The Philippines is
known to have the longest Christmas in the world. For the Filipinos, the season
of giving starts as soon as the "ber" months (September to December)
begin - ranging up to four months of celebration.
Ateneo de Davao
University's students takes this opportunity to share not just cheers of
greetings but cheers of giving. In an expedition to Bukidnon that the English
majors of Ateneo took, students met with the native group of the Matigsalug
tribe with whom they try to get into the Spirit of Giving.
On the first day of
September, students from Ateneo gathered to an amazing group that wishes to
extend their blessings unto others - bearing gifts of rice and preserved goods.
These goods are the only allowable donations that the group could give even if
they would desire to give more.
In Bukidnon, the
group met the native group of the Matigsalug, a group of people found in
Tigwa-Salug Valley, Bukidnon. The name Matigsalug means "people along the
Salug River or as its called now the Davao river." this group's form of
income include farming and selling bracelets.
Students gave their
best to bring glee to this people by extending their gifts through buying
native products from them. The Matigsalug were well accomodating. They accepted
the treats and presents that the students brought and the universal language
was spoken at the end of the day.
Christmas time is
fast approaching. The students in this trip wishes not only to give but to
inspire more of us to help and share to those who are less fortunate. Time is too short to keep every blessing to
yourself. Everyday is a day for giving as it was given to you itself. Give with
purpose and give with a smile. As the song goes " don't save it all for
Christmas day".
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