“Higit pa sa bawang, sibuyas o anumang rekado,
Ang tamang timpla’y nagmumula sa puso.
Dahan-dahan ang paghalo,
Nang sa gayun, tamang timpla ang mabuo.”
-Bernon C. Rosil
The way to a woman’s heart? It’s through her stomach! But this time, a talented guy prefers to catch the hearts of hundred people, not only women but including elderly, children, adults and even persons with disabilities. He could create the perfect meal for our beneficiaries: the street dwellers and poorest of the poor.
As COVID 19 cases began to spread, AJKFI and seven partner schools catered to 478 homeless, street dwellers and stranded employees. However, since the schools and offices have begun to operate for the opening of classes, at least half of the 478 were forced to return to the streets. Thus, Kalinga Center found a way to extend help by serving dignified meals every afternoon to people staying at Luneta, TM Kalaw, Lawton and Quirino Grandstand from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Feeding the street dwellers with nutritious food is important to boost their immune system to fight COVID 19.
Bernon, one of our homeless beneficiary-volunteer cooks, is one of the reasons why Kusina Kalinga is bringing joy to our brothers and sisters staying in the streets. “Pagluluto ng may pagmamahal”, as what he always say. Making sure that the beneficiaries will feel loved and valued especially in this time of uncertainty. And when asked about his inspiration, “Minsang naranasan ko rin naman na walang-wala, pero may mga tao pa ring handang tumulong kahit na hindi tayo humihingi.”
This young man dreams to be a chef someday. Sure the train ride to his goal will be long, but with his passion and hard work, he will arrive at the destination.