On the morning of September 30, we had our first Christmas outreach and book donation drive for my latest children’s book Pasko Pa Rin. This was done in collaboration with the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) – Pasay Chapter.

My family and I came early to set up at the Saint Therese of the Child Jesus of the Holy Face School in Villamore Airbase. My husband and boys helped me carry and fix the tarps and books. My husband also took photos.

While waiting for the rest of the kids and the members of BCBP to arrive, we had picture taking.

I did a storytelling of Pasko Pa Rin for the first time for the kids and integrated some catechism on the real meaning of Christmas during the Question and Answer portion after the storytelling.

I’m so grateful that I got to partner with this Catholic community for our very first Christmas outreach and book donation drive for my latest book. We really wanted to do this as early as December of last year. But the printer was not able to finish the children’s book at that time.

Last month, finally, our original plan pushed through by the grace of God!

Through this outreach, we were able to donate copies of Pasko Pa Rin to almost 60 kids. BCBP members provided the funds to purchase the 60 books that would be donated to the kids. Then, I sponsored the free storytelling with catechism.

After the discussions, the kids lined up to get their signed copies from me.

The members of BCBP also provided food and drinks to all the attendees, which served as our early lunch that day.

Before the end of the activity, I was also given a token by the brothers and sisters of BCBP.

This was truly an answered prayer! I claim that this is just the first and the start. We will have more Christmas outreaches and book donation drives in the future.

I believe that in the same way that God made a way for me to know some of the members of BCBP – Pasay chapter, He will also make a way to connect me with other generous people who will partner with me in helping more children and their families discover or relearn the real meaning of Christmas.

“Father, I am Your channel of blessing and grace to Your people. May my life be Your satellite to broadcast Your Word of faith, hope and love to others, especially to those who need it the most. Amen.” – Didache