BINI's Maloi Ricalde hosts charity event in Tondo, Manila

BINI member Maloi Ricalde shared on Instagram her experience visiting Tondo, Manila for the first time.

The member of the nation's girl group shared a carousel of snaps of her recent outreach program with fans, describing it as a "life-changing" experience.

"Had a chance to visit Tondo, Manila for the very first time and it was life-changing," Ricalde wrote in her post.

Ricalde's recent outreach program in Tondo, Manila shifted her perspective as she connected with the children waiting for her.

"There always has been a stereotype in Tondo, kesyo 'delikado,' 'magulo,' at 'nakakatakot.' Sa unang tapak namin sa teritoryo ng Tondo, nandun talaga yung takot pero when we got to talk with the people na nagma-malasakit sa mga bata. Nagbago yung point-of-view ko (There has always been a stereotype about Tondo, that it's 'dangerous,' 'chaotic,' and 'scary.' When we first stepped into Tondo, I did feel afraid, but when we started talking to the people who genuinely care for the children, my point of view completely changed)," she said.

During her visit, a member of the nation's girl group saw the needs of children in the distressed area of Manila.

"Kailangan nila ng ng tulong , pansin, pag-unawa, at pagkalinga. Nabanggit sakin ng nangunguna sa simbahan that they needed help, especially for the children na nakasanayan yung ganung buhay. Yung nasanay na sa mga nakikita nilang hindi tama at hindi angkop para sa mga edad nila. Nadurog yung puso by knowing their stories, na behind those beautiful smiles may mapait na reyalidad ang naghihintay sa kanila (They need help, attention, understanding, and care. The leader of the church told me that they needed assistance, especially for the children who have grown accustomed to that kind of life. They have become used to seeing things that are wrong and inappropriate for their age. My heart broke upon hearing their stories, realizing that behind those beautiful smiles, a harsh reality awaits them)," she added.

As a first-timer, Ricalde promised to come back again to share her blessings with the children of Tondo, Manila.

"I promised the kids that I’ll come back and I cannot wait for them to reach higher mountains. To the kids in Tondo, matutupad nyo lahat ng pangarap nyo. Naniniwala ako (you will achieve your dreams. I believe in you)," she said.