JO OLOROCISIMO : A SIGHT BY HEART
It was in 1999 when I lost my eye sight at the peak of my career and at the midst of my journey. That time I was working in one of the TV Stations in town. For me, it was really a ‘Dream-Come-True.’.
But as the song goes, “Some Good Things Never Last;” I started to see rainbows around every single light in the studio. Severe headache, eye redness… little did I know that those are symptoms of Glaucoma…
My left eye was already damaged. After several operations, I was advised by the Doctor not to go back to work anymore.
That was the time when I came to have a deeper relationship with the Lord. I was invited to be a part of the Youth Ministry in our Parish. I was already ‘Low Vision then. Equipped with only 1 eye; I gave Acting Workshops and wrote several scripts for the young people in the Ministry.
I got married in 1995. Four years after our marriage, I woke up one morning seeing nothing but darkness. No colors, no shapes… nothing. My husband rushed me to the hospital and after staying in that room for more than a month; I heard a very strong voice from my doctor, “JO, WALA KA NG PAG-ASA.” I could not explain how I felt that time. If I cry, will it restore my eye sight? If I get angry, will it do good? It was the saddest and lowest moment of my life.
A week after we left the hospital, my husband saw the invitation of ATRIEV Computer School for the Blind on TV. “How could that be?” I asked myself. Having said that 80% of learning is through sight; I know that blindness is a severe limitation.
Hoping against hope, the following day, I inquired and found ATRIEV. I was fortunate to belong to the 1st Batch of students in 1999. for six months, my husband and I traveled from Taytay to STI Recto to attend the computer classes. I learned touch typing by simply listening to the screen reader program echoing my every keystroke and screen change. After the tedious training, I received the Top Student Award besting 9 other blind trainees.
2 Years later, we were blessed with a baby boy. As a ‘Mom, I always say, “palagi ko siyang hinahagkan… Niyayakap… I prayed for physical healing to see him but, God gave me ‘Spiritual Healing’ instead for me to accept things, continue with my life and move on.”
Now, I work from home as the Official Transcriptionists for the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Head Writer of our Parish Newsletter. My husband and I are the Chaircouple of PREX (Parish Renewal Experience) in the Diocese of Antipolo.
Last October 29, I was one of the recipients of the ‘Make Your Nanay Proud Award from MYNP Foundation founded and organized by a respected TV Show Host Mr. Boy Abunda. I award came as a surprise and, at the same, time blessing for me because I know that there were hundreds of nominees.
Best Nanay Awards 2014 is paying tribute to 10 exemplary Filipino mothers possessing integrity and character, an inspiring story to share, and a strong positive influence in the community and the people around her. The 10 Awardees were carefully chosen from 285 Entries/Nominations from all over the country.
The Awarding Ceremony was held at the Windmills and Rainforest in Quezon City and hosted by Ms. Amy Perez of ABS CBN.
Looking back, after that discouraging word from my doctor, I used to ask myself, “Now that I am blind, what will I do with my life?”
The knowledge that I got from ATRIEV brought me to where I am today. Being the President of The Board of Trustees is far beyond my imagination.
Today, equipped with the technology, having the assurance of love and care from my friends and family, acceptance from the society and light and hope coming from the Almighty, I know that God has his purpose. I have a mission to fulfill and that is to be an inspiration to others and make a difference into someone else’s lives. My goal is to introduce Jesus to the blind and bring them to ATRIEV; for them to be not only equipped with the technology but Spiritually and morally as well.