Rikki Nickaylla Ocfemia Angeles

My! Time does fly fast! The next thing I know, Neri Angeles ( a fellow N@wie whose maternity shots I took) will now have her little angel baptized.

I was thrilled to do it! I have this thing with old clients because I like the relationship we build together. We are first and foremost friends.

It was wonderful seeing all their relatives arrive for the baptism which was held in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish (or more popularly known as Claret in Q.C.). Neri's brother even flew in from Cebu just to witness the event.

Neri, being the very excited mother had a butter yellow color theme. She, her husband Ronald, their families and friends were like a beaming group of sunshine in the church! It was a treat for me making their album knowing that I can follow the color scheme and it actually came out pretty nice. Here's a peek to Nicka's baptism album:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/82184792@N00/sets/72157594364525972/

(link courtesy of Neri's and Ronald's flickr account)

Everything was so well organized, that I had to hand it to the couple. From the cake, to the food, to the decorations and their giveaways, it was trully a very memorable baptism day for their little angel, Nicka.

BASECO Kids

Nothing prepared me for this moment.

I knew about poverty in the Philippines. We read about it in the papers everyday, we see small children tapping on our car windows amidst the rain trying to sell their sampaguitas, people demonstrating on the streets to get better wages - everyone feels how hard it is to make ends meet.

But not like this. My heart ached that day I went to Baseco. My photography club volunteered to help, brought items that we thought would be useful and set up a project were we would raise money through the pictures we're going to get during that visit. We were briefed by the volunteers of Project Hope. Those people have such big hearts, giving their time and dedication for these people.

I wondered how I managed to keep my tears from falling that day. I never could imagine how anyone could live like this. The stink seeped through our clothes, kids foraged through left overs in barrels from restaurants. They ate beside dogs and flies. Garbage was everywhere.

And yet, up to this day one thing registers in my mind : their smiles. Baseco, with all its filth and poverty was not enough to make these children lose their happiness and their childhood. Everywhere I looked, all the kids were laughing, smiling, playing. I was taught a lesson that day. Something I will keep for the rest of my life.

I was humbled.

David Balaoing Garceron

Last June 3, 2006, friends and family gathered to celebrate a beautiful moment. David's Baptism.

It is simply amazing to witness how one child can bring so much joy to many. At St. Michael's Chapel in Fort Bonifacio, David was moved from one set of loving arms to another. He was showered with kisses by Aunts, Cousins, Friends, Grandparents - you name it. Even when the priest arrived, the buzz of happiness and excitement did not quiet down.

The nice thing with baptisms, different generations bond together. The grandparents have their set of friends, Fiel (David's mom) also had her group, David's dad had his PMA classmates at another corner. These are happy moments that every parent cherishes.

I got a bit teary-eyed, trying to think how it would be when my time would come when my own child would be baptized. I'm sure I would be overwhelmed. It made me realize that babies are definitely gifts from heaven. They're the only ones who can bring so much joy with no effort at all.