it's an UBer FUN DAY, Kid.

Together with the KAAKBAY members, we spent our March 17 with 17 street children (wow, it’s just now that I realized na pareho palang 17). It was a day of fun, really. We had parlor games, face tattoos, colorful balloons, prizes, loot bags, foods and of course,mcdo's hamburgler!

i do not know what's inside their every timid smile.

or what's really bemeath their gloomy eyes.

i will never know each story behind their rough skin and dry hair, for sure.

but i will forever wonder

where are they headed?

Contemplate: A boy who strolls around the busy city having all the freedom that he could imagine sporting tattered clothing, a nauseating aroma and yes, the face that launches a thousand of emotions. Add the hopeful tone begging for the littlest of alms, the most common: Ate, pengeng barya. Alternatively, offering cigars and candies, and yes, sampaguita garlands. But what do we often do? This might not be a strange scenario but this never fails to clench my heart.

I wish people would just buy these items from these kids, instead of purchasing from those giant malls. I hope one day, I can paint a vivid picture of them with all the justification to tell the world about these kids who also needs an embrace.

actually, i do not know how to help them or how to make sure that amidst the hurly burly of life, a brighter future still awaits them. i feel sad that all I could do is feel sorry for them. Sabi nga ni Dad when I once asked him why there are street children: that’s how life is daw, the question is whether they want to remain in the street or make a difference in their lives. Plus the reminder of how blessed I am for everything that the Almighty has bestowed on me.

But I believe, prayers will make a lot of difference. Let’s all be one in including these kids in our daily prayers, so one day will come, and there will be no one strolling down the cold streets with a growling stomach or a heart starving for love.

And that just like us, i know they also have so much love to give in this world. ♥