When Thanksgiving is also a way to Give Back, there's a Big Difference

2022 is the perfect timing for a Thanksgiving party. Now that the restrictions due to pandemic are slowly easing, there are a lot of ways we can do to celebrate all the blessings and all the learnings of the past years that we were confined inside the four walls of our homes. 

The mere fact that we are still alive despite the curse-like disease that we experienced is enough reason to be thankful to God. But Eunnies Events Management, United Bloggers Philippines and Unified Pinoy Content Creators have a better way to celebrate THANKSGIVING.

The #UPCCxEunniesEventsMgtThanksgiving2023 with the theme "Celebrate, Give Thanks and Give Back," took place on January 13, 2023 (instead of the original date in December 2022) in the very serene Acienda del Cielo in Calauan, Laguna.

It was well attended by around 30 bloggers from different areas in Metro Manila, Laguna and Rizal. What makes this year's thanksgiving party different? A few weeks before the actual event, the organizers headed by Bette Media initiated a donation campaign to the charities caring for kids with Down Syndrome, Orphans and PWDs. Before the glamour, there goes the true essence of Christmas which is giving back to our fellows who are vulnerable and less fortunate.

How we get there?

I live just a few kilometers away from Calauan so I decided to feel the roads along my province by commuting. From the City of Cabuyao, we rode the jeepney to Halang Calamba City. We had a quick stop to eat lunch, then from there we waited another jeepny heading San Pablo City. Unfortunately, the jeepney were always loaded with passengers, so we decided to cut the trip to Los Banos junction. The feeling was amazing while traveling because it felt like we are really back to normal, but of course we always remind ourselves of safety because virus is still here. From Los Banos junction, there are a lot of jeepneys heading to San Pablo. We hailed one and asked the driver to drop us in Calauan. From the town proper of Calauan we rode another tricycle to reach our destination which is Acienda del Cielo. It was a long ride from one jeepney to another but it was all worth it when you see how relaxing the place is. 

Acienda del Cielo, the Event Venue

Photo courtesy of Ross del Rosario, Wazzup Pilipinas

When I entered the gates of Acienda, I really felt a different mood because of the lush greens that surround the place. The area is a combination of white and green which is always pleasing to the eyes and relaxing to the mind. The backdrop which is a large mountain with forest reminded me so much of my youth in Atimonan. We live nearby a forest so this kind of place is always lovely to me. The pavilion is very spacious, which I guess can carry up to 300 persons and up to 500 persons if extended outside. 

There are three villas inside Acienda where guests can stay. There are also a nice pool when you need some dip. There's the grotto when you need to reflect and give thanks, and there's a huge playground for kids and furry pets, too. Yes, Acienda is animal-friendly. Some of the friends brought their doggies to celebrate with us. 

Acienda is indeed a perfect venue for any kind of celebration. You can do great photoshoots, amazing pre-nup vids, and the likes all in just one place. Then have the main event right after. With Acienda del Cielo, it's like you have a one-stop shop for a beautiful event because they also offer catering service through Casa Moriones. Casa Moriones has been serving our teams with sumptuous dishes for years. The first time was in Alfonso Cavite in 2019, and until now, they never fail to satisfy our palates from snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner. They always have good food to make every celebration complete and memorable. 

The preparation, with the teams from Acienda del Cielo, Tei Endencia and Casa Moriones

The hall or the pavilion was styled by Tei Endencia. This was the first time we worked with them but they have a very wonderful and talented team. They decorated the whole pavilion full of class and glamour. I don't expect much when it comes to the decoration and styling but what they did is more than what we expected. It was A for effort and we were very thankful as they made the celebration more colorful that night.

Our thanksgiving would not be possible without our kind and generous sponsors. I would like to personally thank two of my friends from the industry who undoubtedly, willingly, immediately gave their full support when I ask for help from them. Chef Kizs Lucido of SamLen's Cakes and Pasties for the cold coffee which kept us energetic during the night and Pat Veridiano of Patricia's Food Manufacturing. Both of them are Laguna-based business owners and I really support them because they belong to the MSME's who keep our economy alive and thriving despite all the challenges. 

Thanks also to the following sponsors :

One Feathers Event Place

Evergreen

Bendito Viajeros

Bayan ni Juan Movement

Airspeed

Geiser Maclang

SM Supermalls

Queenlynne RestoBar

Cebu Pacific Air

The Aesthetic Studio

Play with Bella and Triexies by Ma Triexia Elaine Alejo Ong

Alta Skin Whitening System

Patricia's Food Manufacturing

Kropeck from Patricia's Food Mfg

Love Viva Cakes

F*art Fashion Art

Form & Function Corrective Chiropractic

Totetally Official

SamLens Cakes, and Cafe

California Nails and Day Spa

Heartstrings

The Permanent Make Up Academy

FIL Global Immigration

Binalot

MC Beauty Wellness Center

Coffee by SamLen's

Sta Cecilia MJ OB Midwife Lying in Corp

Ikkoryu Fukouka Ramen

Nanyang

Malaya Business Insight which will celebrate Anniversary this month

Other print media partners

Newlife Southwoods Family Pastor James Magat

Conclusion

For me, 2022 is indeed a year full of heartaches, especially the first half. Not financially but on some deeper aspects of life. But the latter part of the year became better as we learn to navigate ourselves towards our real passions and purposes in life. There has been overflowing blessings even at the last week of the year, and for that I am really grateful. 

My leopard-inspired look for 2023

This event is a proof that when we work together for a common goal, we can achieve something great even with a very little time for preparation. The event was not perfect in every sense but it was successful and better than expected, in general. It was both an honor and privilege to be part of the celebration and I hope this is just the beginning of better opportunities, camaraderie and charities for our teams.

Happy New Year and let us stay HOPEFUL and GRATEFUL, while we always find a way to give back to people who need our strength and inspiration.