As Christmas is fast approaching, Santa has been busier than ever this year.
Thanks to the Rotary Club of Bacolod Marapara, a special visit by Santa was the highlight of its annual Pamaskua Sa Bata gift-giving party for children from the club’s adopted Villa Gracia Day Care Center.
The party, held recently at the Antonio Chan Training Center in Barangay Bata in Bacolod City, saw some 80 children enjoying a morning filled with singing, dancing, a tasty meal and, of course, Christmas gifts from a very jolly Santa.
Said club president, Virgil Rupert “Igie” Villarosa: “Christmas is an opportunity for all Rotarians to share our blessings and, as we bless others, we too are being blessed as well. Our ‘Pamaskua sa Bata’, now in its 18th year, may awaken the moral sensitivities of those who observe us and may be inspired to do the same.”
“I would like to thank our club members and our Rotoractors for ensuring the children had a wonderful time and brightening up their holidays.”
Earlier in the week, Santa was on call for the club to make a special appearance at another gift-giving Christmas party for some 150 children who attend the Batea Elementary School in E.B. Magalona.
The school is located in a very rural area so the children don’t get to see a live Santa often – if at all – so there was lots of excitement and a great deal of picture taking of Santa with the children.
The party was sponsored by past club president Lani Ferrer, relatives and friends and held in collaboration with Marapara Rotary.
The Rotary Club of Bacolod-Marapara undertakes many community outreach activities each year including medical missions, coastal clean-ups, feeding programs, school supplies, computer literacy programs, mangrove planting and support for Eco-tourism projects.*
