It’s a children’s wonderful world!
This brief but moving narrative will introduce you to the French foundation Enfants Du Mekong (EDM), which has been operating in our country since 1997. Its mission? Sponsoring poor but deserving students.
Close to a thousand have started from kinder to college and fortunately, are now gainfully employed. This is all to the credit of the French sponsors who have “adopted” them, throughout the entire school term.
Last year, when super typhoon Yolanda devastated many areas in the Visayas, French aid arrived immediately restoring hundreds of homes. Not only that, French volunteers were sent here to supervise the work done and to start livelihood projects for the families affected. They also assisted in bringing back kids to school.
This indeed called for a celebration!
“Let us celebrate what we have achieved together,” was the theme of Yolanda Bayanihan Spirit, which was held at the spacious grounds of the Cathedral Museum. Under cozy tents and with appropriate lights and sounds, the event blasted away.
Terry Manguerra, EDM executive director, welcomed an overflow of guests, a good number from the French community, volunteers and visitors from Manila. Guess who were the happiest and the hippest?
Of course, the students who released their pent-up energies through song and dance! Then the appreciative crowd called it a night with a sumptuous dinner!
*** Still on the subject of France, the Alliance Francaise de Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Pacific, among others, will present the renowned Gregorian Choir of Paris on Sunday, Feb. 22, at the Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu at 7 p.m.
Be enthralled as you watch and listen to the Sacred Choral music of 26 Gregorian masters of Chant, conducted by Charles Barbier.
If you’ve never heard Gregorian chants before, the time is now!
*** Over at the Guadalupe Parish Church covered court, another kiddie happening was brewing, sponsored by the dedicated members of the Catholic Volunteers for Charity Movement (CVCM).
This was their annual Children’s Festival, featuring food, games, prizes and a jolly good time! CVCM would therefore, want to thank the many generous personalities who made this festival a reality.
Rose Borja-Lim, Carmen Snare family and friends, Dindo and Vicky Perez and family, Tessa and Micmic Perez, Jay and Gladys Sanchez, Glyza and Tessa Lumasag, Pichay, Madeleine and PJ Theamtusana, Pacit Mercado Barba, Fely Go, Anna Gonzales, Norman and Cathy Quijada, Babette Bayani Schluber, Gwendolyn Yballe, Prospero and Cerela Canonigo, Councilor Jun Gabuya, Helen Mapula and Noring Cabrera, Doring Cañizares, Lina Pelaez, Atty. Juanita Montesclaros, lawyer Vicente and Inday Urgel, Atty. and Mrs. Allan Blanco and family, Rufino Tiu and sis Senda, lawyer Escolastico Daitol and family, judge Jane Labra, Jesus and Thelma Jalandoni Solon, June and Vely Chi, engineer Ramile and family, Bob and Marisol Manuel, Angel Sultan, Fe Mangubat, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Cang, Anita Trasmonte, doctor Matilde Ceniza, engineer Arlene Caanga, Roedel Enterprises, Natalia and Sonia de la Torre, Tina Ebrada, Teresa Sanson, Mrs. Gabutan, Trining and Lourdes Modina, Julina Muertegui, Pamfila Cañizares, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Acero, Gen. Emilio Valencia, Clemen and Joel Alvizo, Paulina Tiu, Gene and Baby Elegino, Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo de los Reyes and family, Imelda Acero, Edgar Acero, Susan Yu, Jessie Yap, Shirley Talastas, Carlos and Rosalia Flores, Imelda Gallardo, Avelina Velez, Mrs. Cunanan, Juliana Pino and family, Amalia Dino, Daniel and Sony Atillo, Mr. and Mrs. Quincy, Mike and Pina Lu, Esmer and Vising Diaz, architect Nonie and Jo Mapeso, and many more.
May God bless you all! Kung Hei Fat Choi everyone!