March 2, 2011, Muntinlupa City

Sec. Shirley Bulaquia, RC Alabang Lampara

It was the first week of February when I thought of a worthwhile and fulfilling way to celebrate my birthday. I have asked the approval of RC Alabang Lampara (RCAL) Pres. Alex Flora and CP Danny Abinoja to conduct an outreach activity with our RCC at the club’s adopted community in Sitio San Roque, Wawa Alabang, Muntinlupa City. When they said yes, I immediately worked on the preparations.

However, the savings I thought I can use for the activity was already spent on some necessity, so there were thoughts of backing out or postponing it. But my heart’s eagerness to make a difference in the lives of unprivileged people, even for a day, made me keep trying. I asked help from my friends and cousins abroad thru Facebook. God, indeed, touched some hearts and I received birthday cash gifts. Project SHE (Sanitation, Hunger, Environment), a clean-up drive, environmental talk and feeding activity, is going to happen after all.

Ms. Sitti Navarro, the Philippines’ Queen of Bossa Nova Music and founder of SiTTiZen Association, immediately agreed to conduct the project jointly. I sent a letter to the Muntinlupa City government requesting for a resource speaker to talk about environment, specifically, the “No Plastic/Styrophor” ordinance that the city recently implemented. I have coordinated with RCC President Edwin Santos and text blasted my club members who will be available for the activity day.

The sunny weather on the morning of February 26, 2011 was just perfect at Sitio San Roque. Using the 2 rakes earlier donated, the clean-up activity was started by the officers and members of Rotaract and RCC. The program started at 9:00 AM highlighted by the 30-minute lecture of Mr. Vincent Alon of the Environmental Sanitation Center ESC of the City of Muntinlupa. The lecture was about waste management and an orientation on the newly implemented city ordinance regarding the non-use of plastic bags and styrophor in the city. It was attended by both children and parents of the community.

Our community-based Interactors and Rotaractors performed some very entertaining song and dance numbers, which were participated by adults too. All performers were given school bags and inspirational books. And since Sitti Navarro was there, the community clamored “sampol! sampol!”, a familiar shout request by an audience, for a sample performance of a celebrity’s talents, popularized by ABS-CBN’s “Showtime” talent show. The country’s Queen of Bossa Nova generously shared her songs a cappella. And, to complete my day, everybody sang the Happy Birthday song for the celebrator! I then hosted the rest of the program by asking song numbers from the audience and also played some games.

Three large pots of chicken arroz caldo (congee), 800 pieces of cheese bread and tetra pack juices were distributed to the 146 families (about 400 children and adults). As requested, they brought their own bowls to lessen the garbage and to avoid litters. It was great to see them well-fed and happy that day. Truly, a rewarding day to spend a birthday.