Home is where the true Christmas gift is

What is it about Christmas that gets you excited even in the weeks before?

It could be the merry activity of gift-giving, where we get the chance to show how much the people around us matter. For some, it could be the fulfillment of their wanderlust as they travel to their holiday destination. While for others, it could be about the few days where we get to replace the stress of work with rest and recollection after an eventful year.

Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle, while the twinkling lights and festive tunes add to the anticipation, it's the warmth of family and the laughter of children that truly captures the essence of this season for me. 

More than the food and gifts, it's our family and loved ones coming together, safe and sound under one roof, that’s most important.

Family, however, is not defined by blood.  It is the bond of love and support that makes people truly family.  This is the kind of bond that the ABS-CBN Foundation-Bantay Bata 163 has always tried to forge with children and their families, especially those under its care.  

A few weeks back, close to 200 children and their parents joined the foundation’s Children’s Congress where they were treated as well to an early Christmas celebration -- enjoying the activities and the interactive booths prepared by Bantay Bata 163.  As its former Program Director, I always look forward to these get-togethers where we are given the chance to unite children, students, parents, and other advocates in a shared commitment to child welfare and protection.  

This year was made even more special with the launch of the organization’s Children and Youth Advocacy Council (CYAC).  The CYAC is composed of six Filipino youth community ambassadors and advocates for children’s rights who have been handpicked from across the Philippines.  ABS-CBN Foundation Managing Director Roberta Lopez-Feliciano shared, “Magandang opportunity ito para maniwala sila sa sarili nila, na may boses din sila…. Importanteng pinakikinggan at nirerespeto natin ang mga bata.”  

I couldn’t agree more.  I believe that at the heart of Christmas is a unique joy that blossoms within the family.  And the key to unlocking this special spirit lies in