It's a Monday. Haven't even written about the people last week, and here I am excited to go cover more. That remains a secret for now, but it's something that I'm sure will inspire others to go beyond one's self. Watch out for it MWF on TV Patrol. :)

Here goes my story.

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The corridors of PCMC (Philippine Children's Medical Center) was breezy that day despite the warm weather (i think it was 32 degrees celsius then). I followed the attendant to the twin's room. 106. There they were sharing a common bed. Joy, the dominant of the twins, wailed from discomfort, so their mother had to shift their positions.

Joy and Joyce were born to poor and young parents from Quezon Province. The mother, Joemarie is only 19 while the father, a tricycle driver is 23 years old. Only at two months old, they had to move to Manila because of their condition: craniopagus.
(meaning, the babies connected at the head)

I was briefed about their condition before I saw them ( This was the first time I actually saw conjoined twins) They were connected at their foreheads, with only one their left eye exposed. When one baby vomits, it goes to the other baby's cheek. Eating is awkward so they are fed through a tube inserted to their nose. It is hard not to feel pity... but I look straight at their eyes, the window to one's soul. That way, I can see beyond their physical deformities. How cute they were!

There was reason to be happy, really. Because Joy and Joyce have a chance to live normal lives. An operation similar to that done to Carl and Clarence Aguirre, the conjoined twins who were successfully separated in the United States, can be done here in the Philippines. The doctors waived their professional fees, but we would still need a MILLION to cover fees such as MRI, CT SCAN, Andiogram, (after separation) facial reconstructive surgery and therapy.

I will be very frank, yes, this is a 'panawagan'. I believe there are also many who are more than willing to help, but are just waiting for the right opportunity :)

For donations, please contact
Ms Menchie Silvestre
415 7875/ 415 2272 loc 5409
Fax: 924 2644

You may deposit your donations at
Banco de Oro (any branch)
5630050932

Salamat po! Hulog po kayo ng Langit!

B

Hulog Ng Langit, Resurrected

Hulog ng Langit, the segment first aired in Magandang Umaga Bayan days, some time in 2004 (I think!)
Hulog ng Langit started airing again last Monday, April 7, 2008.

I had a full week covering case studies, and interviewing doctors for our stories. It can be emotionally draining, but quite fulfilling.
Will tell you more in the succeeding blogs!

B

Blogging again

[It's been two years during my last blog. Fact is, I cant even remember my passwords anymore. For those interested to backtrack, check out sembrano.blogspot.com. Note: the link 'hulog ng langit'. ]

Hulog ng Langit is a phrase often used by Filipinos for blessings in their lives. My involvement in public service programs exposed me to the many problems that face us, and the only real solution is a concerted effort from different sectors. A fairy godmother, which I was once perceived to be, has only limited powers...
the church is not a miracle worker
the government is not the holder of all answers.
media can only do so much
the public has to play its part.
If we want real change, and real hope, we all should strive to be a blessing to others.