Barkadahan ni San Juan, Inc.

“MAKIBATA”
“Let the children come to me and don’t stop them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God, like a child, will not enter it.”
- Mark 10:14-15 -

THE HISTORY
Christmas is a season of Love. It is a time of sharing and caring especially to those who are neglected, whether by circumstances or by the very persons who are supposed to take good care of them. On the other hand, December 28 is “Holy Innocents Day.” This is likewise the day when the Barkadahan Ni San Juan, Inc. (BSJI) traditionally conveys the true meaning of Christmas especially to the less fortunate families in Tabaco – this time though to the little ones – for truly the Kingdom of God belongs to them. This is also the best time for us, youth, to spend quality time to these “innocent” ones, as we have been spending a lot of time the whole year round with other people, from all walks of life, through our volunteer parish-based activities, fundraising campaigns, livelihood programs, and the like.For this purpose, eighth months after the Barkadahan Ni San Juan was formally organized by Rev. Fr. Sonny Ramirez, a well-known Dominican priest, the “Makibata” project was conceived by the core group in December 1982. Up to now, it continues to spread cheers to children from indigent families in Tabaco through the untiring efforts of members and kind-hearted benefactors, under the initiative of Ms. Armi P. Dyangko, known to everyone as “Manay Armi”. The project was later adopted in Manila and was even brought to Pampanga in 1991 and 1995 as an outreach program, solely for the children whose families were left homeless after the devastating eruption of Mt. Pinatubo.

ABOUT THE “MAKIBATA”
As stated above, the “Makibata” is traditionally held every December 28 in Tabaco. After all the kids are gathered outside the parish of St. John the Baptist or Our Lady of Lourdes early in the morning on the said day, it is followed by a prayer and short catechism led by the Parish Priest, “Manay Armi”, or leaders of the BSJI. Then they will be brought to Abing’s restaurant, which regularly sponsors a sumptuous breakfast for the kids. Next, they are brought to a nearby Mall or “tiangge” for shopping – such as brand new shoes, slippers, dress, school supplies, toys, and the like, for their personal use. Later in the afternoon, a Christmas treat or party is conducted with lots of games and surprises, gift-giving, and others, before the children are brought back to their respective families. All these are made possible by the donations – both in cash and in kind – benevolently given by kind-hearted benefactors and sponsors, local or overseas. The youth from the Filipino-Chinese Community also play a major role in this project. They were a big help on this worthwhile undertaking, and we are always grateful for all the time and bounty they always have in store for these children.

AN INVITATION

Perhaps you have already understood what this “Makibata” project is all about. Thus, we are reaching out once again for all kind-hearted Christians, who share the same vision we have for these “little ones”, to share their blessings for this worthy undertaking. It is through this activity, that we are able to show the kids that they are loved and wanted especially at Christmas time.If not for the unselfish commitment and generous assistance of our donors and benefactors, for the past years, this activity will not be possible. Therefore, we ardently wish for more sponsors or donors, so we could afford more surprises and gifts for the indigent children. Rest assured, this 2008 will be more successful and we look forward to more children as beneficiaries of this noteworthy project.

The Barkadahan's rule of life:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Poverty

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
Chastity

"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
Obedience

Copyright © 2008 Barkadahan ni San Juan, Inc.
Tabaco City, Philippines


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