Philippines: RVA Mandarin Service Hosts Early Christmas Party for 348 Underprivileged Children

With the generous support of the EJV Gaw siblings, the Palao Family, and Metrobank CMA 2 Helping Hands, the Mandarin Language Service of Radio Veritas Asia (RVA) hosted an early Christmas celebration for 348 children from poor families. The event, themed “A Season of Sharing and Joy: 2025 Christmas Party,” was held on November 22 at the RVA headquarters in Quezon City, Philippines.

The beneficiaries came from four different blocks in the barangays of Fairview and Commonwealth, the neighboring communities around the RVA campus.

As early as 7:30 a.m., children aged 4 to 12—dressed in their best outfits—lined up outside the RVA auditorium, eagerly waiting for the celebration to begin.  The half-day event opened with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by RVA General Manager Fr. Felmar Castrodes Fiel, SVD, together with several other priests, including Fr. John Mi Shen, Program Director of RVA, and Fr. Francis Han, Coordinator of the Mandarin Language Service.

In his homily delivered in Tagalog, Fr. Felmar explained the meaning of Christmas, emphasizing that Jesus—the Savior—brings joy, hope, and happiness to all people. Many children, understanding the language used in the Mass, were visibly moved as they reflected on the true meaning of Christmas.

Following the Mass, Metrobank staff distributed sandwiches and chocolate drinks, filling the venue with excitement. Laughter and music echoed throughout the hall as the children sang, danced, and enjoyed various activities, including a magic show, puppet show, bubble play, and balloon twisting.

In a touching gesture of gratitude, children from different groups presented simple dance performances dedicated to the sponsors and benefactors who made the event possible.

The celebration concluded with the distribution of Christmas gifts. Each child received a toy, a raincoat, a pair of slippers, ice cream, and a Jollibee meal of chicken and spaghetti — much to their delight.

The event ended on a joyful note, leaving the children with cherished memories and a heartfelt experience of Christmas love and generosity.

This Christmas party is one of the many educational and charitable activities organized throughout the year by the RVA Mandarin Service. The Christmas celebration has been an annual tradition for more than 10 years, reinforcing the RVA’s commitment to activity-based journalism and community outreach.