The Power of Giving: A Day of Magic and Smiles at the Philippine General Hospital

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, especially when business is booming, it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. In December 2019, my team and I decided to pause and give back. We visited the Philippine General Hospital to spend a day with kids battling cancer.

The Inspiration: Why We Chose to Give Back - The concept behind our visit was straightforward yet deeply meaningful: we've been blessed with success in our business ventures, and we felt a compelling need to share that good fortune with those less fortunate. But this wasn't just a charitable act in the traditional sense; it was a conscious effort to infuse our achievements with a greater sense of purpose. In a world where success is often measured by financial gains and market dominance, it's easy to get caught up in the numbers. But what are numbers if they don't translate into positive change in the world around us? Our visit to the Philippine General Hospital was a deliberate step to ensure that our prosperity wasn't just accumulating by numbers but was also making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

The Characters We Became: More Than Just Costumes - I chose to dress up as Pikachu, a beloved character that instantly transports me back to the carefree and imaginative days of my childhood. For a few hours, I wasn't just a business leader; I was a symbol of joy and nostalgia, not just for me but hopefully for the kids as well. Pikachu represents more than just a cute character; it embodies the spirit of adventure, friendship, and the simple joys of life—values that we often overlook as adults but mean the world to these young souls. My team also transformed into an array of characters, ranging from superheroes who fight for justice to princesses who embody grace and courage. Each costume was carefully chosen, not just for its entertainment value but for the stories and ideals they represent. These characters have battled villains, overcome obstacles, and inspired millions. For the kids, and honestly for us as well, they served as a reminder that courage and goodness exist, even in the face of life's harshest realities.  But these weren't just pieces of fabric we put on; they were bridges to a simpler, more innocent time. A time when good always triumphed over evil, when problems could be solved with bravery and a little bit of magic. For a few hours, we were able to escape the complexities of the real world and reside in a place of pure imagination and hope.

The Emotions We Felt: A Rollercoaster of Joy and Tears - The atmosphere in the hospital ward was nothing short of electric. As we walked in, dressed as characters from various realms of fantasy and heroism, the children's faces lit up in a way that words can hardly describe. Their eyes widened, their smiles stretched from ear to ear, and for a moment, the hospital walls seemed to recede, replaced by a world of wonder and possibility. It was as if their favorite characters had jumped out of the TV screen and comic books to stand beside them, to tell them that they weren't alone. But amid the laughter and the playful banter, there were moments that pierced through the joyous facade, grounding us back to the poignant reality of why we were there. One such moment was when a young girl, her eyes filled with a mix of hope and uncertainty, approached one of my staff members dressed as Tinker Bell. "Can your magic make me better?" she asked softly. The question hung in the air, heavy with the weight of her innocence and the cruel irony of her situation. It was a gut-wrenching reminder that these children are fighting battles far beyond their years, battles that they neither chose nor deserve. That interaction with Tinker Bell and the young girl served as a sobering counterpoint to the day's festivities. It reminded us that while we could offer a temporary escape, these brave young souls face a reality that requires more than magic; it requires resilience, medical care, and a support system that extends beyond a single day's visit.

In our busy lives, it's easy to get lost in the grind. But let's not forget the transformative power of giving back. It's more than charity; it's a lifeline to deeper meaning for both the giver and receiver. So, whenever life's chaos starts to overwhelm you, pause. Give back in any way you can. Trust me, it's the best soul therapy you'll ever experience, and it just might inspire others to do the same.