Mabuhay Restop’s ‘Kiddie Paskuhan’ gives underprivileged kids a treat before Christmas

Museum-travel cafe Mabuhay Restop at Rizal Park is holding "Kiddie Paskuhan," a nine-day event that lets underprivileged children enjoy rides, shows and other treats with the help of volunteers.

According to the restaurant's general manager Billy De Jesus, each day of the Paskuhan features games with prizes, a puppet show or a foreign folk dance group show, Christmas storytelling, face painting and temporary tattoos, a photo booth and a ride around Rizal Park in a City Optimized Managed Electric Transport (COMET) electric jeepney. Ice cream, snow cone, and popcorn carts are also available during the event.

Most of these activities are manned by volunteers, who are mostly balikbayans and families, said De Jesus. The children are from different Gawad Kalinga communities and social welfare institutions. Street kids in and around Rizal Park were also invited to the Paskuhan with the help of the National Parks Development Committee.

Volunteers needed

At least 30 volunteers are needed to manage at least a hundred children each day. But with the number of children growing to around 300 daily as the event draws to a close, Mabuhay Restop will need more volunteers.

De Jesus said that people can sponsor 20 kids for P4,500. But if they don't have the money to spare, or if they would rather volunteer their time and presence, they can come over and  help manage the kids during the event. Kiddie Paskuhan starts at 10 a.m., but volunteers are requested to call ahead and come in early for a short briefing. — BM, GMA News

Kiddie Paskuhan runs for nine days up to and including December 23, but the restaurant will organize another one for December 27. To volunteer, call 353-8772 or contact Mabuhay Restop general manager Billy de Jesus at 09178108195.