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You LiP Readers are the Stars of Christmas!

Holidays / by

On Wednesday, I posted a video of the ABS-CBN Christmas Song, “Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko.”  Today, I am going to say that in my opinion, you, the readers of this site are the Stars of  Christmas!  Yes, Jesus is what the holiday is all about, and he is the ultimate Star of Christmas.  But, through your generosity of giving to the LiP Christmas Giveaway this year, a number of you readers have become Stars of Christmas yourselves!  And, I really mean that.

The LiP Christmas Giveaway 2009 is complete, and it was a huge success.  I can honestly tell you that as I write this, I feel some real emotion for the season, and big amount of gratitude for those of you who helped make Christmas a little better for some poor Filipino families who are less fortunate than we are.

This morning, Feyma, my kids, a nephew and neice and I all went out to distribute the gifts that came from the money that many of you donated.  It was another great year for the giveaway.  This year, we raised a bit less money than last year, but there were more individuals that contributed.  I kind of expected the dollar amount to be down a bit, but it really was not that far down, though.  Last year, we raised just under $2,000 to buy giveaways for the poor.  This year, we got about $1,700.  But, last year’s total was partly due to one person who contributed a huge amount ($500).  No gifts that large this year, but a lot of gifts from $5 to $50 or so made a huge difference.  There were also a number of $100 gifts and a very generous $200 gift this year.  So, overall, more people gave this year, and the amount given was very nice.  I think you dearly for that.

This year we stayed within the City Limits of Davao, although out of the City proper, up in the hills.  We started out in Barangay Mandug, and beyond.  This was our first year to visit that location for the Christmas Giveaway, and we realy enjoyed it greatly.  The people were so kind and grateful too, and that made our day!  I was telling Feyma that I particularly like giving to young kids (like toddler age), and to the old people.  Then I said, “oh heck, the truth is, I enjoy giving to everybody!”  And, that is honest.

I am including a video of the giveaway, yes, this year we remembered to bring the camcorder!  The limit for video length on YouTube is 10 minutes, and this video is 9:55.  I wish I could have included more, but that is the limit that YouTube imposes, so I had to make it a bit shorter than I hoped.  But, I believe that the video will give you a good idea of what you made possible this year through your generosity.  We really had such a great time meeting all the people, and I think it will show in the video just how much we enjoyed it.

Earlier this week, I wrote something on my Status on Facebook:

In recent years, I have learned that the most joyous Christmas can be had by giving unexpected gifts to people that you don’t even know!

If you are my friend on Facebook you may have seen my message.  It is so true, and this giveaway has really changed my life a lot, and you who contributed allowed us to make this giveaway so much larger than it was when we first started 7 or 8 years ago.  I thank you sincerely for that.

So, anyway, the 2009 LiP Christmas Giveaway is complete.  I am proud of all that you guys have done to help me make a tiny difference for my area to help the poor enjoy a nice Christmas.  The truth is that what you have done has also helped me have a much more meaningful Christmas as well.

Thank you sincerely.  And, in addition to the Video, here are a few more pictures from the event today, and the preparation over the past couple of days.

Merry Christmas to all LiP Readers.  And, a heart felt thank you to all who helped make a few Filipinos a little happier for Christmas 2009!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. kamusta bob
    great video and pics,its nice to see that people pull together like this and help the needy,god bless everyone this christmas eve.
    you guys are awsome,
    salamat kayu

    • Hi Richard – I’m glad that you enjoyed it! We all enjoyed doing it very much, and we super-appreciate the efforts of LiP readers who made the size of it all possible!

  3. Hi, Bob and Feyma- As is often said, a picture is worth a thousand words. There were enough pictures of smiling faces there that say it all. You and your family deserve the highest praise for this noble deed of putting a smile on the faces of our lesser fortunate compatriots on this, the most exalted day of the year. Thank you for allowing us to participate and be the stars in your yearly Christmas giveaway in spirit, if not physically.

    • Hi John – Sometimes I feel a little guilty, because I think I enjoy this giveaway even more than the recipients do! It always brings joy to my heart! And thank you for helping make it happen!

  4. Kamusta ka Bob,

    Priceless!!

    Merry Christmas to you and your family..and all the readers here on LiP.

    Salamat kaayo,
    Danny 🙂

  6. Hi Bob, It’s nice to see such happy faces. God Bless you and Feyma and your cheerful helpers. Merry Christmas!

      • Hi Bob – Actually the snow was last week (lol). Now we’re having freezing rain. The icy conditions delayed transportation all over the city. I had about one-half inch of ice on my van this morning. Weather for Christmas day – more rain with a chance of snow! Too funny, eh?

  7. Hi Bob,

    Super great video and pics. Really enjoyed it very much. It’s so nice to see happy and smiling faces of the folks specially the kids. Priceless.

    Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to you, Feyma and the kids.

  10. A great thing you’ve done/we’ve done, Bob. It wouldn’t have happened without you. And to everyone who gave, thanks. For some of us it was an easy choice, it may not have been … but it’s the wisest choice … hard to imagine a few dollars giving that much joy.

    • Dave – Thanks to you and the others who contributed, this years giveaway was really a joy, both for me and those who did the receiving. Thank you so much for your help!

  13. Another great Minda-Clause presentation Bob & Family ! I keep wondering what went through the minds of the recipients as they see a couple of vehicles pull up, out steps Minda-Clause & crew, all bearing gifts for Christmas ! What a surprise it must have been for them.

    For all of the contributors to this years effort, this is one of the quickest reports of results I can remember from any donation driven event. I viewed it Christmas Eve here ( New York Time ) and viewed it again just now on Christmas Day before making a comment.

    From your comments in talking with some of the recipients it looks like your Bisaya lessons came in handy, just goes to show that you not only ” walk the walk ” you can also ” Talk the Talk ”

    Thanks for taking us all on the ride via your video.

    Merry Christmas to All !

    • Hi Bob – Thank you so much! Your contributions helped make it all possible, and I appreciate it very much!

      After doing the giveaway, when we got home, I immediately started editing the video, and writing the article. Nothing else got done until that was done, because I feel it is important to show everybody what was done with the money that they contributed toward this. Also, I just enjoy sharing it because others enjoy it as well.

      Merry Christmas, Bob!

    • Hi ann – Thank you for your help on this, we really appreciate it, and those people that got the “mga pinaskohan” were sure happy too! God bless you! Merry Christmas!

  15. Bob
    Once again thank you for all your efforts in this video.
    It kind of connects my Wife and I here in RI to the ongoings of there in RP. After all of the Hustle and Bustle of Xmas here it is a treasure to see how your simple acts of kindness provide the less fortunate with a little Xmas Cheer. What is better than that.

    Neal

    • Hi Neal – I have often said, and truthfully, that I do this mostly for myself. It’s a selfish thing…. it makes me feel so good! Actually, in the years that we have done this, I have come to know the true feeling of Christmas like never before!

  16. Hi, Bob!

    Isn’t it such a nice feeling to see those smiling faces of strangers when they receive those Christmas presents? I’m sure they’re very thankful to you and your family for your heart-warming generosity.
    (By the way, I like the scenery! Looks very peaceful!)

    Happy Holidays!

  17. Hi there Kuya Bob! May God Bless everyone who contributed and participated in that event! keep it up! Merry christmas and happy new year!

  18. To all of you that gave money for the LIP Drive. THANK YOU SO MUCH. We really appreciate you guys help. It was really a good feeling seeing those people smiling and so thankful for the gifts. Just watching the kids so happy really made my day.

    You guys really are the hero for me. Keep it up guys. God bless you all!

    HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU READERS ON LIP!

  19. Bob,

    The video was very moving. I thank you and Feyma and all of the LIP readers that contributed to the project. You are a great example for my family.

    An American friend and I were talking about the poverty that we saw on our visits to the Philippines. We have both helped in our own little ways. Juramie and I have bought bugas and ulam for 2 families in Tagbubunga, Leyte. The last family we helped was on December 24. Most of the poorer people are good people who hide the fact that they are not eating. Juramie has an older cousin who is eating once a day. We are planning to help her in January. The small amount of money I give will feed this person (my friend and Juramie cousin) for the entire month.