A Gift for a Gift

(by Shy Baquiano)
(jon bayogan's note: "A Gift for A Gift" was a variety show done by my colleagues and students at the Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology in Mati, Davao Oriental. The purpose of the show was to raise funds for Yam. It wasn't a coincidence that this show was done on Yam's second day in the hospital. It wasn't also by chance that a cross-section of the community was involved. Several things were achieved through this show and similar fund-raising activities done in the community. My family is very grateful for the community's kind, compassionate and generous gesture.)


Mati, Davao Oriental, September 15, 2006. We are so thankful to God for a very successful variety show entitled A GIFT FOR A GIFT. We started a little later than 7:00 oclock, with not much people present yet. While the show was going on, more and more came. I'd like to believe that people thought we would start at about 8 o'clock or 9 o'clock that's why they came late. The Mati Socio Cultural Center was about 85% filled with people. Tickets were sold at P10 (for high schoolers), P20, P100, P500, and P1,000.

A lot of people in the community actually helped make the show the success that it was. Like the CLS (Christian Learning School, under the leadership of Pastor Eugene Lopez) for instance. Selected students of CLS presented several numbers. Lorna Paulican's daughter, LA, also a student of CLS, played an important role in the show. Another one, the daughter of Dr. Flores, played the violin (The Warrior is a Child).

The different churches in town also helped by promoting the show in their churches as well as allowing us to borrow LCD projector, amplifier, etc. These are Pujada Bay Community Church, JIL, Faith Tabernacle. DOSCST lent us 200 chairs and a vehicle that we could use to ferry materials and equipment.

The members of Pagdungawan Theatre Guild, DOSCST state modifiers, doscst chorale, and my psych 10 students were the main performers. All these groups gave their all for the show. doscst Kwadro made the backdrop. There were 4 paintings all in all. These four paintings could be put together also and maging one big painting din siya. Several people made a bid for the painting. I do not know yet who eventually got it and at what price.

Several people in doscst helped us with this and that. A lot people in the community also bought tickets or just donated money and did not come to the show na. The funny thing was, there were several who came to me AFTER the show to buy tickets! and they really did.

A lot reported that they were so touched and many cried. Isn't that great, don't you think? We are now on the process of counting our "loot" (hehe) and as soon as we have the report completed, we will send them to you. It is our ardent hope that even in this little way, we could be of help to you and your family. especially to Yam.