MANILA, Philippines -- Seventeen year-old Marian devotee and healer Fatima Victa Soriano has got the Bieber fever — and she has got it bad! 

 

Not only does she know all the words to Justin Bieber's songs and the circumstances of his life before he achieved stratospheric fame, but Fatima has also kept faith in the teen idol even after his decision to cut his famous bowl haircut made “Beliebers” leave en masse. And of course, Fatima already had gold tickets in her hands for Justin Bieber's upcoming May concert here in the country — way back in December. 

 

It's something you'd expect from your average teenage girl, and in many ways Fatima is precisely that — eagerly awaiting her 18th birthday. But the life that Fatima has led in the past 17 years has been anything but ordinary or average. 

 

The daughter of a doctor and a nurse, Fatima already had so much to contend with from the very moment she was brought into this world. Born blind and diagnosed with failing kidneys, she endured dialysis treatments that had to be given to her every four hours, five times a day. It wasn't unusual for her religious family to turn to God on such occasions, and it was during one such call for help that Fatima's life would be changed forever. 

 

Seeking the healing powers of Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD, 10-year-old Fatima called up the priest on his radio program on ZNN Veritas. But it was Fatima who ended up inspiring the priest instead, winning him over with her cheerful and positive outlook and with her unwavering faith in God. 

 

“Tumawag kami sa radio program niya asking for prayer requests. Nalaman niya na blind ako, tapos sinabi niya na sana mag-meet kami,” she recalls. “After that sinasama na niya ako sa healing masses, sa TV mass, at through him then na napalabas kami sa 'Maalaala Mo Kaya'.” 

 

Fatima began working alongside Fr. Jerry and his healing ministry, singing during Masses presided over by the priest and even participating in healing Fr. Orbos' supplicants herself. It was also around this time that she began to have visions of the Virgin Mary, who encouraged her to continue her work. 

 

Her association with Fr. Orbos has certainly been a boon. Since their meeting, Fatima has been able to get a kidney transplant, finally freeing her from the burden of undergoing dialysis treatments. She has also gone on to record three CDs of inspirational songs, with a fourth one coming on the way, set to be released on her 18th birthday. She has also sung the theme for the teleserye “Momay”, as well as the theme for the upcoming “100 Days to Heaven”. She would have even been the voice for the theme song of the teleserye “Agua Bendita”, if she had not given it up for a chance to visit the Holy Land. On May 1, she is set to make her first appearance on popular Sunday variety show “ASAP”, something that she is extremely excited for. 

 

Just recently, Fatima was even offered the eyes of recently deceased young actor AJ Perez. And while she won't be able to use the corneas that were donated to her, she and her family are extremely grateful that they were in the thoughts of the family. 

 

Through all these, Fatima has maintained her childlike innocence, her contagious laughter, her complete faith in God’s grace and mercy. After all, she attests to the miracles that she all attributes to the God that has not failed her yet. 

 

In this joyful 60 Minutes conversation, Fatima Soriano shares how her faith has buoyed her up when events in her life could just as easily have brought her down. She may not be able to see, but Fatima is certain that her faith will only lead her to the right path — even when it comes to Justin Beiber! 

 

STUDENTS AND CAMPUSES BULLETIN (SCB): How did you react when you learned that the parents of actor AJ Perez have chosen you to receive the cornea of their son? 

FATIMA V. SORIANO: Nagulat po kami eh kasi hindi kami magkakilala personally. ‘Yung sister ko ang mas nakakakilala kay AJ kasi nanonood siya ng “Sabel.” 

 

SCB: Why do you think they chose you? 

FVS: Narinig ko lang po na nung Saturday night, bago namatay si AJ, nanonood po ang mommy niya ng “The Bottomline” kung saan po ako guest. Pinagdasal po ako ni Tito Boy (Abunda) ng healing prayer at sumabay daw po ‘yung mother ni AJ sa prayer. After that, her phone rang, tumawag ‘yung tatay ni AJ na sinabi nga na wala na po si AJ. Siguro po ‘yun ‘yung tumatak sa isip niya na the last thing before, ‘yung moment na ‘yun, ‘yung nanonood siya. 

 

SCB: But we have learned that Fatima’s condition does not really require a cornea because the “damaged’’ part of her eyes are actually her retina… 

Fely Soriano (Fatima’s mother): ‘Yun talaga ang problema niya. Ang normal retina, pinkish ang color, ‘yung kay Fatima ay gray. Wala talagang retina transplant, ‘yun lang development ng retina ang hinihintay namin, kung talagang pagkakaloob sa kanya ang sense of sight. ‘Yung iba, inooperahan pero nadedeform lang ang eyes nila. The doctors advised na huwag nang ipagalaw. But we are really very grateful to AJ’s parents. 

 

SCB: Are you totally blind at present? 

FVS: Since birth po. Pero nung 2006, nag-improve po siya. Dati po wala talaga akong light perception, ngayon meron na, kahit paunti-unti lang, nasisilaw na ang eyes ko. The doctor said nagiging pinkish na ang retina ko. Hindi ganun kadali, matagal talaga pero hintayin daw pong unti-unting mag pink na totally magdevelop ‘yung retina. 

 

SCB: After 17 years of being blind, do you still hope that one day, you will be able to see? 

FVS: Kung ‘yun po ang will ni Lord, pero okay din naman po na ganito rin. I’m praying for that but I will not be super upset kapag hindi nangyari. 

 

SCB: Have you ever reached a point when you blamed God for your condition, when you asked “why me’’? 

FVS: Never. Ang alam ko, may reason kung bakit ipinanganak ako na hindi nakakakita. Blessing na po ito kasi siguro kapag nakakakita ako, baka hindi ko nagagawa ‘yung mission sa tao kasi ang dami kong nakikitang bad things, baka maging iba ang attitude ko, baka maging negative ako, mapuno ako ng anger. 

 

SCB: You are known for being an essential part of the healing masses that Fr. Jerry Orbos gives all over the world. What basically happens at a healing mass? 

Fely: She touches the people on their shoulders and prays over them silently. ‘Yung iba, siguro emotionally, physically, may problema, they fall, they faint. 

FVS: Sabi ni Fr. Jerry, kapag ganun daw po, the Holy Spirit is taking over the person and is healing that person. 

 

SCB: So totoo pala ‘yung mga ganun, which we often see on TV? 

Fely: Yes. Binibiro ko pa siya, anak, baka naman tinutulak mo lang sila. Sabi niya, mama naman ang laki-laki niya, kaya ko ba ‘yun (laughs). Minsan, I hear her say on the phone, “Gagaling po kayo sabi ni Mama Mary.’’ Sabi ko, ano ba ito, kinakalaban naman niya ‘yung diagnosis ng doctor. Iisipin mo, ‘yung batang ‘yung gumagawa ng kuwento. ‘Yun talaga ang pumapasok sa akin. Pero after a week, a month, tatawag ‘yung mga na-pray over niya, nagpapasalamat sila, saying they’re healed. 

 

SCB: Can you walk us through the healing process? What preparations do you do? 

FVS: At the tabernacle, we pray the shielding prayer. “Lord, shield me with your most precious blood. Mama Mary, protect me with your blue mantle of protection.” We do it so that when we pray over other people, we do not absorb the negative energy. Then we lay our hands on the people. 'Yung iba they get “slain,’’ some resist and we tell them not to kasi 'yung Holy Spirit talaga pumapasok. We just tell them to let go. After the healing, we cleanse in front of the altar para kung me napuntang negative energy kahit konti, mawala naman siya. 

 

SCB: How do the Virgin Mary’s messages come to you? 

FVS: Kinakausap ko lang po siya, tapos lalabas ‘yung light and her face appears kapag tinawag ko po siya, or inisip ko siya. Hindi pa po talaga ako nakakakita ng face ng tao pero kapag ‘yung face niya po, it’s clear. Wala po akong nakikitang color, color ng eyes or ano, pero matangos ang ilong niya, lagi siyang naka-smile, soft ‘yung cheeks niya. 

 

SCB: When that first happened to you, how did you react? 

FVS: Nagulat po ako. I was 10 years old. Pero hindi na ako nakapagsalita talaga kasi sinabi niya agad, pina-feel niya sa akin ‘yung light nga po na siya na ‘yun. Nagro-rosary kami, umupo lang siya sa tabi ko. Tinanong niya lang kung kamusta ang araw ko. 

Fely: A week before going to Canada, nagising na lang kami na may blood clot siya sa lower lip. Nabibiyak ang gitna ng lips pero wala namang dugong tumutulo. Pinagalitan ko pa nga siya dahil akala ko kinagat niya ang labi niya. I asked a doctor to check it pero wala naman. Then this heart shaped clot appeared on her lower lip and stayed there for one year. Noong na-invite naman siya sa Marikina, nakunan naman siya ng picture, ang lumabas naman parang may halo siya! 

 

SCB: But how sure are you, Fatima, that it is the Virgin Mary that you are seeing and talking to? 

FVS: Iba po siya kasi kung hindi po totoo, siguro may dilim. Sabi niya, anak tandaan mo, kung may magpakita sa’yo na face ko pero may dilim, and you feel a strange feeling inside, bad ‘yun. 

 

SCB: Tagalog magsalita si Virgin Mary? 

FVS: (Giggles) Opo. Minsan English. Kinakausap ko siya ng language ko, sumasagot siya ng language ko. 

 

SCB: And she calls you “anak’’? 

FVS: Opo, minsan tinatawag niya rin tayo sa name natin, pero kada¬lasan “anak’’ lang. 

 

SCB: Have you ever come to a point that you felt this gift more as a burden and a responsibility? 

FVS: Hindi po talaga, although kung titingnan mo, it can be dahil nga po sa hindi siya biro talaga. It’s a joy for me to do this. Parang, wow I was healed, gusto ko gawin din ni Lord sa kanila. 

 

SCB: How often do your conversations with Mother Mary happen? 

FVS: Everyday po. Kadalasan, nagkakaroon ng conversations kapag may nagtatanong. Some people think it is easy. Minsan may sagot si Mama Mary, no wait muna, wala siyang ipapakita. 

 

SCB: What have been your most memorable conversations with the Virgin Mary? 

FVS: ‘Yung pong mga una. Akala ko, because I cannot see, siya lang talaga ‘yung kasama ko na nasa tabi ko, lalo na kapag naglalaro lang kami. 

 

SCB: Do you verbalize your conversations with her? 

FVS: Sa isip ko lang po. Ganun din po siya magsalita sa akin. Minsan naglalaro pa nga po kami. Nagulat na lang po ako, nandun po ako sa harap ng image niya, may dalang food. Kunwari anak niya ako, pinapabaunan niya ako ng baon papunta sa school. Hindi ko siya makalimutan kasi dun talaga pinakita niya na siya si Mama Mary. She conversed with me hindi lang para sa mga tao, kundi to me, personally. 

 

SCB: Is she with you in all the healing sessions? 

FVS: Yes, nagsasalita siya. Minsan there's a message kahit walang tanong. Minsan, ang daming tao to heal, minsan tinatanggal niya 'yung pagod, kinakausap niya ako. She explains or nakikipag-usap lang siya para lang to ease siguro 'yung negative energy if ever. 

 

SCB: Who did you first talk to about seeing Mama Mary? 

FVS: Aside from my family, kay Fr. Jerry, our spiritual adviser. When I was getting dialysis treatments, we called his radio program and asked for prayer. Nalaman niya na blind ako, tapos sinabi niya na sana mag-meet kami. After that sinasama na niya ako sa healing masses, sa TV mass, at through din then na napalabas kami sa Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK). 

 

 

SCB: How did you become so spiritual at such a young age? 

FVS: Since maliit naman po ako, tinuruan na ako mag-pray. I was also a member of Kids for Christ, and then I joined the choir. When I started to have kidney failure, dun lumaki pa po ‘yung relationship ko Lord. 

 

SCB: Have you experienced miracles in your life? 

FVS: Ay, madami po. Like ‘yung na kidney transplant po ako... The doctors were worried that since my donor was 23 years old, and I was 10, baka hindi magka match ang veins and arteries namin. But when they opened us up, parehong-pareho ang veins namin. He had the veins of a 10-year-old! That was a miracle. 

 

There was one time that we were leaving for Canada on a Sunday and Fr. Jerry was on the phone that Friday, already worried that we would not get our visa. Sabi niya, Fatima, i-pray mo naman kasi wala pa rin tayong visa, Sunday na ‘yung alis natin. On Saturday afternoon, we got our visas! 

 

SCB: Do you sometimes feel that you are becoming overly dependent on what Mama Mary says, and you may not be using your free will? 

FVS: Personally, Mama Mary lets me do what I want to do. Kung hindi naman, will ni God 'yun, it won't push through. Pero sa mga nagtatanong na ibang tao, hinahayaan ko lahat kay Mama Mary. Kahit minsan gusto kong sabihan 'yung mga business person na “Hello! Hindi manghuhula si Mama Mary!” Hinahayaan ko na lang. Si Mama Mary na lang ang sasagot dahil hindi naman ako ang tinatanong. I surrender everything to her kasi she knows what's right. 

 

SCB: Have non-believers come to you as well? 

FVS: Hindi naman nila sinabing hindi sila naniniwala. But through their questions, mara¬ramdaman mo na ‘yung faith nila. Kapag ganun I still explain. 

Fely: Hindi kami namimili ng relihiyon. 'Yung prayer naman ni Fatima, hindi naman niya sinasabi na sumunod sila eh, kasi silent prayer. Sinasabi niya na “I pray for you, you pray for your intention.” 

 

SCB: We heard that you and Fr. Jerry were a big part in helping broadcaster Ted Failon cope after the death of his wife.... 

FVS: Nasa America po kami nung nangyari 'yun kay Tito Ted. Si Fr. Jerry, he was there to comfort him, lagi niyang binibisita. Pag-uwi namin, Fr. Jerry naman was leaving for a pilgrimage. Ang sabi niya kay Tito Ted, he’d be gone for a week but if he had questions or if he wanted to talk, he would give my number to Tito Ted. Tumatawag talaga si Tito Ted until doon na nag-start at medyo gumaan na kay Tito Ted 'yung mga bagay-bagay through our prayers para sa kaniya at sa mga anak niya. 

 

 

SCB: Do you sometimes feel helpless not being able to see? 

FVS: Parang wala naman po. Kasi kapag dumarating na ‘yung time na ‘yun, nagpepray na ako kaagad for God’s help. ‘Pag feeling ko po nada-down ako, tinatanggal niya agad, so nagririse up po ako. 

 

SCB: Don’t you feel s ome t ime s l i k e you’re missing out on your youth especially now teenager ka? 

FVS: Siyempre ako may limitations. Pero ‘pag dumarating na ‘yung time na ‘yun, iniisip ko na lang na siyempre iba ako. Iniisip ko na baka ‘yung mga bagay na ‘yan, hindi talaga for me, iba talaga ‘yung sa akin. 

 

SCB: If you do regain your sight, is there someone that you look forward to seeing? 

FVS: Family, kung anong hitsura nila. My friends, lahat po yata. 

 

SCB: ‘Yung sarili mo? 

FVS: (Laughs) Ay oo nga ano! 

Fely: Minsan nasa mirror, nakatingin lang siya. Sasabihin ko, anong ginagawa mo diyan, tinitingnan ko po ang sarili ko. Anong nakita mo? Wala po. Nagta-try siya minsan lalo na ngayon nagkaroon na siya ng light perception. 

 

SCB: Are you involved in any projects for the youth, to urge them to go to church and listen to the words of God? 

FVS: Wala pa sa ngayon, pero we never turn down invitations that will give us the opportunity to speak before the youth, kasi kailangan nila bukod sa inspiration is 'yung motivation talaga. 

 

SCB: What advice do you give these young people? 

FVS: Sa kabila ng lahat ng bagay dito sa mundo, in spite of all that's going on, huwag natin kakalimutan si God dahil siya 'yung center ng life natin. Siya 'yung palaging gagabay sa atin. Siya talaga 'yung dapat nating i-remember in everything we do. Be grateful to their parents kasi kung wala sila, sino ang magiging guide, ang magpro-protect at gagabay sa kanila. 

 

SCB: What does Easter mean to you? 

FVS: Easter is a celebration of the resurrection, that after Good Friday there is still life and joy pa rin. Hindi lang siya about Easter egg hunts, tungkol 'yun sa pagkabuhay niya for us. Sabi ng iba, ito daw talaga 'yung Christmas kasi once again, nabuhay siya for us. Kung hindi nangyari 'yun, paano na tayo? He gave us new life. 

 

 

SCB: You're turning 18 soon. Do you have plans for your debut? 

FVS: (laughs) Katulad lang ng ginagawa dun sa mga iba, 'yung mga 18 roses. Hindi ko alam kung si Fr. Jerry o si Papa 'yung first dance. 

 

SCB: Do you have a crush already? Puwede na bang magpaligaw si Fatima? 

FVS: (laughs) Hindi naman ganun! Wala naman, si Justin Bieber (laughs).

 

SCB: He has a concert here!

FVS: Manonood nga kami! Sabi ko talaga, Mama, kahit wala na akong pa-birthday, kahit wala na akong debut, basta makanood lang ako! Sa Gold B yata kami. Buti na lang walang Gold A!

 

SCB: You’re so excited!

FVS: Ay naku! May tanong nga sa Bottomline si Tito Boy — Hypothetically, kung nagkataon na hindi naniniwala kay Mama Mary si Justin Bieber, papanoorin mo pa ba siya?” Ang sabi ko, “Opo. At alam niyo, ipagpe-pray ko na maniniwala din siya kung hindi siya naniniwala ngayon.” (laughs) I know his mother is very prayerful.

 

SCB: What's your favorite Justin Bieber song?

FVS: Lahat (laughs)!

 

SCB: So you liked Justin Bieber because of his songs and not his looks?

FVS: Sabi ng cousin ko, cute siya (laughs)! Ang sabi ko hindi na niya kailangan sabihin kasi sa boses pa lang cute na (laughs)! Baka kapag nag-hello siya sa akin, hindi ako makasalita!

 

SCB: How did your love for music start?

FVS: Since maliit pa po talaga ako, mahilig na akong makinig ng music, nagrerecord ng voice ko sa tape, kahit ako lang mag-isa, bulol-bulol. Iba ‘yung feeling ko when I listen to music, kapag kumakanta ako, parang nagso-soar ka. Sabi ko, baka ito talaga ‘yung calling ko, ‘yung gift ko of music.

 

SCB: What kind of music do you listen to?

FVS: Bukod sa inspirational, ‘yung talagang pinakikinggan ko ‘yung mga pop, mga Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, ‘yung mga usual na pop music.

SCB: What would make you turn away somebody who is asking for your help? Kapag inaway si Justin Bieber?

FVS: (laughs) Hindi ko alam eh.

 

SCB: Perhaps Selena Gomez? Break na sila!

FVS: Oh my God, bakit hindi sinabi sa news?

 

SCB: May chance ka pa!

FVS: (Laughs heartily)