A Day of Service, Celebration, and Hope at a Boys’ Orphanage in Manila

Gatsby Showcase Foundation Visits House of Sarang

The Gatsby Showcase Foundation recently marked a deeply meaningful day during a humanitarian visit to House of Sarang, a long-standing boys’ orphanage and residential care home in Manila, Philippines.

Established in 1976 and located in Taguig City, House of Sarang provides a safe and nurturing home for boys ages 8 to 17 who have experienced abandonment, neglect, or abuse. The orphanage currently cares for 24 boys, offering education support, counseling, spiritual guidance, and a stable, family-style environment rooted in compassion and long-term care. The name Sarang means love, a value reflected throughout the home’s mission and daily life.

A Warm Welcome and Shared Experience

Representing The Gatsby Showcase Foundation were founders Dr. Bertrand Fote and Laura Fote, joined by the Foundation’s Philippines-based team. The visit included the donation of food items, basic medicines and first-aid supplies, as well as personal care and hygiene products for all the boys at the home. The Foundation also provided lunch, creating space for relaxed conversation and meaningful connection.

The boys welcomed the group with songs and performances, filling the day with joy, pride, and enthusiasm. Throughout the visit, the children were highly engaged asking questions, sharing their interests, and speaking openly about their hopes for the future. The atmosphere was one of warmth, curiosity, and mutual respect.

An Unexpected Birthday Celebration

The visit coincided with Dr. Fote’s birthday, which he intentionally chose to spend in service. In a touching and unexpected gesture, the boys surprised him with handwritten birthday cards and a birthday cake. What began as a day of giving quickly became a shared celebration one that underscored the reciprocal nature of compassion and generosity.

Messages of Encouragement and Gratitude

Laura Fote and Dr. Bertrand Fote each addressed the boys, offering words of encouragement, hope, and inspiration. Their messages emphasized perseverance, confidence, and the importance of believing in one’s potential regardless of past circumstances.

Brother Andrew Hyo Bo Shim, head of House of Sarang, shared a heartfelt message of gratitude and presented a short video highlighting the orphanage’s history, mission, and impact. Several of the boys also spoke, expressing sincere appreciation for the visit and the support they received.

Global Impact in Action

The visit to House of Sarang reflects The Gatsby Showcase Foundation’s commitment to advancing global development through practical, relationship-based humanitarian work. The day’s activities directly supported several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – Through the donation of basic medicines, first-aid supplies, and personal hygiene items

  • SDG 4: Quality Education – By supporting a stable living environment that enables learning and personal development

  • SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – By promoting hygiene, dignity, and disease prevention

  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – By investing in children who face systemic social and economic barriers

  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – By working alongside a trusted local orphanage to create sustainable impact

These efforts underscore the Foundation’s belief that humanitarian work must be both compassionate and intentional, grounded in global priorities while remaining responsive to local needs.

Looking Ahead

The Gatsby Showcase Foundation emphasized that this visit marks the start of a sustained relationship with House of Sarang. As part of the Foundation’s Global Hygiene & Humanitarian Initiative, launching as a flagship program in 2026, House of Sarang will remain a valued partner in ongoing efforts to support vulnerable children through consistent care, dignity-affirming resources, and meaningful engagement.

The day concluded with shared meals, reflection, and renewed commitmen leaving a lasting impression on both the children and the Foundation team.

This visit stands as a reminder that true impact is built not only through donations, but through presence, compassion, and the promise to return.

A Warm Welcome and Shared Experience

Representing The Gatsby Showcase Foundation were founders Dr. Bertrand Fote and Laura Fote, joined by the Foundation’s Philippines-based team. The visit included the donation of food items, basic medicines and first-aid supplies, as well as personal care and hygiene products for all the boys at the home. The Foundation also provided lunch, creating space for relaxed conversation and meaningful connection.

The boys welcomed the group with songs and performances, filling the day with joy, pride, and enthusiasm. Throughout the visit, the children were highly engaged asking questions, sharing their interests, and speaking openly about their hopes for the future. The atmosphere was one of warmth, curiosity, and mutual respect.

An Unexpected Birthday Celebration

The visit coincided with Dr. Fote’s birthday, which he intentionally chose to spend in service. In a touching and unexpected gesture, the boys surprised him with handwritten birthday cards and a birthday cake. What began as a day of giving quickly became a shared celebration one that underscored the reciprocal nature of compassion and generosity.

Messages of Encouragement and Gratitude

Laura Fote and Dr. Bertrand Fote each addressed the boys, offering words of encouragement, hope, and inspiration. Their messages emphasized perseverance, confidence, and the importance of believing in one’s potential regardless of past circumstances.

Brother Andrew Hyo Bo Shim, head of House of Sarang, shared a heartfelt message of gratitude and presented a short video highlighting the orphanage’s history, mission, and impact. Several of the boys also spoke, expressing sincere appreciation for the visit and the support they received.

Global Impact in Action

The visit to House of Sarang reflects The Gatsby Showcase Foundation’s commitment to advancing global development through practical, relationship-based humanitarian work. The day’s activities directly supported several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – Through the donation of basic medicines, first-aid supplies, and personal hygiene items

  • SDG 4: Quality Education – By supporting a stable living environment that enables learning and personal development

  • SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – By promoting hygiene, dignity, and disease prevention

  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – By investing in children who face systemic social and economic barriers

  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – By working alongside a trusted local orphanage to create sustainable impact

These efforts underscore the Foundation’s belief that humanitarian work must be both compassionate and intentional, grounded in global priorities while remaining responsive to local needs.

Looking Ahead

The Gatsby Showcase Foundation emphasized that this visit marks the start of a sustained relationship with House of Sarang. As part of the Foundation’s Global Hygiene & Humanitarian Initiative, launching as a flagship program in 2026, House of Sarang will remain a valued partner in ongoing efforts to support vulnerable children through consistent care, dignity-affirming resources, and meaningful engagement.

The day concluded with shared meals, reflection, and renewed commitmen leaving a lasting impression on both the children and the Foundation team.

This visit stands as a reminder that true impact is built not only through donations, but through presence, compassion, and the promise to return.

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