‘SANTA UNIVERSITY’
University of Cebu randomly grants wishes
Do you believe you receive more when you give?
Despite the cold holiday breeze, Christmas Day for some students was made a lot warmer by the generosity of their school.
From a simple backpack to a family reunion and medical assistance, some students of the University of Cebu (UC) had their Christmas wishes granted by the school through the “UC Make A Wish Program.”
Katherine Piañar wanted a much sturdier backpack for Christmas after her old bag’s zipper got broken.
For months, the Grade 12 student had been using a drawstring bag. The problem, though, was that the bag was too small, especially for her loaded class schedule.
“That is why my Christmas wish is a school backpack. I also would love to receive a bucket of Jollibee’s Chickenjoy for Christmas Eve,” wrote Piañar.
She received not only one, but two backpacks from the school, personally turned over by UC Chancellor Candice Gotianuy.
Fourth year Information Tech- nology student Melvin Monton wanted to share their noche buena without a family member missing on their dining table.
His father had not spent Christmas with them since leaving for Singapore to work.
“It’s been 12 years since he flew to another country to work for us... I know that working far from your family is not easy. That’s why I wish this Christmas, we can spend it with our father,” Monton said.
Monton’s dad did not only make it home for Christmas, but the latter was also able to visit his mother who had been undergoing dialysis.
Reylin Mae Quiñahan came from a broken family. When her father left them, her uncles, whom she calls Papa Roland and Uncle JR, took on the role as the pillars for her mother and three younger siblings.
“A year ago, my world shattered. We found out my uncle, Papa Roland, was diagnosed with end stage renal problem. Since then, our lives were never the same. Although my Uncle JR plays for the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association), he also has his own battles in life. We were all stuck at the realization that things will never be the same again,” she said.
Quiñahan tried her luck and wished for a free dialysis session at the UC Medical Center for her Papa Roland.
“Miss Candice, this (free dialysis for Papa Roland) might cost much compared to the other wishes posted here on your “wish-wall,” but this would mean a lifetime worth of gratitude, happiness and show of perpetual love to this one man who bravely fought for us, our dreams to finish school and survive every day. We wish for you to grant us that hope and we remain steadfast in faith that you are our angel and genie in disguise this season of hope and joy!” wrote Quiñahan.
Another child whose wish for a family member to get medical help also came true. Quienny Jay Ochea’s mom will undergo an operation on her myoma courtesy of UC Make A Wish.
“I didn’t wish for (anything for) myself because family matters most to me. I think it’s selfish to wish for myself when my mother is suffering. Ms. Candice Gotianuy, I want to thank you forever for granting my wish. My Mama and Papa would like to thank you a million times... I will never forget this very memorable moment. You just saved my Mom,” she said.