The Department of Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Bicutan is close to my heart. I have been part of some of its activities and I have become friends with its staff. Thank you to DOH-TRC Nurse Francis Bryan Talatala for introducing me to this institution and to DOH-TRC Chief Dr. Alfonso Villaroman for the trust and support. I have witnessed the dedication of the center’s nurses and employees and the determination of its patients to live a renewed life. (habang ako puro arte ang alam!)
They recently invited me again to host a program titled: “Beauty with a Purpose “for their female patients’ activity. All the while, I thought the event was inspired by my beauty. (beauty daw o ?!) but no, it was a special project of Miss World Philippines candidate #30 Angela Teng who has been a volunteer in the center. (ready pa naman ako sa aking crown at sash!)
The one-day affair started with my interview with Angela, who arrived in a simple black shirt, jeans, and comfortable shoes. (mas umeffort pa ata ako!) But I could see the beauty queen in her, beauty and brains! (medyo natomboy ako sa part na ito!) She reminded me of the younger years of Miss Universe 1973 Margie Moran (hindi Pia Moran ha!)
“My beauty with a purpose project is focused on women empowerment. I am here at the DOH-TRC to empower women with substance abuse. For many instances, we treat them as victims, and we don’t give them time and space to share their stories. I have been spending time with them for the past weeks. We had group discussions and one-on-one conversations. I really learn a lot from their struggles and adversities that they face in life," Angela shares. (yung beauty ko kaya may purpose?!)
After my interview with her, she decided to change her look for her talk with the female patients. (change costume si ate girl!) This time, she wore a sexy white outfit with matching high heels. (yung kahit kapre mahihiya sa tangkad nya!)
“Treatment should not be a punishment. One common misconception is, being in a rehabilitation center is a negative experience. But treatment does not have to be a negative experience. This is a wellness center. The people here who are professional in their fields are willing to help you, “Angela explains. (paluin ko sa pwet yung nag-ne-nega!)
The 26-year-old Data Scientist from Baliwag Bulacan is set to compete on the coronation night next month. (bigyan ng korona yan!)
“I also had experiences in the past that I felt alone, I felt unheard, and I felt I had to deal with my mental issues including anxiety. I empathize with them. I truly hope I can be a voice for them and encourage more women to hear their stories and their challenges. We have to assure them that we are here to listen and help, “Angela says. (bitbit ko ang universe te, kaya i-go mo na ang world!)
(MR.FU hosts on 91.5 Win Radio, 7pm-9pm, Mondays to Fridays. Twitter/IG: @mrfu_mayganon. FB: mr.fu tagabulabog ng buong universe. Youtube/FB: WTFu. Patreon: www.patreon.com/wtfu website: www.channelfu.com )