SHAMELESS PLUG

7 November 2011

My Christmas Alphabet

CIS FOR COLD mornings that usher in the Yuletide season.It is, of course, for Christ and the celebration of his birth. Itlikewise signifies caring and compassion; as well as counting one’s blessings. It is also forchildren, specifically the children of Cottolengo Filipino, the home of physically challenged kids, still and definitely God’s children.

H is for theholiday spirit and the hearty meals and the hectic party schedules. It is also for the House of Dance,  a renowned member of the Conseil International de la Danse, the official international umbrella organization of UNESCO for all forms of dance.  It is also for Halu-HalongIndak, adance concert which they will topbill, and a fund-raising event of the USTHS Batch 71 Alumni Association for our physically challenged friends at Cottolengo Filipino. It will be held on December 10^th at the Irwin Theater of the Ateneo De Manila University in Quezon City. Show will start sharply at 7pm. Clickwww.houseofdance.phfor more details.

R is for remembering what is important not only in this Season of Seasons but in everyday life. Remember that sometimes your presence is more important than presents. Remember that no matter how bad your situation is or how sad you are feeling, someone, somewhere has it worse.

I is for the inspiration from two remarkable women on the essence of giving: “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving,” by Mother Teresa; and “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver,” by Maya Angelou.Itis also for the intangibles like peace on earth and goodwill to men.

S is for staying focused on the reason for the celebration – the baby Jesus. It is for spreading joy not just this season but the whole year round. It is also for the smiles we give to friends and loved ones and to total strangers as well – all in the spirit of the season. Itisfor starting a tradition of sharing and not forgetting our own spirituality in the midst of the holiday rush. It also goes for our respective souls and praying that they will be in harmony with God’s plan.

Tis for the tried and true when it comes to giving cheer this Christmas. This means being thoughtfulnot just to loved ones but for the less fortunate.

M is for “making lists, buying special gifts,” as that line from a song goes.It is also for making newmemories; and making this year’s Christmas memorable by putting gift-giving to the next level. You can share your blessings to children you do not personally know but definitely need your care and attention.

A is for the Almighty who gave His Only Son to redeem the world, the ultimate gift this Christmas. As that one-liner aptly imparts, “He did not put His gift in a silver box or red and green paper. God laid His gift on a manger.”

S is for Santa Claus and everything that this huggable man signifies – generosity, big-heartedness, and goodness. May we have the heart of Santa Claus for the kids of Cottolengo Filipino this Christmas. One way is to watch the dance concert; tickets costs Php150 each. Another is to be a donor or sponsor by giving more. Cash and non-cash donations are very much welcome. For tickets and donations,please contact Lydia at +639178364855 or at lydiamalvar@gmail.com. Or you may deposit cash donations to USTHS Batch 71 Alumni Association, Inc., Metrobank with Savings Account Number: 705-3-70505212-4.