It was on the twenty-second of February when I first saw the light in Riyadh, K.S.A. It was at the height of the EDSA Revolution back home. I am the first and only daughter of my parents Eugene and Florie. Being the eldest, I was well provided for and there were no “hand me downs”. Never did any of my birthdays pass without having a celebration.

Seventeen years after, I had to say farewell to my hometown for my college education. Being away from my family was a struggle. Life wasn't easy. I had to be independent and prepare things on my own at an early age. I had tons of friends to fill in the gap that was missing. Every birthday was spent with my friends, and aside from my brothers, my happiness was dependent on the presence of friends.

Spending my 27th birthday with the kids of GK NTC in Quezon City

For my 27th birthday, I thought of having a unique birthday celebration. I once read in one of the articles in Kerygma that "God loves and rewards the cheerful giver." (2 Cor 9:7) Ideas popped into my head as I shared it with my sisters in Singles for Christ (SFC). I saw the excitement in their faces when I expressed my birthday plans. I chose the GK NTC Village because it is the nearest GK site to my place.

A birthday experience like no other

Aside from my SFC family, I invited a few of my closest friends to join the kids. I was surprised to know that they were very supportive of it. My friends volunteered their service physically and financially to make the kids happy. Seeing the smiles on their faces to see Jollibee, feeding their empty stomachs with a sumptuous meal and hearing birthday greetings from one corner to the other from the GK kids felt ecstatic. Two of the GK kids even gave me a hand-painted birthday greeting. Tears of joy fell from my eyes; no words can describe how grateful I am to be able to share God’s blessings. 

With the hand-painted birthday greetings from the kids of GK NTC

Back when I was younger and people asked me what I would like to be when I grow up, I would always answer that I'd like to be a beauty queen. But the feeling of being crowned Ms. JS Prom and Ms. Senior during high school is nothing compared to this experience. Giving something without expecting anything in return is priceless. The true meaning of beauty is within.

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Gawad Kalinga is not a charity, rather, it's an organization that aims to end poverty by building empowered communities. Volunteer activities continuously happen all around the country as a concrete response to ending poverty in the Philippines. Like Kristine, you too can spend your birthday in a GK community and bring smiles to the faces of the residents. Click on our FEATURED CELEBRATIONS to read other stories of volunteers who have celebrated their special milestones in GK communities. Click HERE to find out how you too can celebrate with us.