De Venecias put up ‘Tree of Hope’ in KC’s memory
SINCE 2004, Fourth District Rep. Gina de Venecia has refused to adorn her home with Christmas ornaments after a fire caused by faulty Christmas lights razed her family residence in Manila and took the life of her 16-year old daughter, KC.
But this year, as part of the family’s continued healing, De Venecia, wife of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr, initiated their participation in Dusit Thani Manila’s 12 Trees of Christmas.
Their tree, entitled “Butterflies of Hope”, is dedicated to the memory of KC.
“Butterflies are said to be the representations of our departed loved ones and it has become somewhat a symbol of hope and renewal for the Vera Perez and De Venecia family over the years,” the congresswoman said
De Venecia said while Christmas has traditionally been the most special time for Filipino families, the tragedy left them hurting in this supposedly joyous season.
“For our family, it’s a holiday wrought with sadness and grief. The one powerful symbol that anchored our once joyous experience of Christmas was also the reason why our house went down in flames in December 2004, and along with it, took our most precious gift of all, our beloved KC,” she said.
“Since then, a Christmas tree has not found a roost in our nowadays quiet holiday home,” she continued.
But De Venecia said she found the courage to rekindle the spirit of the Christmas celebration for the sake of the beneficiaries of the KC Foundation that their family set up.
The top three winning entries in the Dusit Thani Manila’s 12 Trees of Christmas, which will be determined through voting from hotel guests and diners as well as on Facebook from November 15 to December 25, will get cash prizes.
De Venecia, who appealed for support for their tree, said the prize will go to the KC Foundation that has so far helped 50 underprivileged students go to college.
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