The SM Mall of Asia Music Hall was the venue of the 21st-anniversary celebration of CHILD Haus, an institution founded by ‘Mader’ Ricky Reyes to be a bastion of hope for children stricken by cancer. Throughout its history, one consistent major supporter of the establishment has been the Sy family – in its early years, Henry ‘Tatang’ Sy, Sr., and over the last decade, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy continuing the tradition established by his father.
CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy (center) celebrate the institution's 21st anniversary with the CHILD Haus beneficiaries.
Leading the event were Mr. Sy and ‘Mader’
Ricky, and several individuals and companies who, over the years, have contributed
to the well-being of CHILD Haus were invited. Many children, who have been
‘adopted’ by CHILD Haus and now call it home, were also in attendance. The
media was present as well, recognizing how establishments like CHILD Haus make
a big difference and become the ‘answered prayers’ of so many children and
their parents.
CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes
SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy
Three CHILD Haus stories, featuring Aya,
Laura, and Jessa, were turned into video vignettes that highlighted the message
of hope and the life-saving work of the organization. While it is easy to
describe such events as heartwarming and tear-jerking, it was truly remarkable
to witness even the most seasoned press photographers being moved to tears by
these videos. This is a clear testament to the profound impact that these
testimonials had on the audience at the event.
CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, and three inspiring CHILD Haus children, Aya, Laura, and Jessa.
After ‘Mader’ Ricky's heartwarming
welcome, Mr. Sy himself took the stage to present plaques of appreciation to
the many friends of CHILD Haus whose generous donations have made the
organization's life-saving work possible.
Those suffering from cancer and ‘adopted’
are provided food and shelter. There are presently two CHILD Haus locations -
one in Manila, near the Philippine General Hospital, and one in Quezon City. Until
the children are declared cancer-free and/or have completed their treatments
and medical procedures, one child and one parent are allowed to live at CHILD Haus.
If it’s an infant, both parents can stay.
A longtime supporter and regular visitor
to CHILD Haus, Karylle, led the children in a rousing song composed by
Karylle’s husband, Yael Yuzon. Then ‘Mader’ Ricky’s daughter sang a rendition
of Florante’s ‘Handog’ that had been reworded to fit the sentiments of the
children at CHILD Haus. These were two songs that the children had learnt and
practiced as a “thank you” to the many guests who have helped make the ‘haus’ a
reality.
Singer Karylle leads the CHILD Haus children in an uplifting song.
In the end, both ‘Mader’ Ricky and Mr. Sy
acknowledged the significance of
this event, which commemorates 21 years of
compassion, fortitude, and the spirit of giving and sharing.
To know more about inspiring stories and events at SM, visit
www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.
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