A SINGLE STEP

My Journey with Cancer
By Muffet Dolar Villegas

A SINGLE STEP

Today, many homes are preparing sumptuous food for everyone for free. Fiesta, is a Filipino tradition which has been with us for many years. Homes are opened and the popular delicacy like lechon (roasted pig) are laid down on the tables complete with apples in their mouths.
Filipino dishes like karekare, adobo, kaldereta, dinuguan, and many more are begging for attention in many residences. This is eat all you can for two days and everything for free for anyone, friends or strangers alike.
But this city of gentle people is not only focusing on food this month. Since November is a Cancer month, many activities, on wellness and prevention of lifestyle causing diseases are held in the city.
Medical practitioners, oncologists from different hospitals in the city are holding series of lectures, forums, exhibits, fundraising, presentations, discounted mammograms to bring awareness about cancer and its prevention. This is spearheaded by Dr. Geena Macalua, Dr. Sheila Flores and Dr. Rachel Rosario. There will be discussions about cancer on Monday “A Night of Disclosure” by Dr. Rachel Rosario at 6 pm at Imay’s restaurant, followed by a lecture on multidisciplinary approach to rectal cancer which will be conducted by three surgeons and oncologists , namely Dr. Antonio Villalon, Dr. Manuel Roxas and Dr. Kathleen Baldivia at 6 pm at Bethel Guest House.
Cynthia Carrion , Assistant Secretary of Sports and Wellness Tourism of the Department of Tourism in the Philippines, also came to Dumaguete city to grace the occasion of the City Fiesta Half Marathon, promoting sports and wellness tourism.
She opened the Sports and Wellness exhibit at 3 pm Friday at the Quezon park , which features many organizations in Negros Oriental and individuals who are involved in promoting health and sports which was organized by the Negros Oriental Department of Trade and Industry, Dumaguete City Tourism and Foundation University. They sold fresh organic fruits and vegetables at the same time, created awareness on Physical therapy programs, the importance of soya drink, promote Filipino sports like arnis, and many more. It runs from nov.23 to25.
Cynthia Carrion, who is involved in many sports and wellness programs here and abroad, stressed in a press conference held in Mamia’s restaurant, the importance of healthy lifestyle for everyone in order to be productive citizens and to enjoy a longer quality life. She is also the personal fitness trainer of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
She emphasized that God created our bodies and we have to take care of them as much as we could. Sports and tourism are good to be put together to improve our country, she explained.
The press conference was well attended by the media, tourism officials, Mayor Tuting Perdices who sponsored lunch for the press conference and Dr. Mira Sinco, the president of Foundation University.
Manuel Sagarbarria, chairman of the city tourism council and Dr. Perry Mequi director of the IYSPEACE are spearheading the first half fiesta martahon project which involves runners from all over the country and local participants.
The marathon stressed more on the importance of health to each individual as many more were challenged to join these activities in the future.
Many big establishment, showed their support by donating food and prizes to the runners who came from all walks of life, children and adults alike.
A lot of people who were involved in preparing and implementing this project, were rewarded as many more see the light of being fit and healthy.
This is a long journey. But it always begin with a single step.