Maria Virginia Sy

Senior volunteers organize a Christmas gathering for children in Sitio Dayapa, Tanay, Rizal on December 27, 2025, bringing the community together through simple games, shared meals, and the distribution of modest gifts as part of a yearly tradition that fosters joy and solidarity among residents.Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

From Shared Dream to Shared Home: Seniors keep a Christmas Tradition Alive

Maria Tan

ABS-CBN News

<div>[[PHOTO ALBUM]] What began as a simple dream among friends—to build a modest home together—has quietly grown into a tradition rooted in generosity and community. Every Christmas, the group organizes a celebration for children, families, and workers in Sitio Dayapa in Tanay, Rizal. The activity includes simple games, shared meals, and the distribution of gifts, creating a space for joy and togetherness during the holiday season. The annual celebration grew naturally from their shared life in the area. What started as a small gathering among friends slowly evolved to include children from the community: First, for a simple meal, then adding small gifts, school supplies, and treats. For organizer Joel Saracho, the tradition is their way of giving back as an expression of gratitude shaped by their shared history and sense of belonging within the community. “Nagmula nung nagawa ’yung bahay 2022, I think, dito kami taon-taon nag-Christmas party. Nung una, kain lang. Tapos nung sumunod na taon, nagbigay na kami ng loot bags, gamit sa eskwela, pagkain at candies.” (“It started when the house was built in 2022, and since then we’ve been having a Christmas party here every year. At first, it was just a shared meal. The following year, we began giving out loot bags, school supplies, food, and candies.”)</div><div> Joy Measured in Children’s Smiles </div>Each Christmas, Sitio Dayapa comes alive. Homes and pathways echo with laughter, the scent of simple but lovingly prepared food fills the air, and children eagerly line up for games and gifts. Saracho said the greatest reward is seeing the children’s joy, knowing that even the simplest gestures can mean so much during the holidays. “Masarap sa pakiramdam ’yung nakikita mong nakangiti ’yung mga bata. Simple lang naman itong handog namin, pero alam naming malaking bagay na ito para sa kanila lalo na ngayong Pasko.” (“It feels good to see the children smiling. What we offer is simple, but we know it means a lot to them, especially during Christmas.”) He expressed hope that the tradition will continue for many years, made possible through the support of friends and volunteers who share the same commitment. <div>Passing On the Spirit of Sharing </div>Beyond the gifts, the organizers hope to leave behind a deeper lesson that is one rooted in generosity and connection.Visual artist and art teacher Neo Maestro believes the experience itself will stay with the children long after Christmas ends. “Ang gusto kong maiwan sa kanila ’yung spirit ng pagbabahagi kung ano man ang meron ka, kahit gaano kakonti, magandang ibahagi.&quot;(“What I want to leave with them is the spirit of sharing whatever you have, no matter how little, it’s good to share it.”) For Maestro, building genuine relationships with the children is just as important as the celebration itself. “Mahalaga na ma-develop ang relasyon sa mga bata sa community. Itong simpleng salu-salo at pagbabahagi ng pagkain, isa ito sa mga paraan para mangyari ’yun.”(“It’s important to develop relationships with the children in the community. This simple gathering and sharing of food is one way to make that happen.”) <div>A Tradition That Endures </div><div>For the organizers, Christmas is not about grand celebrations or expensive gifts, but about presence, consistency, and care. Despite aging bodies and personal responsibilities, they find fulfillment in reconnecting with these families every year. What began as a modest gathering has become a symbol of hope and continuity, reminding the community that kindness does not need to be grand to be meaningful. For these friends, the real value of the outreach is not measured by the size of the celebration, but by the relationships built over time. By celebrating with the community year after year, they leave a lasting message: that home is not just a place, but a shared sense of belonging. <iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4nHEvMP7hbI?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></div>

What began as a simple dream among friends—to build a modest home together—has quietly grown into a tradition rooted in generosity and community.

What began as a simple dream among friends—to build a modest home together—has quietly grown into a tradition rooted in generosity and community.

From Shared Dream to Shared Home: Seniors keep a Christmas Tradition alive

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From Shared Dream to Shared Home: Seniors keep a Christmas Tradition alive

Maria Tan,

ABS-CBN News

Published Dec 28, 2025 01:20 PM PHT

Read More:

Sito Dayapa

Joel Saracho

gift giving

community outreach

Tanay

Rizal

senior citizens

Christmas

commune

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