Mila C. Espina
In my diary

MART Anthony Caliguid talks about his second chance at life:

In May 1999, at age 13, Mark was diagnosed as having acute lymphocytic leukemia. His parents, especially mother Carmelita, couldn’t contain her grief.

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“Nitulo akong lua. Naguol ko kay wala mi kwarta ika-paayo sa akong anak. Nag-ampo ra ko!”

For many years, Mark underwent several consultations, blood and laboratory procedures, like bone marrow tests, with hermatologists and specialists spending time with him. Dr. Jose Antonio Quitevis, attending physician, was then more certain Mark needed more treatment to survive.

Then came Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko. The beam of hope came upon Mark.

Carmelita said, “Gikaluy-an mi sa Ginoo. Dako akong kalipay sa Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko!”

For three years and a half, ending in July 2003, Kapwa gave Mark wholehearted support; daily and monthly medications and tests, and providing him his contemporary drug supplies.

He had alternative learning and support group activities in educational tours, art/painting, and summer/Christmas gatherings, as well as debriefing for the parents.

Most of all, Kapwa never left him with prayers and moral support.

And now, Mark is hale and hearty. Cured from a long struggle against leukemia, he sees a brighter future ahead.

At 23, Mark has a lucrative job as a second cook and housekeeping staff at Italian Crewtech. He is happy he is able to apply the secondary education he earned from Cebu Institute of Technology and his basic seaman course from Concord Technical Institute.

“Dako akong pasalamat sa Kapwa, ni madame Margot Osmena, mga trustees ug staff sa Kapwa. Ilabi na gyud sa Ginoo!,” Mark says with tears in his eyes. Then, he smiles: “Ang mga masakiton dili dapat mawagtangan ug paglaum. Mag-ampo ta, Maningu-ha ug masalamat sa mga nitabang nato!”

Carmelita (who saw Mark in his trying moments and what he is at present) is happy with her son’s recovery, and has this to say to parents whose children are suffering from ailment like leukemia: “Sabta ang kahimtang sa imong anak. Ayaw sila tagai og dugang problema. Mangita og paagi, mag-ampo, ug malipay sa mga tabang nga gigasa. Para namo, ang Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko grasya gikan sa Ginoo! Salamat, Ma’am Margot.”

For Kapwa, helping children get through the trials of life is its “Gift of Love,” inspired by the Lord, whose providence has been its moving Spirit.

There are more Marks to come. And Kapwa lives on. Kapwa’s gift of love is God’s gift of life to Mark Anthony Calidguid!

Happenings

The Cebu Port Authority conducted a whole-day seminar on Personality Development and Protocol Ethics at the Casino Espanol. More happenings: The Launching of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Cebu Growth Enterprise Market, at the Capitol Social Hall; and The Seven Keys to Happiness with BK Jayanti was held at Casino Espanol. The Thai Trade Expo was held successfully at the SM Trade Hall, with Joe Ng at the helm of event. Jimmy Marquez was at the Marco Polo Lounge for an evening of Michael Jackson’s songs. The Philippine Honorary Consul General to the Slovak Republic, Doc.Ing. Pavol Konstiak, CSC, was honored during dinner by Gov. Gwen Garcia. The Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industy, led by its president Eric Mendoza, tendered the First Chamber Night at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa. The Arts Council presented a piano recital with Justin Jee at the Marcelo B. Fernan Press Center.

SM Cinema had its relaunch with the showing of Valentino.

Zontians Helen Benedicto, Anita Cabinan and Virginia “Ginny” Vamenta celebrated their birthdays during the Zonta meeting

Run for Sight Foundation

The Run for Sight Foundation (RFS), in cooperation with the Philippine College of Surgeons Cebu Eastern Visayas Chapter (PCSCEV) went to the Odlot Parish Church in Bogo, Cebu, to conduct a free minor surgery medical mission. Each year the RSF, headed by Dr. Yong Larrazabal, identifies areas in the province of Cebu where the medical needs of indigent Cebuanos are under-served. This year the Odlot Parish Church was identified as the base area of the mission. Patients were pre- screened by a team headed by Dr. Greg Canga. The PCSCEV chapter headed by its president, Dr. Peter Mancao, led the surgical team that performed minor surgical procedures.

Nurses from Cebu Cardiovascular Center of the Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital manned the 10 mini operating tables that were set up near the convent. A total of 212 patients were treated.