MANILA, Philippines - Tahan-Tahanan at the lower ground, North Wing of East Avenue Medical Center, East Avenue, Quezon City is supported by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). It is a haven for kids with non-communicable diseases and their family/caregivers who come from the provinces and seek cancer treatment in Metro Manila hospitals.
Supported by volunteers from all walks of life, from the academe, artists, Kapisanan ng may K sa Pilipinas, social workers, to housewives and students, Tahan-Tahanan is the country’s first halfway home for kids, from zero to 20 years old, with cancer inside a public hospital — that has benefited those young cancer-stricken patients living in far-flung areas.
Recently, some celebrities brought gifts and joy to these kids and talked to them. They were PCSO GM lawyer Joy Rojas who can be heard over DWIZ’s Pusong Pinoy on Saturdays at 7 a.m. and Pari Ko, Sundays, 9:30 p.m.; Jose Mari Chan who sang two songs, including Christmas In Our Hearts; and the cast of Teen Saint Pedro the Musical led by actors Makisig Morales and Maliksi Morales; Rotary Club Midtown Diliman member Simkin de Pio with president Stauro Punongbayan, who sponsored the food for the kids, did story-telling and co-emceed the event with Teen Saint Pedro the Musical performer Emer Guingon; and noted Filipino Canada-based writer and TV broadcaster Gemma Aguilar who is on vacation. There was a dance performance from Casino Ethyl Alcohol model Melissa Jane Nolasco who was accompanied by her actor-brother James Nolasco and mom Christine Vichuaco-Nolasco.
Seen also during the entertainment activities were Joseph Muego and Rogelio Constantino Medina of the PCSO GM’s office, and Tahan-Tahanan medical director Dr. Ma. Victoria Abesamis, home manager Maggie Abilgos and Dr. Elizabeth Pineda.