Catching hearts and sparking memories of childhood and the good old days, the seminar titled “Reclaiming Child’s Happiness” was led by an aspiring and cheerful alumna of the CFBCI scholars' program. The seminar aimed to remind scholars that amidst all their growth and ambitions, holding on to joy and simplicity remains just as important. Through thoughtful lectures, meaningful interactions, and joyful moments, CFBCI once again affirmed that growth is not only about climbing higher but also about looking back, holding happiness close, and moving forward with a light, grateful heart.
On a bright and promising Sunday morning, the Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc. (CFBCI) held its much-anticipated Life Skills and Motivational Seminar (LSMS) at Sky 1 Tower in Binondo, Manila. The event gathered scholars, mentors, and CFBCI officials into a shared space of learning, reflection, and renewed purpose, continuing CFBCI’s mission to inspire the next generation of changemakers.
The morning began with a solemn opening prayer led by Althea Grace Macaraeg from the Philippine Normal University, followed by the playing of the Philippine National Anthem. Scholars stood in unity, reflecting CFBCI's commitment to patriotism and community spirit.
The hosts, Brylle Kelly Flores and Jairo Pascual, brought warmth and energy to the program as they facilitated a simple but heartfelt “Kamustahan” that helped ease everyone into the day.
CFBCI President Samuel Lee Uy delivered an inspiring message and lecture in LSMS’ monthly proportion ‘Serendipity,’ where he encouraged scholars to continue nurturing their potential and training themselves, especially with the upcoming 2025 National Elections in mind. He emphasized the value of awareness, participation, and lifelong learning in building genuine leadership—particularly in voting and choosing the right leaders for the country.
Plenary member Sir Jefferson Cheng followed with insights into the country’s current economic climate and political landscape. He urged scholars to stay informed, prepare for challenges, and understand that while some risks are beyond control, being ready and aware is within their reach.
CFBCI Public Affairs Officer Ms. Mexica Bausa expressed how deeply impressed she was by the scholars' engagement throughout the discussions. She commended their attentiveness, responsiveness, and willingness to share, describing these as signs of true potential and maturity.
The seminar’s main highlight was the session titled “Reclaiming Child’s Happiness” delivered by Teacher Angelica Cariaga, a proud alumna of CFBCI, a graduate of Universidad de Manila, and a dedicated educator at Arellano University – Juan Sumulong Campus.
Her presentation was thoughtfully structured and began with a gentle but thought-provoking question: What is the greatest thing you miss most from your childhood?
She guided the audience through a four-part discussion, beginning with the essence of child-like happiness. She explained that child-like happiness is built on three things — simple joy, a natural sense of curiosity, and the ability to focus on the present moment. These elements, she said, allow children to fully embrace joy as it comes.
She then moved on to the second part, the dilemma of adulthood, where she talked about how growing up often means taking on more responsibilities and changing priorities. These, while necessary, sometimes cause people to lose touch with the lightness and freedom they once felt as children. The third part of her talk offered ways to reclaim that happiness. She encouraged everyone to make joy simpler, to heighten their gratitude and appreciation for life’s small wonders, and to embrace learning as a continuous and joyful process.
In the final portion of her talk, she emphasized reflection. She reminded the scholars that it is okay to have minimal expectations, that embracing vulnerability is a strength, and that balancing responsibility with relaxation is essential.
She ended her talk with a heartfelt line that echoed throughout the room, “We cannot be children again but we can still be child at heart."
To lighten the mood and strengthen camaraderie, Ms. Cariaga introduced a fun activity called “Ibon-Ibon”, which was participated in by graduating scholars. The energy in the room rose as laughter and excitement filled the air. Five winners were awarded special gifts from Ms. Cariaga herself, a warm gesture of appreciation and encouragement. The games continued with a CFBCI-style “Family Feud” that promoted friendly competition and teamwork. Five lucky scholars each received one hundred pesos in cash, generously sponsored by Ma’am Linda Lao, which added another joyful and memorable touch to the day.
After a fulfilling morning of learning and play, scholars shared a delicious Bangus Steak Rice Meal. It was a well-deserved lunch that satisfied not only their appetite but also their hearts.
菲華工商總會訊：本會為培育受助生全方位成長，持續舉辦一系列專題講座，鼓勵青年學子在追求學業與夢想的同時，也不忘守住內心的快樂與純真。於四月十三日（星期日）上午，假本會八樓大禮堂為「點亮未來」助學方案受助生舉辦修養講座，當天由受助生Brylle Kelly Flores和Jairo Pascual擔任司儀，共有一百零三名受助生與學友會成員出席，場面溫馨熱烈。本會理事長黃書瑋親臨致詞，常務理事留牡丹、莊南文，以及理事許純維、張其安等人到場指導，展現對學子們的高度重視。
當天的主講人是本會「點亮未來」助學方案二零一九學年畢業於馬尼拉市立大學(Universidad de Manila)，目前是一名持有執照的專業教師，任職於Arellano大學Juan Sumulong 校區的受助生Angelica Cariaga。本次講座主題為「找回童年的快樂」。
講座開始前，理事長黃書瑋以「機緣巧合」（Serendipity）為題，勉勵學員們持續精進，積極培養領導力與社會責任，並呼籲大家把握即將到來的二零二五年全國大選，勇於參與、關心時事。理事張其安則深入分析當前國家經濟與政局，提醒學子面對挑戰要保持警覺與準備，懂得在不確定中尋找穩健之道。
隨後進入主題演講，Cariaga 老師以溫和又直擊心靈的提問：「你最懷念的童年時光是什麼？」作為開場，帶領現場學員們穿越時光，重溫那段純粹、無憂、充滿想像與歡笑的童年歲月。
苜先，她分享孩子的快樂本質，童年的快樂源自簡單的小事、對世界無盡的好奇，以及全心全意活在當下的能力。接著，她談到第二部份「成長的困境」，隨著年齡漸長，生活責任與壓力接踵而至，那些純粹美好的感受往往被遺忘。第三部份，Cariaga 老師提供了找回快樂的方法：鼓勵學員們把快樂變得更簡單，欣賞生活中的小奇跡，滿懷感恩的心，並將學習視為一場充滿驚喜與喜悅的旅程，勇敢找回那份純真與自在。
講座最後，Cariaga 老師強調反思，她以肺腑之言感動每一位在場的學員：「我們無法回到童年，但卻可以永遠保有一顆童心。」這句溫柔有力的話語，如同一道暖光，照亮學員們前行的路，也提醒著大家——在忙碌的人生裡，別忘了時時找回那份屬於自己的快樂。
為增進學員們的友誼，Cariaga 老師介紹了一個名為 “Ibon-Ibon”的趣味活動，邀請所有應屆畢業學員參與其中。歡笑聲和激動的情緒彌漫會場，現場氣氛高漲。最後五名優勝者榮獲 Cariaga 老師親自贈送特別禮物，以示感謝和鼓勵。
經過一上午富有意義和創意的趕味活動之後，學員們享用本會特地準備的美味虱目魚排蓋飯，即滿足了味蕾，也溫暖了心靈，再次體現本會對受助生們無微不至的關懷與用心。
菲華工商總將持續透過助學方案與豐富活動，致力於培養兼具品德與才能的新世代青年，為社會注入更多希望與正能量。
圖片說明：
左小圖：（上至下）主講人Angelica Cariaga老師，理事長黃書瑋致詞時影。
右上圖：頒贈感謝狀予主講。（左起）許純維，張其安，學友會成員Sharina Bautista，黃書瑋，Angelica Cariaga老師，留牡丹，學友會成員Marianne Guinto，西文秘書梅西卡。
右下圖：講座會一隅。
