Last September 24, P&A for a Cause (P&AUSE) returned to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Ospital ng Maynila and renewed its commitment of uplifting the lives of children who suffer from illnesses and from their families' lack of financial resources.

P&AUSE volunteers felt different sentiments as they spent the morning visiting, talking to, and playing with the kids and their families. Don Llanera, first-time participant of a P&AUSE project, says he never realized that tough situations like these really exist and that there’s a feeling of guilt that we spend so much while these families have nothing to eat. Herson Asiddao feels the same way, that we are lucky indeed not to be in the same situations that these kids face every day.

For Winkle Manzano, the experience made her realize that "we should always value the blessings we receive." She adds, "It's nice to see our humble contributions touch lives even in the simplest ways." Frances Dio, on her part, says the visit made her want to give more: "The experience poses a challenge to all of us. It takes so little to make a difference in someone's life. If a small candy already means something, then how much more will it mean to someone if it is our time that we share? As long as we are willing to help, it would be a rewarding feeling because the act of giving truly comes from our hearts."

We hope that you can all take part in future activities of P&AUSE. See you at the next outreach project!

From dawn ‘til dusk. That was how long 23 P&A volunteers labored under the sweltering heat of the sun last September 27, 2003. No, they were not sent to the penitentiary to atone for their lates and absences but because of a worthy cause --- the fifth project of P&AUSE (P&A for a Cause) for the year.

In coordination with Habitat for Humanity Philippines, P&A joined the nation in solving the increasing problem of homelessness. The P&A volunteers help lay the foundation for a home that would be eventually occupied by a beneficiary family in the city of Paranaque.

“We met the future homeowner who worked with the rest of us and was very thankful,” said Genevieve Villa-Real, P&AUSE’s chairperson.

P&A volunteers carried buckets of cement, passed on a number of hollow blocks, and constructed walls of the home which was on the third phase of its construction.

“It was a backbreaking yet fun-filled experience,” she added.

Twenty-five residents form the Pugad ng Don Bosco Foundation enjoyed a sunny, fun-filled day at the Enchanted Kingdom last Saturday, August 9, courtesy of P&AUSE. This funfair at EK is the fourth installment in a series of activities that P&AUSE has lined up for its first year. The trip also served as an opportunity for the P&Aers, who served as "ATEs"and "KUYAs" to the young boys to relax and unwind.

Social workers from Pugad were delighted as they saw both the kids and P&A people having fun together as they got into heart-pounding rides like the space shuttle, rollerskater, and anchors away. The bump car, rio grande, and log jam were regarded as the favorites. These rides worked on a big appetite as the group feasted on chicken, spaghetti, hamburgers, and french fries, among others.

And for a brief moment, the kids felt how it was to have an older brother or sister to care for them – which may help change their outlook in life. For the P&Aers, they say how a simple thing such as accompanying a kid to the rides could bring great joy to an erstwhile troubled child.

Don Bosco Pugad Foundation is a home for street children and migrant youth.