FEATURE | You Bake Me Smile
By: Reigne Concepcion, Nicola De Guzman
How do we truly measure the impact of a simple, unexpected act of kindness? Is kindness only meaningful when expressed through kind words, or can it be shown through simple gestures? For example, simply holding the door open, carrying their bag, or sharing your umbrella can mean a lot.
Should acts of kindness be reserved for special occasions or shouldn’t they occur at any time?
It was a typical day at JCSGO Christian Academy (JCA), with students filing into the central hall for the usual chapel service. However, as the service closes, something sudden happens—something small yet full of meaning. Pastor Joshua Sebastian, along with his wife Gizelle Sebastian—stood at the exit—each holding trays of freshly baked cupcakes, ready to distribute a sweet surprise to every student.
Cupcakes at JCA are typically reserved for special occasions, like birthdays, holidays, or major school events. But today, there was no celebration. Instead, it was handed out to recognize something less obvious but equally important—the hard work and perseverance of students who had completed the first quarter of the school year. There were no decorations or parties, just the simple act of giving from the heart.
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗖𝘂𝗽𝗰𝗮𝗸𝗲
For them, this wasn’t just giving out cupcakes. “We wanted the students to be encouraged to study harder and do more,” Mrs. Gizelle said. She explained that baking from the heart meant encouraging students to continue doing their best. “This is [their] incentive after every exam, even if you [receive] a low grade, it’s actually an encouragement for the students to study more and put in more effort,” she added.
As each student received their cupcake, the atmosphere shifted from a typical chapel service routine to a sudden appetizing time. There was an initial sense of surprise, but soon enough, laughter and excitement filled the room, as students bit into their treats. “It was so unexpected, and that made it even more special,” said Abby Mae Cristobal, a Grade 11 student.
Mrs. Gizelle handed out the cupcakes herself, beaming with happiness, she greeted each student while offering them a container full of chocolate-flavored goodness. Her eyes reflected a mix of delight and relief as she watched the students’ joy and gratitude unfold. To her, seeing them smile was the most rewarding feeling. Though there were many ways to show appreciation, receiving a delicious homemade cupcake surprisingly stood out to students.
As seen on the students’ faces, they were pleasantly surprised by this kind gesture. After getting their baked goods, some took a moment to thank Pastor Joshua and Mrs. Gizelle in person during break time, while others excitedly shared with their friends just how amazing the experience was, and how they couldn’t wait for it to happen again. Nichaela Tesla De Guzman, a Grade 8 student, expressed, “This will never be forgotten, we promise—thank you for this experience, for showing us that our efforts were not neglected or overlooked, and thank you for the sweetest treat this quarter.”
𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝘁𝗲
This small yet significant act meant a lot to the students, especially after a few exhausting weeks filled with exams and events that left everyone feeling drained. Many felt their efforts had gone unseen or unappreciated, making this gesture particularly impactful. This heartfelt idea originated from Pastor Joshua’s thoughtful mind, and with the assistance of his beloved wife, they made the day even more memorable.
Providing students with a token of appreciation after examination week is a unique way to let them know they are recognized and valued. The mood across the room noticeably brightened after receiving this sweet treat, transforming frowns into a beautiful smile.
As each new day offers opportunities to improve and learn from their mistakes, who knew that a tasty chocolate gesture would reassure them that their efforts are noticed and motivate them to do better?
The happiness on the students’ faces was a testament to the power of small acts of kindness. In a world where simple acts seem like a big deal, we are reminded that even the smallest deed can make a difference.
Compassion can manifest through words and actions; it doesn’t choose how, where, or to whom it is directed. While special events may elevate the significance of these acts, they don’t require a specific occasion to thrive. Gratitude and love can be part of our daily routines, regardless of how busy we feel. People need these small acts of generosity anytime, anywhere because the impact of kindness cannot be measured.
Just like Pastor Joshua and Mrs. Gizelle’s thoughtful gesture, their small act greatly impacted many and inspired students to keep striving. Each bite from their chocolate cupcake served as a reminder that whether an act of kindness is big or small, as long as it comes from the heart, it will always be appreciated.
