Time off from the swivel chair

The professionals of Makati –they are a busy group of people. It takes a lot of creativity and empathy to catch their attention or pique their interest. With their stressed work life, it is no wonder that we would see them catching the latest flick at the cinemas, trying out new restaurants or going around the mall for some fashion finds. But last Saturday, Sept 1, this same group of people heeded the challenge to get up from their swivel chairs and give a portion of their time, money and talents to our lolo’s and lola’s. Despite the drizzle, eighteen of us trooped to Golden Acres in Quezon City , carrying grocery bags filled with basic toiletries plus of course, food!!

We visited two cottages, St. Vincent , where 30 lolo’s are sheltered and St. Rita where 33 lola’s are staying.

Given the limited time, the group splits with each team armed with an emcee, a songleader and a game master.

Our game master/s made them all at ease with all the other pros assisting. It wasn’t that difficult to bring smiles of delight to their faces.

Using the karaoke system available inside the cottages, we serenaded them with familiar kundiman songs. It didn’t take long before they began singing with us. With their attention captured, it was the perfect time to sing ‘Hesus’.



Merienda time followed. It was also the right time to engage them in conversations. While others ate, some lolos volunteer to provide entertainment as they take turns with the mike.

Lolo Andy passionately recited poems in Tagalog while Lolo Joselito sang to us as he played with the guitar. Lola Trining impressed with her memory as she sangs songs of Imelda Papin and Sharon Cuneta. There were some who remained pensive, seemingly lost in their thoughts but would respond warmly when one of us initiates conversations.



They shook our hands, kissed and hugged us before we left them, their ‘thanks you’s’ filled our hearts.

It was heartwarming to see these otherwise busy men and women, set aside a portion of their weekend to give something back to society. It made me see that their desire for significance dwells not just within the confines of the corporate world but also within the hearts of other people ..yes even strangers.