FOR the fifth time, the Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc. (CJFI) held its Fun & Talent Day outside Davao City. A great adventure indeed awaited some 800 participants from 13 children’s organizations in Davao City last Sept. 5 at the KJC Beach Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos). Batang Astig, Astig Kabataan, Maguindanao Children, Sunflower Kids, Brgy. 23-C, Bulig Bata Alang sa Kalambuan, Davao City Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Drug Dependents (DCTRCDD), SOS Children’s Village, Welfare Action Foundation (Boys Town), Field of Dreams, Kids House Preschool, Maria Josefa Preschool and CJFI participated in the event graced by CJFI executive director Rosemarie N. Dimagnaong, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional director Priscilla N. Razon, KJC chief administrator Ingrid Canada and DSWD 11 standard units head Alfredo Sy. “It’s a big day for the children. We are so happy to see the faces of the children once again,” Dimagnaong said during her welcome remarks. She went on saying, “Since we started this event five years ago, this is the first time that we are holding this year’s edition here in Samal because we know that the children are very much eager to see the beach, go swimming and have fun. Ibigay ang hilig ng mga bata.” She thanked the foreign delegates of of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ international convention who funded the annual activity, KJC chief administrator Ingrid Canada and CJFI founding president Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy for his continuous support to the children. Razon, meanwhile, also lauded CJFI for its generosity and unwavering support for the children. She then urged the kids to bring home beautiful memories and experiences.
EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME From the upbeat pop dance presentation of DCTRCDD delegates to the meaningful dance number of Maguindanao children who showcased their rich tradition and culture, the talent day indeed showed much promise and entertainment. Ten-year-old Norhaina Abas, a Grade 3 student at Kabacan Elementary School, of Maguindanao danced with seven–year-old Bainor Abas, Bai Annei S. Mala and Normina Abas. Norhaina, in an interview after their performance, said in the vernacular: “I enjoyed dancing, I was not shy.” The Maguindanao dance group was the most-photographed among other delegates as their colorful native Maguindanao attire caught much attention. The rest of the delegates also donned colored shirts while waving balloons of different colors during the program that was also witnessed by DSWD 11 standard units head Alfredo Sy. After the short program, the children trooped to the ice cream stations and bread station while others took a plunge at the beach. Fruits stands were everywhere and guests enjoyed the sweet rambutan, lanzones and durian. Toto Bintay of SOS Children’s Village, in a separate interview, was in awe seeing the beach, meeting alot of new friends and enjoying the sight of overflowing bread, fruits and bread and bottomless ice cream. “I’m so happy. It’s my first time to come here in Samal and it’s also my first time to join the fun and talent day. I’m so overjoyed to swim at the beach. My brother is also happy,” nine-year-old Toto said. Leslie M. Noval, 10, a regular participant of the annual event, looked forward to the fun games. Even raindrops didn’t dampen the spirits of the children who were a picture of sheer delight as they frolicked by the beach.