It’s not every day that you can make a difference in other people’s lives. But is sure is one of those days that can make you feel like you’ve done something truly important.
Lifestyle blogger and makeup artist Marj Sia, together with Make-A-Wish Foundation, had her first-ever volunteering experience through “Be Bold and Beautiful with Marj Sia.” Ten cancer-stricken kids from the Philippine General Hospital were treated to a day of makeup session.
The objective of the program was to create an uplifting and positive mindset. The girls were reminded, in a fun way, that they are beautiful inside and out, and nothing can stop them from feeling pretty.
One of the beneficiaries, 14-year-old Arabella, who spends most of her time in the hospital and interacts with other patients her age, was glad to have this experience with other girls and newfound “ates.”
The visit from Sia and other volunteers provided her with a different perspective on life. She is now more confident and sees beyond her illness.
“Naging masaya ako na may nakasama akong ibang bata, at may nakilalang bagong mga ate. Naging masaya ako na may natutunan akong konting bagay tungkol sa makeup at mas excited na akong mag-ayos ng sarili (I was happy to be among other kids and meet new ‘older sisters.’ I was glad to learn a few things about makeup, and now I’m more excited to make myself look good),” said Arabella, who has sarcoma, a tumor that affects the connective tissue.
For Sia, volunteering is something she recommends everyone who can should do.
“I also recommend that people do this kind of advocacy in their life. I think I have achieved most of the things I want in this life but it’s a different kind of feeling to bring joy to others,” she enthused.
Meanwhile, radio jock DJ Chacha of MOR 101.9 recently celebrated her birthday with the elderly at GRACES Home for the Aged. Accompanied by her fans club members, she provided food, entertainment, and donations in kind consisting of blankets and new clothes. She’s been doing this for six years now.
“I’ve always had a soft spot for the elders as I don’t have grandparents anymore. Visiting GRACES makes me happy and I will do it over and over again,” she shared.
DJ Chacha recognizes the loneliness the elderly feel being without their families. “I want to make them feel that they are remembered and loved even by strangers like us,” she said.
The radio jock believes that one must generously share whatever they have, big or small.
“When we do, we make the world better for someone else and find true meaning and satisfaction in our own lives.”
Sia and DJ Chacha both signed up for Time Please, a volunteering program of Globe Telecom, to volunteer for their chosen beneficiaries.
Time Please provides a platform for volunteering activities that match individuals or groups of volunteers with various opportunities around the country.
To date, Globe and Disney’s Time Please program has reached over 13 million volunteer hours through small acts of kindness nationwide.
“We are grateful to all volunteers who shared their time and talent to help others in need. We hope our collective effort will truly make a difference to the lives of all beneficiaries,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe chief sustainability officer and senior vice president for corporate communications.
Time Please ended its run on Aug. 31.