Last April 18, 2011, the brods and sisses of the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity and Phi Lambda Delta Sorority spent a whole day of fun and laughter with children who recovered from Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) during the 5th Camp Braveheart with the theme “Community of Heroes: Working Hand in Hand” held at the Meralco Leadership and Development Center in Sumulong, Antipolo. The event was organized by the Philippine Heart Association Council on Congenital Heart Disease in cooperation with the Philippine Society of Pediatric Cardiology, Philippine Heart Center Pediatric Cardiac Rehabilitation, and the Philippine General Hospital-Section of Pediatric Cardiology. The Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity has been supporting this event for the past three years for we believe in its noble cause of building confidence among the children and help them realize that they have a whole life ahead of them to enjoy, do what other kids can do, and fulfill their dreams.

The morning activities started with the opening remarks from Senior Guardian of the Temple Ardynne Martin Corcelles Mallari φ08B and from the presidents of the institutions who organized the event. The brods, sisses, and children were divided into five groups: Team Flash; Team Baby Jaguars; Team Nature; Team Pink Rangers; and Team Sweethearts. Each team enthusiastically showed off their cheers to jumpstart the activities in store for them the whole morning. While the teams were busy enjoying the various games, lectures were simultaneously conducted for the parents regarding common parental concerns about CHD, ways on how to help a co-parent cope with first-time diagnosis of CHD, and how to promote a healthy heart in the community.

For the children’s activities, there were five stations distributed within the vicinity with each station having a specific task, all of which were centered on caring for the environment. In the station “Make your Mark”, teams showed their artistic side by painting a “tattoo” on a specified part of their body. The kids patiently formed figures in a basin of water using candle drippings in the “Fire Art” station. Teams enjoyed getting wet in the “Water Dance” station wherein members transferred water from one container to another using a traditional clay jar while dancing in their malong costume. The children’s knowledge on common trees was tested as they answer specific questions in the “Tall and Mighty Greens” station. Finally, all teams gathered together and participated in “Solve that Nature Puzzle” by moving nine huge puzzle blocks in order to form the various scenic places in the Philippines. After all that physical activity, all participants shared a scrumptious lunch together with the parents and the organizers.

During the afternoon program, all were ecstatic to see Kuya Kim as he gave some trivia about the snake wrapped over his shoulders. He also gave an inspirational talk as he shared his experience coping with his heart disease and how he has moved forward. All can’t resist but grab the opportunity to have their pictures taken with the one and only “Matanglawin”. The children then designed their own tumblers which served as their souvenirs to remember this special day. Prizes were given to all the winning teams during the awarding ceremony after which certificates were handed over to all the children and volunteers. The brods rocked the house as they showed off their unique dancing style in the 10-minute-prepared Justin Bieber performance. The energy was high as the sisses enthusiastically taught and danced with the kids to the feel-good song “Happy”.

All of these would not have been possible if it not for the effort and dedication of Brod Jose Jonas Dino Del Rosario φ86 who organized this heartwarming and very fulfilling event along with his colleagues. Cheers to Brod Ardynne Martin Corcelles Mallari φ08B for a very successful Camp Braveheart. Till next year. All for Phi!

For a complete set of pictures, click here.