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
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.
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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