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| DAGHANG SALAMAT ! BASAK |
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| BASAK "Bayanihan ang Sasaklolo sa Bayan" Filipino-Americans now residing in Kentucky, USA have grouped themselves to continue the true spirit of the Filipino by helping one another through bayanihan, a trait that has made the Filipino one of a kind and exceptional. Last August 2003, I requested for assistance from friends here in the Philippines as well as those around the world to "help me help others". The "others" I refer to are my dear but deprived neighbors in the boondocks of Labas Pagsama, San Isidro, Medina, Misamis Oriental. Through the kindness of a high school classmate, Tess Luna, she relayed my message to the group of which she is part of. I was totally elated to know that BASAK would come to the rescue, proving that distance is no hindrance. Indeed, in the morning of the November 4, a huge box arrived containing items such as clothes, shoes, toys, bags, and best of all school materials such as notebooks, pencils, ballpens, erasers, crayons, etc. The most pleasant feeling came upon me. Tears rolled down simply because I knew this would make my neighbors very happy. At that point in time, I thought it would be best to distribute the items during the Christmas Party which was not too far away. This would be the second year for Rey and I to host a party for them. However, at the back of our minds was their little chapel which really needed repair, at least for the Christmas season. Lo and behold, BASAK further contributed two hundred US dollars. (US$200.00 or Php11,000.00) With this additional amount, Rey and I were able to raise a total of 21, 800 Philippine pesos, enough to purchase hollow blocks, cement, basic commodities such as sugar, milk, noodles, sardines, rice, candies, and coffee for distribution in buckets, and to provide food and drinks for the Christmas Party. Though our target amount was not reached we were determined to pursue the plans. As the excitement grew, the weather on the other hand refused to cooperate. Originally scheduled on the 17th of December, the Christmas party had to be postposed twice. A sad christmas for the Filipinos as many lives were taken in the Leyte and Surigao landslides. The rains just poured for two consecutive weeks. Finally, the sun first appeared on the 28th of December and immediately, phone calls were made to inform the guests that the party would be held noontime of the 29th. We arrived in Medina the following morning, only to be followed by the rains. We tried to climb the mountain, but it was too muddy, too slippery, too risky. Again, we had to postpone. Rey and I decided to remain overnight in Gingoog City, a 20 minute drive from Medina with the hope that weather would improve, giving a us that chance to celebrate. Finally - and finally, the 30th, sunshine!! - that chance had come to climb the mountain. We started the trip at 9:30 in the morning, then it started to drizzle. Halfway through, the rains poured. No way back and hard way up. We reached Labas Pagsama at 1:00 in the afternoon. Soaked, stiff, pale and very tired. While on our way up, we were able to relay to our guests that dinner would be served at 6:00 in the evening instead of noon.. (as most of them came running out of their homes to wave at us) Upon arrival, work started immediately. Setting up chairs and tables, mic test, preparing the food, segregating the goodies into the buckets, loading drinks into the ref, mixing juices, running here and there. The irony was that it got stressful yet the feeling was of excitement. And finally the moment. With rains and chilly winds, they appeared. Soaking wet with slippers padded in mud, fathers, mothers, children and even crying babies. As each one walked in, the noise grew louder, however it did not bother me, It was noise of excitement, laughter in their voices, smiles in their faces. At exactly 7:20 pm, I made my welcome remarks. A prayer before meals was led by a church member, Raul, Set on the dining table was lechon (roast pig) adobo, humba, pancit canton (chinese noodles) and menudo. Most were to shy to start, thanks to the eldest guest, who led the way. Soon after dinner, I took the opportunity to introduce the main sponsor, BASAK. I explained how all this came about, a simple request that has turned into a link of friendship. I showed them the brand new school materials, and since it is my intention to teach in the elementary school come school year, I explained that the items would be distributed on the first day of school come June. (Mothers agreed that it should be done that way, unless of course, we allow teachers to price the materials, unbelievable!) Three copies of BASAK group picture were passed around. All were very curious. All asked questions. All hoped the group would come back to the Philippines. They were elated to know about their new found friends. Manong Polinar, a barangay leader led the applause and extended their sincerest gratitude, claiming a mere Thank You would never suffice. And when BASAK became familiar to them, I took the opportunity to distribute the goodie buckets to each couple. The children were the most excited, scrambling and arguing over the flavored candies. The evening did not pass without them taking a hold of the mic to give their share of songs and dances. Mothers competing with fathers - both in song and dance. Children rendering their version of christmas carols. The event ended way past midnight. Their thank you's took longer than ever. Today, more than ever before, they have experienced that sense of importance, of honor, of oneness, knowing there are people who indeed have a heart, people who care, people who are willing to share, people who remember... the Filipino and Bayanihan. |
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| BAYANIHAN ANG SASAKLOLO SA BAYAN Basak, proving distance is no hindrance! |
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| RESIDENTS OF LABAS PAGSAMA After the dinner party, they were eager for this photo session. |
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| At work and in a hurry, segregating the commodities |
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| The Goodie Buckets All ready for distribution |
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| Church leader Carling Raut-raut rendering his Visayan version of Merry Christmas |
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| MUD... lots and lots of it! |
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| Manong Polinar Cabeltes and family |
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| Cocktails and Men to be the best they can |
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| I have two hands...the left and the right thanks to Elma for help! |
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| Roll Call! Goodie Buckets distribution |
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| Dancing with Mothers forever doing the otso-otso! |
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| On behalf of the people of Labas Pagsama, I extend our sincerest appreciation to BASAK, specially their president, Jong Bucayu, Ms. Tess Luna and Mr. Stephen Sison, Without your kind support, we would not have been able to make this event possible. God bless you all. PEACE! |
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| This Chapel shall rise The weather has been good lately happy sunshine and smiling faces., Work begins. |
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| The "RED" Hawks |
| Proud Recipients |
| For once in her life! |