From the area where we spent the night, another hour was spent on the road. This time, we crossed rivers and other critically-technical terrain imaginable. Our journey of getting there proves to be quite a moment before handing these gifts we offer to our beneficiaries.
Somewhere in the middle of our journey, we stopped for some courtesy call. It took us quite a short talk until we were able to see the children who will be receiving a gift for Christmas.
Along with this gift-giving, the troops also decided to prepare a sumptuous arroz caldo (a Filipino-style congee) for the kids to enjoy.
PORTRAITS OF CHILDREN
When we reached our destination, I saw beautiful and innocent faces of very young children. One soldier shouted from the truck, "Hali mo!" (Come here!), "Naa mi ihatag, pagdala ug baso!" (We have something to give, bring your cups with you).
I can't express it in my words. I just knew it from the moment I laid upon their eyes while seeing the gifts being unloaded from the truck. This is not the first time they saw soldiers in their place, but it is probably the first time they see soldiers carrying gifts wrapped in boxes.
In the field, I also had the chance know our troops better. Those who were with me obviously love to be around with children. One soldier played with a toddler while his mother was watching. It was undeniably a classic moment. While another soldier was caring for another toddler who held his hand towards the lens of my camera.
"A toddler grabbed the lens of my camera while I was taking a photo of her beside a soldier."
"A soldier's love is beyond comprehension."
Crowd control was almost north to impossible. But our soldiers are still positive in creating a friendly atmosphere. I see them smiling while assisting the children to stop pushing against each other.
In return, this kid calmed the chaos with his voice. He sang songs in his local dialect, gospel songs in bisaya, and even the famous "Sa Langit Wala ang Beer."
While crowd control was being managed by the rest of the troops, the only lady soldier in the scene was also busy checking the Arroz Caldo.
"Can't wait no more..."
The kids with their cups on their hand lined up to grab a taste of a deliciously prepared arroz caldo.
It was still steaming hot despite the fact that our soldiers cooked this food as early as 3AM.
The kids were purely in a surprise to see a young lady wearing a battle dress uniform. It is quite uncommon to see them working in the field.
"Because the Arroz Caldo was steaming hot, responsible mothers were also there to assist their children receive a portion of their share...
We are also blessed for their assistance"
It was wonderful to see this children smile over a cup of a local congee. My experience draws me back to the beauty of living a simple life.
"Serving with a smile draws this kids to smile back."
"This kid is patiently waiting for his share of arroz caldo."
"In the spirit of giving, our troops have only one desire, this is to see the children wearing their smiles. No amount can replace or repay this moment of being able to give them a bag of happiness."
"A young boy just had his big share of arroz caldo. He's sharing it to the rest of his siblings."
After being able to make the insides of our beneficiaries happy, we moved on to make their spirits lift with the blessings of Christmas. It's gift-giving time!
"Mother's who witnessed the giving stand in amazement as she sees a soldier handing out toys this Christmas season."
"An old woman probably receives the most magical looking head band of her life. Our soldiers helped her go back to being a child once again."
Along with the local leaders in the area, our soldiers exchanged hands in serving the people.
"These are just a few children who benefited from the gift-giving. The others were still on their way from the mountain."
A kid and a soldier poses for his gift. Despite having a pink-colored shoe, he didn't bother for anything else. He's too excited wearing it when the class' resumes.
"This young miss received a pair of fancy shoes for Christmas. She poses with gladness beside a soldier."
The CAFGU and their families also received something for the season. They were given clothes, school supplies for their children, and home necessities such as bed sheets, warmers, etc.
These parents who are part of the CAFGU (Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit) received a gift for his young boy this Christmas season. His heart shrunk into gladness because his child was asking him a pair sneakers to be used for school... This time, he has one for the next year as classes will resume on January.
"While infants and/or toddler's also received baby caps for Christmas."
"These young family waiting to line up also shows how curious they are of what gifts are in store for them."
"Family - A CAFGU soldier is feeding his child"
"Soldier Santa threw sweets for the kids to grab on the air."
"The children now enjoying a piece of their Christmas presents with our troops..."
"... And so they jumped for joy!"
Being able to share a moment with our Philippine Army soldiers serving in Bukidnon, I was able to know how they work and serve for the betterment of the province. It's not fair to judge them by the cover of their book, rather, you should try to read them in the pages of their service.
I realized that they love to serve more than I was able to grasp. They see that children are also real investors of peace in generations to come. In the spirit of Christmas, our soldiers were there to bring happiness to places people cannot agree on going. They have shared a sacrifice to be with children they do not know while he is far from his family during the season. For a small price to give, the know that there are big gains.
"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love." - Lao Tzu
Happy Holidays everyone! Most especially to our Filipino soldiers.
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