The founder of the Bulacan Mint Magazine, Mr. John Michael Lim, painted a lot of smiles on all the LOLAs (Grandmothers) at the Bahay Kalinga Home for The Elderly.
Table Of Content
Bahay Kalinga: Home for the Aged in Bulacan
Bahay Kalinga is a Home for the Elderly, located in Santa Maria Bulacan. It is one of the few Retirement Homes in the Philippines.
Christmas Season at Bahay Kalinga
The Christmas season is not only about hearing Christmas carols, decorations, eating, and attending Simbang Gabi. It’s not even about receiving gifts and Aguinaldo. The Christmas season can be defined as a time for giving, sharing, and caring for others. The Bahay Kalinga, a Home for the Aged in Bulacan, celebrates Christmas differently.
Outreach Program
The program reflected Bulacan Mint Magazine’s mission to promote global positivity and success in the bustling and exciting province of Bulacan. It was a goal achieved by the Outreach Program Coordinator, as he made a youthful and joyful event possible.
Bahay Kalinga Videoke
It included an excellent set of volunteers. People, who met as strangers, are now friends and family. People came together as one and provided their time, effort, love, and gifts, and it was all for the abandoned elders of the Bahay Kalinga Foundation, at San Jose Patag, Santa Maria, Bulacan. The collaborative work of the different sponsors, from different communities, has made this special event meaningful.
From Our POV
Jaye Travels was there. We saw the cheerfulness and the fullest of life in the eyes of the lovely elders, as they sang and danced with the volunteers. Some chose to be quiet and be seated alone far from others. Others were expressive, and some were really queens of the dance floor.
Bulacan Mint Magazine had its moment, as the founder himself acted like Bondying, a baby character to entertain them. Imagine a big guy, dressed in a baby costume. I think we enjoyed it more than the Lolas.
Mr. Lim dropped a few tears as he was thanking everyone who volunteered. Different people, from different walks of life, came together to make the elderly feel happy, even for just a short while.
A Few Notes on Bahay Kalinga Bulacan
It was a wonderful and beautiful experience. It makes you wonder, what will they do when people like us don’t visit? Where are their families? What happened to them? How did they end up in Bahay Kalinga? Are there more Home for the Aged Facilities in Bulacan? Well, you can’t ask them about it. It will make them feel more abandoned and alone. The caretaker advises against it, as it makes them more depressed.
Be a catalyst of change by showing that you are indeed blessed to bless other people!
How did this happen?
Bulacan Mint Magazine came up with the idea of asking for sponsors to make an event at Bahay Kalinga possible.
Amazingly, Nina’s Itikan Restaurant at Santa Maria, Bulacan accepted the offer of hitting 5,000 likes, 5,000 comments and 5,000 shares in Facebook, in exchange for 100 packed meals for the lolas at Bahay Kalinga.
Surprisingly, in just 6 hours, it exceeded to 13,000 likes, 8,800 comments, and 6,400 shares.
Immediately, BGVM scheduled a meeting with the owners of Nina’s Itikan; Mr. Bryan and Nina Ricci dela Torre, who pledged all the food and other necessities.
Then, BMM visited the coordinators of Bahay Kalinga; Ms. Beth Huyan and Ms. Bambang, who were excited about the outreach program. Also, Bulacan Mint Magazine sought for more people sharing the same passion for helping the elderly and collected more donations.
The program was hosted by Jaye Travels.
How Can You Help?
Bahay Kalinga Bulacan, or known as Bahay Kalinga Foundation, at San Jose Patag, Santa Maria, Bulacan is in need of toiletries, clothes, milk, choco drink, powdered soap, cooking oil, and other basic necessities. Help from you will really matter to them and can assure some of their days. As a retirement home in Bulacan, they heavily rely only on donations.
Bahay Kalinga is a place for the elderly and abandoned women. As of 2021, there are 52 patients, in which 10 of whom are bedridden, meaning they have difficulties moving out of their bed or having trouble walking. Their ages range from 42 – 60 years old. Their smiles and warm welcome will always pinch a piece of your heart.
Why not celebrate your birthday, anniversary, or any other special event, with them? It doesn’t have to be a big celebration or event. It can just be a simple gathering, as long as you are with them.
Who to Contact?
You may reach Ms. Beth Huyan at Gulod 1 San Jose Patag, Santa Maria Bulacan. Conduct of any event or visitation in Bahay Kalinga Bulacan needs permission and a confirmed schedule. There are also house rules in a Home for the Aged, that they will talk to you about.
You can also contact Bulacan Mint Magazine and ask for help on how to maximize your visit better. Also, visit a similar Home for the Elderly, in Malolos Bulacan, near the Barasoain Church
We’re hoping to come back soon! Send us a message if you want to be a part of it.
