An Inspiring Birthday Celebration

by Mackie Calbay

Celebrating birthdays means getting greetings, birthday parties, cakes with candles and feeling happy on that special day.

Jamilla “Jamie” Aquino, a schoolmate at DLS-CSB School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies had a different kind of birthday celebration. Jamilla graduated 2004 then worked a Deaf Leader of Educational Outreach e-Learning Center. Now, she is working as a Corporate Communication Assistant and is Vice-President of Visual Shot Club.

Jamie wanted to make her birthday relevant. She wanted to celebrate her 30th birthday with Deaf kids. May and Maria Lourdes Cabutihan referred her to Rosario Ocampo Elementary School in Taytay, Rizal just near where she lives. And on October 1, a day before her actual birthday, together with classmates from high school batch 15 of 2000 and DLS-CSB SDEAS, Jamie celebrated her birthday. Aside from celebrating with food and lootbags, they gave away school supplies, and other materials needed. They had games with prizes, a program and even taught Origami to the excited kids. Her best friend surprised her with a cake and they all greeted her a “Happy Birthday”. Additional surprise was a special number from Deaf pupils. Special Education (SPED) teacher, Ms. Tessie T. Parcia gifted her lovely clock. Smiles were bountiful and the joy was spreading.

As the celebration neared to a close, Jamie expressed her heart full of happiness because her birthday was not only to herself but also sharing blessings and love from Our heavenly Father to Deaf children. She wants Deaf children to be aware and look at her and classmates as role models so when they grow up, they have people to emulate. She truly appreciated the donation and support of her classmates to the Deaf children.

Jamie’s message: “For the Deaf alumni of DLS-CSB SDEAS, its time for us to give and return blessings we have received. Show Deaf kids what we can contribute and learn from each other’s experiences. And continue to share with your true heart to Deaf kids.”

What an inspiration! What source of pride for the Benildean Deaf alumni! The birthday celebration was one of a kind and hopefully not the last of this special kind of celebration.