To celebrate the spirit of sharing, we RIDE interpreters joined two separate Christmas parties last December 19, 2004 with deaf friends from Antipolo City and Marikina City respectively. In the morning we joined the Antipolo group headed by its moderator, teacher Angie Enriquez. The party was held at the Daughters’ of St. Anne Convent in Cubao, Quezon City . The sisters of the convent headed by Sr. Severina Loria, DSA sponsored the party.
The event aimed to gather deaf and other adopted children of the convent to build camaraderie, foster friendship with one another, and to experience the joyous spirit of Christmas.
The whole day affair started with a mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Dennis Soriano. It was followed by a “salu-salo” where everybody shared their food. Various games and activities for the deaf were facilitated by RIDERS. We were so exhausted, but it was really amusing and fascinating watching those children enjoying themselves and having great fun regardless of their handicap.
Before leaving for Marikina , we also left our gifts for the deaf community of Antipolo through teacher Angie.
We arrived at Conception parish in Marikina just right on time for the 5 o’clock p.m. mass. After the mass, we all went to the Parish Multi-Purpose Hall for the party.
There we had another “salu-salo”, which was followed by a series of games for the deaf. We facilitated the whole event through the help of Catholic Layman Association of the Deaf moderator, Mr. Rick Quing. We were able to shower them with prizes and gifts given by RIDE’s generous sponsors and donors.
No matter how simple and traditional the party was, we were able to share our time and support. We were able to bring them joy and fun during the party. But, most importantly, we were there to show them that a handicap is not a hindrance into one’s happiness in life and that… LOVE is the real meaning of Christmas!
Written by: Nemz H. Abiday