Let your blood flow for Mel

During all those years that Mel Tiangco and I were both working for Channel 2, we never had the chance to become close to each other. We said no more than hi and hello the few times we would bump into each other at the ABS-CBN corridors.

The situation hasn’t changed between us now that we’re both under the roof of GMA-7. In fact, in the two years I’ve been with this station, I’ve seen her in the studio premises only once.

No, there certainly is no animosity between us. We just never had the chance to be close to each other – plain and simple. And this is such a pity because I’ve heard so many wonderful stories about her being so warm and affectionate. Ali Sotto, now Mexico-based, even swears by Mel’s kindness.

People’s opinion of Mel was in stark contrast to my initial impression of her – especially when we were both still with ABS-CBN. I thought she was cold and indifferent to people. (Actually, I’ve always felt more comfortable with Jay Sonza.)

There was even a time when I felt intimidated by Mel. Maybe it had something to do with those trademark eyeglasses. Or maybe it was her towering height. (A former fashion model, she‘s really a lot taller than most other Pinays.)

But even if I never had the chance to know Mel that well in person, I have to say that I’ve always admired her dedication to her craft. And I admire even more her involvement in public service – via her Bisig Bayan program. Although she is not yet on the same level as Rosa Rosal when it comes to humanitarian service, I‘d like to think that she’s already on her way there.

On Aug. 7, Tuesday, Mel is turning a year wiser. But instead of throwing a lavish party, she is organizing a bloodletting program (actually an annual project of the Bisig Bayan Public Service Office) at the Ever Gotesco mall along Commonwealth Ave. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. People from the Philippine National Red Cross will be there to supervise this blood donation program.

Mel is asking everyone to please take part in this important activity. All you have to give is a pint of blood and 30 minutes of your time.

I really plan to be there, except that I wasn’t sure if I could be a blood donor. You see, I know for a fact that not everyone can donate blood. It was a good thing the Bisig Bayan office attached to their invitation a copy of the Red Cross Guide for Blood Donors. And I would like to share with you the contents of this guide just in case you may want to take part in Mel’s bloodletting program. I’m publishing below the medical requirements for prospective blood donors.

Those who have the following diseases may not donate blood:
- Active pulmonary tuberculosis
- Diabetes under insulin and oral hypoglycemic drugs
- Rheumatic fever
- Asthma within two months after last attack
- Chronic eczema, dermatitis or recurring boils
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Convulsions, epilepsy or other mental diseases
- Kidney diseases
- Acute gastric ulcer within the past two years
- Current allergic reactions
- Cancer
- Filariasis
- Yaws and other long-standing skin diseases
- Jaundice (liver disease)

Others who may not donate blood are the following:

- Pregnant women. (Those who just gave birth have to wait for 12 months after delivery before they can be eligible to donate blood.)

- People with malaria. (If you had malaria three years ago, but haven’t had a recurrence in those three years, then you may already donate blood.)

- Those who underwent major surgical operation within the last six months.

- Recipients of blood or plasma transfusion within the past six months.

- Those below 18 and above 65. Teens aged 16 or 17 may donate blood, but with parental consent.

- Those who weigh less than 110 lbs. (50 kilograms)

People involved in hazardous occupations – like those who operate heavy equipment or drive trucks and buses are not advised to resume work five hours after donating blood. For aircrew members, the waiting period is 24 hours after blood donation.

For those who are eligible to donate blood, I hope you can take part in this Bisig Bayan project. It will not only make Mel happy (after all, she has been delivering the news to us every day for the past so many years). Your involvement here may also save the life of another human being in need of blood – especially now that we’re in the middle of a dengue fever epidemic.