A Filipina Mom Blogger

I’ve been meaning to list down 5 ways to comfort a bereaved family or relative in conjunction with Darren Rowse’s Top 5 Group Writing Project. In most of my meetings with the bereaved, a common complaint is the insensitivity of concerned friends or relatives. Of course, we know the depth of concern they have towards [...]

Almost 7 years ago, my adorable son sat beside me while I worked on my computer.
With both hands planted firmly on my cheeks, he asked, “Where is Heaven? Are the clouds heaven?”
Unsure of the answer, I mustered to say something based on what I learned from my Grade school Religion subject…
“I’m not sure if [...]

For news on Mariannet Amper : visit my entries at Suicide, Media and Mariannet Amper and Childhood and Adolescent Suicide Deaths in the Philippines

I started this blog so I could spread the word that the Philippines has The Compassionate Friends , a grief support group for families that have lost a child or a [...]

A few days ago , a friend ( a member of The Compassionate Friends) and myself agreed to have an interview with Sociology students from the University of the Philippines Diliman . They are currently taking the course Sociology 182 on Qualitative Research Methods. As part of their requirements, they were tasked to accomplish [...]

Last Monday, I was surprised to receive a text message from Cathy to pray for her surgery scheduled for 7:30 AM. That surprised me. I knew she had thyroid consultation and a complaint on Mittelschmertz (German for “middle pain”) and some pre-menopausal symptons. I knew something was up with Cathy because we see each [...]

When I was new in my grief, many well meaning friends and relatives advised me this and that. I don’t know who among them suggested the “Healing of the Family Tree” and gave me a prayer. Each night, I was to say this prayer hoping in the belief that the curse of family deaths would [...]

I am angry at this person. If I was working on my recovery program, I wouldn’t get angry. If I was a good Christian, I wouldn’t feel angry…. If I am really using the daily affirmations about how happy I am, I wouldn’t be angry. Those are the old messages that seduces us into not [...]

To be interviewd by Cheche Lazaro in “Straight Talk” is an honor. Her interview style is excellent. You know, I usually get a pre-interview by production assistants days before a show. This is normal procedure since hosts are usually busy. It surprised me that no one from ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel) [...]

Here is another case of stupid toilet humor that occured in Silliman University Medical Center Foundation, Inc. (SUMCFI).

A grieving mother who has infertility problems lost her second baby by miscarriage last May 9 and lodged a complaint that she was subjected to indignities by a hospital staff who commented that the dead fetus [...]

“Fallen Cradle” is a book of 22 stories by parents who have a lost a child. It was formally launched today at Powerbooks Greenbelt Makati. What can I say? The Book launch was a huge success. The initial 150 books set for the launch ran out. Anvil Publishing rushed to get more [...]