First things first: I never really LIKED kids.

The only kid I love (who's not a kid anymore, by the way) is my youngest sister, Patricia. But apart from her? Nah, no thanks. Call me biased and ungrateful, but that's how things work.

But on the 19th day of March 2008, my life took a 180-degree turn.

I met this tiny creature sleeping peacefully in her little bed, with hot air blowing from the electric fan one humid-stricken afternoon. She woke up during our arrival, who seemed to be confused to be at midst of strangers. As my Filipino12 groupmates went to take care other babies, I just observed this beautiful baby from afar. Her tiny frame and porcelain skin made her look so delicate, so I was all the more nervous to touch her.

But her eyes.

Her dark brown eyes resemble a gemstone -- brilliant, mystifying, smooth. She has got to be by far, the most beautiful baby I've ever seen.

Let's name her Belle, since the adoption agency values secrecy on the babies' names.

Patty, who spearheaded this Fil Outreach Activity for Team Amanda Griffin (Our Fil12 Group), brought us to Concordia in Cubao, an orphanage which houses orphans, abandoned babies, products of unwanted pregnancies, etc. The day before, we went to SM Hypermart to buy mats, clothes, milk and clothes for the babies. As we went inside the place, toddlers jumped enthusiastically as we handed over our gifts.

After we took care of the babies, we then interviewed the head of Concordia on their current situation. But I was captivated at the story of each baby.

I learned that Belle is a product of a prison's conjugal house sexual intercourse. Her mother keeps coming back to the prison to visit the would-be father, and they developed a sexual relationship despite the man's situation behind bars. She then surrendered Belle to Concordia, but keeps visiting her every now and then.

Truly, it's a one-of-a-kind "love story" but I can't help but think that the most twisted situations are now possible, given the turnout of the so-called values of this generation. No, I am not questioning the values possessed by Belle's parents, but I am bewildered at the results --- babies becoming commodities to be purchased because of some parents' irresponsibility.

Other babies' situations were worse. Like Ben*, his parents are drug addicts and he was once placed inside a cellophane, which turned his skin into blue. His parents were selling him, when a security guard caught them and rescued poor Ben. Now, he's healthy and happy, and will be adopted by people based in Italy.

Now, seeing these kids make me feel very lucky of my blessings. I have the best parents in the world, and I believe they raised us quite well. They showered us with love and compassion, but never spoonfed us. Having experienced this exposure to reality made me realize that I should do MORE for the unfortunate. It's amazing how a beautiful baby inspires you to do great things.

I may never like ALL kids, but I do know one thing: Patricia's not the sole occupant of my heart right now. :)