.66. To call it successful is an understatement. It did not only produce the necessary funds for the 350 children in Cebu, Philippines – even though the original plan was only for 250 – it also fostered camaraderie and teamwork within the W3-O family and The Humanity Forum Organization.
 Individually wrapped with ribbon and card |
 Baked with lots of love. |
 Around 2000+ cookies baked |
 W3-O & THF: Packing Cookie Jars |
The group’s arrival at the village was greeted with impassioned singing and ardent clapping of hands. It was a sight to behold as the kids welcomed the group in unison and with excited smiles. The nuns had prepared a welcome program beginning with the singing of the Philippine’s National Anthem, followed by guitar-playing cultural performances, an acapella song, and a dance routine.
 Ferry Ride to Cebu Island |
 Music Class in Practice |
“Welcome Visitors...”
After working up an appetite, a W3-O-sponsored Jollibee lunch was served to the kids followed by an exciting surprise dance performance from Jollibee himself – known to be an idol for kids all around the Philippines. The activities kicked off after the performance, which consisted of the following: Arts and Crafts, Health and Hygiene, Sports and Recreation, and Music classes. The segregated groups, led by W3-O employees and THF organizers, got to experience each class by rotation. The Arts & Crafts with creative leader Amos taught the kids how to be creative by teaching them how to make a paper frog. The Health & Hygiene class with team leader Renny provided all the kids with toothbrushes and taught them the right way to take care of not only their teeth, but body as well. The Sports and Recreation class with lead coach Dzul taught them about teamwork and friendly competition through various sports. The Music class with lead teacher Anita taught the kids the fun side of singing and also a new song about hope and friendship. These classes not only encouraged both the organizers and kids to get to know each other but also helped the kids forge an unforgettable experience away from their troubles.
 A Surprise Appearance of Jollibee |
 Jollibee “Chicken Joy” + Spaghetti Lunch |
 Arts & Crafts Class with Kuya Amos |
 Music Class with Ate Grace |
 Lunch Time... |
 “I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing” |
 Health & Hygiene Class |
 Kuya Dzul with the Kids |
Of course, the day would not have been complete without the final picture taking. Everyone huddled up in the wide field to permanently capture this memorable day in photo. Cheese everyone!
They say for every beginning, there’s an ending. Indeed it was a happy ending to the day, but both W3-O and THF efforts will never end. They’ve set an example of good intentions and heart-warming motivation for people to find ways within their life schedules to give something back to others. Life never stops for these children and all the other less fortunate people around the world. It’s up to you and me to give something extra special to their lives, even if it’s just giving a moment of our time or lending our hands towards a good cause.
W3-O and THF would like to thank everyone who bought cookies & props from us, as well as those who donated for this charity event. Your warm hearts have touched all the kids.
Excited Kids in Barili Nazareth, Cebu
“Check out our shoes!”
Goodie Giveaway with Ate Zeri.
“Here are our new school bags...”
“Cool Huh?”
“Black Bag for Me!”
Living The Gospel Community, W3-O and The Humanity Forum, Happy Together.
*Note: Ate(female)/Kuya(male)is used as a sign of respect to someone who’s older than you
