A Heartwarming Christmas Outreach: Connectuate's Second Wave in the Philippines

December 16, 2023, marked the second wave of the Connectuate Community Outreach Program at Sitio Calaniogan, Lunocan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, Philippines. Building on the success of the first wave in February 2023, this Christmas giving day brought joy and support to the kids and families residing in this beautiful but remote community.

A Joyful Reunion: Meeting in Person

Joe, along with his wife Yvette and their son Keaton, were thrilled to finally meet Jose in Cebu, Red in Dipolog City, and Sai in Bukidnon. Though it was their first time in the Philippines, it felt like they had known each other for years, their friendship transcending the online world and blossoming in real life.

Sai: The MVP of the Project

Sai, the dedicated project coordinator, spent months meticulously planning the outreach. From organizing the famous lechon baboy, assembling gift packs with toys, to coordinating with local officials, police, and volunteers, Sai ensured every detail was covered. The night before the outreach, Joe and his family met Sai over dinner, and they enjoyed their stay at the accommodating Dream Residences hotel.

The Journey Begin

At 5:30 AM on Saturday, December 16, 2023, the team embarked on their journey to Barangay Lunocan. The Heisers met Sai’s amazing local team: Jason, Karmela, Van, Zyrin, Joseph, and James, who had been instrumental in the activity's preparation.

By 6:00 AM, they reached Lorenzo's farm, the starting point of their trek to Sitio Calaniogan, with a breathtaking view of the Lawis Grand Canyon. The 30-minute trek downhill was made easier with the help of local volunteers who guided the team and helped carry the goods.

A Warm Welcome and Perfect Weather

Upon arrival, the children of Sitio Calaniogan joyfully greeted the team with a heartfelt “Welcome Visitors!”. As the team waited for everyone to gather, they took the opportunity to tour the picturesque area. The weather was perfect, a blessing considering it had been raining for days prior.

They marveled at the stunning Tagoloan River, which flows between the valleys of Manolo Fortich and Malitbog. Joe even captured the scenic beauty with his drone, much to everyone's delight. Then, Keaton and Yvette enjoyed drinking the fresh buko juice, savoring the refreshing taste of the local coconut drink.

The Day's Activities

At 8:00 AM, the outreach officially began. The team introduced themselves and explained the main purpose of their visit, unveiling the 2023 project: the reroofing of the community’s zone center.

Everyone enjoyed the games such as tug of war, sack race, bring me, shoot the ball, and the longest line. Special prizes were given to the winners, adding to the festive spirit.

A Sumptuous Feast

The community then gathered for a sumptuous lunch featuring two lechon baboy and native chicken soup. Sharing this meal together strengthened the bond between the visitors and the locals, making it a memorable culinary experience.

Giving Back to the Community

The highlight of the day was the distribution of toys and food packs. The children's faces lit up with joy as they received their gifts, creating a heartwarming scene that resonated with everyone present.

Heading Back with Full Hearts

Around 1:00 PM, the team began their ascent back to Barangay Lunocan. Their hearts were full, and their smiles were priceless. The experience had touched them deeply, leaving an indelible mark on their spirits.

Connectuate: Bridging Hearts and Communities

Connectuate's mission of connecting people through acts of kindness and support was vividly realized in this outreach. The event not only brought joy to the community but also strengthened the bonds of friendship and solidarity among the team and the locals. This day was a testament to the power of human connection and the joy of giving.

Impact and Transformation

The impact and transformation brought about by Connectuate's initiatives are evident in the lives of the residents of Sitio Calaniogan. The reroofing of the community zone center is a testament to their commitment to improving local infrastructure. The joy and gratitude expressed by the children and their families highlight the significant positive changes these efforts bring to the community. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term goals, Connectuate is helping to create a more resilient and empowered village.

Conclusion

Connectuate's mission of connecting people through acts of kindness and support was vividly realized in this outreach. The event not only brought joy to the community but also strengthened the bonds of friendship and solidarity among the team and the locals. This day was a testament to the power of human connection and the joy of giving.