“My 8-year old son, Sean, would like to pledge $20 to support one student out of the money gifts he received last Christmas. Last year, when we went home to Davao, he felt bad about those poor kids that were hanging around the restaurants at Victoria Plaza. These kids would ask restaurant customers who are on their way out if they needed a taxi ride and hope that they'll get some tips for fetching the taxi. After we ate, Sean asked money from me. So I gave him 6 five-peso coins without asking why. After we exited the restaurant, the kids rushed to us hoping we needed a taxi which we did. So I asked two kids to get us two taxis because there were 8 of us. While waiting for the taxi cabs, we walked towards the waiting area. My wife then asked, "Where's Sean? He was next to me awhile ago". I looked back to search for him, and there he was, being crowded by about 15 kids. So I rushed back to get him, but the kids were still following him.

"What happened?" I asked. "I felt bad for this kid because he looked hungry so I gave him your money and then the other kids came over and I gave them all your money but it's not enough. Can you give me more?" Right then I knew that he has this inner compassion for the poor. It is something that can't be taught.

Last week, I told him about the poor kids back home who cannot even afford to buy their school supplies for school. "Just like those kids in the restaurant?" he asked, trying to recollect his experience.

"Maybe even worse, because they are too shy to beg from other people." I answered. "Is it alright with you to share your Christmas gift money with them?" I know he really wanted this Nintendo Gamecube game package and he's trying to save-up to buy it for $50.00.

"It's okey" was his short reply. Maybe, a bit sad that he can't get his game set right away but probably he realized his game can wait. I got him the game 3 days later. I told him it's courtesy of Santa for his being a good boy.