It will not be just another weekend—it will be a day carefully woven with compassion, purpose, and a shared commitment to bring joy where it is most needed. On a weekend of September, a team of volunteers will set out on a heartfelt mission: to light up the lives of orphans in Taguig and extend kindness to those who endure the harsh realities of life on the streets.
Part 1: A Morning of Smiles at Darul Aytam
The group will gather at Darul Aytam Orphanage in New Lower Bicutan, a home that has stood since 2012 as a sanctuary for children who have lost their parents. Founded by Sheikh Abubacar Manampen, the orphanage is more than a shelter—it is a place where young lives are rebuilt with dignity, education, and faith.
Here, the day will begin with mini-games designed to spark laughter and camaraderie among the children. These are simple moments, yet profoundly powerful, for children who yearn for belonging and joy.
The program will also feature a book launch, an introduction that promises fun and entertainment for the kids, bridging the gap between play and learning.
After the laughter and cheers, the children will be treated with tokens of care and refreshment—a small yet meaningful gesture that nourishes both body and spirit.
For the volunteers, this first part of the program is not just about giving—it is about sharing presence, attention, and love with children who have endured loss far too early in life.
The Legacy of Darul Aytam
To understand the impact of this visit, one must appreciate the legacy of Darul Aytam. Since its founding, the orphanage has stood as a beacon of compassion and resilience, offering both boys and girls across the country a new chance at life.
Here, children are nurtured not only academically but also spiritually. Their days are filled with a dual curriculum—studying the Qur’an, Arabic, Islamic ethics, alongside mathematics, science, and social studies. This holistic approach strengthens both their faith and their capacity to thrive in the world.
The orphanage has already seen remarkable milestones: children excelling in academics, memorizing large portions of the Qur’an, and graduating as confident young men and women ready to face the future. It is a place where tragedy transforms into triumph, thanks to the vision of Sheikh Abubacar Manampen and the dedication of mentors who treat every child as their own.
Part 2: Taking Compassion to the Streets
But the day does not end at the orphanage. After a short break to recharge, the volunteers will carry their mission beyond its walls, bringing kindness to the streets of Taguig.
From homeless families to walking vendors, from street cleaners to traffic enforcers—those whose labor and struggles often go unnoticed will be met with care and appreciation. In the scorching heat where survival is a daily battle, this outreach becomes more than a gesture; it is a reminder that they are seen, valued, and cared for.
The effort is strengthened by the collective spirit of everyone involved: families, colleagues, and friends. Volunteers will ride together, carrying not only what they can give but also the unshakable belief that acts of kindness ripple far beyond what the eye can see.
Why It Matters
This September initiative is not about grand gestures—it is about human connection. It is about letting children know they are loved, reminding strangers on the street that they are not forgotten, and proving that community thrives when compassion becomes action.
In a world that often feels fractured by indifference, days like this become a powerful testimony: that even in small acts—playing games, sharing time, sitting down to listen—there is the potential to change lives and inspire hope.
The children of Darul Aytam and the countless unsung workers of Taguig will remember this weekend not for its extravagance, but for its sincerity. For when generosity meets intention, ordinary moments transform into extraordinary legacies.

Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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