A student in Iloilo was seen in a video opening excitedly a gift from a secret pal, or an SP, in a Christmas party.

His classmates cheered him on as he unraveled the Christmas present.

What he saw first were snack items, called locally as “chichirya.” But his attention was drawn to a box. He opened the box hurriedly, and when he saw a cellphone inside, he burst into tears.

The student is 13-year-old “James,” a Grade 8 student at Maila Paderes Aritalla National High School in Barangay Jaguimitan, Passi City in Iloilo Province.

The SP is none other than his class adviser.

“Pinag-isipan ko kung ano ang panregalo ko sa kanya na magiging masaya talaga siya,” Aive Pacardo Agnes, his teacher, said.

According to Ma’am Aive, the student comes from a poor family, but she saw his perseverance in his studies.

Though the amount for the Christmas present was pegged at P100 only, she tried her best to buy him a cellphone.

“Kasi nakita ko na parang struggle na para sa kanya ang pag-research. Pag kailangan niya ng cellphone, wala talaga siyang makukuha,” the adviser said. 

James thanked his teacher for what he deemed as a grand gift.

Ma’am Aive also gave a variety of garments to James’ classmates as gifts.

During Christmas, gift-giving is already common, but there are gifts that go beyond their monetary value. These gifts highlight true value, a person’s worth, and a giver’s character.