Little Miss Honey: REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH DAY AT CHAMELEON ASSOCIATION

My parents taught me that we are blessed in so many ways by God and as a way of being thankful for the many wonderful blessing that come our way, we must give back. I have always wanted to extend help to a particular non-government organization as my little way of reciprocating God's generous blessings. Then I learned of Chameleon Association in Passi, a humanitarian association that provides protection and rehabilitation services for young girls who have suffered abuse. It is founded by a French lady named Laurence Ligier in 1997. This has tweak a particular interest on me since i have always been an advocate of women's & children's right. Upon learning of this organization, I wrote a letter of intent to extend help. It was responded with warm welcome and the President of Chameleon Inc, Mr. Ricardo Andrade and the Executive Director that time, Fatima Agabe met up with me. We discuss on ways that I could contribute with the association in my own little way. I have been helping them now and then since 2009 if my busy schedule at the hospital allows it. But now that I am in my 3rd and last year of training in the hospital, I was able to spare more time for them.

And when they approach me to take part in their reproductive health day, I happily obliged. They will have a medical mission in the morning and in the afternoon, they asked me to lecture on sexuality and family planning on the older girls. They also asked if I can tap another doctor friend who can lecture on reproductive with the younger girls. So I started recruiting and asking for willing doctors who will join on that day. Every single one who joined me in the medical mission went with me willingly, no coercion needed. Though maybe they were in a way coerce out of our friendship, hahaha... But they know that when they ask for my assistance i will always be there for them.

So last November 5, 2011, me along with my boyfriend, who volunteered to be the designated driver, Dr. Vanessa Anas, Dr. Melissa Piodena, Dr. Nelson Flotilde, two of our post-graduate interns: Dr. Rouella Chan & Dr. Salve Vilaruel with Sir John Ocampo of Unilab, (who also drove Nelson and the two PGIs) headed to Passi City to be part of Chameleon Association's Reproductive Health Day.

I prepared tuna and corn whole wheat sandwiches for the eight of us. Passi City is a one-hour and a half away from Iloilo City, I didn't want anyone getting hungry, hehe..

We arrived at Chameleon and the program was in full swing. It was unfortunate that we were minutes late and we weren't able to witness the circus performance of the kids and French volunteers. You see, Chameleon has a sport complex and circus program , which allows facilitation of therapeutic activities and performing art as a means of rehabilitation. Through these activities, children are able to overcome their traumatic experiences and rebuild self-confidence. When we arrived we were greeted by the outgoing nurse, Marylie, the current nurse and overall organizer of the event, Darlene and the dynamic Sir Glen. After offering us snacks, (eating time again, hehe) we started our check up with patients along side other municipal health doctors. It was held in their gym. Simultaneously, there was a talk going on about healthcare by a guest doctor.

Ready to do medical consultations

Busy na

The talk was already done so while waiting for their turn for consultant, some were taught on some basic circus routine and some played badminton. The participants where not only the Chameleon girls. Chameleon Association also has a child educational sponsorship program for underprivileged children from neighboring rural communities. So the children from the said program were also there along with parents, relatives and also employees of the association.

Circus workshop and badminton

I met again this special girl whom I've met on my last visit here. I couldn't help but take this photo-op.

My boyfie & Sir John bonding, hehe. Thank you both for driving us all to Passi. Special Shout-out also to Unilab, Biofemme and Boehringer for donating medicines for Chameleon. Thank you!!!

When we were done with the medical mission, we were invited by Sir Glen to join in the feast they prepared for those who volunteered at the gazebo. He also introduces to us the French volunteers (Sorry, I wasn't able to take their pictures). One of them is the one responsible in teaching the girls circus routines. It is refreshing to know that these French volunteers came here in the Philippines to help out Chameleon at their own expense, even their stay in the center are their expenses. That is so admirable!

Lunch is served..

When we were done with our hearty lunch, Miss Darlene brought me and Dr. Piodena to the rooms where we will conduct our lecture. Yuo, Mel said yes when I asked her to do a little lecture for the kids. Love you Mel!!!hehe.... Mel and I were teachers for the day! Haha! Mel was a kindergarten teacher while I was a college professor.. chos! Hahaha!

Mel could be and is a brilliant teacher. I wish I am a student in her class, hehe. The kids had so much fun with Teacher Mel, hehe..

The girls with Teacher/Doc Mel

The girls with Doc Vane

While that day, I was Professor Honey. Haha! I was tasked to talk about Sexuality and Family Planning (Eeek! Boring stuff.... Hehe... ).

Oh no, what am I holding there? hehe..

I ended my lecture with a quote from Paris Hilton (Of all people, si Paris Hilton pa?! Hehe). That "No matter what a woman looks like, if she's confident, she's sexy." I want to emphasize with the girls the importance of confidence and believing in ones' self.

The girls with me, Doc Vane & Doc Mel

Before we left, we took the opportunity to take some pics at the rock climbing wall at the gym, hehe.. We were hoping we can try it but no one is available at the moment to guide us because there were several activities going on...