Brilliant Photos of Mayk Pericon


Mayk Pericon
This artist does not smoke. He’s not into drugs. His only focus nowadays is photography. Mayk Pericon is a destination wedding and portrait photographer based in Kalibo, Aklan.

Recognized for his talent in capturing laidback yet brilliant photos, he is able to seize important moments with modern approach in wedding photography. His job entails moving around the country. “I see a lot of places, meet a lot of people. I also go to Manila quite often.”

When he has a shoot, he wakes up at 6am. He always try to go early, 30 minutes ahead of call time because he  talks to his client how they'd want the pictures to be - if  they have suggestions or any ideas to share.

“When I don’t have a shoot, I always think how I could improve my craft it's pretty much relaxed when I don’t have a shoot, I edit. I also do some layout. I’m hands-on with my business.”

 
PRESERVING TIME

As a photographer, Mayk’s duty is to capture what is beautiful, timeless and relevant. “It's like preserving time. We try to keep memories fresh in your mind.” He had been into photography since high school as a hobbyist and six years as professional.

For sure, there had been challenges. “It's a big world out there. There's a lot to learn. I always try to absorb everything, all new knowledge, of course to my advantage.” In handling difficult situations, he always tries to maintain communication lines open. “I answer issues the professional way. Nobody wants to burn bridges. I haven't encountered bad publicity though.”

But he’s inspired. Whatever he does, he always gives thanks to God. “I'm thankful of this God-given talent which I intend to share.  My family is also a source of inspiration. They’ve always been there for me. They were there during tough and trying times.”

Mayk said he’s indebted to his brother, Jonel, who helped him start up his business. “Without him, I’d probably still grappling in this industry. He's truly a pillar of Mayk Photography.”   He’s also grateful to his fiancĂ© for the “unending support and for all the inspiration and love.”

He admires Filipino photographers more for he believes “we are a class of our own; there's a certain flavor to what we capture. We don't do photography by the books.”

He looks up to Manny Librodo because of his technique in fusing nature and technology. “He's the best portrait photography out there.” As a wedding photographer, he likes Lito Sy’s style for being a true innovator and for always putting fresh ideas in work.

PATH TO PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography had always been a passion for Mayk since high school. “Back in the days, I used film to capture camera. I'd take pictures from stuff that catches my interests like simple subjects that tell story.”

He worked in a private firm but he realized being enclosed in a cubicle isn’t his thing so he resigned, and started as staff in few photography business then finally built his own business.

“My family has always supported what I do in life. they inspire me in some ways. one factor also is I’m a nature lover. I’d always want to go out there and capture the beauty of nature.”

He likes to talk about his family. “We're pretty much tight knit, like a traditional Filipino family. I have four siblings, who are all professional and have respective careers. My parents are in sugar business. Love them all.”

ACHIEVER

While young, Mayk has proven to the world that he has achieved great things. “Right now, I’m contented with how things are going. My greatest achievement is every time I deliver satisfying results to my client like seeing how happy they are. It’s priceless.”

When asked of his favorite project, he says, “everything I’ve accomplished and the ones that are still to come. I do things whole heartedly.”

Mayk Photography gives a fresh take on photography with quirky, yet tasteful brand. Mayk Pericon, founder of the company, zones in on the smallest, yet most significant details of every wedding to capture the candid, profound and heartwarming moments. His vision is to give clients exactly what they want: absolute perfection and high-end service.

With digital SLRs (Nikon cameras) and state of the art equipment, one can say he’s truly a prolific artist you just have to see the output. He has won numerous awards from prestigious organizations including Wedding & Portrait Photographers of the Philippines in 2006.

HOME BUDDY

Mayk is a home buddy. “When I’m not working I just stay at home with my family or hang out with my fiance. I also try to widen my network. I meet up with client.”

He reads almost everything but his more into photography books. “I browse online for styles, what's new, what's the trend in photography. I also read Jk Rowling's Harry Potter.” Mayk’s friends say he’s a very simple person who doesn’t like an extravagant life. He’s approachable and friendly.

REFUGE

When things go wrong, he goes to church to pray for guidance. To deal with difficult situation, he asks his family and closest friends for advice.

“I have faith in God. When you trust God, everything will fall into places. I also make it a point to have my two feet firmly on the ground. You always have to be grounded. An overinflated ego is the start of your downfall. I also try my best to love those who try to be hostile. Love thy neighbor as the bible says,” he said.

With God, he said he’s very much happy where he is right now. But Mayk could not just sit and be contented for offers keep on coming in. He can’t resist.

Mayk’s horizon is expanding this year. He’s doing weddings in Ilocos, Pampanga and Manila. He used to shoot only here in Western Visayas. Scheduled are10 wedding projects for January.

Well, if you have the chance to talk to this sweet guy, grab the opportunity for the next day, he’s off for a photo shoot. And you’ll never see his sparkling eyes again.







Chita Heap: Another David Facing Goliath


“It is wonderful to believe in God,
but this is no substitute for experiencing God in person.”


The desire to serve her people and correct those things that are wrong with our society has set this woman to the path of journalism. It is as a consequence of this motivation that she recently filed a case in the office of the Ombudsman  against a top public official whom she called one of her “frustrations,” which case is currently ongoing.

Heap, 59, was once tagged by Panay News as a “lady of modesty and tenderness.” Colleagues call her “Fighter of the Year.”

There are good and bad politicians according to her.

“The good politicians are those who act only for the good of the people without any thought for personal benefit or reward. There are those too who seek to use their position to benefit themselves. But the same can also be said with other groups in our society, be they policemen, or be they tricycle drivers,” she said.

“To improve our society, we need to improve ourselves as individuals and so for each of us this becomes a personal mission. This world is how we have made it. It is a reflection of how we are. If we want to live in a world that is filled with love, then we must discover that love within ourselves. As human beings, we are made of love, by love to love. This is our true purpose, and the same is no less true for politicians. Bad politician takes office because we put them there. We should perhaps be more discerning in who we elect,” she further said.

When asked to describe the world she revolves in, she jokingly said, “It is the world that revolves not me. But joking aside, I would say that we see the world not as it is. We see the world as we are. The world is a mirror. When I am feeling good inside, I see a beautiful world.”

“When I am feeling bad, the world becomes ugly. As individuals, each of us has a choice whether to look into our own shadow, or to turn around and look at the sun. We cannot look in both directions at the same time.”

CHALLENGES


Even early in life, Chita believes her main responsibility is to herself. While studying, she had the chance to win an Essay Writing Contest. This opened her eyes to the wonderful world of journalism. Young and determined, she worked as a police beat reporter for the period 1967 to 1973. She contributes articles to Taliba, Manila Times, Chronicle and Daily Express.

In 1973, she was introduced to an Englishman, John Alan Heap, a son of a UN diplomat, and who later became her partner for life. It was through him  that  she was introduced to the message of Peace and Hope of Prem Rawat.

Their first daughter Julie Christine, fourth runner up in the Mutya ng Pilipinas in 1999, was born in Manila. She is now married with one child and works as Editor of Destination, the  in flight magazine for American Airlines. Their second daughter, Amelia Wendy works in the Ministry of Paintball in UK and  is engaged to an Englishman who works for a law firm.

“My family are all very talented, and are able to excel in numerous areas. They are willing to take on challenges and attempt things which other people are hesitant to do. My husband recently bought a dictionary, and the first thing he did was to cross out the word ‘IMPOSSIBLE’, explaining that in an infinite universe, all things are possible.

Her eldest daughter has a personal motto which goes,  “If you are not on the edge, then you are taking up too much space”  while her  youngest daughter is mindful that “we only have one life, so we had better make  it count.”

LEARNING FROM CHILDREN


Although it is necessary to give a certain amount of guidance to one’s children, it is necessary for them to learn from their own experience, so she believes, “we must allow our children to do this, and to determine for themselves the values that are important to them. “ Yes, many Filipino children live with their parents well into their adulthood.

Chita’s children both left home at the age of 16, so excited were they to explore the world, and to be self supporting and fully independent.

Over the years, her main obligation has been to support her husband and to bring up her children. “Now that my children are grown, I am free to pursue my own interests once more. My husband is fully supportive of this, having his own interest which he pursues with vigour. At times we seem like ships that pass in the nights, but our relationship has a solid foundation, and there is friendship and humour.”

Chita’s husband is not only an artist; he is also an architect, an engineer, a painter, a writer, a philosopher, an entertainer and a musician. In her own language, she describes him as a partner who “has a lust for life which I greatly admire, and does not hesitate to turn his hand to whatever needs attention.”

While abroad, she worked for various charities. At one time, she was named chairperson for Horsmonden Branch  of the National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

All through the years, Chita never forgot her roots.  “My family are all free thinkers and given to expressing their views regardless of who might oppose them. Truth is the banner that I choose, and what banner is more fitting to lead an army?”

RARE BREED

Chita likewise never forgets her first love – journalism. She is now Feature Editor of Western Visayas Explorer, columnist of the Aklan Reporter and Hala Birada newsweekly in her home province. Her  task as a journalist  is firstly to report on local events that are of  interest. “As an investigative journalist I endeavour to identify what is going on behind the scenes, and to understand the mechanics of a situation.  I express my own personal views about issues which affect our society, and try to stimulate debate.”

But Chita does not regard journalism as an occupation but rather as a means of meeting people and of helping her country. “What I would  like to see is people thinking for themselves and taking the initiative. As individuals, we all need to wake up and smell the coffee. As individuals, we all have so much potential but we constantly need to be reminded of this.”

To be a journalist in the Philippines takes courage, according to her.  “Many have already given their lives, or rather have had their lives taken from them in their attempt to expose corruption, injustice and wrong doing. The “we” as journalists  may sometimes beg to differ on minor issues, when it comes to important matters we speak with one voice. I cannot therefore claim that any one person is the greatest Filipino journalist. Whenever a journalist reports a story and puts his or her own safety at risk, then at that moment he or she is the greatest journalist.”

She cannot name  the greatest foreign journalist, anymore than she can measure  courage, or the tears that are shed in the  course of their investigations. “Journalists are a special breed. Some put themselves in the front line of battle carrying only a camera and not a gun. Some experience disasters and people in trauma and their experiences become a part of them. I can only feel admiration and respect for any journalist who takes up this cause.”


BAD PUBLICITY


There will always be bad publicity but for Chita, the truth will remain the truth no matter how others may seem to twist or obscure it. “One cannot remove a shadow with a dust pan and brush, but when the sun burst through the clouds, the shadow will disappear. A shadow itself has no substance, and lies will ultimately expose themselves for what they are.”

INSPIRING OTHERS


Despite her busy schedule, she reads books - everything from popular  literature to the classics. “There is never a time when I am not busy, but I will take time to take my family to the beach, or enjoy a meal in good company. There will be plenty of time to rest when I die, she chuckled.”

At present her focus is upon improving the environment  and Kool  Earth, which she leads as Vice President, has proved to be a wonderful mechanism for this, but the welfare of children is also very close to her heart. She’s very excited by her husband’ project which is to develop  means of countering the effects of Global Warming, and of setting an example which others can follow.

As  a community leader, being Vice President for Public Relations of Toastmasters International in Kalibo,  it is not only to suggest a positive cause of action based upon her own experience and also on what  she observes, but also to inspire others and encourage them to take the initiative themselves. “I cannot solve all our society’s problems, but if I can serve as a catalyst then I feel that my time has been well spent.”

As a woman leader, it was never her intention to become a leader. “I do what needs to be done and follow what my conscience tells me. If others regard me as a leader then that is their choice. I just see me as me.”

Tackling corruption is also an ongoing concern, and she continues to take a stand against this whenever the need arises.

MESSAGE OF PEACE

She has travelled to many parts of the world, often to see her teacher whom she was extremely fortunate to encounter.  “He never fails to inspire me, and his teachings together with the experience that he revealed have become the underlying foundation of my life. He teaches that everything I need can be found within, but more importantly he showed me the means to access this.”

Jesus said the same thing, when He said that the Kingdom of Heaven is within. “My teacher Prem Rawat also known as Maharaji has enabled me to make this a reality in my life. It is wonderful to believe in God, but this is no substitute for experiencing God in person.”

She’s even more excited by  the possible visit to Kalibo this year of her teacher Prem Rawat. This is an event which she feels will be of epic importance to people from every level of our society. “All that it takes to light a fire is a single match. It has been my experience that Prem Rawat is able to ignite that fire within, the likes of which cannot be compared with anything that this world  has to offer.”

To the young professionals of today, this is her advice: “ Follow your dreams. Have faith in yourself and welcome change. We have been stuck in the past for too long, and our country needs to change. It is young and innovative minds which will ultimately bring this about.

SHOPPING BAG


Life is very important to her.  Many people think of their life as they would think of the items they put into a shopping bag. For her, life is the shopping bag. Yet, despite her achievements, Chita said the journey is the destination.

“A bicycle only remains upright if you are pedalling. Only when the bicycle is in motion do you feel the wind in your hair. Should I ever reach my destination, I am sure that another destination will arise. My true journey is one of self discovery. A search for that true contentment which all of us desire. Upon achieving that, my only desire would be for even  more.”

Remaining with her husband for 38 years is so far an achievement. “He walks so fast that  is  sometimes hard for me to keep up with him, but then his legs are so much longer than mine,” she laughed.

SECRET IN LIFE


“Life is interesting. I learned  a lot. I wanted to impart to those who are interested to learn. “Her secret in life is what she has discovered within. “I am more than the individual that people see. The external identity maybe a part of me, but my true identity lies deep within. The same holds true for all of us, and if each of us were to discover his or her own true identity, we would know that we are in fact a spark of God’s own fire.

“It is not by choice that this is a secret. For only through direct experience can an individual come to know this as he or she journeys through life.”



The Untold Story of Mila Yap Sumndad: Queen of Paradise



If there is one person who can tell the story of Boracay’s rapid development, it would be Mila Yap-Sumndad. Born in 1946 in Boracay Island, Mila is now 63 years old.

PIONEERING SPIRIT


Sumndad gave up her banking career in Manila in 1977 and went home without even knowing that she will plant the seeds of faith which ultimately gave birth to a tourist facility that held the distinction as the first to have toilet and bath that has both hot and cold running water.

“Boracay started as a backyard tourist industry in 1978,” she recalled.

In one of the feature stories about her, Sumndad was described as “one of Boracay pioneering spirit who raised the standards of resort hotels on the island, introducing innovation that would set the standards for years to come.”

With her father, she established the Yap’s Rest House in 19077, which provided room for tourists for only five pesos a night. Following the popularity of her name for culinary expertise, the resort was renamed Mila’s Boracay Beach Resort offering luxurious and fully air-conditioned rooms.

Mila introduced buffet dinner to Boracay and was the first also to bring ice cream to the cloistered island. Known then as the White House of Boracay with Spanish-style façade, her resort earned a reputation as one of the island’s best. She later established the El Toro Restaurant known for continental cuisine and fully stocked bar.

The resort was one time official site of the 4th Asean Beach Volleyball (San Miguel Gold Tour).

Sumndad even laughed at remembering that many loyal guests keep on coming back, year after years, to the beach resort known for its tradition of reliable service. Some guest she never had the chance to see anymore after they left the island but were too grateful to remind her of their memorable stay in the paradise.

She even recalled that one time, she had this Swiss guest who unknown to her was a travel writer. She was surprised to be featured in the 1986 edition of a magazine.

In her retirement age, she sold Mila’s for her children were too busy with their own lives. The place where Mila’s stood as an ultimate destination for a complete Boracay experience is now called Gold Crown.

This woman who was once called the “Queen of Paradise” never thought of retiring. “I still fight. But I have passed on the torch of bravery to my children and grandchildren,” she quips. You may be surprised to see in rally her grown up children – international Frisbee players Datu and Benju and international flight stewardess Fatima Pilar Damailah who is married to rapper Andrew E.


RED RIBBON

Mila, known to have instilled in her people that “special brand of reliable service honed to perfection after years of service” believes in the genuine hospitality and concerns of Boracaynons. The same traits made her to establish, in the hearts of people, a territory of collective voice in the paradise.

Sumndad recalled that in the late 1970s, the backpackers discovered the island before the government even took cognizance of its inhabitants. Boracay made a name following the recognition of the island as one of the world’s best beach in the book Philippinen, by German author Jens Peters.


In 1977, she wrote: “Then the Philippine Tourism Authority came with a set of rules and regulations and sent a brigade of blue guards to demolish the beach front cottages and structure without explaining what was going on. They failed to reach out to us. They didn’t teach us.”

“We fought with red ribbons on our heads and arms because our freedom has been suppressed,” she said.

The fight started in early 1980s specifically in 1982 five years after she founded the Yap’s Rest House that DOT wanted to execute the PTA circular of 1973. We were never informed,” she added.

The Boracay Resorts and Eateries Association (BREA) was founded in the early 10980s. The first president was Mila’s elder brother, Jose Yap, who was later elected Mayor of Malay for three consecutive terms and SP Member (Western Aklan). He was followed by Anita Aguirre, owner of Boracay Plaza Resort and served until 1985.

Following its organization, BREA members founded the United Boracay Island Business Association (UBIBA) and chose as its first (and last) president Sumndad who was then 40 years old. UBIBA existed until year 2000 when construction business started to lure businessmen to the shores of Boracay.

Architect Lara Arac-Salaver and her group of pro-construction founded the Boracay Foundation, Incorporated (BFI). Sumndad’s group opposed the construction in front beaches believing this will destroy the island. Later, business executive Charlie Uy and Karen Reina founded the Boracay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, an affiliate of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“But it was only in 1986 when demolition team was sent to destroy what we have established in the front beach. We have succeeded in lowering the 50-meter buffer zone to 25 meters. We have fought against DOT for the planned take over of the island. We have succeeded,” she told Panay News.

Together with siblings Jose Yap, Aniceto yap and Libertad Yap-Talapian, Sumndad filed a case, celebrated land titling case, against the government believing that Boracay is susceptible of private ownership by acquisitive prescription under applicable laws classifying it as a government land and a tourism zone under Proclamation No, 1801 and related issuances.

The Supreme Court, in an en banc resolution dated December 2, 2008, denied the appeal. “But we do not lose hope. We should never lose hope,” Sumndad said after 29 years of fighting.

Looking back, she feels she had done her part of protecting the pristine beaches of the island. The fight must go on. “We must support, until the end of time, the cause of and owners.

Today, Sumndad sully supports the causes of Boracay Landowners and Stakeholders Association, Inc. (BLASSAI) as a founding director.  Mila’s close friend, Ruchannie Socorro “Bebot” Gelito-Gadon, General Manager  of Willy’s Beach Club Hotel, calls her as a woman of incomparable strength and an inspiration for all Boracaynons who want to be free.

Albert Einstein was correct when he said that only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. (published in Panay News, the number one daily in Visayas, Philippines)

Anita Carillo Gomez-Rescate: Golden Pharmacist with a Golden Heart




“There’s no secret. My life is an open book.”

This Anita Carillo Gomez-Rescate, now 75 years old, stressed, smiling when her daughter told her mom that I have come for an interview in her home in Numancia town.

I smiled back and politely told her that the young people of today especially the young practitioners of pharmacy I’ve met wonder at how she manages to make her life as an open book.

“When you’re sincere in giving yourself to others, you shall not hide anything. People see you everyday. They know who you are and what you do. God knows everything you think,” she said.

Yes, the success of Mrs. Rescate as a family woman, pharmacist and community leader is a good story to tell. She continues to inspire her fellow Aklanons to give their best. In January, 2008 during the 40th Anniversary celebration of the Aklan Pharmacists Association (APhA), she was conferred the Ruby Jubilee Award.

The Farmacia Gomez, founded in 1958, still exists as a symbol of her strength, struggles and achievements for the last 50 years. No other pharmacy in the province, or shall we say, no other business in the locality, managed to survive that long. The main branch still stands proud and mighty at the capital town’s Kalibo Shopping Center. Branches were established in Boracay.

Farmacia Gomez is indeed a monumental feat. Aklanons patronize Farmacia Gomez and its chain of pharmacy stores provincewide. The company’s jingle is played everytime over local radio stations like RGMA-DyRU Super Radyo Kalibo. That makes sense for even well-off families come to the store for its affordable medicines.

“It’s our philosophy for about five decades now, which I pass on to my children, that in a running a business, foremost consideration should be made on people. We never sold counterfeit drugs. Our price is much lower compared to other pharmacies but all through the years, with my association with fellow drug store owners, we have successfully set up standards for pricing,” she said.

No wonder, Rescate was voted President for two terms of APhA and chapter president of the Drugstore Association of the Philippines (DSAP). Mabel P. Ureta-Concepcion, Vice President for Visayas of the Philippine Pharmacists Association, describes the elder Rescate as “a woman of incomparable persuasive power.”

Even at the age of 75, she continues to shine as a model of excellence in the field of Business and Industry, Community Service through Community Pharmacy and Professional Competence. On top of this, her professional career spans fifty-two (52) long years of dedicated and committed work as a registered  community pharmacist, socio-civic leader, drug store owner, Consultant and Adviser of numerous business and professional organization and founder of longest-serving drugstore chain in Aklan. There’s no doubt that she deserves the kind of recognition befitting a highly-esteemed, respected professional and business leader whose compassion for service transcend community

Why Pharmacy

Even as child, she was impressed by a wonderful idea of embracing medicine or an allied profession, perhaps a Medical Technology course, as a lifelong career. There was a shortage of doctor in the province. Her mom who was suffering from a lingering illness has to be transported by boat from Numancia to Kalibo. A bridge was a dream before.

“My father who was into the coconut industry has to go home, very often, and pick up my mother. It was too risky,” she recalled.

Mrs. Rescate looked backed with fondness at her childhood memories. “Since there was no doctor, I had in my mind a vague  idea that I should marry a doctor so there will be one in the family. I  have set two basic guidelines for my would-be partner in life . His eyes must be chinito for I have big eyes. He must have high nose for mine is not.

“At a young age, I joked of having lovely kids. God is so good. I was married to a doctor with chinito eyes, high nose. He’s from Lezo town,” she said pointing her fingers to a framed photograph of a man hanging on the wall.

But she thought she would never finished college for there was the World War II. After the war, she enrolled for elementary school and finished first three grade levels for one year, another two for another one year and then the sixth grade.

“We were accelerated because of our age. So during my high school days at Aklan Academy, we find it hard to comprehend but I did well. I finished high school with honors,” she remembered.

She thought of taking up Medical Technology but finally enrolled for BS Pharmacy at the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) in Manila. Pharmacy was then the right course for children of the elite families.

In the 1950s, pharmacies were set up right at the home so she  had an idea that when she become one, she can still be a wife and a mother and look after the welfare of her husband and children. “It was weird,” she said laughing.

“I studied well and even walked my way to the school from our home in Manila and made savings. My father bought a piece of land in Manila. Every Christmas time I go home, I had gifts for my family. I learned to value money at an early age.”

She graduated in 1955.

Ups and Downs

In 1958, she put up Farmacia Gomez, a small drug store in the capital town of Kalibo. Her sister resigned from work and helped her run the business. There were only two drug stores. The other later closed down.

She got married in 1960 and helped her rural physician-husband in her mission in remote barrios.

In 1972, a fire razed the old public market where Farmacia Gomez stood.

“We started all over again. Our children were very small. Luckily, we had another business, the Rescate Concrete Products. Two years after, my husband was diagnosed of cancer. I thought he was sick of thinking about that 1972 fire incident which burned down almost all our resources. He said it had nothing to do with the business. I believed him because he was a doctor.

He was already Assistant Chief of the Provincial Health Office at that time. He died in 1975. His husband’s promotion paper as a full-pledged  Chief of Office was already signed at the time of his demise. She was 40.

She never thought of marrying again and instead, concentrated on her business and her children. There were few drugstores and “I need to help people.” Another big pharmacy closed shop. It was owned by Mabasa who ventured into the cottage industry.” It was God’s will for both of us, drug owners. The old Mabasa was eventually recognized in 1977 as the country’s cottage industry icon. I was left attending to the Aklanon’s pharmacy needs.”





In June, 2008 storm Frank destroyed millions worth of their pharmacy items. It was a big blow on her business. But stern as she, she continues to rise up to challenges. “Believe in God’s plans. He’ll never give you trials you can’t stand. He knows best for us,” Mrs. Rescate, a devote Catholic and member of the Catholic Women’s League believes so.

All through the years, she had seen many drug stores closed down. Others even sold counterfeit drugs.

Even at the ripe age of 75, Mrs. Rescate reports to her small office at Kalibo Shopping Center, attending to every details of the store’s operation. On official duties, she attends to charity works of professional organizations. “I have no plans of retiring. Pharmacy is my life.”


Legacy

“I encourage my  children and grandchildren to go into pharmacy but I never forced them to be what I am. I wanted them to succeed in their chosen careers.” Two of her daughters are now registered pharmacists.

In 1983, her daughter Annie finished BS Pharmacy also at the UST. After graduation, she put up Farmacia Rescate.

“I always tell my grandchildren to be hardworking and prayerful. We need to devote our time to God.” Mrs. Rescate has, in fact, designated a “place of worship” in her house right at an area before a guest enters the living room.

“My children and my grandchildren are my treasures. If seeing them mature in life is a source of pride and contentment, then I thank God for I am now truly fulfilled,” she said.












INTERVIEW WITH AN ACHIEVER
published in Panay News, 2008