PACCI YEAR END ASSEMBLY
“TOGETHER AS ONE”
December 4, 2025
PACCI Resource Center, Malate, Manila
The Philippine Arab Cooperation Council Incorporated (PACCI) welcomed the holiday season with a warm and heartening year-end assembly on Thursday, December 4. Bringing together PACCI members, refugees, rightsholders, their children, friends, and partners, the gathering was a simple yet meaningful celebration of community, friendship, and shared memories to end a dynamic year for PACCI.
The year-end gathering took the form of a joyful potluck, embodying PACCI’s spirit of sharing and togetherness. Around 18 participants came together, representing the diverse and vibrant PACCI community. Present were PACCI management and board members, including Mr. Raffy, Ms. Dawn, Mr. Glen, Ms. Liza, Ms. Thess, Ms. Richie, and Ms. Sarah Maia, alongside refugees and rightsholders such as Mr. Wills, Ms. Louis, Ms. Janice with her daughter Philo, Mr. Adil, Ms. Edith with her daughter, and Ms. Areej. The celebration was further enriched by the presence of PACCI partners and friends, Ms. Bel and Ms. Aki, whose participation highlighted the strong relationships and shared commitment that continue to strengthen PACCI’s growing community.
Ms. Thess hosted a short but heartfelt program, welcoming everyone and expressing gratitude for their presence. The program began with a moving prayer led by Mr. Wills, a PACCI rightsholder who sang “You Raise Me Up”, setting a warm tone for the celebration. Attendees then introduced themselves with adjectives that matched the first letter of their names, adding a playful and personal touch to the gathering.
A highlight of the assembly was the raffle, co-hosted by Ms. Sarah Maia. Attendees brought pre-loved, well-kept items to share as raffle prizes. Each participant drew a number and had a fun moment performing karaoke, giving a speech, or dancing before receiving their gift. Laughter and camaraderie filled the room as everyone mingled, enjoyed delicious food, and sang karaoke together.
Meanwhile, PACCI board members held a brief meeting to discuss internal matters. Afterward, everyone gathered for a group photo, capturing the joy and unity of the day. The celebration continued with songs and laughter in honor of Mr. Glen’s birthday, making the event even more special.
This year-end assembly exemplified PACCI’s mission to foster community, support refugees and rightsholders, and nurture relationships among members and partners. Through simple yet meaningful acts of sharing food, stories, and laughter, PACCI reinforced the bonds that sustain its vibrant and caring community. Capturing the warm spirit of the gathering, Ms. Areej from the Women’s Collective expressed her joy and hope for future activities, stating, “We should do this more often to build a better community.”
