It was the longest nine days of her life and her worst nightmare, too. That’s how businesswoman Kathryn “Kate” Bellosillo described her ordeal 27 years ago when her two sons and a nephew were kidnapped at gunpoint by more than 10 armed men on their way to school.

 
Kate, currently the chief executive officer (CEO) of leading food supplement company Kyani Philippines, Inc., said she felt like she was losing her mind as anxiety increased day-by-day wondering how the kids were in the hands of the kidnap-for-ransom gang.

 
Appearing on actor Matteo Guidicelli’s podcast “Mattruns” last Aug. 31, Kate—for the first time—finally opened up as she recalled what transpired during what she described as the most harrowing moments in the Bellosillo household.

 
“Well, our two sons, Paolo was 13 and John was 8. And then a nephew of mine. The car was stopped by armed men. They were with their yaya (nannies) and the driver. And they were taken to a safe house. And that was the start of the ordeal. They were held hostage for nine days,” Kate told Matteo.

 
She remembered picking up the call at a hospital because, at that time, her daughter Marga was confined for amoebiasis. “So, I couldn't believe it. I thought it was a prank call but was later confirmed that indeed the children were abducted,” Kate narrated.

 
Police records showed that on Aug. 9, 1994, unidentified persons kidnapped at gunpoint Kate son’s Paolo and John Bellosillo; and nephew Niño Bellosillo, 11; their nannies Dianita Bebita and Janilyn Dumagpi, and driver Antonio Paquera.

 
The victims were on their way to the Ateneo de Manila University when their Toyota Lite Ace van was blocked by the kidnappers, who were riding a taxicab at around 6:30 a.m. along Scout Limbaga Street in Quezon City.

 
The kidnappers commandeered the van and blindfolded the victims with packaging tape before taking them to a safehouse and demanded a P10 million ransom.

 
When asked by the actor-host how she felt exactly at the moment the kidnapping was confirmed, Kate said “I was in disbelief. That was the time when there was a rash of kidnappings, but mostly Tsinoys. So, you know, you hear all of these in the news, but when it happens to you, you struggle to make sense out of it: This can't be happening to me, but it is happening to me; what is this all about? Those kinds of mixed emotions and thoughts.”

 
During those nine days, Kate held on to her faith, devoting much time to prayer, getting in touch with the late Fr. Sonny Ramirez and other priests as well as nuns who were close to the family.

 
Incidentally, it was Fr. Ramirez who would connect Kate to then Presidential Anti-Crime Commission (PACC) Task Force Habagat head Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who is now an incumbent senator.

Despite the stern warning of the KFR gang not to report the incident to the police, the Bellosillo family put their trust in Gen. Lacson and his men. The secret meeting between the future senator and the Bellosillo family eventually took place through Fr. Ramirez.

 
“So, he (Fr. Sonny) arranged for a private meeting with Sen. Ping. And I still remember that night he was with some of his men. And then our family. He was a very quiet, unassuming, and very gentle person. He was just listening to us. And then finally, he just gave instructions. He left two of his men and told us they're going to guide me, including how to answer when the kidnappers call,” Kate pointed out.

 
“I'm very grateful to Sen. Ping for the kindness, the concern that he extended to the family and he gave me his personal number and said ‘Mrs. Bellosillo, anytime that you feel you have to talk to me directly, just call me at this number. So, we would communicate,” she added.

 
On the seventh day of the abduction, the Bellosillo family was only able to raise P410,000 in cash and P80,000 worth of jewelry. The reduced ransom was accepted by the kidnappers and two days later, the victims were released unharmed on Aug. 18, 1994, in Novaliches, Quezon City.

 
Lacson and his men didn’t stop helping the family until the kidnappers—or at least most of them were arrested and brought to court. They are now serving their terms at the National Bilibid Prison.

Matteo asked Kate if the incident, which happened almost three decades ago, still haunts her, and she responded in the affirmative. Not only her, she admitted, but especially her son John. “There will be triggers like stress at work. There were nights he couldn’t sleep,” she shared.

 
With the various stages of lockdowns prevailing in the country for almost two years now due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kate said the mental anguish, the anxiety, and the depression that the Bellosillo family experienced many years ago could be very well felt by most people today.

 
The thoughts of an uncertain future, death of loved ones or loss of jobs can be overwhelming. That is why, she pointed out, taking care of one’s mental health and prioritizing overall wellness is important.

Psychologist Dr. Rea Villa, who was also a guest on the same podcast, couldn’t agree more. While Kate resorted to prayers and meditation, there are many ways on how people can find their anchors in these trying times.

 
“We all need to cope. But what's good about it, about being human, is that we have this capability to adapt and to survive. So, find that certain voice inside you which will guide you in the darkest of times,” the clinical psychologist said.

 
The doctor also emphasized the need to balance everything, and eventually finding your anchor “may it be through prayer, emotional connections, being a plantita or taking care of pets.”

 
“You need to find yourself amidst all the chaos, and it has to be purposive. It's literally, when you wake up each day, you consciously try to find balance by doing what you love,” she concluded.