There’s a famous saying, “If you can’t find light in the darkness, Be the Light in the Darkness”. In this time of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), some of us might have already felt the urge to think of ways we can lend a helping hand. So when the opportunity to provide assistance have come knocking on the doors of some ordinary, 5 everyday women shed light the most. They are Marielle Solomon, Sarah Jane de la Rosa, Pia Alviola, Melissa Olit, andAngela Lapinosa.
Everyday women who have readily embraced the chance to help and made things happen! They have been voluntarily and wholeheartedly taking on tasks of providing food and sourcing for relief goods. As well as creating PPEs and mobilizing resources for Filipinos – even if that meant being in COVID-harm’s way. Five women who didn’t think twice to go out of their comfort zones. Just to share a part of themselves and be a light to others. These are their stories.
Marielle Solomon: Siargao Community Kitchen
Marielle Solomon is a marketing professional who currently spends most of her time around volunteers like herself in the Siargao Community Kitchen. To simply ease the plight of families in the island whose source of income have been affected by COVID-19.
At present, they have provided over 4,000 food packs, staying true to the belief that community starts with sharing. Through her efforts, Marielle is just one of the women who bring the light to the island of Siargao.
Sarah Jane de La Rosa: Rising Above Circumstance
Student Sarah Jane de la Rosa’s light has truly radiated throughout the Metro. She has proven that being a differently abled person is not and will never be a hindrance if you put your heart in the service of a solid cause. A volunteer at the Barangay Holy Spirit Person with Disabilities Association, Sarah who is afflicted with cerebral palsy, ably leads her team as their President in providing relief packages in the area. As of today, the association has provided much needed help to more than 1,000 PWD’s and their families.
Pia Alviola: Project Love PPE and Masks
Project Love PPE and Masks has produced and donated over 1,500 masks and 600 PPEs invarious hospitals. This initiative is the brainchild of Pia Alviola. A Fashion Designer based in Makati City who has found a way to bring the light among our healthcare front liners the best way she knows how. Through her skills and her desire to not only provide a source of income for her team of seamstresses and tailors. But more so to be an instrument of providing protection in these times.
Melissa Olit: Chef Aiza’s Community
In Puerto Princesa, Melissa Olit, the founder of Chef Aiza’s Community has seen to it that her community in Palawan is given the proper nutrition and sustenance they need. From front liners to students, and even to hard working construction workers stranded on the island. Melissa has made sure the food she prepares and delivers are sourced from local farmers to sustain their livelihood. Over the course of bringing light to front liners and local farmers, her group has already served more than 5,000 food packs.
Angel Lapinosa: RICEaboveCOVID
Through a drive called RICEaboveCOVID, Angela Lapinosa, one of the lead organizers of the initiative, has illuminated the city of Cebu with her generosity and service.
At the Cebu Institute of Technology, Angela is known as a student leader. But for the two hundred beneficiaries of the cause she represents, Angela is one to remember only with the kindest of words. The young ones also acknowledge her as someone who has shed light into their lives and has given them hope for being the project manager of “Para Kay Baby”, a project under RICEaboveCOVID tha thas allocated 100 relief goods to the families of infants and children in her town.
These five extraordinary women have truly become light bearers in their communities for serving as volunteers who through their service and heart, have greatly contributed to the common good. Like these women, SkinWhite has always believed that anyone can#BeTheLight especially in times of uncertainty. Every effort no matter how small, can have a considerable amount of good especially to those who are in need. Let us continue inspiring and encouraging these women by supporting their causes, as we too can be the light in our own ways.
How to Help
Here are ways to reach Marielle, Sarah, Pia, Melissa and Angela as we make these challenging times lighter!
- Siargao Community Kitchen – +63 939 883 4033 | visit their Siargao Community Kitchen on Instagram and Facebook
- Barangay Holy Spirit Person with Disabilities Association – Sarah de la Rosa
- Project Love PPE and Masks – Pia Alviola
- Chef Aiza’s Community – Melissa Olit, Community Kitchen’s page , or Chef Aiza’s Community on Instagram
- RICEaboveCOVID – Cebuano Youth Ambassadors, Inc. Lapinosa
In truth, helping doesn’t always mean you have the money or resources. Sometimes, it just takes compassion, heart, and a lot of dedication. And thanks to these 5 extraordinary women, life has never been brighter even during these dark and trying times. Stay Safe and Stay Healthy, ladies!
Two hungry bestfriends looking for their next adventure. 🙂 We do travel x food x lifestyle features.
Follow us on IG: @hungrytravelduo
Email us at hungrytravelduo@gmail.com