Why are you not 100% PWD-friendly, Circuit Makati? WHY?

Dear Circuit Makati,

I’ve been hearing (reading, technically, for I am deaf) a lot of good things about you – good online reviews and positive feedback from family and friends. To celebrate my dad’s birthday, we wanted to try a different place. As I went out of the car, the view from the parking was nice – it was spacious and well-lit in the evening. I was excited! There was even a designated PWD parking slot. But for a little while, I WAS STUCK. There was no pathway for my wheelchair to access the mall - NO RAMPS IN SIGHT AND BIG HEAVY PLANT POTS FENCED ONE SIDE. So, HOW? How do I get to the mall? How do I get out of the parking lot?  Fortunately, kuya guard willingly helped when asked (Thank you). He moved the pot to give enough space for me to pass.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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

KCAT CAN: Me? Bored? Far from it!

Me? Bored? Far from it!
by Maria Kathrina Lopez Yarza 
September 3, 2012

I bet you get easily bored most of the time.”

Someone said these words to me after telling her my story that I am deaf and immobile.

I told her I am not and asked why did she think so?  She told me that it’s because I’m sick and the things I can do are limited, so it must be boring.

I politely disagreed and explained my “I can’t, but I CAN” outlook in life.

She doubted my words so I asked her to browse my website and know the “possible” in the word “impossible”.

KCAT CAN: No reason not to be joyful

"...There are a lot of people who have disabilities but are still capable of succeeding in life by doing everything that they could; and I am one of them! I may not excel in anything, but I have touched lives. I am able to share my talents. I am able to bring joy to people’s hearts. And the most important of all, I am able to know how to live with gratitude, contentment, happiness and courage in the face of many struggles and challenges. I am disabled, but I am surely, definitely and undoubtedly able!..."

No reason not to be joyful
by Maria Kathrina Lopez Yarza
April 25, 2011


MANILA, Philippines — I had an open-head surgery two weeks ago, and it was a success! The tumor that was causing my right eye to bulge out was removed completely, without complications, I had the fastest recovery. Post-surgery, I didn't feel any pain in my head nor weakness. In five days, my doctor Dr. Willy Lopez discharged me from the hospital. God is so great!

My mom and I were amazed at everything that has happened. I told her that I better write this article when I got home because if I didn’t, people/readers might think that I might have died! We both laughed.

Music of His Right Hand's Notes

Kuya Joel Tangunan sis the voice behind the song I CAN (which was composed by my friend Armin Cruz).. Anyway, Kuya Joel needs our help so that he could continue using his God given talent in spite of being confined in a wheelchair..

Please READ this link from Kamalayang Kalayaan where Kuya Joel blogged about his story.. then let's help him.. It's alright if we can't help him in kind.. Sharing his story to you friends is a great help already.. So Read, Share, & Help.. :)