On behalf of some 30 CHILD Haus children and their parents, SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee, Hans Sy, and Mother Ricky Reyes welcomed the Metro Manila Mayors’ Spouses Foundation Inc. to a Christmas-inspired day-long event held at the SM Mall of Asia – a venue that has now been unofficially rechristened “CHILD Haus #3”.
As most know, CHILD Haus is a special home where underprivileged children, stricken by cancer, are offered an opportunity to reside in a home (along with a parent, or both parents if an infant), where they are provided food and shelter while undergoing treatment for their illness.
Mother Ricky Reyes is CHILD Haus’ Executive Director and guiding light; and it’s through Hans Sy’s continued support and status as principal benefactor that CHILD Haus has blossomed and expanded, such that two CHILD Haus locations now exist.
November 28 was a special day for the CHILD Haus residents as the Metro Manila Mayors’ Spouses Foundation, Inc. banded together with Mother Ricky and Hans Sy to create a memorable Christmas outing and merienda party at the SM Store, SM Mall of Asia, and at the SM by the Bay Amusement Park, alongside the mall.
Led by CHILD Haus and the Metro Manila Mayors’ Spouses Foundation Inc., the event included the participation of San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, along with his wife and President of the said foundation, Mrs. Keri Zamora. They were joined by the following members: Mrs. Tiffany Gatchalian (wife of Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian); Mrs. Judy Chua (mother of Mrs. Tiffany Gatchalian); Mrs. Aubrey Malapitan (wife of Caloocan City Mayor Along Malapitan); Mrs. Catherine Mary “Trina” Reyes-Biazon (wife of Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon); Pasay City Mayor Imelda “Emi” Gallardo Calixto-Rubiano, along with her husband, Pasay City representative Egay Rubiano; and Mrs. Peggy Anne Riate-Sienes, sister of Mrs. Aileen Olivarez (wife of Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez). They all interacted with the children and their parents, acting as ‘ninangs’ and ‘ninongs,’ fairy godmothers, and godfathers for the day.
Even though they were unable to attend the event in person, these spouses still found ways to share their blessings with the CHILD Haus children: Mrs. Jenine Ponce (wife of Pateros City Mayor Mayor Miguel “Ike” Ponce), Mrs. Barbie Pardo-Tiangco (wife of Navotas City John Rey Tiangco), Mrs. Minnie Arte (wife of MMDA Chair Don Arte), and Vice Mayor Menchie Aguilar (Mandaluyong City).
A shopping spree at the SM Store was followed by a hearty Shake Shack merienda, then the opportunity to indulge in rides at the SM by the Bay Amusement Park. Between the shrieks of delight and wonder from the children, there was the heartfelt desire on the part of the mayors’ spouses to have both children and parents put their health troubles behind them for the afternoon, and know that there was someone ready to look out for them. CHILD Haus is all about never losing hope, and that there are prayers that are answered.
