The place was Bahay Pag-ibig at Pag-asa, St. Joseph Foundation at Toclong I-C, Imus, Cavite. The participants were the officers of the Association. The beneficiaries: 10 lovely senior citizens of Cavite.

 

It was noon and the sun was hot when we travelled from De La Salle University Manila to Imus, Cavite. We left around ten thirty in the morning; by the time we reached Imus it was almost one o’clock. Everyone gathered to start the activity with a prayer headed by Ms. Beth. Then the program began with Ms. Donna’s introduction of the Thanksgiving and the group’s opening performance, serenading everyone with a Christmas medley.  We danced and sang with the Lolos and Lolas of St. Joseph Foundation. The beneficiaries were also introduced by the supervisor, Ms. Maita prior to the program. She gladly introduced each elderly beginning with Lola Auring (she’s 93 years old and still witty), the very first patient of the facility up to Lolo Frank, a fine gentleman who loves to throw jokes especially to the women. There’s also Lola Sonie who, like Lolo Frank, shared funny one-liners and laughed with us. Then there’s Lola Nene, who really loves to sing that whenever someone did, she served as second voice.

 

Another performance by Ms. Donna and Ms. Ana brought smiles to the audience as they danced to a mix of different music genres. Everyone was delighted to hear music and dance along. Afterwards, the merienda was served. As part of the Thanksgiving tradition, everyone shared the delectable feast that Ms. Ana prepared. While resting after the feast, Lolo Emil sang, followed by Lolo Frank, and Lola Auring, with Lola Nene as the second voice, of course.

 

It was a very memorable experience as each of the participants were able to put smiles on the face of the elderlies of St. Joseph Foundation. It was indeed a Thanksgiving celebration, giving back to the people who, at one point or another, had helped shape lives of the people they once lived with.