Written by Christine Querubin*
This post is a story about
a series of events that happened in one unforgettable day in the eyes of a
volunteer.
It’s March 24, 2012. I
woke up around 3:30 and was uber excited to join and meet the participants for
the Reach for the Sky 2, a project of the group Photography with a Difference
(PWD).
05:27am- A Long Day Ahead
Our rendezvous was at the
Megamall Bus stop where I got to meet the all-hyped up kids excited for what
awaits them as the sun rises today.
Ate Yon from the
Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders Inc. (PSOD) oriented me about my task
as a volunteer for PSOD, a beneficiary organization in the event. I would be
one of the marshals who would accompany the six beneficiaries from their
organization as they are about to experience their very first plane ride and
“reach for the sky.”
07:22am- It’s a
Celebration!
We finally arrived at
Pampanga, only a few more minutes and we’re at the Angeles City Flying Club. I
am unaware of what exactly awaits me together with the 42 beneficiaries of
Reach for the Sky’s second year but I am most certain that the kids from the
Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders Inc., KYTHE Foundation, AD/HD Society
of the Philippines, Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Inc., Autism
Society Philippines, the Parent Council for the Welfare of the Hearing Impaired
Children Inc., and the Parent Advocates for the Visually Impaired Children
together with their parents and guardians are all excited for the gathering.
What welcomed us at the
venue was something big! A giant hot air balloon was waiting to have a picture
with everyone. Then there came a crowd of photographers with their DSLRs
equipped with telephoto zoom lenses accompanied by news patrollers and
cameramen from the various news media outlets. It was a very cheerful 20
minutes of smiling for the cameras. Everyone had their pictures taken either
for news coverage, sponsors’ documentation or personal keepsake. I plead guilty
for the latter.
At that moment I knew this
day was going to be great and it did. I felt like a kid spending her first time
at an amazing new world featuring an enormous hot air balloon and rows of
ultralight planes painted with various colors and designs.
It was like spending your
very first time at an amusement park. I had butterflies in my tummy with
everything I saw. The venue was all set like a children’s birthday party. The
stage was ornamented with blue and white balloons surrounded by various food
stalls with free popcorn, hotdog, and ice cream. There was also a face painting
area as well as a photo booth.
 |
| Say hello to my red ultralight plane. *wishful thinking haha* |
01:59pm- Let’s Reach for
the Sky!
This is it! This is the
most awaited part of the day. The main reason why this event was created was to
let persons with special needs experience how it feels like to ride a plane and
literally as the event title suggests “reach for the sky.” I get to marshal
Angel and Rose Anne, two participants from PSOD as they board the Philippine
Air Force helicopter and become the first batch of helicopter riders.
As the kids were on their
flight, one thing I am most certain about, more than the excitement emanating
from the smiles and laughter of the participants is the even more excited
parents and guardians who have come and shared this wonderful event with them.
The best part of it all is
that every moment was documented by the Canon team. The joy of every
participant’s once-in-a-lifetime experience was captured in photos which would
forever be a tangible reflection of optimism amidst life’s everyday challenges.
03:18pm- Surprise!
Surprise!
The people behind the
cause surely know how to make every moment count. The rest of the day was
filled with various enjoyable activities. There was a magic show that wowed
both kids and their parents; the dance showdown allowed the kids to show off
their dancing skills; while others were equally excited by the bubble show. Some
of the beneficiaries also enjoyed swimming at the venue’s kiddie pool.
During the closing
ceremony, a lot of give-aways from the generous event sponsors were
distributed. There was also a surprise visit from Jollibee. This collected huge
smiles and genuine laughter from everyone which was a suitable way to end the
day.
 |
| Big Smiles with Angelo, Rose Anne and John Lloyd |
 |
| Happy time with Angel, Cyril and Pauline |
04:25pm- Thank you and
Goodbye
As the bus started
leaving, two boys with angelic voices sang “The Prayer” and suddenly tears
started to crowd my eyes. The whole day was so surreal that I just could not
contain the happiness inside anymore. I am so happy for being able to
experience “Reach for the Sky” and at the same time I’m sad because it’s over
but nonetheless I am grateful because volunteering made this possible. Now I
can attest that truly, when we help others, we actually help ourselves.
This post is about
appreciating God’s gifts by meeting amazingly courageous people who find joy in
helping others. Indeed, let us be grateful for all of our blessings.
 |
These people showed me how to live life to the fullest.
From left: Ate Tess, Kuya Rey, Ate Joy and Ate Yon from PSOD.
|
_________________
*Christine Querubin finished her BS Mass Communications degree in ADZU last 2011. At present, she is taking Spanish classes at the Instituto Cervantes de Manila. She became affiliated to VYLH-Philippines as a representative of her university to the 2010 VYLH-Philippines Mindanao Island-wide Camp.
*Christine Querubin finished her BS Mass Communications degree in ADZU last 2011. At present, she is taking Spanish classes at the Instituto Cervantes de Manila. She became affiliated to VYLH-Philippines as a representative of her university to the 2010 VYLH-Philippines Mindanao Island-wide Camp.
