“Christmas is my favorite time of the year and this year’s Christmas Party is different yet the best that I ever had. Two reasons why I say it is different: 1) I had to travel a long way to be with two beautiful and wonderful co-workers who are considerably dear sisters 2) We spent a day so special by showing love and caring for street children in Iligan City.

The moments I spent with my sisters in work are memorable. We had fun sharing our thoughts about many things – life, family and work over great food. We also loved the cold waters of Springway Resort – the place where we stayed overnight. It was great getting to know them better through girls’ bonding.

The best part of my trip was the day we spent with the street kids. Our target was to bring 30 kids to the party we booked at Jollibee. Needless to say, a Jollibee party is dreamed of by most Filipino kids. We started the second day early by gathering kids that roam around the street along and across the venue. As I was personally inviting kids to come with me to the party, I saw different reactions on their faces. Some were happy and excited. Some couldn’t even believe that somebody’s inviting them for fun and great food at Jollibee. When the party started and Jollibee gave a special dance number, the smiles on the kids’ faces were so precious.

Being a mother of two sons, I know children always love listening to stories. And so, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to tell them the greatest story of all time – the Christmas story straight from the Bible. They listened attentively and they enjoyed answering a short quiz. The most amazing part of the day – more than 30 children accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior as we lead them in prayer. Yes, the joy in their faces were too obvious as they enjoyed the party and received food and tokens. Yet, no gift is more needed by the children of this dying world than a living Savior. For me, this is the essence of Christmas. This is the true meaning of Christmas – to celebrate the birth of Him who was once King and died to give us salvation. How immeasurable that love is!

This is what I learned from the whole experience and I’m sharing this to everyone as my Christmas message. During this Yuletide season, let us not just be excited about gifts that galore and carols that ring. I hope we remember what the Christmas elements symbolize. When we see figures of wise men, let us remember their generosity. The world calls for cheerful givers and starting this season, we can make a difference by sharing to those who are in need especially the children. When we see that bright star, let us remember the light it shone to guide the wise men’s way on finding the Messiah. A thrill of hope is what this dark world needs. Starting this season, we can make it a commitment to be the light to others. Our guiding words and a simple tap at a friend’s back can make a better change. When see that baby JESUS in the manger, let us remember His humility. Our Lord humbled Himself in an effot to win our love. From this season onwards, let us learn to honor others above ourselves. Lastly, when we see all these that symbolize Christmas, let us remember GOD’s great love for you and me. In fathomless grace, GOD gave His Son to die on the cross to save us from eternal darkness. What an indescribable gift! May this Christmas message reign in our hearts the whole year through!”

— Celdy 

“The first TWBN Christmas party did not only fed me food for my stomach, but it cleansed and fed my soul. Having to host a party for indigenous kids was a different kind of fulfillment. It was an experience I will never forget. Seeing the innocent faces of the kids laughing, dancing, and having the time of their lives made me realize what the real meaning of Christmas is – Love and Kindness. The happiness that we saw they had during the event made me feel delighted and humbled. I couldn’t help but reflect during that time how different my life was when I was their age. I was lucky enough to be able to eat three meals a day and how fortunate I was to have parents who care deeply for me. It was an experience unlike any other – reaching out to those in need should always be done every day.

What touched my heart the most was the drug addict mother. She brought her kids along to the party and even dressed them accordingly and after the event she reached out to us one-by-one and said her thanks. I was lost for words, all I could give was a nod. You can never really judge a person based on what you see. There is more to a person than their reputation. The very reason we should all be kind to one another after all we are brothers and sisters in Christ.

It was a momentous event not only to me but also to my co-workers that have become my friends and sisters. I am also grateful to our boss, Ash Metry, who made that event possible. He is not only a boss to us but also a friend, father, and mentor. I wish that we will have more moments like this together. Let’s go Team Awesome!”

— Scarlet

“Day One: Newest Addition

It has always been my dream to write about the good things in life, and never I expected that in just a snap (Or, probably more. LOL!), I’d be writing about weddings — one of the best things in my chain of thoughts. Aye, I am the newest addition to the awesome The Wedding Blog Network, and I am more than thankful enough to be part of this family — blessed. At first I was terrified to take this opportunity but to I took it, anyway. Hey, got no regrets, darling!

So, here comes the day to finally meet everyone in the team after days of huddling about the plans and schedules. I love meeting new friends, and I loved it more because It was Ate Celdy, Scarlet, and Ash! Ate Celdy is the soft-spoken, motherly, and optimistically opinionated one, just like the flowers blooming in the spring. Scarlet, on the other hand, well, she has been my friend for almost ten years now, and there is never a dull moment with her as she is carefree and lighthearted as the summer breeze. Ash, who was not with us but is always in our thoughts, is the winter which brings comfort and warmth, just like home.
On that day, we met, we laughed, gave gifts, and spent countless hours chit-chatting about all the great stuff. On that day, I felt like I gained a new family. On that day, I was just as grateful as I am every day.

Day Two: Unselfishness

“It would be more fun if instead of celebrating Christmas between just the three of us, we do it with you and share the blessings with you.” I am a sucker for tear-jerking moments, and I admit, tears welled up my eyes (But it did not fall because that would be too much, Heehee!). When Ate Celdy said such charming words to the children gathered from the outskirts of our town who are fortunate to experience a day full of fun and excitement. The more, the merrier!

I have been exposed to such events as my family share blessings in the rural areas in our city during the holidays, but every experience is unique on its own. And this day felt new to me because of the great company I am with and how blessings unfolded slowly as the day went by. Honestly, at first, we had trouble gathering the kids because it was a weekday and children were in school but, boy, I was surprised when kids excitedly came one by one. We shared joy to more than 30 children! Truly, God provides. Goodness, it would be my pleasure to see those genuine smiles and laughs all over again.

P.S.
I love Christmas, and I love celebrating it the TWBN-style! Thank God for people with big hearts, thank God for these three people who pour many blessings without any hint of hesitation. I hope this family grows. ‘Til next time! Merry Christmas!”

— Lauren

Below is a video compilation of the Christmas Party, enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niVjwuaMYRs