Orphanage at Christmas

[jadegil6]

Here are a few photos of my visits to the orphanage, and most were taken on Christmas Day. I spent 12 hours there with the kids, playing, talking, taking photos, and making a few videos. These photos were taken by Manny or one of his staff, and sent to me in an email. All of the photos I took are still waiting for me to download as soon as I get finished moving. After I get my desktop set up, then I will be able to upload those into my computer, and get them posted. I will eventually get the videos uploaded to YouTube, and when I do, then I will post those links on the Forum as well.

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The kids sang for us for over an hour on this visit, and because of their love of singing, I used the money that was donated for their Christmas by jaderune Forum members to purchase them a karaoke machine and a DVD player and a 21" TV, as well as numerous other individual gifts.

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Bringing in the Christmas gifts

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Group photo moments after the gifts had been distributed

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Gettin beat (again) by a 14 year old. huhuhu

[edeline]

nice photos..thanks for sharing

[Edwin]

Yes, I also enjoyed looking at these photos of the orphanage kids, also. It is wonderful that there are people who have a heart for these children! May God bless them and the people who look out for them!

[Tigger82d]

When I return in June I plan to visit the orphanage. I'm trying to make plans on where to go and visit and this is one at the top of my list. How many children are there so when I do come I would like to bring them some candy from the states?

[jadegil6]

There were 13 children who I bought gifts for, but that number could change soon. They are going to be moving into the new center in about 3 weeks, and by June there may be some changes made. It would be best for you to communicate with me through email about your plans, and I will get someone to accompany you, and direct you.

I have never met the kid yet, who did not like candy. I took lots of chocolates, and the kids got bags of it on two occasions. Once on my first visit, and again on Christmas Day.

[abufarsi]

and what kind of candy to bring... I would suggest going to a restaurant supply store and buy it by the box. Small box type is easy ( good and plenty, redhots, jaw breakers, etc.) these types of candies can be shared and are not available in the Philippines. This gives kids who were "asking" most of their lives an opportunity to "share" rare treats. Chocolate will melt if you take the bus to where you are going, but I never had a kid turn down a chocolate bar melted or not. Any unwrapped candy will draw moisture from the air and go soft or sticky, even those in boxes I described above. Pass them out within a week of arrival.

You are going to have to get 13 of anything, so in order to fit the budget...My favorite gift for kids are stuffed animals, shoes from Ebay, high end clothing from Ebay. It fits in the luggage nicely and can't be damaged by the gorilla in the airline baggage handling room.

In truth, Cash is the best gift, as it can be spent with individual needs in mind.

If you want to have some fun, 100% of kids seem to like Jollibee. I would think you could treat all the kids and the watchers plus transportation for under $100.

I would suspect that you are going to Cebu to meet a pal. Some people who thought they were going to become part of your family might wonder why you are helping strangers when their families are needy.

[jadegil6]

This photo was taken by a friend of mine on January 21, 2011 on the school grounds in Danao City, Cebu.

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