CHRISTMAS season is indeed the busiest time of the year. Every year, this is the holiday we all look forward to. It is quite a magical experience to share delectable food and wonderful presents with our loved ones. One can’t help but wonder what’s in store for us wrapped up in beautiful packages underneath the Christmas tree. However, if one ponders on the words of Winston Churchill, we could be able to make the most out of this season. To quote Churchill, he said that “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”. Indeed, sharing and caring is innate in the depths of our humanity, and we have to cultivate it to become truly fulfilled. Whatever blessings we receive, we ought to pay it forward.
One avid believer of the concept of Paying It Forward is Flor Momo-Sumcio. As a real humanitarian, she does everything in her power to extend a helping hand especially to the most underprivileged. She initiates charity programs in collaboration with friends from all walks of life. Despite her active involvement in such programs, she refuses to take credit for all her efforts because she believes that if applause has been given on this lifetime, there is no more merit to it in the afterlife. Truly, she never wishes to please anyone else except the Creator.
Flor M. Sumcio took her Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce, majoring in Business Management at La Consolacion College Bacolod (LCC). At present, she is the building manager of Metrodome, which is owned by JTM Bacolod Realty. At the same time, she is pursuing her Masters’ Degree from her Alma Mater. Being a property manager, she uses her influence to fulfill such humanitarian causes. Flor initiated and spearheaded donation drives for food and clothing for fire victims. She also reached out to the nutritional needs of street children, and even to educational projects for urban poor children.
Flor is married to Julius Kim Sumcio, an entrepreneur with a degree in Culinary Arts. Feeding programs, especially for street children, become handy with her husband’s kitchen prowess. She also taps her network of friends, providing them with an avenue for good charitable self-expression in line with the corporal works of mercy.
This year, Flor decided to venture into a more personal approach. Together with friends, she wishes to expand horizons in waking up the humanitarian in every person. Flor and friends produced a video project guaranteed to rekindle the fire of humanitarianism in everyone. In this said video, they featured a couple who roam around with their trusty cart, trying to make a living by collecting scrap materials from everywhere. Such characters are inevitably sparking interest to everyone, especially to the curious and the kind-hearted. Ditto, the group visited this old couple in their home in Purok Neptune, Brgy. Singcang, here in the city of smiles.
Truly, the Belinario couple is undoubtedly stricken with impoverished predicament as evidenced by sickness and unsafe condition of their very home. Nanay Maria Villanueva-Belinario is now 88 years old. She was born on the 22nd of May in 1931. On the other hand, Tatay Herminigildo Belinario is already 78 years old, as he was born on the 23rd of July in 1941. This geriatric couple lives with their grandson, Leomar B. Relos, who is a special child. Leomar is already 29 years of age (born in November 21, 1990) yet he has an impediment in his mental development. Sadly, Leomar mentally remains as a small child despite his advanced age. Despite all the trials and all the hardships that the couple face together, their bond is impeccably unshaken. The couple exude with love and care for each other against all odds and against all tribulations, which is somewhat awe-inspiring for everyone.
Hence, Flor and her friends implore the goodness of all hearts in the true essence of Christmas. As we may see in the video interview, Nanay Maria is now stricken with all sorts of illnesses. Aside from her hypertension, her cough is really terribly and disturbingly coarse, and she is struck by body malaise, impeding her activities of daily living. Flor calls out, “Let us help them in their medical needs, as they truly need our kind hearts and helping hands. Furthermore, let us join hands in making their home safer for them especially in their advanced age.” The group of friends is calling everyone to join them in uplifting the spirits of this lovable couple.
Truly, we are all blessed by the Almighty, and it is up for us to pay it forward to the least of our brothers and sisters. Friends, to echo the plea of Flor, we call on to your goodness. Let us make a difference for humanity. Remember, the charity of Christ lives within us. Nothing is impossible if we go hand in hand this Christmas season.