Graphics by Matthew Oblea

Piso lang paws! Coins for the Cleft-Palate Calico

John Leo Echevaria

October 8, 2024

A faint jingle of coins catches your ear as you pass through the bustling hall of the College of Computing and Multimedia Studies. A quick glance to the side reveals a pillar adorned with a photo of a sleeping cat missing her upper jaw, accompanied by a plastic container brimming with coins, a handwritten note reading, “For BINGO,” and a funny little threat for those daring enough to take from it. This gentle clinking of coins tells a heartwarming story—what began as a humble plea for Bingo has blossomed into a wave of heartfelt generosity among students.

Bingo, affectionately known to some as Mingot, is a calico cat who has captured hearts on campus despite being born with a cleft palate that left her missing her upper jaw. Often seen wandering the department with her adorable mini pet ID, she delights students with her soft, endearing meows.

Bingo has become an integral part of daily life in the CCMS department, so it’s no surprise that when a simple note—scribbled on a scratched piece of paper—appeared in the hallway asking for spare change for her food, students quickly responded with more than just a few coins, raising over 800 pesos in just a few days!

This act of kindness began as a lighthearted joke by a group of CCMS students, particularly Seth Tan, a 2nd-year B.S. Information Technology student, who picked up an index card left in the hallway and placed a few coins on top of it as a paperweight. From a single peso, the pile of coins accumulated day by day.

Surprised and unsure of what to do with the accumulating money, Tan and his friends came together and decided to raise funds for Bingo. Taking a piece of paper from their yellow pad, they then placed a note above the pile of coins explaining its purpose and inviting others to donate for Bingo.

“Nakakatuwa lang, kasi unintentional yung ginawa ni Seth pero nagkaroon ng purpose,” one of Seth’s friend shared, reflecting on how his small, unplanned act ended up sparking a meaningful initiative among students.

This hefty amount of coins was gratefully received by Simon Romuel Uy, Bingo’s caretaker and a Digital Content Creator from the Web Content and Digital Engagement Office, where Bingo is currently being cared for.

He even attached a cute photo of the beloved cat beside the container and assured everyone that all donations will go directly toward Bingo’s needs. Additionally, he shared that Bingo recently gave birth, meaning that donations will now provide for not only Bingo but also her adorable little kittens.

Bingo is not the only furry friend receiving love and support from Envergan students; many campus pets are also showered with affection through cash donations and in-kind contributions sent to the Pet Society—an on-campus organization dedicated to promoting care and attention for our beloved companions, both within and beyond the campus. Some students even go out of their way to share their meals with these furry residents, reflecting the university’s vision of being an animal-friendly institution.

Thanks to the kind hearts and generous donations, Bingo and her furry friends continue to patrol the campus, offering their gentle presence to anyone who wishes to caress their fluffy fur. So next time you hear those gentle jingles of coins, remember that it’s not just a sound; it’s the echo of kindness—a reminder that every small act can lead to a ripple of love. Let’s keep the spirit of giving alive, because every penny counts when it comes to making a difference for our little friends.

Makeshift donation box with a note and a picture of a calico cat with cleft-palate

You might want to read…

Crawling Filth of Juan Tamban

Crawling Filth of Juan Tamban

In many Filipino homes, a mother’s warmth is the light that embraces, while a father’s strength forms the walls that protect. But what happens when those walls harden into fists, and that light begins to flicker? Beneath the cold floors, something crawls in the house...

When love leave scars

When love leave scars

A bruise blooms like an ink stain on soft skin—dark at first, then fading to a shadow. But some wounds go deeper. Some settle into the bones, whispering their presence in moments of stillness. Peklat Cream, a hauntingly clever track by Bita and the Botflies, gives...

Ending Period Poverty, empowering Filipina students

Ending Period Poverty, empowering Filipina students

Despite ongoing efforts to promote gender equality, period poverty remains a major barrier to education for many young Filipinas. Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual products, inadequate facilities, and the deep-seated stigma surrounding...