Wednesday, October 18, 2006 Hotel renews pledge to help Lapu streetkids
WITH its commitment to support the community it is part of, Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa has continued to partner with local organization Batang Opon to provide assistance to the indigent children of Opon, Lapu-Lapu City’s old name.
Since its inception in Aug. 24, 2001, Batang Opon has brought basic education to street children, aged three to 13 years old, and has guided them in pursuing formal education.
Couple Ahmed and Abet Cuizon, together with some relatives and concerned residents of Opon, decided to create a nurturing environment for the street children of their community.
From an initial batch of 15, Batang Opon is now assisting 80 children.
Under the tutelage of volunteers, a child enrolled in the Street Education Program will learn writing, reading and arithmetic—skills needed in the regular school.
Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa is proud to adopt Batang Opon as its community partner.
Activities
Each year, the resort prepares activities to benefit Batang Opon by giving school supplies, a month-long feeding program and an annual Christmas party at the resort’s beachfront.
This year, the resort raised P83,700 for Batang Opon in a silent auction last Aug. 6, when the resort’s stylish Italian restaurant, Acqua was opened.
Auction
Auctioned off to the highest bidders were beaded bags from JM Lhuillier, a sterling silver key ring from Tiffany & Co., through local partner Rustan’s, shagreen-framed mirrors from Cebu Intertrade, a vintage bottle of wine from Bacchus, a wrought-iron fruit basket from Treats & Treasures and a Grand Chi Spa package from the resort.
Following the turnover of the monetary donation, the resort participated in Batang Opon’s October feeding program, called “Lugawan Para Sa Kabataan.”
Events
Led by resort general manager Timothy Wright, staff and executives trooped to the Lapu-Lapu Elementary School gymnasium last Oct. 1 to kick off the month-long program.
More than 100 children played parlor games and ate cupfuls of chicken porridge.
Another exciting event is the annual Batang Opon Christmas party on Dec. 1.
Like the previous years, all executives and staff of the resort will play games with the children, while they feast on hotdogs and spaghetti, and will be entertained by the resort clown.
This will culminate with a tree-lighting ceremony at the resort lobby.
For more information about the Batang Opon program, one may call Abet Cuizon at 255–7937 or 414 -9004.
