As I alluded to in earlier posts, I journeyed out to Gordon Heights in Olongapo yesterday for a little dinner party.
Anyway, I’ve mentioned here before that the Fil-Am home has been my charity of choice for the past couple of years. I used to deliver groceries when I visited. Now that I’m living here I wanted to set something up on a regular basis. I suggested a monthly dinner party for the kids to celebrate birthday parties or just have some fun. The Home’s Director agreed. Last night was the first of these events and it happened to coincide with Miguel’s eighth birthday.
The history of the Fil-Am home is kind of interesting. It was founded by a Department of Defense Schools teacher in the 1970s. Back when Subic was a Navy base the sailors would come into town, knock up the local gals, then sail away. When those seeds blossomed into Filipino-American children they were sometimes abandoned when the mothers were incapable of raising them. The lucky ones wound up here at the orphanage. The Navy base shut down in the early 1990s so there are no Fil-Am children residing in the home now.
The facility appeared clean and well-maintained. The children seemed happy, well-dressed and well-fed. In fact, on my walks up in the mountains I’ve observed children living in shanties that appear much worse off. So on the one hand the kids at the Home are luckier than some. On the other hand they are orphans. Life can be hard in many different ways I suppose.
The Director had told me what was most needed was cash donations to pay for utilities and the like, so I did that in lieu of my usual grocery shopping. I did bring a big bag of rice though. Everyone needs rice, right?
My “team” accompanied me to the event but we didn’t partake in the Jollibee meal–I had something else in mind for them. Texas Joe’s!
It turned out to be a day full of love after all. Who’d a thunk it?
I was standing
All alone against the world outside
You were searching
For a place to hide
Lost and lonely
Now you’ve given me the will to survive
When we’re hungry, love will keep us alive
Don’t you worry
Sometimes you’ve just gotta let it ride
The world is changing
Right before your eyes
Now I’ve found you
There’s no more emptiness inside
When we’re hungry, love will keep us alive
Great meals, both Jollibee and the BBQ place. And that birthday cake was quite beautifully done; you’ll have to remember that baker (assuming the cake tasted as good as it looked).
St. John the Divine, swooping in with his gifts. A good day, indeed.
I ain’t no saint, that’s for sure. Helping a little when I can feels good though.
The cake was from a local bakery chain called Goldilocks. Sort of a Paris Baguette kind of place. But yeah, they do bake a fine cake!
Good on ya, John. Nice that you are able to give a bit back to those less fortunate.