Today, be thankful and think how rich you are. Your family is priceless, your time is gold, and your health is wealth Truly, you are BLESSED beyond measure. <3

Many thanks to my Bae’s ninang, Mae Diesmos (Asst. Professor, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas) for recommending PCMC, and also to her ninong, Dr. Marcus Lester R. Suntay (who does volunteer work as a Pediatric Surgeon for the center), for facilitating & coordinating our meeting with Beth. <3

With her ever-supportive ninong, Marcus Lester R. Suntay, Medical Doctor in the Department of Surgery with specialization in Pediatric Surgery at Asian Hospital & Medical Center. Telephone No.: 771-9355 | MOB Room: 104

These are just some of the 24 admitted cancer warriors whom we were able to talk to on our 2nd visit. (Photos taken & uploaded on the blog with consent from the parents)

Many many thanks to our dear Bae’s kind-hearted & supportive friends for a successful gift drive. She was able to buy so many things based on the children’s wishlist. Extra special gifts were purchased for the birthday boy Mike Gerald, afflicted with Rhabdomyo Sarcoma (connective tissue/bone cancer), who coincidentally turned 11 last oct 30 -our outreach day! And of course my fave, duckface baby Sheryn age 1, who is sick from Sacrococcygeal Teratoma (unusual tumor at the base of the tailbone found in newborns).

Every single day, parents together with their sick kids, flock to Philippine Children’s Medical Center in high hopes that they will be given a bed for their life-saving treatments. If they can’t get a bed, then they wait for their turn to be treated as outpatients. It’s a hard knock life for these people. Every help that we can offer counts. Let us all be a source of blessing to one another. <3 #sharingiscaring

Special thanks to Shally Abalos, another Special Projects Coordinator of PCMC, for doing the tedious rounds with us on the day of the outreach. She patiently covered every area with us & helped us distribute the gifts & goodies in a very orderly manner. <3

City of Dreams Manila is an integrated resort and casino that features 3 luxurious hotel brands and various premium dining outlets. It boasts of an iconic Fortune Egg that houses Chaos nightclub known to bring in top-notch acts from around world.

City of Dreams is also home to the very first DreamWorks inspired DreamPlay that offers a one-of-a-kind entertainment for whole family.

Mr. Marlon Hirsh (General Manager for Non-Gaming Operations) & Puss in Boots graced our gift-giving outreach with their presence. Their support meant a lot, not just to us, but to the children of the pediatric ward.

Every so often, the employees of City of Dreams Manila perform acts of kindness by sharing their time & pooling their resources to extend love & financial assistance to those in need. We were fortunate that the COD Manila Colleague Volunteers chose our charity outreach as their giving activity for that particular month. Because of them, our goodwill spilled beyond the intended four corners of the Pediatric Oncology Ward. They truly made a lot of kids happy. <3

Puss in Boots was an instant hit, as was expected. He made the rounds & treated the sick kids like long lost friends. Thank you so much Puss for your kindness & patience. :-*

Max’s Restaurant‘s beginnings started in 1945, after World War II. Maximo Gimenez, a Stanford-educated teacher, befriended the American occupation troops stationed at Quezon City. Because of this friendship, the soldiers regularly visited Maximo’s nearby home for a drink or two. Later on, the troops insisted that they pay for their drinks. This prompted Maximo to open a cafe, where the troops could enjoy food and drinks. The cafe initially served chicken, steak and drinks. Maximo’s niece, Ruby, who managed the kitchen, created a special recipe for chicken that became an instant favorite for the GIs. Soon, the Filipino public heard about the delicious chicken-tender, juicy and crispy-and they came too! Max’s Restaurant was born.

Over the years, Max’s Restaurant‘s popularity grew and it became known as “the house that fried chicken built.” It has expanded in Metro Manila, Southern and Northern Luzon, Cebu, and to California and other places in the United States. It has also expanded to Canada. It will soon open restaurants in other countries as well. Max’s Restaurant has established itself as a household name in the Philippines, an institution, and a proud Filipino tradition. The second and third generations of the family continue to zealously uphold the standards and traditions set by Maximo and Ruby for all Max’s Restaurants. Thank you Max’s Restaurant for your unparalleled generosity! <3

There may be burger joints a plenty in Metro Manila, but 8 Cuts Burger Blends features 8 cuts of beef in custom-blended patties that are freshly ground, hand-pressed, and seared to order. This attention to detail for what is usually seen as greasy grub shows what The Moment Group has become known for. The proof is in the pudding. With several outlets in the metro, long lines & constantly buzz-worthy burgers, this is The Moment Group’s fastest expanding line yet! Thank you 8 Cuts Burger Blends for supporting our activity. The Doctors & staff -unsung heroes of PCMC, appreciated the juicy burgers & crispy BBQ onion rings. Certainly a treat after a loooong day at work.

A product of Pacific Synergy Food and Beverage Corp., Sip Purified Water is a refreshing way to stay hydrated, as it is pure water that is filtered by nature and bottled at the source itself. The 6-step filtration process each sip of water goes through begins with the natural filtration of volcanic rocks near Mt. Makiling, where its plant is located. Impurities are then removed by a layer of sand making it ready for activated carbon treatment that wipes out unpleasant water and taste. The water then goes through reverse osmosis where viruses and dirt are eliminated, while harmful microbes and germs are killed through UV treatment. The last step the water undergoes is the FDA approved ozonation that blasts away all other toxins. Also, to ensure the reduction of carbon footprint, each bottle of Sip is bottled at the source. Thank you Sip Purified Water for being an important part of our outreach! :-* Hydrating is very important, especially in our tropical weather. Our water distribution went a long way in quenching the thirst of people waiting in line to get treatments.

Kumori Japanese Bakery, the latest player in the Philippines’ growing roster of Japanese bakeshops can be found in SM Makati & Landmark. It peddles straight from Japan daily, so their breads last only a day. Soft & buttery, it’s like biting into the clouds (which translates to Kumo). Thank you Kumori Philippines for sending the kids & their caregiver goodies! :-* Your kindness extended to all the wards of PCMC. They are grateful beyond measure.

Dr. Arvin C. Diesmos is affiliated with the National Museum of the Philippines Herpetology Section, Zoology Division. He has earned the following degrees & recognitions: Ph.D. Biology (2009) – National University of Singapore, M.Sc in Wildlife Studies (1998) – University of the Philippines – Los Baños, and BB.Sc in Biology (Animal Ecology) (1992) – University of the Philippines – Los Baños. He, together with our Bae’s ninang, Mae Lowe Diesmos (Asst. Professor, Biological Sciences Department, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas), selflessly purchased from their own pockets, tirelessly packed, and generously distributed art supplies for the sick children to enjoy while waiting for treatments. Thank you so much Mae & Arvin for your dedicated support & love to our dear Jena.

When you pray, sparks fly, stars align, and miracle happens. Thank you everyone for making Jena’s dream come true! :-*