My PWD-friendly Staycation at One Pacific Place Serviced Residences

Recently, Talitha & I had an overnight staycation at One Pacific Place Serviced Residences along H.V. de la Costa Street in Makati City. And a PWD-friendly staycation, that is.

Checked in (at Foursquare? LOL). Signed the guest form.

There’s our bag. Purple bag.

Christmas

Sorry, I haven’t been posting here again. I haven’t even posted a “Merry Christmas” post. I've been busy and lazy again. Busy > Tiring > Lazy and forgets to do the “other things” because there will be a new ‘to-do’ on my list that needs to be prioritized. Busy > Tiring > Lazy ..and so on. Anyway, Happy Holidays!

“Let us not forget that the Star of Christmas is Jesus Christ. It is not about the decors, the gifts, and delectable foods that are served on the table, but rather, it is the birth of the ONE who saved us all. For this reason, may we all be thankful and be merry.“

source

Gotta finish all my pending blog posts before 2013 says Adios

KCAT CAN: Make the most of your time

Make the most of your time

Everything we do requires time. There’s a time to sleep, time to eat, time to work, time to play, time to study, time to pray, and so on. Time is really essential. We need it, we have it but we can’t control it.

Time will keep on moving whether we like it or not but it shouldn’t define our life. We can’t control the continuity of life but we shouldn’t let time take over our life.

It’s still up to us. The choices and actions that we make from our time here on earth will define our whole life.

KCAT CAN: Haiyan tragedy brings out the best in humanity

Haiyan tragedy brings out the best in humanity

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” – Charles Dickens

My friends and I decided not to push through with all our plans for our annual Christmas activities for kids in our place. It doesn’t seem right to ask for donations when we know there are a lot more people who need immediate help.

The news about Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) was really depressing.

KCAT CAN: Hearing Christmas bells in November

Hearing Christmas bells in November

It’s still 44 days before Christmas but my sister’s friend and co-audiologist Myra Capistrano rang the Christmas bells early for 60 children with hearing impairment.

With the help of her family, friends and the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust in U.K., they gave the kids the gift of hearing through hearing aids.

Sitting pretty: A hassle-free and comfortable travel with Lifelifters

Yesterday (November 3), I joined Talitha on their Medical Mission / Charity Event / Outreach Project (whatever you want to call it) at Jollibee in West Ave., QC. Good thing Neil of Lifelifters Transport Inc. offered me a free two-way ride with their van that is equipped with a wheelchair lift to any destination within Metro Manila. Cool right?

KCAT CAN: Meet my ‘SuperwoMOM’

Read:
Meet my ‘SuperwoMOM’

When my mom was diagnosed with Lupus in 2000, she never obliged us to take care of her or accompany on her checkups and activities because we were so young then. I never really understood what she was going through until I saw her enduring her suffering just to attend to my needs and accomplish all the paperwork for my upcoming surgery back then.

My mom, Madeliene Lopez Yarza or Madge is selfless. She never buys anything for herself unless it’s on a bargain. Whenever she has extra money, she would always prioritize our needs, and set aside her own. I would often tell her to take care of herself first. There were even times that I would refuse her help and demand that she attend to her needs first. But she still won’t and that would really break my heart.

I’m just amazed at how my mom, a sick person, can manage to take good care of another sick person, whether it’s me or anyone in our family. Even my close friends and relatives also felt her tender love and care. She is often in deep pain but she knows how to ease away our own pain. My mom is truly my inspiration. Here, I share her heart’s desire to hopefully inspire others.

KCAT CAN: Live your dreams

Live your dreams

‛We are the creator of our dreams – write it, draw it, color it and make it come to life!’

Kinda headache...GONE

I had a weird dream. It was raining non-stop and it's becoming stronger and stronger until there was an explosive sound. I closed my eyes and DECIDED to wake up upon opening my eyes. Yes, decided talaga. I often do it whenever I my dream gets irritating. Seryoso. Anyway, it was only 6:30 (or 6:40) AM and I'm still sleepy so I closed my eyes again, placed the tape back and went back to sleep. Tss. To be continued ang dream. It's still the non-stop rain outside our home. the sound of the raindrops is deafening as it gets stronger and stronger. The only thing I can hear is that irritating raindrops. Nakakabingi! Nakakairita! Eh di I woke up again. 9AM (or was that 8:30?) My head feels so heavy naman. Ang bigat bigat. Tulog nalang uli. Non-stop rain AGAIN!!!! And the whole house is moisting up this time.. Ayoko na nga! I finally woke up for real at 10AM with a heavy head and KINDA HEADACHE.

Heavy head w/c I call "kinda headache" often happens to me. Sanay na ko coz it disappears din naman after sometime.

But it's already gone a few minutes after I applied this (AS IN!):

Zenutrients Massage Oil

KCAT CAN: The gift of hearing (II)

The gift of hearing

A cochlear implant (CI) is a surgically implanted electronic device that can provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing. It can’t restore someone’s hearing nor cure deafness but for a person with hearing impairment and their family, CI is a life-changing device.

I too, have experienced a better quality of life after receiving my CI in 2008. I may still not understand speech or listen to music but the little sounds that I hear make the difference. It may just be a mere noise to most people but for me, it’s a blessing; it’s life.

Book launching for a cause: RealLife - stories of ordinary Filipinos with extraordinary lives

Last Thursday (September 26), Tita Dolly Palisada sent me a message on Facebook about the launching of her book. At first I thought she was inviting me just because I knew that she was working on a book. When she asked me to prepare a short speech, that's when I realized that my story is also included. WOW! She interviewed me for The News Today earlier this year but I didn't know that it was for her book as well.

Here it is:

Our generous and faithful heart will help save Xaviera Miaka

"Aside from being responsible for ourselves, we also have a responsibility towards others, bearing each other’s burdens, offering prayers of hope, strength, and faith to the needy…" (Compassion, KCAT CAN 04/02/2012)

From Prayers for Xaviera Maika on Facebook:

Our beautiful daughter, Xaviera Miaka Castillo Soriano was born 31st March, 2013. She was a healthy, beautiful baby girl. But, after a month. We noticed her color was turning to yellow. At first, the doctor suspected jaundice which is normal to a new born baby, but after tests results, she was diagnosed with biliary atresia.

Let's help Wael Renzo to hear the world!

I got a message from Princess Bendecio a couple of weeks ago. She has a child who is deaf and is in need of a very expensive cochlear implant. I promised her to post her letter on my blog, so here it is. Please read and share this with everyone you know.

KCAT CAN: Touched by my teachers

Touched by my teachers

During my school days, I wasn’t a hardworking and diligent student. Oftentimes, I was lazy to read my textbooks, memorize my lessons, and do my homework. I didn't like studying but i actually loved learning.

I like learning about new things and discovering about something I already knew. I think that's what most people call the joy of learning and i thank all my teachers in the past for that. Everything that i learned from them were instilled in my mind and heart, and carried me through all the ordeals of life.

KCAT CAN: Know your PWD rights and privileges

Know your PWD rights and privileges

Persons with disabilities (PWD) have a right to live the same way as any other human being. Their disability is not a hindrance to live a fruitful and fulfilling life.

PWDs get married, have children, go to work, and play sports like everyone else. They are not a burden on the community, their family or friends. PWDs have the same right as everyone to take part in society. Here in the Philippines, a PWD Identification Card authenticates each Pinoy PWD’s rights and privileges.

Momo's Closet

I named our cousin Janna Momo after watching Kimi Wa Petto (You're My Pet - Japanese Drama or pwede). Eh ang cute ng MOMO. For us, Momo means Janna and not Momo the (cutie) human pet from from the drama anymore. Basta Momo. Btw, You're my Pet has a Korean version rin, movie naman. Hashtag JustSharing. :P

Anyway, so yun nga, Janna is Momo and Momo means Janna and MOMO knows everything that's why Momo has a closet where she sells clothes, bags, shoes, accessories, etc. and also Sophie Paris & Natasha products.

Tara! Walk in MOMO's Closet & claim your style!

You can..

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

KCAT CAN: Standing up for Pinoys with disabilities

Standing up for Pinoys with disabilities

Everyone, regardless of ability or disability, deserves to be treated equally with the same dignity and respect.

Dear Maring

source

You are tired and exhausted already from all the rain you've been giving us kaya nakatambay ka pa d2 sa Pinas ngayon. I know it's "More Fun in the Philippines" kaya you decided to stay dahil nag-eenjoy ka, but that's not for you! Umalis ka na please. Kung ayaw namin sa'yo, mag-move on ka na at wag magpaka-clingy. K, thanks. Bye.

ME's 40th Day

It was our lola's 40th day since death yesterday. We were supposed to visit her grave at Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina but it was raining really hard. But it's ME's 40th day. It's believed that this is when the soul ascends to heaven, thus it should be celebrated. Celebrated with prayers.. and foods of course.

I'm done. Finally! *exhales*

Madalian edit coz.....

Anyway, visit: www.pwdphil.com
and Like PWD Philippines on Facebook for updates.

Labuyo / Utor

Stay safe everyone!

image from here

Wow. I'm so proud of myself!

Oic. Eto pala yun..

Coz nagje-general cleaning ako ng blogs..

Ang arte! :P LOL

KCAT CAN: Surviving life's battle

Read:
Surviving life’s battles

When my mom was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in 2000, her rheumatologist, Dr. Ester Penserga encouraged her to join the support group Lupus Club (PGH Chapter).

SLE is a chronic auto-immune connective tissue disorder that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, nervous system, kidney, heart and some other internal organs. When my mom joined the Lupus Club she wasn’t only enlightened about the disease, she also made friends with patients whom she can easily identify with. While getting to know Lupus patients with different manifestations of the disease, she realized that she was still lucky and blessed that her case is a lot milder than the others.

After every Lupus Club gathering, my mom often talked about how she admired their then club president Jennifer “Jennie” San Andres. She became my mom’s inspiration with her battle with SLE because after everything that Jennie went through including cheating death thrice, she remained strong and brave. And that was because of her strong faith in God.

Meet-up with my NF Friends

Last August 2, my NFFs had a not-so-planned meet-up at Megamall. Syempre late ako!!!

Photo from Nilo

Thanks for the Bubble Tea & Chewy Junior treats Kuya Land!

Next meeting/topic: Christmas Party!

Launched: www.pwdphil.com....Success!

Thank you very much! Please keep on supporting PWD Philippines.

August 1, 2013
Melo's Restaurant - Westgate, Alabang

PWDPhil? My thoughts? You'll know...soon. For starters, visit: www.pwdphil.com and spread the word about it. And Like us on Facebook too. :)

Muse ako. Walang okontra, blog ko 'to! :P

Why, Hello there!

In January, I told myself, "I'll write blog entries again." As in writing whatever & whenever and not just mere copying and pasting of my columns & whatnot. Months passed by......pero wala. Coz it's either I'm too busy or very LAZY.

And then a couple of weeks ago, I got to meet Kuya Arpee, the blogger behind Pinoy Life At Large. He invited me to join his advocacy - PWD Philippines (www.pwdphil.com) as a co-founder. Anyway, I'll talk about that next time, k. I actually frequent his blog because it has food reviews. Eh I visit (& bookmark) almost all the food blogs I chance upon. FOODTRIP Galore! (Kaya laging may kaharap na kutkutin :P) He asked me why I don't write blog entries anymore. That got me thinking & remembered, Ay oo nga pala! But but but my laziness made me forget again. After turning off my busy mode, I always feel lazy afterwards..and then I forget. BUSY mode is next to LAZINESS! >Sabi ko. :P Haha.

Pero wala akong lusot this time, God reminded me via Jen's recent blog entry kanina: Its all about change. Basta alam ko it's a sign. Ganun talaga, I know one when I see one. Feel din. Dahil feel na feel ko naman. Sinayaw ata namin yang "The Sign" na yan noong unang panahon. Diba GYA Peeps? :P LOL

I'll be back

...because I CAN!

KCAT CAN: Dealing with death

Dealing with death

In life, we have no control over the storms that we encounter. It’s normal to feel devastated and sad, but to continue being sad is already our choice. I have come to realize this because of what happened to our family two weeks ago.

KCAT CAN: The miracle of faith

The miracle of faith

Maria Teresa Figuerres or Tetcha is a wife to Eduardo, and a mother to Justin. Like most mothers, she dedicates her time to her family with her unlimited TLC (tender love and care).

Behind that strong motherly image is a survivor and living symbol of faith and hope. Be inspired with her story.

KCAT CAN: My newfound brain friend

My newfound brain friend

“ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13”

Everyone has their own story and it’s always nice to read a book that can make you feel good, right?

I got to know Abby Manalang from my friend Lea. He is gay. Abby does not only bring joy and give advice to his friends, but he also inspires them because he is a living testimony of hope, faith and courageousness. I too was deeply moved from the time Lea introduced us and said, “Meet your newfound brain friend.”

KCAT CAN: Birthdays and blessings

Birthdays and blessings

Here in the country, when a girl turns 18, we often celebrate it with a debut – a traditional Filipino coming-of-age celebration. When I turned 18, I never desired to have a debut but I told myself that I would want to have a similar party when I turn 30. For me, to be able to reach that age has some significance. I wasn’t sick yet at that time and I had no idea what lies ahead but I just felt that my turning 30 should be celebrated.

That desire never left me. I would often mention it to my friends, my cousins and my mom especially after my 29th birthday. I even daydream about it, visualizing how I wanted it to be. But don’t get me wrong. I’m not really wishing for a grand and luxurious celebration, only a memorable and fun party together with my family and friends.

KCAT CAN: A birthday like no other

A birthday like no other
By Maria Katrina Lopez Yarza
Published: May 27, 2013

"When you enjoy what you have, you get happiness. When you share what you have, you multiply happiness.”

Since 2007, I have been celebrating my birth month by holding “MAY Birthday Project,” a gift-giving affair at the Philippine General Hospital where I share my blessings with people I call friends.

KCAT CAN: Addressing a global issue

Addressing a global issue
By Maria Kathrina Lopez Yarza
Published: May 13, 2013

It’S my birthday today! The month of May has always been special to me not only because this is my birth month, but because of a couple of other reasons that calls for a celebration. Most of my family members were born this month – my uncle on the 6th, my dad on the 10th, my cousin on the 16th, my brother on the 17th, my grandmother on the 20thh and my mother on the 27th.

This May 18 will be our 7th annual gift-giving at the Philippine General Hospital and I’m certain that it will be as successful as the previous years. More importantly, it’s also Neurofibromatosis (NF) Awareness Month, and I’ll get to celebrate it with my NF friends who’ll be joining me in my upcoming birthday project to spread NF awareness on May 18. Someday, I wish that we’ll have our own NF event in the country.

KCAT CAN: Help save His masterpieces

Help save His masterpieces
By Maria Katrina Lopez Yarza
Published: April 29, 2013

The Lord is not slow to keep His promise. He is not slow in the way some people understand it. He is patient with you. He doesn’t want anyone to be destroyed. Instead, He wants all people to turn away from their sins.” - 2 Peter 3:9

Gilda Fotunata Altez, whom everyone calls “Mommy G,” is one of the 10 finalists of the 2012 CLIS Search for Happiest Pinoy.

The News Today: You Can (Kcat)

You Can (Kcat)
By Dolly Palisada
April 3, 2013 - The News Today (Iloilo)

Mandaluyong City - YOU HEAR THE doctor’s story about another patient with the same diagnosis and that patient is now gone. You see teary eyed visitors in her room and how sullen their faces are. Your husband is not saying a word, yet you hear his voice screaming.

At first they say it is brain tumor. You brush it off. Everything has reasons, you tell your self. There’s nothing to be afraid of because God is on your side. She will have a surgery, the medical expenses will bloat, but life must go on for her because she’s young.

22 days 'til MAY Birthday Project 2013

Our hands will never be too small for helping those who are in need, as long we have the heart to care.

Our 7th annual gift-giving at PGH tagged as MAY Birthday Project 2013 is going to be in less than a month and we still don't have enough gifts to share yet.

KCAT CAN: Living with optimism despite the suffering

Living with optimism despite the suffering
By Maria Kathrina Lopez Yarza
Published: April 15, 2013

It’s always nice to know that you’ve been a big influence in somebody’s betterment, no matter how big or small the improvement is.

Two years ago, I met Karen Bernal, a 30-year-old woman who has chronic kidney disease and is undergoing dialysis. She is suffering from both physical and emotional pain. Although she never lost hope in getting a transplant and being cured, she was constantly sad and fearful because of all the problems that her sickness brought – financial and family problems to name a few. She also indulged in self-pity during those times.

“Maybe I could make Karen realize how beautiful life is,” I challenged myself and from then on we started becoming friends. I often gave her advice, told her jokes, cheered her on, and helped her realize how important her existence is.

I also encouraged her to join the recent essay-writing contest by World Kidney Day Philippines. Below was her entry:

KCAT CAN: Knocking on the hearts of others

Knocking on the hearts of others
By Maria Kathrina Lopez Yarza
April 1, 2013


Back in 2007, while I was browsing through the internet, I found an implant device that could help me hear the world again. I was so excited and sad at the same time because it costs a million pesos. We just couldn’t afford it.

But I didn’t let that matter disappoint me, instead I kept on thinking of ways to raise the money we need. I kept thinking and praying for days until I went in front of the computer, started creating a design and decided to print it on a shirt. The design was composed of two outlines of ears overlapping each other, which is actually the shape of a heart when folded into two. 

Wishlist 2013: MAY Birthday Project on May 18

Months before my birthday in 2007, I felt like God had been showering me with a lot of blessings which made me decide to give back something in return. I thought, "I want to celebrate my birthday with the kids in the hospital." Ideas about the event kept rushing in my mind; I want to do this and that but then again, I asked myself, "But we are not rich, how can we fund the event?”

Then I came up with a solution, “I will share the greatest blessings blessings that I have."

We lacked the financial means to do it but God made my sincere desire to share and care a reality. We are not wealthy, but I believe that I am rich in non-material things. He gave me more blessings — they are my friends and family who helped me put everything together.

Sharing doesn't really have price tags and the event does not need to be grand. What matters most is to share our hearts and make those patients happy. I want to make them smile even with the hardships they are in.

I could easily identify with the patients because I am sick as well. I can tell them “I feel for you” while giving them hope and sharing my faith with them.