Kalingap: Outreach in Montalban, Rizal January 28, 2006 Sitio Maislap, San Isidro, Montalban Rizal
After a couple of rainy days, the sun finally smiled that one Saturday morning when members of Red Cross Rodriguez Chapter, United Nations Volunteers Philippines and VOTY visited Sitio Maislap, Barangay San Isidro Montalban Rizal. It took a two hour - drive from the drop off point in Katipunan passing through Marikina and San Mateo to reach our destination… we just can’t wait to see the kids and give them a treat. Around 50 kids aged 4 to 15 years old greeted us with wonder at their improvised function hall where we used a cool videoke machine as our sound system. With an “Aba – Syempre!” welcome from ate Eunice, the program kicked off with a song and dance number from a smart sweet local girl, Jessa who was later joined by one of UNV’s import from Japan, Ate Chiki. Ate Eunice, a new VOTY volunteer, charmingly led a game show for the kids. Two groups with five members each were formed. In a “Game Ka Na Ba?” inspired format, whoever member gives the most examples of a certain category in the least possible time wins. Well, as expected, the girls outsmarted the guys.

With Kuya Ion and Ate Florence, another group of kids out-danced and outrun each other in the classic parlor game “Trip to Jerusalem”, as Kuya Echo, and Ate Chiara had the kids rockin’ the ceiling with Bamboo’s Halleluiah. After a quick - snack break, all were all eyes and ears with Kuya Vanjo’s deserving-of-an-acting-award style of storytelling.No one had heard and seen of a Filipino – version of “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” told like that before.
What followed were two trivia games joined by Ates Chiki, Nom, and Jem and Kuya Ryan. Kuya Vanjo once again pulled some wacky and smart multiple – choice questions for the kids. Up next is clearly the most exciting part… The gift-giving portion of the day! So what’s inside the cute and colorful VOTY freebie – bags? Picture puzzles, story, activity and coloring books and crayons, ball pens, pencils, toothbrush, Happee toothpaste, bath soap, and face towel. There were also packs of cookies provided by Red Cross Rodriguez Chapter. These items were bought with the help of the sponsors of VOTY and UNV’s Kabataan Night 2 mini-concert last December.
Kuya Ion then gave an inspiring message to the kids in order for them to Dream, Believe and Survive! Wrapping up is another treat from Kuya Vanjo who sang his version of “Totoy Bibo” with his anti-cigarette smoking lyrics. Thanks to Mang Danilo, the head of Sitio Maislip for the warm welcome. Thanks also to the rest of the guys who volunteered with us in a one – fun day! Thanks to the very disciplined and adorable kids of San Isidro, we’re definitely going to see you again soon.