Like any other occasions, Valentine’s Day is celebrated yearly at DSWD Sanctuary Center. It is customarily connected with hearts, flowers, balloons, chocolates, and cards that symbolize feelings of appreciation, affection and friendship. The activity was held on February 13, 2020 at Social Hall.
The Center’s celebration was held in two parts with several segments making it more significant. Part I was the compatibility game entitled “KapareWho” featuring single men and women in the Center. The searcher will choose a potential partner based on their reactions, wit and personality. Homelife Service Staff, Ms. Meriam Roda and Ms. Rosita Bautista spearheaded the event.
The excitement heightens as spectators were engaged in variety of fun-games aside from the special duets of popular love songs and dance presentation of selected clients.
Part II of the program was facilitated by Psychological Service. Ms. Erika Pura Laririt, Activity Therapist, provided some Dating Etiquette for clients to ponder. Ms. Laririt emphasized five important points to consider in dating scene; (1.) Dress to impress, (2.) Be on time, (3.) Minimal body contact, (4.) Keep an open-mind and lastly, (5.) Don’t go all the way. Participants were composed of forty-five manageable clients capable of understanding the discussion and in sharing their personal insights and experiences.
Another inspiring segment is the reading of “Love Poems” especially written by clients. Six (6) talented clients personally made poem with theme, “Relating to love and relationship.” Poem written by client Pauleen Dairo entitled “Nagmahal Ako” got the most number of votes for its rhyme, imagery and arrangement. Encrypted is a part of the poem which reads,
“Pag-ibig ko sayo, hindi magbabago
Ganito ako magmahal, sa isang katulad mo
Ang puso ko man ay mahirapan, ikaw ay hindi iiwan
Sapagkat pagmamahal na inumpisahan,
Ay aking paninindigan.”
The exciting part of the program is the “Discotheque or Disco.” This segment was specifically requested by nostalgic clients who would like to celebrate Valentine’s Day in varied ways. Clients want a kind of shared activity which would bring them together at the same time will have fun. Dancing in 70’s/80’s music trends remind them of their teenage years while enjoying themselves on the dance floor either solo or in pair. It was the notable disco hits they once enjoyed that made the event memorable. Twelve-inches remixes and hit songs of notable artists like; Kool and the Gang, Sister Sledge, the Village People and Gloria Gaynor who was a huge hit then became the dance anthems during the program.
Sanctuary Center is a half-way home for female, 18 years old and above who are improving from psychosis and other mental illness. It has a 100 bed capacity and is located in Welfareville Compound, Acacia Lane Mandaluyong City. ###