The Pass It On Gift
By Patricia “Shaan” Bermudez-Hizon
What was the best present you got for Christmas? I really honestly liked the new mountain-biking gloves I got from my husband. I have enough calluses from riding that bike on 20-kilometer trips 4 or 5 times a week. I lost weight, I got stronger, but my palms are as smooth as that of a construction worker! I also love the white Coach sandals I got and the Kenneth Cole bag. Vince and the kids also received a bunch of awesome gifts. Santa gave the boys a basketball net complete with an adjustable goal post, and all the techie kiddy educational toys and the books that they got from godparents, relatives, friends and other people that just found them too cute to resist. As a family, we adore the piano my mom gave us which will definitely enrich our love for music.
But despite all these gifts that were downright awesome, we got one very special gift from Vince’s relatives. This couple was one of the secondary sponsors at our wedding. They continue to be such an inspiration to us and to those who know them. Tito and Sabrina sent their gift in a palengke mesh bag which immediately caught my eye.
I’m a fan of anything recycled and reused, and that palengke mesh bag would’ve come in handy. Initial reaction: brilliant!I immediately read the card which didn’t have the canned Christmas greeting. The card read that it was a “Pass It On Gift.”
“This is a ‘PASS IT ON’ gift. In lieu of a Christmas gift for you, we prepared a ‘Noche Buena’ food package for a needy person… a street vendor, a construction worker, a carpenter, a painter… any person who does not receive a regular salary and 13th month pay… someone who may have nothing to feed his family for Christmas if he is not able to sell anything or have any work that day. We hope that the happy surprise you see on his face when you ‘pass on’ this package will fill your heart with joy, fulfillment and gratitude to the Lord for so much blessings given to you and your family. A Blessed Christmas to you and yours!”
My heart melted. This was the best gift!The colorful palengke mesh bag had a kilo of rice, a champorado mix, a can of carne norte, luncheon meat and a bag of yummy choc-nut. It was enough to make a family dwelling on the streets, or a child begging for food, a woman living under a bridge, or a man selling candies at the corner to have a filling feast for Christmas.
I honestly was touched by the gesture and the sheer brilliance of the gift. I know how good it feels to reach out to the needy as I’ve dedicated almost a decade of my life doing charity work through my “Everyday Is Your Birthday Foundation” and my husband’s “Vince Hizon Foundation.” We’ve been trying to instill the virtues of giving and volunteerism in people who would lend us their ear and are willing to work with us.
But a lot of times though, it is difficult to mobilize people to get up and help. I’ve experienced one Christmas where we gave away cards that said we donated to a foundation on their behalf, and made the Yuletide special for so many orphans as we gave them gifts, food and medicine. But I never really figured out how the recipients felt or if it made enough of an impact to move them to help the needy some more.
Sabrina and Tito’s gift is the best way to start a revolution of giving. I always say that a person is influenced once they see how their efforts make a less fortunate individual feel.
My foundation encourages people to personally celebrate with the less fortunate and be with them; and not merely sign checks for them and not have to see them. In our own simple way, we’ve had so many people pay it forward after the initial outreach with us. And that’s all part of our goal: to move people to help. Volunteerism.
This “Pass It On” gift does more than just put a smile on a street dweller, a beggar, or a construction worker’s face and food in their stomachs. This “Pass It On” fills the heart and opens ones eyes to reality.It’s my first time to get such a gift. I hope they wouldn’t mind it if we duplicate their brilliant gift idea. It’s one of the best ways to pass on God’s blessings and love. That’s what Christmas is all about. That’s what being human is all about.
WE ARE ALL HEROES
I just saw this... I don't think I'm a hero because I just did what I could. There was no way I could've pulled it off without friends and tweetmates. They are #1 on my hero list.
SPOT.ph turns the spotlight on the people who took time to share what they could—time, resources, talent, homes, or even lives—to help fellow Filipinos affected by the storm. Here are the heroic helping hands we’veheard about, in no particular order:
1. Muelmar Magallanes
MuelmarMagallanes, an 18-year-old construction worker, was a powerful swimmer who saved 30 people from rampaging floods. He died while rescuing a baby girl who was swept away on a Styrofoam box. His body now lies at a makeshift evacuationcenter in Quezon City.Magallanes, who brought his family to higher ground on Saturday, decided to go back for neighbors stranded on their rooftops. Witnesses said he saved more than 30 people from drowning. Ms. Penalosa, the mother of the baby he saved, said Magallanes was washed away by the torrent of water. His body was found on Sunday, September 27.
2. Venancio Ancheta, Jr. and four members of the Civilian Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU)
Pfc Venancio Ancheta Jr. saved 20 flood victims but could not save himself in the end as he was carried away by the flood at Brgy. Tunhac, Famy, Laguna. In the midst of rescue operations, another soldier and three members of the (CAFGU) also died: Cpl. Adriano Regua of the 59th Infantry Battalion and CAAs Erineo Olaguer, Joel Hernalin, and Florencio Dequito.
3. Enderun College students and volunteers
Opening its kitchens on Monday, September 28, Enderun College culinary students and fellow volunteers cooked hot meals to be distributed by the Red Cross. To date, Enderun College has sent out 16,000 meals which were distributed by the Red Cross and picked up by various volunteers who took them to evacuation and relief centers.Enderun College was supposed to resume classes on October 1, Thursday, but opened their kitchens this morning to continue helping out typhoon victims. Contact Ancie Pamintuan at 0908-6795936 for any donations or assistance you can extend.
4. Medical mission groups
Makati Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center and PLDT held medical missions until October 4. MakatiMed is based at Rizal, Cardinal Santos Medical Center at Pasig and PLDT at Marikina. Doctors consult and distribute medicine to those in need.To volunteer, call Dr. Victor Gisbert of the Social Services Department at 0917-8922807 and Dr. Johnny Sinon of Makati Medical Center at 0917-5261345.Donations may be sent to the Social Services Office, G/F Makati Medical Center, Amorsolo St., Makati City. Look for Jocelyn or Fatima at 789-4790 to 91 and 888-8999 local 7124 and 7104.
5. Gang Badoy
Founder of the alternative education movement, Rock Ed and host of Rock Ed radio, Gang has made civic-awareness interesting for teenagers with hopes to turn apathy into collective action. Gang went onboard on Jam 88.3 for four straight days of 14 to 16 hours on air, using radio to inform people about the current situation in typhoon-affected areas and call out for help. Along with other DJs and volunteers, they utilized the airwaves and the internet (bless the soul of the genius behind the industrial computer) to keep everyone connected, informed and inspired while updating their Twitter accounts.At the end of the third day, Gang Badoy tweeted at 7:24 a.m. September 29, “What an honor to be given the chance to give out crucial info at a crucial time.”
6. Patricia Hizon
Sportscaster Patricia Hizon housed 40 orphans whom they “carried 1.5 to 2 kilometers because they had no slippers,” according to her tweet. Armed with “a delivery truck, ropes, megaphone and big hearts,” she is one of the driving forces behind relief operations in Tumana, Marikina. From September 30 onwards, they also helped out in Pasig. If you have goods or time to donate, send her a tweet.
7. Netizens on Facebook and Twitter
Technology has proven to be one of this generation’s greatest tools, with people sending out useful information over the Internet, posting calls for help and encouraging everyone to do their share, just through their computers and cell phones.Among them, TV host and sports reporter Lia Cruz mobilized volunteers through Twitter while on the move herself. She continuously announced updates on people needing rescue, what to donate and where, and retweeted useful information and contact numbers. Cruz was a former Ateneo courtside reporter for the UAAP.
8. Hon. Ralph LeeQuezon City Judge
Ralph Lee rode on his jetski and rescued dozens of people in Novaliches, according to a report by Inquirer.net. Lee drove from Fairview to Novaliches, with life vests and two rubber boats he used for weekend wakeboarding. He was able to save 100 lives.“I heard that so many families were already stranded on their rooftops because water from the Tullahan River was already overflowing,” Lee told media.
9. Linda TizonPurchasing Manager
Linda Tizon opened her Quezon City home to over 200 survivors of typhoon Ondoy on Sept. 26. According to Tizon, flood water was rising in Novaliches and displaced families living near the creek found refuge in the neighborhood chapel. Soon after, even the chapel began to get flooded and she saw people literally being dragged by the floodwaters’ strong current. Tizon invited people into her home and managed to house and feed 250 people.
10. Jason de Guzman
It almost seemed like a scene from a movie–a female doctor climbing up her car to escape the raging water and a security guard bravely jumping to rescue her.Jason de Guzman, security guard at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay hospital, said he was only doing his job when he helped the female doctor. Fortunately, he did not get sick from braving the flood but he did stay at the hospital until Sunday since his Marikina home was severely affected by typhoon Ondoy.
SPOT.ph turns the spotlight on the people who took time to share what they could—time, resources, talent, homes, or even lives—to help fellow Filipinos affected by the storm. Here are the heroic helping hands we’veheard about, in no particular order:
1. Muelmar Magallanes
MuelmarMagallanes, an 18-year-old construction worker, was a powerful swimmer who saved 30 people from rampaging floods. He died while rescuing a baby girl who was swept away on a Styrofoam box. His body now lies at a makeshift evacuationcenter in Quezon City.Magallanes, who brought his family to higher ground on Saturday, decided to go back for neighbors stranded on their rooftops. Witnesses said he saved more than 30 people from drowning. Ms. Penalosa, the mother of the baby he saved, said Magallanes was washed away by the torrent of water. His body was found on Sunday, September 27.
2. Venancio Ancheta, Jr. and four members of the Civilian Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU)
Pfc Venancio Ancheta Jr. saved 20 flood victims but could not save himself in the end as he was carried away by the flood at Brgy. Tunhac, Famy, Laguna. In the midst of rescue operations, another soldier and three members of the (CAFGU) also died: Cpl. Adriano Regua of the 59th Infantry Battalion and CAAs Erineo Olaguer, Joel Hernalin, and Florencio Dequito.
3. Enderun College students and volunteers
Opening its kitchens on Monday, September 28, Enderun College culinary students and fellow volunteers cooked hot meals to be distributed by the Red Cross. To date, Enderun College has sent out 16,000 meals which were distributed by the Red Cross and picked up by various volunteers who took them to evacuation and relief centers.Enderun College was supposed to resume classes on October 1, Thursday, but opened their kitchens this morning to continue helping out typhoon victims. Contact Ancie Pamintuan at 0908-6795936 for any donations or assistance you can extend.
4. Medical mission groups
Makati Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center and PLDT held medical missions until October 4. MakatiMed is based at Rizal, Cardinal Santos Medical Center at Pasig and PLDT at Marikina. Doctors consult and distribute medicine to those in need.To volunteer, call Dr. Victor Gisbert of the Social Services Department at 0917-8922807 and Dr. Johnny Sinon of Makati Medical Center at 0917-5261345.Donations may be sent to the Social Services Office, G/F Makati Medical Center, Amorsolo St., Makati City. Look for Jocelyn or Fatima at 789-4790 to 91 and 888-8999 local 7124 and 7104.
5. Gang Badoy
Founder of the alternative education movement, Rock Ed and host of Rock Ed radio, Gang has made civic-awareness interesting for teenagers with hopes to turn apathy into collective action. Gang went onboard on Jam 88.3 for four straight days of 14 to 16 hours on air, using radio to inform people about the current situation in typhoon-affected areas and call out for help. Along with other DJs and volunteers, they utilized the airwaves and the internet (bless the soul of the genius behind the industrial computer) to keep everyone connected, informed and inspired while updating their Twitter accounts.At the end of the third day, Gang Badoy tweeted at 7:24 a.m. September 29, “What an honor to be given the chance to give out crucial info at a crucial time.”
6. Patricia Hizon
Sportscaster Patricia Hizon housed 40 orphans whom they “carried 1.5 to 2 kilometers because they had no slippers,” according to her tweet. Armed with “a delivery truck, ropes, megaphone and big hearts,” she is one of the driving forces behind relief operations in Tumana, Marikina. From September 30 onwards, they also helped out in Pasig. If you have goods or time to donate, send her a tweet.
7. Netizens on Facebook and Twitter
Technology has proven to be one of this generation’s greatest tools, with people sending out useful information over the Internet, posting calls for help and encouraging everyone to do their share, just through their computers and cell phones.Among them, TV host and sports reporter Lia Cruz mobilized volunteers through Twitter while on the move herself. She continuously announced updates on people needing rescue, what to donate and where, and retweeted useful information and contact numbers. Cruz was a former Ateneo courtside reporter for the UAAP.
8. Hon. Ralph LeeQuezon City Judge
Ralph Lee rode on his jetski and rescued dozens of people in Novaliches, according to a report by Inquirer.net. Lee drove from Fairview to Novaliches, with life vests and two rubber boats he used for weekend wakeboarding. He was able to save 100 lives.“I heard that so many families were already stranded on their rooftops because water from the Tullahan River was already overflowing,” Lee told media.
9. Linda TizonPurchasing Manager
Linda Tizon opened her Quezon City home to over 200 survivors of typhoon Ondoy on Sept. 26. According to Tizon, flood water was rising in Novaliches and displaced families living near the creek found refuge in the neighborhood chapel. Soon after, even the chapel began to get flooded and she saw people literally being dragged by the floodwaters’ strong current. Tizon invited people into her home and managed to house and feed 250 people.
10. Jason de Guzman
It almost seemed like a scene from a movie–a female doctor climbing up her car to escape the raging water and a security guard bravely jumping to rescue her.Jason de Guzman, security guard at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay hospital, said he was only doing his job when he helped the female doctor. Fortunately, he did not get sick from braving the flood but he did stay at the hospital until Sunday since his Marikina home was severely affected by typhoon Ondoy.
REFUGE FOR THE HOUSE OF REFUGE
During typhoon Ondoy, the House of Refuge inside Provident went underwater.
30 children aged 3 to 20, the houseparents and staff had to climb to the roof of their 2-level apartment to avoid the fast-rising flood water which has engulfed the entire village.
But with the waters still rising, they had to cross to a neighbor's house diagonal from them using electric and telephone wires. I can't even begin to describe how they did it, but certainly it was brave, heroic, dangerous, necessary.
They escaped but were in knee deep water even when they were on the 3rd floor. No one slept. The children were traumatized. They saw dead bodies floating.
The next day, we were able to get them after they were rescued from the building and brought to a church outside the village. Through the help of our neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Bautista, we were able to bring them to our home.
For some days, they sought refuge in our home.
During that, through neighbors, friends, twitter, facebook, etc., we were able to give them everything they needed. The outpouring of support was incredible.
In a week's time, they were able to find a townhouse near my house, and start the rebuilding process. They are back to normal and are living in better conditions now.
Thank you for all those who helped. I need not mention who you are. Thank you for being their angels, their heroes.
30 children aged 3 to 20, the houseparents and staff had to climb to the roof of their 2-level apartment to avoid the fast-rising flood water which has engulfed the entire village.
But with the waters still rising, they had to cross to a neighbor's house diagonal from them using electric and telephone wires. I can't even begin to describe how they did it, but certainly it was brave, heroic, dangerous, necessary.
They escaped but were in knee deep water even when they were on the 3rd floor. No one slept. The children were traumatized. They saw dead bodies floating.
The next day, we were able to get them after they were rescued from the building and brought to a church outside the village. Through the help of our neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Bautista, we were able to bring them to our home.
For some days, they sought refuge in our home.
During that, through neighbors, friends, twitter, facebook, etc., we were able to give them everything they needed. The outpouring of support was incredible.
In a week's time, they were able to find a townhouse near my house, and start the rebuilding process. They are back to normal and are living in better conditions now.
Thank you for all those who helped. I need not mention who you are. Thank you for being their angels, their heroes.
Helping Out Made Easy
Why aren’t people doing their part in reaching out to the needy?
(common aswers)
- I’m too busy
- I’m not rich or I don’t have cash to spare
- I don’t know where to start
- I don’t know how I can help
* “I’m too busy”
- Let EIYBF do the leg work for you. Should you want to do a party or even just gather donations for the needy, EIYBF will be there for you all throughout.
* “I’m not rich or I don’t have cash to spare”
- When you throw a party or even just a get together with friends, drinking, partying, etc. How much do you spend????
EIYBF can help you manage your budget and we’ll make sure the orphans, street kids, special kids or the elderly will greatly benefit. You don’t need to shell out millions. With a small budget, you can sponsor a meal for an orphanage, an outing for the elderly, medicine for the sick. We’ll show you how.
* “I don’t know where to start”
- If you want to celebrate with the less fortunate here are the things to consider
1. When do you want to hold it?
2. Do you want to celebrate it in the orphanage / home for the elderly / sick kids hospital?
3. How much is your budget?
4. How much time can you spare?
5. How many of your friends or relatives will attend?
6. Can we ask them to bring donations?
We’ll take care of the rest!!!!!!!!!!!
* “I don’t know how I can help”
- It’s not about the money that you shell out, it’s about the time that you give. It’s about the effort that you make. It’s about compassion.
You help by spending your special occasion with the less fortunate. By sharing, you show the kids or the elderly that you care. You make them feel loved. For the kids who feel abandoned and forgotten, your compassion will make them better members of society, they stay away from drugs, they stay in school, they stay away from trouble. For the sick, you give them hope and give them strength.
Next birthday, next wedding anniversary, next monthsary, next Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years, Valentine’s, baptism, etc., celebrate with EIYBF and make your celebration truly meaningful!
- Patricia Bermudez Hizon
PS.
EIYBF is currently finding donors for Jesus Loves the Little Children to build a structure which will house their rescued children and serve as their school. JLLC is the only orphanage in Pasig City and they’re not even getting much support from the local government.
We are also hoping to find donors to fix the bathrooms in Damas de Filipinas, also to fix the kids rooms / wards.
We are currently finding kind hearted individuals and corporations who would like to help us build the burnt down boys ward of the House of Refuge orphanage. They lost all their belongings last Christmas but luckily no one got hurt. We need to build the area for the boys because right now, they are all cramped up in what used to be the office.
Anyone want to sponsor some orphans to school???? We’re also looking for school supplies, books, bags, shoes etc., new or used.
(common aswers)
- I’m too busy
- I’m not rich or I don’t have cash to spare
- I don’t know where to start
- I don’t know how I can help
* “I’m too busy”
- Let EIYBF do the leg work for you. Should you want to do a party or even just gather donations for the needy, EIYBF will be there for you all throughout.
* “I’m not rich or I don’t have cash to spare”
- When you throw a party or even just a get together with friends, drinking, partying, etc. How much do you spend????
EIYBF can help you manage your budget and we’ll make sure the orphans, street kids, special kids or the elderly will greatly benefit. You don’t need to shell out millions. With a small budget, you can sponsor a meal for an orphanage, an outing for the elderly, medicine for the sick. We’ll show you how.
* “I don’t know where to start”
- If you want to celebrate with the less fortunate here are the things to consider
1. When do you want to hold it?
2. Do you want to celebrate it in the orphanage / home for the elderly / sick kids hospital?
3. How much is your budget?
4. How much time can you spare?
5. How many of your friends or relatives will attend?
6. Can we ask them to bring donations?
We’ll take care of the rest!!!!!!!!!!!
* “I don’t know how I can help”
- It’s not about the money that you shell out, it’s about the time that you give. It’s about the effort that you make. It’s about compassion.
You help by spending your special occasion with the less fortunate. By sharing, you show the kids or the elderly that you care. You make them feel loved. For the kids who feel abandoned and forgotten, your compassion will make them better members of society, they stay away from drugs, they stay in school, they stay away from trouble. For the sick, you give them hope and give them strength.
Next birthday, next wedding anniversary, next monthsary, next Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years, Valentine’s, baptism, etc., celebrate with EIYBF and make your celebration truly meaningful!
- Patricia Bermudez Hizon
PS.
EIYBF is currently finding donors for Jesus Loves the Little Children to build a structure which will house their rescued children and serve as their school. JLLC is the only orphanage in Pasig City and they’re not even getting much support from the local government.
We are also hoping to find donors to fix the bathrooms in Damas de Filipinas, also to fix the kids rooms / wards.
We are currently finding kind hearted individuals and corporations who would like to help us build the burnt down boys ward of the House of Refuge orphanage. They lost all their belongings last Christmas but luckily no one got hurt. We need to build the area for the boys because right now, they are all cramped up in what used to be the office.
Anyone want to sponsor some orphans to school???? We’re also looking for school supplies, books, bags, shoes etc., new or used.
Everyday Is Your Birthday Foundation Profile
Can you imagine how life would be like if everyday was your birthday? Everyone around you will always be cheerful, loving, and attentive to all your needs. Everyone would treat you in an extra special way. Wouldn’t that be great? I’m sure all of us would want that!
Unfortunately, some people, especially children don’t have that kind of privilege. Not everyday, not even one day in the year.
That is why Everyday Is Your Birthday Foundation was created. To make the unfortunate ones feel the love and support they need, and make them feel that everyday IS their birthday!
For over seven years now, Everyday Is Your Birthday Foundation has been encouraging people to share their blessings with the less fortunate. Hundreds of individuals have done just that for orphans, street kids, children with illnesses, and even the forgotten elderly through EIYBF by celebrating their birthdays (and other occasions) with them.
EIYBF was born last September 5, 2000, during the birthday celebration of founder, Patricia “Shaan” Bermudez at Damas de Filipinas Orphanage, in Paco Manila. Since then, scores of individuals, young and old, have been following her example and have celebrated their birth anniversaries with EIYBF.
EIYBF gathers donations (cash donations, old and new toys, books, clothes, etc.) to give to the less fortunate from the celebrant, the celebrant’s family and friends, and from companies and corporations.
But more than just the gifts and donations, the celebration is also about building a “relationship” between the children and the volunteers who instantly become big brothers and big sisters. For the elderly, the volunteers become part of the family.
EIYBF has planned, organized, even marketed hundreds of birthday celebrations wherein the celebrant and his / her family and friends share the most special gift of all. Love.
The benefits of celebrating birthdays through EIYBF are endless. We know that EIYBF is valuable because it teaches people to reach out. It shows people the realities of the less privileged sector. And it encourages volunteerism, especially to the younger generation.
Our mission is to inspire more people to reach out. Our goal is to be part of e every Filipino’s birthday tradition. Our dream is to make the “forgotten” ones feel like everyday IS their birthday!
Unfortunately, some people, especially children don’t have that kind of privilege. Not everyday, not even one day in the year.
That is why Everyday Is Your Birthday Foundation was created. To make the unfortunate ones feel the love and support they need, and make them feel that everyday IS their birthday!
For over seven years now, Everyday Is Your Birthday Foundation has been encouraging people to share their blessings with the less fortunate. Hundreds of individuals have done just that for orphans, street kids, children with illnesses, and even the forgotten elderly through EIYBF by celebrating their birthdays (and other occasions) with them.
EIYBF was born last September 5, 2000, during the birthday celebration of founder, Patricia “Shaan” Bermudez at Damas de Filipinas Orphanage, in Paco Manila. Since then, scores of individuals, young and old, have been following her example and have celebrated their birth anniversaries with EIYBF.
EIYBF gathers donations (cash donations, old and new toys, books, clothes, etc.) to give to the less fortunate from the celebrant, the celebrant’s family and friends, and from companies and corporations.
But more than just the gifts and donations, the celebration is also about building a “relationship” between the children and the volunteers who instantly become big brothers and big sisters. For the elderly, the volunteers become part of the family.
EIYBF has planned, organized, even marketed hundreds of birthday celebrations wherein the celebrant and his / her family and friends share the most special gift of all. Love.
The benefits of celebrating birthdays through EIYBF are endless. We know that EIYBF is valuable because it teaches people to reach out. It shows people the realities of the less privileged sector. And it encourages volunteerism, especially to the younger generation.
Our mission is to inspire more people to reach out. Our goal is to be part of e every Filipino’s birthday tradition. Our dream is to make the “forgotten” ones feel like everyday IS their birthday!
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