Tahan-tahanan Christmas Party (2014)

Tahan-tahanan is a haven for kids stricken with cancer. It is located at the basement of East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon City. Every December, volunteers organize Christmas Party for the kids. This is headed, of course,  by Dra. Victoria "Marvie" Abesamis, a pediatric oncologist at EAMC.

 

 

The Invitation
Christmas was just around the corner that time. With all those songs, decors, and lights, it was hard not to get the holiday spirit. And here’s MAFIA's way of sharing our blessings.

Thanks sa effort mong mag-costume, ate Reg!

Si TL at si Prince
Paborito ni Prince ang mamon kaya dinalhan siya ni TL.

 

So much thanks to Minie's group for the lootbags given to the kids.

 

Inspiring speech by JC Baxia

He represented C & E Foundation that donated 2 boxes of books for the children of Tahan-tahanan.

 

 

Myzobel and kuya Dom

 

 

Happy faces of cancer patients and survivors while watching some of the performers.

 

Mawawala ba naman si Jollibee?

 

Happy Family

Atleast man lang sa araw ng Pasko, kumpleto sila.

 

 Maraming salamat, mga ka- M.A.F.I.A. (Mars And Friends In Action)!

 

"I remember when Barbra Streisand used to sing "The Best Things in Life Are Free." And so are the most powerful things. Compassion. Reading to children. Mercy. Tender touch. Sweet thoughts. Forgiveness. Prayers. Meditation. Love. Respect. Peace."
~ Marianne Williamson

Backgrounder: I have been a volunteer storyteller at Tahan-tahanan since 2010.It was 2012 when I found out that my father has a cancer. Syempre, nagulat ako at nagtanong. Bakit naman ang Tatay ko pa.

This photo was taken year 2012 when I consulted Dra.Marvie regarding my father's condition. I considered her a friend so I decided to talk to her.
We've met each other because Tito Dok is our common friend. 
When my father was confined in the hospital,I went to her office at EAMC (she was not the physician of my father,though) and showed her the medical results. I told her, "Doktora, di na naman po kayo iba sa akin. Sabihin n'yo na po ang totoo.Sa inyo lang ako naniniwala. Ano po yung nakikita n'yo dyan (dun sa mga results)." Gusto kong pagaanin kaya tinanong ko na lang kung ano yung mga pagkain na bawal kay Tatay. Then she looked at the film nung mga results."Mars, kumalat na yung spot.Ibigay mo na ang lahat." I remember, umagos talaga ang luha ko. Alam na.After 6 months ng treatment sa Tatay ko, sumuko na s'ya. Masakit pero kailangang tanggapin.

During Tahan-tahanan's 4th anniversary (Feb 2015)
I want to thank Dra. Marvie for all the moral support she has given me.

Mars as volunteer storyteller

“I love life, even when bad things happen to me. I can’t stop loving it. Every season of the year comes with a promise that something wonderful is going to happen to me someday.”