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More Than a Game of BINGO: A Heartfelt Connection Between the Youth and the Elderly


CEBU, Philippines - Members of the Rotaract Club of Cebu Fuente are no strangers to youth-oriented programs. The club has become a training ground for budding young leaders who aspire to create positive changes in their communities. Guided by the areas of focus and empowered by the motto “Service Above Self,” Club President Rtr. John Boniric Sanchez (fifth from the left in the second photograph) led a group of youth volunteers to Hospicio de San Jose de Barili in Barili, Cebu, for the “Power of Love: A Day with Lolos and Lolas.”



This annual outreach activity provided meals, toiletries, entertainment, and an opportunity for our dedicated youth volunteers to interact and learn from the elderly residents of the hospice. It is only reasonable for younger individuals who wish to build their experiences to heed the wisdom of their elders. The Power of Love offered a unique opportunity for aspiring leaders to gain knowledge from those who have, in a sense, lived their full lives. For the elderly, it was a chance to impart their long-held wisdom to eager minds and restless spirits.

The Power of Love initiative began gaining traction as early as January 6th, with recruitment starting the following day. Club Vice-President Rtr. Gabrielle Ella Agwapa (ninth from the right in the second photograph) and Club Secretary Rtr. JN. Vianney Dagandan (far left in the second photograph) assisted President Sanchez in organizing a dedicated group of youth volunteers. They met in the early hours of January 11 in Cebu City before embarking on a long drive south to the Municipality of Barili. The volunteers procured and transported snacks, meals, sheets, pillowcases, shirts, and toiletries for the residents of the hospice. 



 

The group was met with the sounds of a psalm read from within a large room where the elderly gathered in prayer. Volunteers positioned themselves in an assembly line and prepared the gifts for the lolos and lolas. After their prayers, the dear elderly walked slowly to the activity area to play a favorite pastime—Bingo! Between the excitement and jest from every call, the old folks spoke with the young volunteers who were present. Some lolos and lolas still had a glimmer in their eyes and a skip in their step, showing that Father Time had not bested them yet. They accepted playful banter and filled the corridors with warm laughter.





A lola at the age of 73 still had her sharp wit and showed all who were present her bright and beautiful blush on her cheeks. She claimed to only wear makeup for guests, and this made everyone feel welcome. They offered words of encouragement and told stories of triumph over each day with prayers and faith. They treated every waking moment as a privilege. 





Winning prizes was an additional touch to the wealth of knowledge the old folks provided. The lolos and lolas, through their soulful songs and kind words, remained in the minds of the youth until the final minute. A light shower of rain could not dampen the bright ray of sunshine that graced everyone on that day—a day of love. 




By: Martin Lance Baang, Rotaract Club of Cebu Fuente


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Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. The Philippine Rotary Magazine provides a vehicle for disseminating inspirational stories and news about how Rotary Clubs and their members make an impact to the communities their reach.  
 

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