A JOINT BIRTHDAY DINNER DANCE FOR A CAUSE
Debbie Leoncio, Treasurer OF RLPI and Erlinda (Lynne) Fuentes, Secretary of RLPI, joint birthday party for their families and friends, to raise funds for their advocacy for underprivileged children of Tuburan, requests guests to donate to RLPI in lieu of gifts.
The fourth-month gathering of One Plate, One Hope: Birthday for a Cause – 2026 was not simply a celebration—it became a beautiful expression of love in action. It was an intimate moment shared with the celebrants’ families and friends, offering them a deeper glimpse into the heart of Radiant Light Philippines’ mission: the expansion of a sanctuary in Tuburan, Cebu—a place where vulnerable women and children can find protection, healing, and the gift of education. It was a gentle yet powerful reminder that we are, indeed, our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.
The theme of the gathering, LOVE, was not only spoken—it was lived and felt in every part of the program. The children, Troy Uy De Ong, Bill Meeks, and Tristan Vengco, offered a touching gift of music. Their heartfelt renditions of “Greatest Love of All,” “Where Is Love,” and the timeless jazz classic “LOVE,” popularized by Nat King Cole, carried a message far beyond the room. Each note seemed to echo a truth we sometimes forget—that love is the greatest force we can offer one another, especially to those who feel forgotten.
Equally moving was the tribute of daughters Erin and Bianca, together with Bianca’s friend Aubrey. With sincerity and joy, they presented a medley of songs from the 70s and 80s—beloved by the celebrants—creating a bridge between generations. Their performance, featuring “Age of Aquarius” by The 5th Dimension, “Angel of the Night” by Angela Bofill, and “Mom” by Meghan Trainor, was more than entertainment. It was a heartfelt offering—a tribute of gratitude, memory, and love for their mothers. In that moment, music became a language of connection, reminding everyone present of the enduring beauty of family and shared memories.
Yet perhaps the most profound aspect of the evening was its quiet intention. The entire celebration was lovingly recorded to be shared with the children of St. Margaret Mary’s Home for Women and Children. Through this simple yet meaningful gesture, a message was sent across oceans—that somewhere in the world, there are people who see them, who pray for them, and who care deeply for their lives and their future.
In a world where many of these children have experienced abandonment, pain, and uncertainty, this act becomes more than symbolic—it becomes healing. It tells them they are not alone. That they are remembered. That they are loved.
And this is the true spirit of One Plate, One Hope: that even in celebration, our hearts remain open to those in need; that even in joy, we extend compassion; and that love, when shared, multiplies—reaching even the most vulnerable, lifting them with hope, dignity, and the promise of a better tomorrow.
“I’m incredibly grateful for your ministry and the work you do in supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our society—children who often have no voice, and young women and children navigating incredibly difficult circumstances.
Attending One Plate, One Hope: A Dinner for a Cause was such a meaningful experience for me. It opened my eyes in a deeper way to the challenges these women and children face—not just locally, but around the world. It wasn’t just an event; it was a moment that really stayed with me and stirred something in my heart.
In my own small way, I would love to give back by offering my time and talent. I create bracelets made with love, and I would be honored to donate them to support your efforts and help generate resources for the mission. It may be simple, but it comes from a genuine desire to be part of something bigger than myself.
It truly feels like a blessing to be included in this movement—to stand alongside others who care deeply and are committed to helping these women and children find hope, healing, and a better future.
Thank you for the opportunity to be part of such impactful and life-changing work.”
— Charlene (a young millennial touched by RLPI Advocacy)
