Grade 6 Bigay Puso Christmas gift-giving activity: a lived expression of cura personalis

On December 19, 2025, the Ateneo de Manila Grade School (AGS) Social Involvement Office (SIO), in coordination with the Grade 6 students and parents, held the Grade 6 Bigay Puso Christmas Gift-Giving Activity at Singson Hall. 

The beneficiaries of the activity were the scholars of the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service (PJPS). This gathering marked the third encounter between the Grade 6 students, their Class Parent Representatives (CPRs), and their Bigay Puso partners—an opportunity to learn from one another, build relationships, and serve with open hearts.

The day began with the Grade 6 community and the PJPS scholars attending the Panunuluyan Mass, grounding the activity in prayer and reflection.

After the Mass, the PJPS scholars were welcomed into the Grade 6 classrooms for brief visits. These simple moments of conversation and presence helped strengthen the bond between the students and their partners. The community then proceeded to Singson Hall for the main program.

The program opened with a prayer led by Mr. Enrico Patulan, followed by welcome remarks from Mrs. Grace A. Galvez, Grade 6 Grade Level Coordinator. The hall was then filled with music as the PJPS scholars serenaded the community through their choir group, MusiKalayaan. Their songs and beautiful voices brought warmth and a spirit of hope to Singson Hall, creating a space of reflection, connection, and shared humanity.

One of the most moving parts of the program was the sharing of testimonials by the PJPS scholar and parents, offering glimpses into their life journeys. These stories reminded everyone that social involvement is not just about programs or activities, but about real people, real experiences, and real relationships. They showed that even small and simple acts of kindness can give hope to others.

A message from Mrs. Love Lynne E. Reyes, Grade 6 GLPC Chairperson, reflected on the true spirit of Christmas as a time of pagbabahagi and pasasalamat. She reminded everyone that each person has something to give—time, talent, or simple acts of kindness—and that even small, chosen actions can bring meaningful change and peace to others.

The gift-giving proper followed, where groceries and handwritten Christmas greeting cards were presented in blue pails. The Grade 6 boys played an active role throughout the preparation. They brought the groceries, helped sort the items, and assisted in carrying the pails to Singson Hall. Their quiet and willing service reflected the Ignatian value of magis—giving more in small but meaningful ways.

The activity was graced by the presence of AGS Headmaster Mr. Jervy Robles, Assistant Headmaster for Formation Mrs. Virgie Esteves, representatives from the Social Involvement Office, and the Grade 6 Class Parent Representatives (CPRs). The program concluded with closing remarks by Mrs. Virgie Esteves, who reminded everyone of the importance of seizing every opportunity to do good.

The Grade 6 Bigay Puso Christmas Gift-Giving stood as a lived expression of cura personalis—care for the whole person—and a reminder that the true spirit of Christmas is found not in what we receive, but in what we freely offer in love, hope, and service.