Merry Christmas Batang Opon!

CEBU, Philippines -  Merry Christmas, Shangri-La! Merry Christmas, FREEMAN! Thank you, Shangri-La! Thank you, FREEMAN!

Forty-two schoolchildren (22 girls and 20 boys), of marginalized parents, living near Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa, chorused in their felicitous gesture to those who initiated the “Batang Opon” Christmas party last December 15 at the beachfront of the said hotel.

Ms. Mildred Amon, marketing communications director, said that the event marks the 10th year of Shangri-La’s hosting of a fun day cum Christmas party for kids in their adoptive community as part of the firm’s various corporate social responsibility programs.

“Yes, it’s close to 10 years na ang staging of Batang Opon project. We look forward to hosting them again since commitment na namin to sa kanila as our beneficiaries,” Ms. Amon said.

As for The FREEMAN Foundation, this is its fourth year of facilitating parlor games and distributing school bags, supplies, shirts and short pants, in partnership with Shangri-La.

Aside from providing venue, food and game prizes, Shangri-La allowed its in-house sports and recreational facilities personnel to serve as clown/mascot, game peers, and “personal assistants” to the children aged five to 11 years old.

Rheden Casinillo, six years old, a Grade 1 pupil of Looc Elementary School in Lapu-Lapu City, stole the scene during the “Longest Line” game, as he didn’t give a second thought at removing his cargo pants. “Isumpay man ta to nako para motaas among linya. Gusto man ko makadaog mi (I would have lined it up to make ours the longest. I want my group to win),” he said. However, he was stopped by the facilitator who obviously had a hard time controlling himself from bursting at the seams.

Rheden has four siblings. His elder sister was with him that day, coaxing him to join her in her assigned table. “Dili man ta pwede magbuwag. Kasab-an ko ni papa (We have to join tables, else papa would scold me).” His sister explained she has to look after her brother while their mother works as household help, and their father as a utility worker of a telecommunications firm.

Another arresting thingy was five-year-old Beth Alexis Dungog. She’s still in Kindergarten at the Lapu-Lapu City Central School, but the girl now displays “birit” promise. Shared her guardian: “Shy man ta na siya. Kalit man lang ni-abtik (She’s a shy girl. But now she’s on her toes).”

Beth offered a song to the crowd, won in almost every game for “individual category,” and proved to be an asset to the team plays despite her size. Her teammate named Amber said Beth is really participative in games. “Sige na siya’g kadawat og medal sa ilang chapel (She often receives medal/s from chapel-related activities).”

When asked at mealtime what she would want to find first upon opening the wrapped prizes, her eyes twinkled as she blurted out: “Duwaan! (Toy!)”

Meanwhile, eight-year-old Sophia Berido had apparently grown up. But she still wore the “Nobody knows Cebu better” shirt she received last year from The FREEMAN. “Sakto pa man sad (It still fits),” she smiled. When asked if she expects a specific gift this year, she toyed with spaghetti noodle strands, before replying: “Bisag unsa lang. Malipay ra man ko (Anything will do. It makes me happy).”

The hearty meal was capped with the must-try Gelato Eliseo (muy delicioso in cioccolato, vanilla and mango flavors). The party closed with the distribution of gift bags and the singing of the “Kasadya ning Takna-a” led by Santa.

No matter how loud the instructions were given for the kids not to open their gift packs yet, they just couldn’t seem to wait! One by one, they were wowed by the sight of Angry Bird stickers and towels, badminton racquets, water canteens, notebooks, candies and other sweets, toys — and many more toys! The photo op seemed to take forever!

In parting, the kids chimed: “Merry Christmas, Shangri-La! Merry Christmas, FREEMAN! Thank you, Shangri-La! Thank you, FREEMAN!”

Wait! Isn’t it more appropriate for us to be thanking you, instead? You – kids - are the reason why Christmas stays relevant.

Merry Christmas, Batang Opon! Thank you, Batang Opon!