Reminiscing Grace to be Born this Christmas

I had the privilege of spending a meaningful birthday celebration at the Grace to be Born shelter in Pasig City last September.



Grace to be Born serves both as a halfway house for unwed mothers and as an orphanage for abandoned babies. If I remember it right, they had 12 mothers and 15 babies.



I initially wanted a pompous birthday celebration after surviving such a tough year. I imagined having a grand launch of AyA version 3.0 -- stronger, wiser and happier. I wanted to fix my hair, get toned and simply be glamorous enough to party.

While it was thrilling to imagine a more fabulous me...I could not silence my calling to be socially sensitive. Around mid-September, a baby boy placed in an airplane trash bag was abandoned in a plane. That news certainly hit a spot. Why would I throw a party and splurge on a drinking spree when there are people who starve in love and thirst for affection?



Thanks to social media and the power of text brigade, I was able to call on a few friends who selflessly donated their time, talent and treasure. We were able to donate some vital signs equipment (BP apparatus, digital thermometer, weiging scale, stethoscope, etc.), medical supplies, toiletries for moms, baby clother with mittens and booties, feeding bottles and trinkets of baby items. I was so delightedly surprised we were able to pool together more than 400 diapers and 15cans + 8 boxes of formula milk in less than 2weeks!



The short lead time did not deter us from having some sort of order. We had a semblance of a programme...complete with powerpoint, music and role assignments. It was a short and crisp but complete programme where humor and heart is balanced.


While waiting for people to arrive and to give us time to fix the "venue", we asked moms to write what they want for Christmas and color the image of Mary holding her son Jesus.


These are some of the "masterpiece" of our moms-to-be. We'll be seeing them soon to hand in their Christmas wish.


Our meal was very simple yet filling. It was a pot-luck of the ever-present pansit, pork barbeque from the neighborhood ihawan and cake rolls from Majo...plus peanuts from Jun.



We prayed...


We played...


and gave away prizes!


And of course for posterity...here's with my college friends: Lai and Vive (who came all the way from Las Pinas and Cavite respectively).


Here's with my former teammates: ChaCha, Jackie and Apple (who gamely prepared Pinoy Henyo moms/baby version--thanks gurls!)


Over-all, I felt and still feel so blessed to have a supportive family and a bunch of positive and beautiful friends who took part in this cause despite the short notice.

Please allow me to thank: Dunn (who commuted from Paranaque to host the program), Jun (who brought my teammates to the venue and for finding time despite his hectic schedule), Kuya Pj (who came from Bicol for agreeing to co-host with Dunn), Majo and her sister (for the milk and cake and effort--your presence is truly valued), Mareng Kate (who captured the moment as our official photographer despite being 7months pregnant herself at that time and for enjoining Lily and Allen to support), Ca, Lai and Vive (for being there in almost every chapter of my life since college), Cha, Jackie and Apple (for all your donations and for being happy angels on earth)and of course my family (for being my source of strength and moolah hahaha need I say more?). I am so thankful that we shared the Grace to be Born experience. It would not have been possible without all of you.



The Lord said, whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you do unto me. As I reminisce that day fresh after the child Jesus' birth, my heart is filled with gratitude and hope. I am grateful for that moment and hopeful for more similar moments to come. As we are given the grace to be born, may our existence be a blessing to others. I wish you all a more meaningful year ahead!

P.S. The Grace to be Born shelter is located at #53 Dr. Sixto Antonio Avenue, Kapasigan, Pasig City. For details, questions or donations, you may call Rey Ortega at 09275010605 or 09228597035, or Myrna Ortega at 09178039139.

Disclaimer: Because the shelter values the privacy and in recognition of the sensitive nature surrounding abandonment and abortion, we were prohibited from taking and posting pictures of the moms and babies housed in Grace to be Born.