Survivors Speak

PATTY BETITA, image enhancement speaker, model coach, talent mentor, Binibining Pilipinas International 1991 “I am a survivor. I am whole and beautiful.” I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in 2008 but only came out and announced it in public in 2015 via the...

KAT CRUZ-VILLANUEVA, fashion stylist, founder, STYLEdiT Group Before my diagnosis, I was such a workaholic. Even at home, I was always on the go, constantly trying to be productive and filling my time to the brim. I was in a race with myself, never allowing for a...

MAAN HONTIVEROS, President, Board of Trustees, Manila Symphony Orchestra My siblings and a few of my closest friends here and in the USA were sworn to secrecy to spare my elderly father who was still grappling with the loss of my Mom due to breast cancer. They circled...

CHECHE MORAL, Editor, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Lifestyle Section My friend Anne went with me to all the checkups and consultations. Ironically, maybe two months before I got diagnosed, she was the one who had a breast cancer scare, and I went with her to her own...

ELISEO BELARIZ JR., former cafeteria manager, St. Louis University-Sacred Heart Medical Center Yes, men can get breast cancer, too. I am not ashamed to say that I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 and, for my treatment, I went through radiation and six rounds...

LIA DELGADO-INFANTE, Psychologist, In-Touch Community Services, International School Manila I understand that cancer treatments, particularly chemo, can seem daunting. But here's some good news: the medical field has made huge strides in managing the side effects....

ALYA HONASAN, writer, editor, furmama My dog Kikay was a constant, reassuring, calming, and loving presence throughout my treatment. It was a point of contention with my doctor whether or not to allow her on the bed with me even after chemotherapy, but I insisted that...

DR. ANNA LISA ONG-LIM, Professor and Chief of the Division of Infectious and Tropical Disease in Pediatrics, UP-PGH People say that cancer is the worst thing that could possibly happen to someone, and I agree; it’s not an easy challenge. In hindsight, I can only say...

MARIVIC BUGASTO, ICanServe coordinator for the Cordillera Region, President, Minda’s Buddies, living with Stage 4 breast cancer since 2007 When I was first diagnosed with cancer, it felt like my world had been turned upside down. The journey through treatment was...

CELESTE TUVIERA, hairdresser, owner of Celeste Tuviera Hair Studio at The Peninsula Manila The toughest challenge was opening up and talking about my experience, as I’m a very private person. It took a lot of courage to address the ‘elephant in the room’ and share...

OLIVE LAMASAN, director, producer My first bout with breast cancer was in 2008. The second one was in 2022. In both instances, I opted for mastectomy… (In my cancer journey, I discovered) that I could love myself, that I could prioritize needs, and that I am not...

RITA NAZARENO, designer, creative director, ZACARIAS1925 I am grateful for everyone who went on this journey with me — people who are still in my life, people who are not…I’m thankful for each and everyone of them. Those who’ve sent messages, who went with me to...

LEAH CARINGAL Founder and CEO, Green Bulb Communications Founder and COO, Bihasa Consultancy If cancer didn’t get to me, I think I would have continued my life and lifestyle as if I were perpetually in college… I’m more responsible now and intentional in how I live my...