30/10/2025
Feed Read Lead: A Harvest of Hearts
By: UFG President Angie Blanco
In the fading light of an October afternoon, the Angelicum College Gym glowed softly—its walls echoing with laughter, hymns, and the gentle murmur of stories waiting to be told.
Mothers came hand in hand with their children, many still carrying the weight of loss and hardship. Some had just begun to rebuild their lives after the fire that swept through Barangay Sto. Domingo. But that day was different. That day, hope wore aprons and rosaries, smiles and songs.
As they entered, volunteers from the Rotary Club of Sto. Domingo, Barangay Sto.Domingo, CCA Manila, the Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines, and the Sto. Domingo Parish greeted them with open hearts. The scent of freshly cooked food wafted through the air—Arroz Ala Cubana , fresh fruit cups, brownies, and bright fresh sweet mandarin oranges arranged lovingly by the CCA Manila NSTP students, guided by Chef Anne Atanacio.
Children excitedly huddled close, wide-eyed, as Laurence Agustin, a soon to be member of the club, began to read “Just Add Dirt.” by Becky Bravo. Their voices carried magic—turning paper and ink into adventures, their stories planting seeds of wonder in young hearts. Sweets distributed by Rtn Angel and Avie Cruz was a welcomed chaos among the kids rushing to have their share.
Next, the mothers sat laughing over Nutri-Bingo, learning about Pinggang Pinoy without even realizing it—nutrition disguised as play. The energy was contagious. One mother whispered, “Ngayon lang ulit ako tumawa ng ganito.”
Then came the blessings—rosaries, prayers, and quiet tears. In a prayerful and thankful mood, Fr. Simon Peter Ramos, O.P., reminded everyone that nourishment is not only for the body but also for the soul.
Later, when rice sacks and food packs were handed out—5 kilos each, with canned goods and a touch of love—gratitude overflowed. “Maraming salamat po.” “God bless you po.” Those simple words, spoken by weary yet grateful voices, filled the room with warmth that no storm could wash away.
Behind the smiles were countless hours of unseen work—56 people, each giving what they could. From donors like William Kui, who gave rice and food packs worth ₱100,000, the RCSD members who donated in cash and in kind, to volunteers who gave time, sweat, and compassion. PP Tawie Luna, who led with a mother’s heart, stitched all the pieces together—ensuring that every act of service became a thread in the tapestry of kindness.
When the sun finally dipped below the Quezon City skyline, the gym quieted. Yet, something beautiful lingered—like the aftertaste of hope.
That night, at Café Inggo, laughter flowed again—this time from the volunteers who had given their all. They were tired, yes, but full—fulfilled in the way only service can fill the soul.
Feed Read Lead was more than a project.
It was a prayer answered through hands that cooked, read, shared, and believed.
It was proof that when hearts unite—Rotarians, students, mothers, children—love multiplies.
And as one child whispered before leaving, clutching his new book and rosary,
“Mama, ang saya po! Masarap yung pagkain. Mahal nila tayo, noh? Sana maulit po.”
