On a vibrant Saturday, December 15, 2024, the Chinese Filipino Business Club, Inc. (CFBCI) hosted its much-anticipated Year-End Party for Scholars at Tramway Bayview Buffet, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. The event, a cornerstone of the scholars’ calendar, brought together CFBCI leaders, scholars, and alumni to celebrate camaraderie, achievements, and shared purpose.

The morning commenced with a heartfelt Opening Prayer led by Alfred Baja, setting a tone of gratitude and unity. This was followed by an opening speech from CFBCI President Samuel Lee Uy, who warmly welcomed everyone and emphasized the importance of resilience and excellence in navigating the year’s challenges. Director Richard Alviar then took the stage, acknowledging the tireless efforts of the CFBCI officers and staff in making the event a success.

The festive atmosphere was amplified by Balloon Cup Stacker, a lively icebreaker that saw participants showcase their coordination and teamwork. Scholars cheered each other on, with the winners taking home special prizes and big smiles. To boost the excitement, the first round of item raffles followed, with lucky attendees winning electric fans, bags of rice, multipurpose bags, digital luggage scales, ball pens, power banks, and household items. The raffle drew enthusiastic applause, setting the stage for more surprises to come.

A touching moment came with a message from CFBCI Scholars’ President John Elsisura, who shared his gratitude for the opportunities provided by CFBCI and inspired his fellow scholars to pursue their dreams with integrity and purpose. The program continued with vibrant performances from scholars, showcasing their talents through songs, dance, and spoken word poetry. The energy was palpable as attendees enjoyed the delightful unlimited buffet, exchanging stories and laughter over plates of sumptuous food.

The morning also featured several rounds of cash raffles interspersed with engaging games. With prizes ranging from PHP 200 to PHP 1,000, the cash raffles added an extra layer of excitement, making the gathering even more memorable. Although the much-anticipated Mr. and Ms. CFBCI Pageant did not take place, it was announced that the pageant would be held during the next LSMS this coming January, ensuring the excitement lives on.

A highlight of the gathering was the announcement of the recipients of Special Awards, which recognized the Best School Performance, Best Performer, Host of the Year, Model Scholars, and Most Active Scholars. Each award reflected the commitment and dynamism of CFBCI’s thriving community.

Before parting ways, a heartfelt message from alumna Joan Christine Tria inspired scholars to cherish the opportunities provided by CFBCI and to give back to the community with passion and purpose. The event ended with gift-giving and heartfelt goodbyes, leaving attendees inspired to carry the spirit of CFBCI into the new year.
菲華工商總會訊：本會於十二月十五日（星期日）上午九時，假巴西市落日大道Tramway Bayview自助餐廳舉辦一年一度「點亮未來」聖誕聯歡會。當天出席的本會領導同仁有：理事長黃書瑋，執行副理事長曾國強，董事曾煥眉、杜祖蔭，常務理事洪海濱、留牡丹、顏漢龍及理事張其安、許純維、呂偉利、佘玲玲等人，受助生及學友會成員共有近一百六十位出席，大家一同慶祝聖誕佳節，場面歡樂融融。

聖誕聯歡會首先由理事長黃書瑋致歡迎詞，他強調了韌性與卓越在面對年度挑戰中的重要性，並且祝大家聖誕節快樂、新年如意。董事曾煥眉致詞時感謝菲華工商總會領導同仁踴躍捐贈禮品給受助生；還有那些為籌備聖誕聯歡會而付出時間和精力的受助生，使聖誕派對能夠順利地進行。董事杜祖蔭及理事許純維亦向全體學員送上節日的問候。「點亮未來」受助生會長John Elsisura代表所有受助生感謝本會提供獎學金，讓他們能無後顧之憂，專心學習，同時勉勵大家要勇於追求自己的夢想。

隨後，兩位主持人Joie Balasbas和Patricia Anne Deinla宣佈當天的每一個娛樂節目都是一個比賽，多項團體遊戲，考驗大家的協調性和團隊合作精神，一旁觀賽的受助生、學友會成員都為參賽者歡呼及加油打氣，節目包括：舞蹈、歌唱和團隊遊戲，每個學員都發揮出混身解數，活力四射，最後還由本會出席領導評選出，「最佳表演者」、「年度主持人」、「模範受助生」及「最活躍受助生」等獎項，所有優勝者皆獲得本會領導同仁頒贈獎金或獎品，現場更是歡聲雷動。娛樂節目穿插大家矚目的摸彩活動，獎品包羅萬象，有電器有禮品也有紅包，整個聯歡會高潮迭起，歡聲笑語，愉快的氣氛充斥著整個場地。

活動最後，由「點亮未來」學友會成員Joan Christine Tria代表致謝詞，她勉勵所有受助生要珍惜本會所提供的機會，並且日後有能力的時候一定要回饋社會。中午時分，學員們開始享用豐盛的自助餐，在散會之前，每位學員還收到了由本會領導同仁贈送的禮物，包括：禮品，食品禮包，日曆，文具，現金紅包等，讓參加聯歡會的每一名學員都滿載而歸。

本會自二零零九年啓動「點亮未來」助學方案以來，向家境清寒的菲律濱學子，提供教育輔助，讓眾多有心向學卻因家境貧苦、沒有能力繼續進修的學子得以完成大學學業。並定期舉辦修養講座，以期讓他們身心全方位發展，將來能以積極心態融入大社會。該方案成立至今已經有十五年，共惠及近五百多位學子，其中有四百多位已畢業，找到理想工作，擔負家庭重任，改善生活。目前本會「點亮未來」助學方案在大岷區及依沙迷拉區和描東岸區，共有一百十八名受助生。

圖片說明：
上小圖：（左起）黃書瑋，曾煥眉，杜祖蔭，John Elsisura，Joan Christine Tria，Joie Balasbas和Patricia Anne Deinla致詞及主持之影。
中圖一：（由左至右）依沙迷拉受助生Alfred Baja榮獲「最佳表演者獎」與執行副理事長曾國強合唱歌曲。菲律濱理工大學（PUP）表演舞蹈，榮獲「最佳學校表現獎」。學員們在進行遊戲活動。
中圖二：（由左至右）三十位學員榮獲「最活躍受助生」獎項。洪海濱（左二）現場捐贈三千元現金特別獎頒發給三位得獎受助生。
中圖三：（由左至右）七名受助生抽中Standard電風扇。呂偉利、留牡丹和許純維頒贈「模範受助生獎」予三名獲獎者。
中圖四：（由左至右）曾煥眉、曾國強頒贈副理事長陳華民特捐的充電寶予獲獎受助生。留牡丹（中立者）頒贈團體遊戲優勝隊伍。散會前學員們列隊領取聖誕贈品。
下圖：本會出席領導同仁與受助生及學友會成員在聯歡會上合影留念。