For Dr. Victoria Belo, Christmas is a time to give back and make people happy. Despite the intrigues that she and the Belo Medical Group had to go through the past year, Dr. Belo remained grateful because the negative things could never compare to the number of blessings that constantly poured in.

Dr. Belo started the holiday season with a quiet dinner with people she genuinely cares about. Set in the quaint Café Romulo in the heart of Quezon City, dinner was served for a select group consisting of Belo scholars and burn victims who are receiving free treatments under the expert hands of the Belo Medical Group.

The café was beautifully lit up and adorned, perfect for the intimate holiday get-together. Also present, by Dr. Belo’s special request, were two people close to her heart – film critic and TV host Butch Francisco and “Salamat Dok” host Cheryl Cosim.

Cheryl Cosim and Dr. Belo enjoying the kids' game of Pinoy Henyo

That night, Dr. Belo, who sported a new haircut, veered away from her medical duties and public appearances and focused solely on spending quality time with people who are important to her. She sat down for some carefree chitchat and had lots of catching up with her young scholars and their families. She also checked on the progress of the burn victims who are under the wing of her charity foundation.

Belo scholars with Dr. Belo and Butch Francisco

For 2009, the Ike and Nena Belo Foundation – named in honor of Dr. Belo’s parents – gave out six full scholarships to deserving students, some of whom are children of Belo employees. Also under her foundation is Jessie Miller, whom Dr. Belo has given full educational support after seeing the boy in the noontime show, “Wowowee.”

The foundation also has four beneficiaries, Henry Poquiz, Johnlor Parto, Yuri Barcelona and Airen Carbellido, who are receiving full treatments for the burn wounds on their faces. They are well on their way to having nicer and smoother skin on their faces and are clearly happier and more confident already.

Dr. Belo and beneficiaries of the Ike and Nena Belo Foundation

After a sumptuous Filipino meal, the kids enjoyed a very exciting game of the well-loved “Pinoy Henyo.” Their “Tito Butch” also stood up to the challenge and tried his hand at guessing a mystery word.

The kids all came prepared with special numbers, which they performed in front of Dr. Belo and the rest of the guests. From dancing, singing, to rapping and poem reciting, the kids proved that they weren’t just smart; they were very talented, as well. The very amused Dr. Belo presented her Christmas gifts right after each child’s performance. Each family also received a special gift basket for their noche buena.

The simple celebration ended with smiles on many contented faces. For Dr. Victoria Belo, it marked a wonderful Christmas full of the spirit of giving and meaningful company.