OFW honors mother with acts of service during Christmas in Cagayan de Oro

An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) is making the most of his vacation time this Christmas.

Visayo Balinado, an OFW from Germany, returned home to Cagayan de Oro to spend the holidays with family but his trip goes beyond rest and relaxation.

On the first day of the Misa de Gallo, he dressed up as Santa Claus and gave flowers to mothers attending Mass at the St. Augustine Cathedral.

He said the gesture was a way for him to honor his mother who passed away in 2005.

"Give gift, love, affection and what makes the people happy… my idea is to wear Santa Claus to honor my mother… I give every woman a flower and it was a very nice feeling," he said.

Aside from this, Balinado is also offering physical therapy sessions for stroke patients through his foundation called Visayo Jojo Balinado Kawanggawa.

A state certified physical therapist in Germany, Balinado is using his knowledge and skills to help patients who cannot afford to pay for a private physical therapist.

He said he has already helped several stroke patients recover.

This Christmas project extends to the New Year. On January 4, 2025, Balinado's foundation will hold free physical therapy sessions for stroke patients.

Those who want to avail may leave a message on the foundation's social media page, VJB Kawanggawa.

In all this, Balinado said his mother continues to be his inspiration.

"2005 when my mother died and I wasn't able to help her right before she died… every time I am here, I would like to pay back to the people through my knowledge in Physical Therapy… I am only the instrument of God, I share it with everybody," he said. — GMA Regional TV News