Christmas has always been my favorite season—not because of the lights or the festivities, but because it invites us to return to the heart of the story: God choosing to draw near, quietly and lovingly. This year, that truth came alive for me in a very personal way through a simple Christmas outreach at Marcelo Green Elementary School in Parañaque City.

This particular outreach was especially meaningful because it was part of a series of outreaches I organized in 2025 as part of my 50th birthday celebration—my personal jubilee year. Instead of marking the milestone with something lavish, I felt called to celebrate it by giving back, sharing stories, and creating spaces where hope could be experienced in simple, tangible ways. Fittingly, my jubilee year also coincided with the Jubilee Year of Hope, making each outreach feel even more prayerfully aligned. Last July, we also had our back-to-school outreach wherein we donated 50 copies of my other children’s book titled Maliit na Ang Palda ni Isay. You may read about this outreach here.

One afternoon, I had the joy of doing a free storytelling activity for the elementary students of the school. Standing in front of eager young faces, I shared the story of Pasko Pa Rin. I got to remind the students that Christmas is really about Jesus and not so much about the food, parties, decorations, new clothes and shoes we buy, or the gifts we receive. Along with the storytelling, I was blessed to donate 50 copies of Pasko Pa Rin, a children’s book I authored, offering each child a story they could bring home and share with their family members and revisit long after the day was over. We also gave a simple snack or cheese cupcakes to them. This outreach was made possible by the support of my immediate family members and friends who believe in me and my advocacy.

As I prepared for this outreach, I was reminded that God never asks us to give what we do not have—only what we can. Scripture beautifully captures this truth:

“Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted.”
(John 6:11)

Like the loaves and fish offered by a child, what we bring may seem small—limited time, modest resources, simple gifts. Yet when placed in the hands of Jesus, our little is never wasted. That afternoon became a quiet reminder that God delights in multiplying what is offered in faith.

Serving Together as a Family

What made this outreach even more meaningful was that I was not alone.

I was accompanied, as usual, by my three sons who became my teammates for the day. Watching them serve—willingly and joyfully—was a gift I will always treasure. They helped set up the room by putting up the tarp stands and tarpaulin, arranging the table for the book display, setting up the laptop and projector and operating the laptop during the storytelling, and making sure everything was ready before the children arrived.

They also took photos and videos, quietly documenting the moments without fuss. Before we even left for the school, they helped me pack the books, materials, and outreach supplies. During the activity, they assisted in distributing the books and snacks, learning firsthand that service often looks like doing small, ordinary tasks with love.

As a mother, my heart was full. This was discipleship in its simplest form—not a lesson taught, but a life shared. A shared “yes” to serving others.

Stories, Smiles, and Sacred Ordinary Moments

The storytelling itself was simple, interactive, and filled with laughter. The children listened closely, responded eagerly, and reminded me why storytelling is such a powerful way to plant seeds of faith and hope. There is something sacred about gathering children together and telling them stories that affirm their worth and remind them that God sees them.

Click here to watch this short video (reel) that shows highlights of our activity.

After the outreach, tired but grateful, we headed straight to Mass at the Ascension of Our Lord Parish to offer the Mass as thanksgiving for our successful outreach and to serve as choir members. My eldest son is also serving as pianist in this parish; while the rest of us, my two younger boys and I, serve as singers. It felt like the most natural way to end the day—bringing everything back to God. All the effort, the planning, the service, and the small sacrifices offered back to Him in thanksgiving.

Pasko Pa Rin

This outreach reminded me that celebrating life milestones does not always mean looking inward only. Sometimes, the most meaningful celebrations are those that turn outward—toward others, toward service, toward hope.

Pasko pa rin.
Christmas is still here. Christmas comes alive every time we love and give of ourselves out of love for God and others.
Hope is still alive. I have hope in our youth. I hope that they will become good citizens and Christians. That’s why I invest in projects and activities that will help the youth.
I believe that when we offer our little to God—whether in a jubilee year or an ordinary day—He always finds a way to multiply it.

Would you like to be part of our next outreaches this year by donating in cash or kind or by volunteering your service as a photographer or videographer? Leave a comment or send me an email at teresa.hopenetwork@gmail.com.