A gift for Angelo and his friends

By Maria Solita Zaldivar Guzman

It all began with Angelo.

During the storm last December, when Typhoon Verbena left days heavy with rain and uncertainty across many parts of the Philippines, we found ourselves on the road—Matt, Schiavie, and I—on our way to fetch Ball from the Regional Science High School for Region VI. The rain was relentless, pounding the streets and blurring our view, when we noticed a sight that quietly but deeply moved us.

Angelo Teodosio (whose name we later learned from Teacher Joyce Oquendo) was there, soaked by the rain, seated in his wheelchair. His grandmother was behind him, pushing steadily forward despite the storm. She held a small umbrella over Angelo, trying her best to shield him, even as both of them were already drenched. Angelo is a person with disability, yet there was nothing fragile about the moment—only strength, love, and quiet courage moving through the rain.

Matt later shared that he often saw Angelo in the mornings when he brought Schiavie to school at Kalibo Pilot Elementary School. That familiarity, coupled with what we witnessed that day, stayed with us. It became impossible to simply move on without asking what more we could do, not just to give, but to acknowledge, to include, and to make children like Angelo feel seen.

From that moment, the direction of the Christmas Shoe Box With Love Project for 2025 became clear.

What began in 2019 as a simple, spur-of-the-moment idea inspired by other gift-giving initiatives has grown into a yearly tradition rooted in gratitude, compassion, and the belief that small acts of kindness can leave a lifelong impact. Over the years, the project has reached children of auxiliary police, garbage collectors, street sweepers, and other unsung heroes of the community.

With this in mind, we decided to focus this year’s project on children who often live at the margins of attention: children with special needs. While we had initially chosen the Kalibo International Airport porters and their children or grandchildren as recipients, we realized that we could manage two batches of gift distribution for the year.

The project was further strengthened through collaboration. STI College Kalibo Supreme Student Council, through Alliana Alexa Dolinog, with the support and suggestion of their Adviser, Ma’am Jayza Sarabia, proposed a partnership with the Movement of Gratitude for their Christmas activity. This partnership was joined by STI College Kalibo NSTP under the guidance of Sir Vincent Solidum and Ma’am Precious Naabay. Through their collective effort, they were able to prepare school supplies and food packs for each child.

Luna Coffee Kalibo generously sponsored snacks during the distribution, while the Movement sponsors provided hygiene kits, clothes and toys they can choose from, and a special present for every child from beloved givers. Because of this shared commitment, we were able to include the Kalibo Pilot Elementary School Special Needs Education (SPED) Division, selecting 48 students as beneficiaries.

The distribution took place at the KPES Covered Court on the morning of December 15. There were smiles, gentle conversations, and moments of genuine connection. More than the giving of help or the handing out of presents, what truly mattered was the intention behind them: to make these children feel loved, valued, and truly special.

Because they are.

These children may have a different way of understanding the world around them, but what matters most is that they felt the magic of Christmas and the warmth that lights up the season, not through decorations or gifts alone, but through genuine human care. In their smiles, in their quiet excitement, and in their presence, we were reminded why the Christmas Shoe Box With Love Project continues year after year.

This year, because of Angelo, we were reminded once again that love often begins with noticing. And when we choose to notice, to act, and to give with intention, we do more than celebrate Christmas—we help create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Partners:
🤍 STI College Kalibo STI Supreme Student Council and NSTP
🤍 Luna Coffee Kalibo /Sandy’s
🤍 Kalibo Cable TV Community Channel
🤍 Kalibo Pilot Elementary School – Special Needs Education Division

Givers:
⭐ Stephanie Letheux
⭐ Jearlyn Navejas Castor
⭐ Stephanie Mosquera
⭐ Phet Mae Pastrana and Family
⭐ Tita Edith’s Peanut Butter
⭐ Jei and Robert Irabon
⭐ Zaira De La Cuesta
⭐ April and Archie Bucane
⭐ Oro Lucky Sunshine Martires
⭐Gabrielle Chong Inosanto
⭐ Leonora Abitang Olalia
⭐ Sheila Ivy Carrillo
⭐ Alaine Isberto Panado
⭐ Nikki Pauline Lachica-Dela Cruz
⭐ Cristine Marie S. Gallito
⭐ Guzman Kids
⭐ Sarah Kim
⭐ Valmne Joy Solina-Hintay
⭐ Rooz Magdael-Mendoza
⭐ Irene Sutacio Abao and Paulo Kerjel Galvan
⭐ Deogracias D. Gray Foundation
⭐ FUs Merchandise de Kalibo
⭐ Haplos Massage and Spa
⭐ Soap Cycling Philippines