“Medyo challenging kasi pareho kaming mahiyain ni Rein” (“It was quite challenging because both Rein and I are shy.”) That is the first sentence that I said when we were in front of the crowd and we were asked why the day was special for us. The day was actually a special and a memorable one because I got the chance to meet Rein. And hopefully, I somehow made him happy.

The event was by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Philippines under its Caring Cup initiative for Make-A-Wish Philippines.

The event started with a getting to know session, followed by a Christmas card design session, which Rein really enjoyed. I felt that Rein already got comfortable with me in this part while I tried to help him design his card. Then we were called in front to share to the crowd why the day was special for us.

And then the main event. We were given blindfolds which we used to cover the eyes of the children. While counting down from 10 to 1, the volunteers got all the gifts that the children wished for. After counting, the children were then allowed to remove their blindfolds. I was happy to see how Rein got excited while opening his gift.

It’s amazing how a single wish can touch many hearts. After the event, I realized that it was not just about making Rein happy by granting his wish. I also felt a different and unexplainable kind of happiness and I want to thank Rein for sharing the magic with me.

When it was time for the children to go back home, Rein bid me goodbye thrice, the third one was when he is already outside of CBTL and he looked back at me, and waved goodbye. I then told myself that I made him happy today.

Thank you to Make-A-Wish Philippines for this opportunity. Thank you also to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Philippines, especially to Ms. Nella Lomotan. You have also granted our wishes to have this experience.