By Pauline Calma, Grade 6
“Just thirteen more hours before outreach,” I said to myself, trying to sleep the night before the 22nd of November 2017. I had butterflies in my stomach, along with mixed emotions. I was excited, nervous, and scared because it was my first outreach ever and it was going to be with the elderly. I prepared myself the whole night! I thought of things that might entertain my would-be partner when we start chatting, just like how I would entertain my Lola. I thought of songs that could bring a big smile on her face.
The next day, my classmates and I were grouped by twos to assist our assigned partners. Well, everyone except me. We are thirty-one students in the class, so one of us ended up without a groupmate. Ms. Gapulas encouraged me that I could assist my partner alone, which lifted up my spirits. We all waited at Gate 5. By around 9:00AM, the lolos and lolas arrived. I met my partner, whose name is Ligaya…Lola Ligaya. “It is a very nice name,” I thought, as I brought her to the Multi-Purpose Hall. I assisted her in going up the stairs and at the registration area. While that was going on, I heard some Lolas behind me whisper to each other, “Ang babait naman ng mga bata! Magaganda pa!” I smiled with delight. “This is going to be a good day,” I thought.
Lola Ligaya and I started chatting when we reached our table. I asked her many questions. I learned that she is 65 years old and her children still live with her. No matter how hard I tried to entertain her (with songs too), she seemed to be upset about something. So, I asked her about the condition of her family and if they are all getting along. I was not really contented with her answer, so I made my move. I stood up to get food for her…sopas and bottled water. I placed them on her table and made sound effects like “tada!” and “sherang!” to make her happy. She gave a little giggle, which made me giggle as well. When she was done eating, she had a medical check up by our parent-doctors. I found out that she has high-blood pressure. Perhaps that’s why she seemed a little down.
Our batch also prepared a presentation for our guests. Lola Ligaya seemed entertained by the performances but still with a serious look on her face. For the finale, we all sang “Hawak Kamay” and I gave Lola Ligaya her loot bag. I saw her smile and she thanked me. With respect, I said “walang anuman po” and I made “mano po” to her. When the activity ended, I accompanied her back to the gate and said “Goodbye! Mag-ingat po kayo!”
I learned many lessons that day. Through our chat, I found out that Lola Ligaya gave up her job just to take care of her family and the household. She did it for her family without any complaint. For me, she is a good example to be diligent in my studies and to think of the common good. I also learned to be thankful for what I have. I am surprised that a simple event can have such an impact on an individual like me. It made me realize the whole point of an outreach. We have to reach out to others to identify their needs and at the same time, we also learn valuable lessons from them. I enjoyed this outreach and I am looking forward to more next year.
