Sharing PEARLS during the Christmas Season - Project PEARLS

Last December, Project PEARLS shared love and joy to more than 2,500 children, and 1,000 families.

Filipinos are said to have the longest Christmas celebration. Once the “ber” months start kicking in (i.e. beginning September), everyone can already hear Christmas carols being played in commercial establishments. Households are slowly dressed up with red and green decors. This also the signal to plan the holiday getaways. And of course, everyone begins to think where to spend their much prized thirteenth-month pay. Indeed, it is the most awaited time of the year – and certainly the busiest holiday. While everyone is busy attending Christmas parties, and shopping for gifts for their loved ones, Project PEARLS is equally busy: busy spreading love to thousands of children. In December 2016, we were able to share the joy of Christmas to more than 2,500 children in different communities of Manila, Bulacan, and Zambales, and in Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and in Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Hearts-Children’s Home, Cebu City.

Sharing PEARLS: PGH Cancer Institute and Children’s Home, Cebu City

Project PEARLS does not only reach out to underprivileged communities. We also try our best to bring PEARLS to children who are real-life warriors. Through the leadership of “House of Treasures”, we joined other organizations in organizing a Christmas party for the children of PGH Cancer Institute last December 9.

Kids and parents enjoying the magic show at the PGH Christmas Party

These kids are battling serious illnesses that are too much for their young bodies to handle. But on that day, we only saw genuine joy and hope in their eyes. They showed us that their strong hearts can overcome any physical weaknesses that they may have. The day was filled with magic shows, storytelling, fun games, face painting, and even free salon treats for the kids’ parents! Everyone went home with bags full of Christmas goodies, and hearts full of happiness and love.

On December 28, Project PEARLS also visited the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Hearts-Children’s Home in Cebu. Under the care and guidance of the Franciscan Sisters, these kids recover from different abuses that they have experienced. At their young age, they are true warriors who triumph over life’s worst challenges. The kids warmly welcomed us with their special song and dance numbers. They were very grateful for the gifts that we brought for them, but we should be the ones to be thankful – thank you to the Franciscan Sisters for inspiring us to focus on our mission, and to the kids who have shown us how to be resilient and hopeful for the future.

Project PEARLS volunteers with the children of Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Hearts-Children’s Home in Cebu City.

Sharing PEARLS: Tondo, Bulacan, and Zambales

It has been a Project PEARLS’ tradition to share gifts for children, and Noche Buena packs for underprivileged families every Christmas. But the 2016 Christmas campaign is the biggest project we’ve had so far. In early November of 2016, we launched the Christmas Toy Drive to collect new toys from companies, organizations, and individuals. Because this was our first time to launch such program, we had no idea how people will respond to it. We also had doubts if we will be able to reach our target number of toys. Despite these uncertainties, we adhere to one simple mantra: “Believe in the magic of Christmas.” And magic did happen. We collected more than 2,500 toys, and more than 1,000 families were set to receive Noche Buena packs under the Adopt-a-Family Program. We are grateful to all our partners and sponsors who supported our Toy Drive and Adopt-a-Family Program. They are the testament to the true spirit of Christmas.

Through the support of different organizations, we were able to collect more than 2,000 new toys!

December 23, 2016. More than 500 families received Noche Buena packs, and over 1,700 children received Christmas gifts in the PEARLS Christmas Party in Tondo, Manila. These families are from Smokey Mountain, Helping Land, Aroma, and Happy Land – some of the poorest communities in Metro Manila. Through this simple gift-giving activity, we want to show these families that they are not neglected, that they are loved not just on Christmas day, but whole year round.

The Christmas party in Tondo, Manila is Project PEARLS’ biggest event so far, with more than 2,000 people in attendance.

All smiles after the successful distribution of toys to more than 1,700 kids and Noche Buena packs to over 500 families.

December 24, 2016. Since Project PEARLS adopted the Ulingan community in 2010, it has been a tradition to spend the day before Christmas with them. Now that they are relocated to Brgy. Batia, Bocaue, Bulacan, this tradition continues. More than 400 families and 600 kids received Noche Buena packs and gift items.

The angels of Project PEARLS performing a special number before the gift-giving in Bulacan.

Melissa Villa, Project PEARLS’ Founder and Executive Director, together with Board Members Peachy Abellon, Juan Villa, and Lut Vallefas, and hundreds of kids and parents.

December 30, 2016. Three years ago, Project PEARLS first met the children of Lakas Elementary and National High School in Botolan, Zambales. Their warm welcome and loving smiles inspired us to commit a closer relationship with them. In January 2016, we established LitClub for the kids of the Aeta community in Botolan. And every Christmas, we make sure to visit them for a simple celebration loaded with games and gift-giving. Seeing the heartfelt smiles of more than 200 kids is worth more than the six-hour drive to Zambales.

The children of the Lakas community in Botolan, Zambales getting ready for the games.

Project PEARLS volunteers with Kuya Carlito (middle), leader of the Aeta community, and the teachers of Lakas National High School.

These will not be possible without the support of different organizations and individuals who have made Christmas truly magical. In the midst of the holiday rush, we hope that we will not forget its true significance: sharing love, peace, and joy to everyone.

Our deepest gratitude to the following for their unwavering love for the PEARLS kids:

Toy Drive Partners: