The covered court of Barangay Kaligayahan, Novaliches City, was filled with laughter and dancing as 200 persons with disabilities attended the monthly food distribution program of the JC Cares Foundation.

Established in 2020, JC Cares Foundation is a non-profit group formed by young business magnates Jonathan So and Carl Macadangdang.

The multi-awarded duo are the brains behind JC Premier, toktok, Mang Boks, Copper Mask, and many other successful brands.

As bright as the sun and as the warm breeze of that afternoon, So and Macadangdang, a recent People of the Year-awardee of People Asia Magazine, has only one purpose that day: to bring smiles to the kids.

"Hi guys, kamusta kayong lahat?," VP and CFO Carlito Macadangdang waved and greeted the crowd.

While President and CEO Jonathan So saw a familiar face in the crowd and promised everyone a good time. "Ngayon kasama naming muli si Pareng Paolo, si pogi, at nandito kami ngayon sa Novaliches sa Barangay Kaligayahan."

"Sana mapasaya natin sila muli," Macadangdang added.

The gift-giving is not the first time for JC Cares as they have traveled the country to help Filipinos in need during calamities and tragedies, but Macadangdang announced that the “Hatid Tulong” for the PWD kids would be done every month.

"Ang JC Cares po ay isang lang po ang goal naming Every month sana makabahagi kami ng konti tulong sa mga kababayan natin, again po maraming, maraming salamat."

The kids and their moms were dressed to the nines to party with a friendly spiderman host who danced with the kids while their moms played balloon relay games for fun and prizes.

Franchisees of So and Macadangdang's business empire also stepped up to help donate goods and pack the giveaways, including rice, noodles, biscuits, bread, vitamin C, milk, and coffee.

Among the sponsors are Team Eralista, Team Tycoon, Team Mafia, Team Big 4, Chosen Team, Xynergy Xtreme, and RM.

So could be more proud that their business partners and franchisees were amongst those who helped in the event.

"Nandito po kami ngayon para magbahagi  ng  konting tulong kasama ng aking bestfriend at business partner, and thank you po sa oras ninyo makakaasa po kayo na hindi po ito ang huli nating pagkikita. Maraming salamat po at God bless po."

Pay It Forward

Most of the young beneficiaries are residents of Tawid Sapa in Novaliches and are neighbors of Hands Of God Team Leader Kathrina Calvario-Ofrel.

Kathrina and her son, Paolo, were the previous candidates of JC Cares 12 Letters last December 2022. But JC Cares' helping hands have reached Paolo's friends as well.

"Ako po si  maria Katrina Ofrel  team leader po ako ng House of charity works of Novaliches, anak ko po si John Paolo Ofrel, marami po PWD dito sa aming area ang natulungan ng JC Cares Foundation. Nakilala ko po sila last Christmas .noong kumuha po sila ng 12 letters at napili po nila ang aking anak na si John Paolo upang maging beneficiary po nila."

Other children and parents also showed appreciation to So and Macadangdang's help by giving them letters and gifts.

With the help of the Hands of God Charity Works Novaliches Chapter, they enlisted 200 kids with a disability to gather at the covered court for some fun afternoon activity.

 Jonalyn and Jennifer's children were amongst the recipients of their generosity.

"Nagpapasalamat po kami sa JC Care Foundation," Jonalyn said.

"Thank you, Boss Jo and Boss Carl," Jennifer added.

The famous deaf-blind author and political activist Helen Keller once said, "I thank God for my handicaps, for through them I have found myself, my work, and my God."

Unfortunately, not everyone like her has strong support  from her family and community.

JC Cares Foundation wishes to replicate that situation and visit as many communities with children with disabilities throughout the country as possible. The effort is not only to meet a Kelly, or a Pareng Poging Paolo but also to bring happiness to many poor Filipinos in the country, one community at a time.

To know more about the foundation's programs and how you can donate or help them visit their website, https://jccaresfoundation.ph/.