Actress-host Carmina Villarroel celebrated her birthday again at the Philippine Orthopedic Center in Quezon City yesterday, August 30. She was accompanied by her sister Rhea and 11-year-old niece Bea.
Giving a treat to the child-patients of the POC has been a yearly tradition for Carmina. This year, she was elated by the support of various sponsors and her good friend, Gelli de Belen, who donated some of the grocery items for the kids' parents.
"Parang instead of celebrating or having a party, parang mas enjoy na nakiki-party ka sa kanila. Kasi, di ba, masarap 'pag nag-a-attend ka ng children's party? Kasi hindi naman na ako bata, so, ito na lang," smiled Carmina in a conversation with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Party) a few minutes after handing out goodies to the kids.
Unlike in previous years, however, Carmina—whose real birthday is August 17—was not able to tag along her adorable twins Mavy and Cassy because of a sports activity they could not afford to miss. Interestingly, Carmina's decision to celebrate with underprivileged kids began when she became a mother.
"Simula noong nagkaroon ako ng anak, mas lalo ‘yong attachment ko sa mga kids. They really have a soft spot in my heart kasi parang inisip ko, what if 'yong mga anak ko 'yong nasa kalagayan nila? Ewan ko, masyado akong nata-touch kapag mga bata na ‘yong affected."
Asked to the describe her feelings in sharing her blessings, the 33-year-old television personality replied, "It's very humbling," adding that seeing kids derive pleasure from simple gestures is enough to remind her to be happy and contented.
All of the kids confined at the POC are being treated for various orthopedic injuries. It is common to see children loitering inside the hospital in a wheel chair or in a cast.
"Ang sarap nga ng feeling kasi 'yong presence mo pa lang, sobrang na-appreciate na nila. 'Tapos ‘yong mga small things, kunwari laruan, 'tapos makita lang nila si Jollibee o mabigyan mo lang sila ng pagkain, sobrang ang happy-happy na nila despite their condition.
"Karamihan ng mga bata diyan may mga nakatusok na kung anu-anong mga metal. 'Tapos ‘yong iba naman nagki-chemo. Ang dami-dami nilang karamdaman pero parang nakakagaan ng loob, parang nakakalimutan mo ‘yong mga bigger problems ‘pag nakita mo silang nag-i-smile."
As she turns another year older, Carmina's birthday wish remains plain and simple.
"Wala na 'kong mahihiling for myself," she said. "Siguro ang pinaka-wish ko na lang is good health for me and for my family. Sana maging tuluy-tuloy na lang whatever I have now or whatever I'm doing now, sana maging tuluy-tuloy lang."