The
SM Mall of Asia Music Hall was the venue of the 21st-anniversary celebration
of CHILD Haus, an institution founded by ‘Mader’ Ricky Reyes to be a bastion of
hope for children stricken by cancer. Throughout its history, one consistent
major supporter of the establishment has been the Sy family – in its early
years, Henry ‘Tatang’ Sy, Sr., and over the last decade, SM Prime Holdings Inc.
Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans
Sy continuing the tradition established by his father.
CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky
Reyes and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy
(center) celebrate the institution's 21st anniversary with the CHILD Haus
beneficiaries.
Leading
the event were Mr. Sy and ‘Mader’ Ricky, and several individuals and companies
who, over the years, have contributed to the well-being of CHILD Haus were
invited. Many children, who have been ‘adopted’ by CHILD Haus and now call it
home, were also in attendance. The media was present as well, recognizing how
establishments like CHILD Haus make a big difference and become the ‘answered
prayers’ of so many children and their parents.
CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky
Reyes
SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of
the Executive Committee Hans Sy
Three
CHILD Haus stories, featuring Aya, Laura, and Jessa, were turned into video
vignettes that highlighted the message of hope and the life-saving work of the
organization. While it is easy to describe such events as heartwarming and
tear-jerking, it was truly remarkable to witness even the most seasoned press
photographers being moved to tears by these videos. This is a clear testament
to the profound impact that these testimonials had on the audience at the
event.
CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, and three inspiring CHILD Haus children, Aya, Laura, and Jessa.
After
‘Mader’ Ricky's heartwarming welcome, Mr. Sy himself took the stage to present
plaques of appreciation to the many friends of CHILD Haus whose generous
donations have made the organization's life-saving work possible.
CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky
Reyes and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy
award plaques of appreciation to the generous friends of CHILD Haus whose
contributions have enabled the organization's life-saving mission.
Those suffering from cancer and ‘adopted’ are provided food and shelter. There are presently two CHILD Haus locations - one in Manila, near the Philippine General Hospital, and one in Quezon City. Until the children are declared cancer-free and/or have completed their treatments and medical procedures, one child and one parent are allowed to live at CHILD Haus. If it’s an infant, both parents can stay.
A
longtime supporter and regular visitor to CHILD Haus, Karylle, led the children
in a rousing song composed by Karylle’s husband, Yael Yuzon. Then ‘Mader’ Ricky’s
daughter sang a rendition of Florante’s ‘Handog’ that had been reworded to fit
the sentiments of the children at CHILD Haus. These were two songs that the
children had learnt and practiced as a “thank you” to the many guests who have
helped make the ‘haus’ a reality.
Singer Karylle leads the CHILD Haus children in an uplifting song.
In
the end, both ‘Mader’ Ricky and Mr. Sy acknowledged the significance of this event, which commemorates 21
years of compassion, fortitude, and the spirit of giving and sharing.
To know more about inspiring stories
and events at SM, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social
media.
0 Comments