Tears from Heaven: CHILD Haus celebrates 21 years!
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
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| 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.
CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy award plaques of appreciation to the generous friends of CHILD Haus whose contributions have enabled the organization's life-saving mission.
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.
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| 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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