What is special this season at AIIAS campus? It is the season of praises and giving. Singers, musicians–young and old–gave out their best talent to participate in concerts, fund drives, and outreach.
Everybody else dug deep into their pockets to help people in need. One thing that is clear, everyone seemed excited to be doing something for a cause. This is what makes AIIAS community even more special.
The Handbells Ministry organized the concert “Joyful Praise” with over 200 singers and musicians on Friday night conducted by Fredrick Murillo. One Saturday afternoon, the newly formed young talents, Ex Nihilo was featured on the monthly United in Diversity. The same evening, a benefit concert was held in the Siew Huy Auditorium featuring AIIAS choirs and orchestra together with neighboring Silang Adventist Elementary School children’s choir under the leadership of choirmaster Marj Taclob.
The following Friday evening, a benefit concert on the theme of Christmas was held to raise funds for the Bulihan church building project. The Adventist congregation in Bulihan is a fast-growing community, thanks to the active care-group initiatives of the AIIAS Church. Funds were also raised to help Biluso church to relocate to a new place.
The AIIAS community again supported another cause, this time for Angels Village, a nearby orphanage who was chosen to become part of the ‘total member involvement’ project. Children presented hand mime and other colorful performances with lights and sounds entitled, ‘The Light of the Cross’ courtesy of the black theater.
Also in the month of December, AIIAS community members gave out Christmas parcels to the nearby Dasmariñas City Jail, the Mango House orphanage, Barangay Uno families, and even participated in a medical and dental outreach. The Student Services Office organized a ‘kasambahay’ Christmas party for more than 100 on-campus house helpers in appreciation for their efforts in making AIIAS community a wonderful place.
AIIAS is a diverse place where people come from different parts of the country and the world. However, its people find one thing in common to which they seem passionate about. It is the spirit of mission and the spirit of giving. And truly what better way to showcase this spirit than this season of reflecting on God’s divine mission, to have sent Jesus Christ to the world to become Immanuel, the greatest gift of all.
Photo credits: Gandhi Gandees, Andrew Ben Jacob, Bryan Sumendap, and AIIAS Church Health Ministries Department
