PINOLEAKPES CARES: BAHAY AURORA ORPHANAGE JOURNEY

"Bringing Hope, Love, and Joy to Every Child"

In Every year, Pinoleakpes Corporation sets aside a day to give back—to be present, to listen, and to remind others that they are not forgotten. On April 9, 2025, together with our partner companies, we visited Bahay Aurora orphanage in Baras, Rizal with one mission in our hearts: to bring hope, love, and joy to every child.

From the moment we arrived, we felt something different. Bahay Aurora wasn’t just a shelter it was a home filled with stories, strength, and silent prayers. Before the activities began, Mr. Santiago welcomed us and shared the emotional history behind the name Bahay Aurora. It was named after their late mother, Aurora, who deeply believed in helping others. She supported her daughter Arlene Santiago and her husband who has the same vision, the founder, in turning a dream into reality, a dream that started when Arlene was just a young girl, longing to help children who had no family, no home, and no one to call their own. It was their mother’s encouragement that gave her the courage to pursue that dream and build this sanctuary for the abandoned and broken.

What touched us most was the one-on-one session with the children a quiet, raw, and sincere space to listen to their stories. It was during these heart-to-heart moments that we saw beyond the smiles. We heard stories of pain, of being left behind, of trying to make sense of the world at such a young age. But what amazed us was how these children, despite everything, chose to love, to forgive, and to smile. There was pain, yes but there was also hope. You could feel their resilience. They weren’t just survivors they were little warriors with beautiful hearts.

The program continued to lighter moments. We held bracelet-making activities, where they got to express their creativity, followed by a fun challenge led by Vhenz Apparel, complete with prizes that made the kids' eyes light up with excitement. It wasn’t just about the bracelets or the games it was about being together, feeling seen, and sharing joy. You could feel the connection between the mentors and the children genuine, pure, and heartwarming.

Pinoleakpes Foundation led the gift-giving, making sure each child felt special and remembered. And before we left, the team shared a song dedicated to Bahay Aurora a simple gesture, but one that filled the room with warmth, unity, and love. Looking around, we saw the kids smiling, laughing, some even dancing. But more than anything, we saw hope not just in their eyes, but in ours too.

There is something deeply powerful in choosing to give, to help, and to love especially when it’s done with no expectation in return. May we all find ways to be a blessing to others, just as we have been blessed. And above all, Let everything we do be done in love.