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:

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

When I realized that my brother, Maro and I are turning 30 and 13 years old this 2013, I felt more excited and inspired to make this party a reality.