The SM Mall of Asia Music Hall was the venue of the 21st-anniversary
celebration of CHILD Haus, an institution founded by ‘Mader’ Ricky Reyes
to be a bastion of hope for children stricken by cancer. Throughout its
history, one consistent major supporter of the establishment has been
the Sy family – in its early years, Henry ‘Tatang’ Sy, Sr., and over the
last decade, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee
Hans Sy continuing the tradition established by his father.
CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes and SM Prime Holdings Inc.
Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy (center) celebrate the
institution's 21st anniversary with the CHILD Haus beneficiaries.
Leading the event were Mr. Sy and ‘Mader’ Ricky, and several individuals
and companies who, over the years, have contributed to the well-being
of CHILD Haus were invited. Many children, who have been ‘adopted’ by
CHILD Haus and now call it home, were also in attendance. The media was
present as well, recognizing how establishments like CHILD Haus make a
big difference and become the ‘answered prayers’ of so many children and
their parents.
CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes
SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy
Three CHILD Haus stories, featuring Aya, Laura, and Jessa, were turned
into video vignettes that highlighted the message of hope and the
life-saving work of the organization. While it is easy to describe such
events as heartwarming and tear-jerking, it was truly remarkable to
witness even the most seasoned press photographers being moved to tears
by these videos. This is a clear testament to the profound impact that
these testimonials had on the audience at the event.
CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman
of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, and three inspiring CHILD Haus
children, Aya, Laura, and Jessa.
After ‘Mader’ Ricky's heartwarming welcome, Mr. Sy himself took the
stage to present plaques of appreciation to the many friends of CHILD
Haus whose generous donations have made the organization's life-saving
work possible.
CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes and SM Prime Holdings Inc.
Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy award plaques of
appreciation to the generous friends of CHILD Haus whose contributions
have enabled the organization's life-saving mission.
Those suffering from cancer and ‘adopted’ are provided food and shelter.
There are presently two CHILD Haus locations - one in Manila, near the
Philippine General Hospital, and one in Quezon City. Until the children
are declared cancer-free and/or have completed their treatments and
medical procedures, one child and one parent are allowed to live at
CHILD Haus. If it’s an infant, both parents can stay.
A longtime supporter and regular visitor to CHILD Haus, Karylle, led the
children in a rousing song composed by Karylle’s husband, Yael Yuzon.
Then ‘Mader’ Ricky’s daughter sang a rendition of Florante’s ‘Handog’
that had been reworded to fit the sentiments of the children at CHILD
Haus. These were two songs that the children had learnt and practiced as
a “thank you” to the many guests who have helped make the ‘haus’ a
reality.
Singer Karylle leads the CHILD Haus children in an uplifting song.
In the end, both ‘Mader’ Ricky and Mr. Sy acknowledged the significance
of this event, which commemorates 21 years of compassion, fortitude, and
the spirit of giving and sharing.
To know more about inspiring stories and events at SM, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.
