Salu-Salo sa Medina
February 13, 2000
11.00 am - 1.00 pm
Barangay Pio del Pilar

Not even the heavy rains could squelch the cheer that was going around last December 11, 1999, as members from the Bukas Sarili Foundation and the Men of the Sacred Heart spread goodwill (and good food) among people of Barangay Pio del Pilar on Medina street.

The soup kitchen event entitled Salu-Salo sa Medina kicked off with a blessing and a Christmas message from Ft. Tony Rosales, OFM, San Antonio parish priest extraordinaie. This was followed by the distribution of a hearty lunch by the young people of Bukas Sarili. Not to miss out on the spirit of giving, the people of Barangay Pio del Pilar gave rousing renditions of songs (among others), as families participated in a song and dance fest. Prizes were also raffled off and te event was topped by the distribution of gifts of dry goods per family by Men of the Sacred Heart.

The Salu-Salo, which was supposed to be held at the Social Hall of the parish center, was moved to the vicinity itself so that the entire barangay could be fed. Saturday saw the youth interacting with the 100 or so indigent families who live along the railway on Medina Street. Perhaps, the most remarkable aspect of the event lay in the warmth that prevailed, despite the cold and wet weather. The creek level rose as rapidly as the flood level on the street as the rains continued to poor. The laughter and merriment continued undaunted. It is said that when two or more gather in God's name, He is there with them; God was certainly there that day.

The Bukas Sarili members would like to thank the Men of the Sacred Heart and the kindness of Mr. Chito San Jose for co-undertaking the event, Father Tony for his whole-hearted support, Tita Bambi Narciso, Mel of the parish office, the San Antonio parishioners, corporate sponsors (thank you Tapa King, Payless Instant Mami, Cravings/C2 Bar & Restaurant, Sugarhouse, Lipton Iced Tea, Good-Ah, Alaska Powdered Milk, Nutridelight Orange Drink, Aristocrat, Angie Farms), and all the individuals who contributed their Christmas cheer, in cash or kind. Thank you for the unfailing generosity, which certainly served to fill the hearts and tummies of 500 people who partook in this celebration.

- San Antonio Parish Bulletin