Madonna showed her love for orphans and street children in the Philippines by visiting two children’s shelters on February 23rd. The pop diva visited Hospicio de San Jose and Bahay Tuluyan a day before she kicks off the Manila leg for her Rebel Heart Tour. Madonna is expected to wow her fans for two nights at the Mall of Asia Arena on February 24 and 25.
Quietly slipping into Manila on February 22, Madonna’s visits to the shelters were also unannounced. According to the officials of both children’s shelters, they were instructed not to take pictures of her visits.
Madonna having fun with kids at Bahay Tuluyan Foundation (Image Credit: Madonna)
Deputy director of Bahay Tuluyan Foundation, Catherine Scerrie, said in an interview with Cata Tibayan on 24 Oras that Madonna sat with the group of kids and had a lot of fun with them. “Dumiretso syang sumayaw sa mga bata, nag enjoy lang talaga, very relaxed,” she said.
A short video of Madonna dancing with the kids was posted at the Facebook page of Club Madonna Phlippines. Here’s the link to that video: https://www.facebook.com/ClubMadonnaPhilippines/posts/606012169603924
Meanwhile, officials of Hospicio de San Jose were quiet about Madonna’s surprise visit at the orphanage.
The pop diva shared her heartwarming experience with the children through a series of posts on her Instagram account. She captioned the first photo in the series with, “Chillin with my Homies at the Bahay Tuluyan Foundation, Inc. giving shelter to Orphans street children trafficking/abuse victims in Manila!!! #rebelhearttour”.
Another photo had the caption “Hats off to the Bahay Tulyan Foundation in Manila for taking so many kids off the street and providing food and shelter! ❤#rebelheartour”.
Madonna also shared two pictures of her visit to Hospicio de San Jose with her 6.2 million Instagram followers. One showed a kid named Celeste giving Madonna a guided tour of the orphanage, described by Madonna as “Run by nun’s with love”. The last photo she shared was taken with two babies and she captioned it with, “Everyone needs a tickle!! Even at the Hospicio de San Jose in Manila. We are so blessed.#rebelheartour”.
Madonna with Celeste at Hospicio de San Jose (Image Credit: Madonna)
Her followers were all praises for one of the world’s most talented performers, for taking time out to give joy to Manila’s orphans and street children. They appreciated Madonna for her kind gesture.
Madonna is undeniably a brilliant artist, though her concerts are not without controversy. But she is also a widely recognized humanitarian and philanthropist.
According to looktothestars.org, Madonna supports almost 30 charities, a lot of them focused on the welfare and development of children. She donates not only her time but also lends financial support to charitable causes and organizations such as Raising Malawi, UNICEF, Children of Peace, and Small Steps Project, among others.
