PGH Nurses Christmas Celebration with PGH

I have always noticed that a great amount of dedication and time goes into the work that nurses do — shifting schedules, sleepless nights, and round the clock duties are just some of the things that are required of these amazing individuals who still find time for their family, social, and personal life. It is even more amazing that amidst all this, there are those nurses who still go the extra mile by personally doing outreaches for the patients they are tasked to care for. Such was the case of ate Valerie Barcinal and her nurse friends from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), who reached out to us to organize an event for the kids there especially for Christmas.

During the customary introductions and getting-to-know between the PGH kids and our volunteers, excitement already filled the air as the kids realized it was not going to be their typical day at the hospital, and that their donors had a lot in store for them. Everyone bonded during this part of the program, as they were grouped so that each volunteer had an assigned circle of kids to care for that day.

The program commenced with a magic show, grabbing the kids attention and getting excitement from the crowd. The kids and volunteers alike curiously watched as the magician did all sorts of tricks to captivate them. Next was a fun game with balloons! Each group member were given balloons, and were tasked to blow them up accordingly as kuya Harvard called out the sizes. The first group to complete the task was then delcared the winner!

Adding to the lively afternoon was the Story-Telling workshop led by resident actor and story-teller, kuya Rich. He got rid of the children’s shyness via doing face expressions, which were also very important in being able to tell stories effectively. The kids had a blast and after some time were ready for the next game which was related to the workshop — Paint a Picture. To test their story-telling and creativity, kuya Rick called on various scenarios that the groups each had to depict successfully. Despite the giggles and laughter, everyone did a great job and seemed to have learned a lot from kuya Rick!

After all the fun was mealtime and gift-giving, which was also a joyful time for the children as there were a lot of presents provided for by the volunteers as well as other donors. Despite the rainy day, the children who were able to make it that afternoon had the time of their life, and we are sure the volunteers felt the same. To end on a high note we had our group photo, followed by a lot of hugs that served as thank you to our generous donors.

Philippine General Hospital’s Paskong Pasiklab 2015

For most of us, Christmas involves being at home with the family, going on a holiday vacation, or spending time with loved ones out in different scenic spots and dining places. Sadly, there are also those who are undergoing treatment or diagnosed with sickness that requires them to be in the hospital this time of the year. That is why it is such a blessing to have kindhearted donors who think of celebrating Christmas with sick kids who may not be able to be out for Christmas, but wish to celebrate the season just the same.

For the second year, young doctors from the Philippine General Hospital, headed by ate Emy Cua, reached out to U! Happy Events to organize a gathering for the children and parents under their care. It was a big gathering of nearly 200 kids, all coming together at the PGH Social Hall for a morning of joy and giving.  Various groups were also tapped by the doctor sponsors, who were able to donate as well as attend the big event.

The kids and volunteers were first grouped upon entering the venue, which also had various food carts like ice cream, taho, fishballs and ice scramble. The Social Hall resembled a fair, as there were also various mascots and clowns roaming about entertaining the kids! Kuya Harvard started off the program by asking the kids and volunteers to get to know each other and share their name and favorite Christmas food. Adding to the festivities was a Magic Show by resident magician Kuya Kobe, who got the kids oohing and aaahing at the various tricks he performed! A dance number by the angry bird mascot also followed, as the kids laughed and danced along.

After the performances it was time for a game, which was Inside Out. It was a pretty loud time as the kids and volunteers, in big groups, attempted to squeeze themselves in the hula hoops and vie for the win as kuya Harvard checked out who was the first to succeed. A much needed rest was needed after the exciting game, so we then handed out cardboard Christmas trees and are materials for all the children to decorate with their ates and kuyas. By the time they all finished, the room was filled with so much colorful trees that the kids could take home!

Lunch was then served, as well as distribution of the countless gifts our sponsors were able to collect. It was such joy seeing the children receiving so many things, but even more joyful was their smiles as their ates and kuyas bonded with them. We ended the day with a huge group picture, full of smiles from everyone who came for the beautiful, blessed day.

Owl Puppet with Philippine General Hospital

As we approach the peak season of outreach which are November and December, October got busy enough to have a weekday schedule. A small bunch of core team members including myself braved the morning traffic to Philippine General Hospital. It was our second event here in two months and we are expected to be back December 14 for a banner event with pediatric patients. We would like to thank our new coordinator Dra. Emy Cua for making all these events possible.

The patients who participated were post surgery. Most of them were cleft patients. It was a delight to witness their smiles throughout the morning activity we prepared. I was encouraged to give my best in hosting and so were the volunteers present that were partnered with them.

We had two main agendas. First we had an art workshop after getting to know each other in the groups and then reverse charades game. Ate Blanca took time to share how to make an owl fitting for the Halloween and I took care of making sure everyone got extra excited through our game.

After that we distributed blessings to the children. On top of our story books and packed lunches, Ate Summer gave coloring books. Next was our big photo which was followed by hugs of good bye.

I can’t wait to visit the hospital again. If you wish to go with me, please message us at 0917 8874278.