COMMUNITIES>FROM THE STALLION'S EYE

Kikoville Revisited
By Frederick N. Tiu (XS '79)
School Treasurer

Posted Wednesday, 15-Dec-2004 7:36 AM

     I've always felt that it would be difficult for me to step into the shoes of Fr. Santos Mena, Xavier School 's former Treasurer. For one, I am not a Jesuit. Second, I do not have his wit nor am I a prolific writer.* Third, Fr. Mena has a great passion for charity work as seen in his drive to uplift the lives of the Aetas in Kikoville, (Katutubo Village, Porac) through his Mena Foundation.

     On separate occasions, I spoke to AAXS President Samson Lim and Xavier School Finance Officer Margie Antonio, both of whom are close to Fr. Mena. They agreed with me that rather than send gifts and greetings to him in Spain, he would be so much happier if we all made a special effort to do something for the Aetas this Christmas. Both Sam and Margie remembered how enjoyable the Christmas party was at Kikoville last year. We felt that we should do it again even if Fr. Mena is now miles away.
 

     And so it was. Last December 12, Sunday, representatives of the AAXS and Xavier School left for Porac at 6:45am . For two hours, we rode the school Coaster accompanied by a big van filled with giveaways which included foodstuff, shoes, slippers and old clothes.

     As usual, upon our arrival, we were warmly received by Sr. Vinda and her staff. About 150 eager Aeta kids were on hand to participate in the simple Jollibee party which featured songs, games, prizes, poems, dancing and food. Many of the kids were ecstatic when Jollibee himself arrived to perform a dance number with some of them. In the true spirit of the season, everyone went home with a smile on their face. Christmas was indeed alive in Kikoville!

     In behalf of Fr. Mena, the AAXS, Xavier School , Sr. Vinda and the Aetas of Katutubo Village, let me take this opportunity to thank those who generously donated their time, talent and treasure to make our visit a successful one. Furthermore, thank you too to those who participated in the Mena Foundation's deep well and overhead tank construction which would be completed soon. This would supply the village with much needed water.

     So, Fr. Mena, if you are reading this article, we hope that we have somehow brought you glad tidings this Christmas season. Perhaps, it is not the same as you visiting Kikoville yourself but I guess it's the best for now. Rest assured that we continue to keep you in our prayers and we hope that sometime soon our paths would all cross again. In the meantime, take care and may God's love be with you . Luceat Lux!

* Fr. Santos Mena, S.J. has written countless books including Psalms for Today , The Gospel According to the Extras and It Rained While the Son Shone . His books are available at the XShop.

For comments and suggestions you can email me at ftiu@xs.edu.ph.

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