Tax - CAS brings joy to kids in Boracay

Tagged as one of the country’s most famous tourists sites, Boracay Island became the chosen destination of Tax-Client Accounting Services (CAS) for its 2015 summer outing.  The group brought with them school bags containing school supplies and slippers which they  handed out randomly to children roaming the beaches during the group’s island-hopping activity.  The gift-giving served as the group’s Tourism with a Purpose (TwP) activity.  

Here are some of the group’s points  of view of their TwP experience.

Young and shy

“Innocent and shy–these are how I describe the kids we met during our TwP. I can still remember their innocent looks and shyness as we invited them to come and receive the school bags. It made me wonder about their future ten years from now. Will the school supplies make a difference? Will our simple acts of kindness touch their hearts and inspire them to pursue their studies? I hope they will, because when the time comes they will have to stand on their own two feet. I pray that one day they will be successful as they continue to dream big and work for it. I sincerely wish them a wonderful childhood and a good life in the future.” - Tax Senior Associate Flora Bristain

“Seeing how they live makes me realise how lucky I am. It really feels good to give back as much as possible.” Tax Senior Associate Renz Boaloy

“Reaching out to those in need can be a difficult thing. These people are too shy to ask or receive from others and may not appreciate what is given to them. However, it still feels great to help. These special moments made us realise how fortunate we are. We may not have everything in life but being a channel of God’s grace through sharing  is a wonderful experience.” Tax Associate Bern Valdez

Kids looking timid and shy as they receive their gifts.

A senior associate helps fit the slippers for this boy.

Boatman's assistant: Young captain of the ship.

Left. Tax CAS team pose with the recipients. Right. The boatman proudly showing off the shirt that fits him.

“When Revi handed out used clothes to the boatmen, it reminded me of my life in the province. I grew up thinking life was unfair. Happiness would come whenever my cousins would share their old clothes, bags and shoes to me and my siblings. I would pity myself but was still grateful for their generosity and kindness and this served as my inspiration to strive more. That’s what I felt seeing the boatman's smile.  It means that they appreciated the generosity and I felt their happiness.
I pray that the gift-giving touched their hearts and would make a difference in their lives.”- Tax Associate Beth Cachero

Boatman’s assistant

At a young age of eight, Bondying spent his summer helping his uncle ferry tourists from the shore to the islands.  While his mother works as a food attendant in a restaurant in Boracay, Bondying was exposed to "big boy's" work at a tender age instead of enjoying childhood life has to offer. When I asked him, " Ganito din ba (being a boatman) ang gusto mong gawin paglaki mo? he replied, "gusto ko din pong mag aral para ako makapasyal sa ibang lugar kasama ang mama ko."

Kids like him deserve an oppurtunity to learn and succeed in life.

A shirt that fits

“I bought this Adidas sports sweat shirt when I received my first salary during my SMC days.  It endured quite a long way but I've treasured this and remained "as good as new." I am sharing this to the boatman,  a person I do not know because I appreciate his attention and care to the CAS team while we hopped islands. The moment I presented it to him, I felt that his smile reflected his appreciation of the gift.” - Tax Senior Manager  Revi Rabaja

Contact us

Edwin Padillo

Markets Senior Manager, PwC Philippines

Tel: +63 (2) 8845 2728