Last February 28, 2015, the 9th installment of Camp Braveheart was held in the Eldar’s Tent, Enchanted Kingdom, Sta. Rosa, Laguna. With the theme “Nurturing Hearts with Compassion”, Camp Braveheart is the brainchild of the Council of Congenital Heart Disease of the Philippine Heart Association and the Philippine Society of Pediatric Cardiology, in partnership with the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity and the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority.
It is the desire of Camp Braveheart to empower children who have had heart surgeries and to make them feel that their lives need not to be limited by any physical constraints, making them realize that what lies ahead is a life filled with joy and opportunities.
Almost a hundred children who are post-operative patients of congenital heart disease, along with their parents and guardians, graced the whole day event. Along with the brods and sisses of the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity and the Phi Lambda Sorority, members of the Philippine Heart Association and the Philippine Society for Pediatric Cardiology also attended the camp.
Welcome remarks from the Chair of the Council of Congenital Heart Diseases, Dr. Marinella Francisco – Mallari and the President of the Philippine Heart Association, Dr. Joel Abanilla formally started the event. Representatives from the UP College of Dentistry and Council of Congenital Heart Diseases talked about the Current State of Dental Health in the Philippines, the Importance of Dental health in Congenital Heart Disease Management, and How to keep our Hearts Healthy, which were aimed to help the parents and guardians in taking care of the children. Moreover, a free clinic was provided by the Philippine Heart Association to monitor the status of the children operated for their CHDs.
The Amazing Race, which was the main team-building event of the camp, aimed to develop camaraderie and critical thinking among participants, boost their self-esteem, and give happiness to the participants as they accomplish the tasks given to them. Divided to ten stations, the kids were made to solve a word puzzle by accomplishing the tasks assigned to them per station. Among the tasks were to make group cheers, construct paper hearts, solve jigsaw puzzles, and many others that were both physically and mentally challenging. The participants, along with their parents and guards, were also given the opportunity to roam around and experience the rides the theme park.
Late afternoon, the Camp was surprised by a performance by Ymmanuel, a magician-ventriloquist. His jaw-dropping tricks and performance left the kids, as well as everyone else in the tent, in awe that made the crowd ask for more.
TV Host Kim Atienza, more popularly known as “Kuya Kim”, made the crowd more excited as he brought his reptile pets inside the Eldar’s Tent. According to him, he is also a “braveheart” himself, being a patient of Dr. Jose Jonas Diño Del Rosario, Phi 1986, for a condition similar to that of the kids. Having different shapes and sizes, the pets of Kuya Kim perhaps sparked the interest of kids in animals and made the children realize how vast the world is, that is why they must continue to empower themselves and have a life free of inhibitions. Dr. Marinella Francisco – Mallari also gave her rendition of “Let It Go” from the hit movie “Frozen” of Disney that made the crowd sing to their delight.
The day ended with a surprise performance from the newest brods and sisses of the Phi Kappa Mu and the Phi Lambda Delta and a closing message from Dr. Jose Jonas Diño Del Rosario, Phi 1986. The children and volunteers were given certificates for their participation in this year’s event.
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Camp Braveheart 9 would like to thank the following sponsors: Sanare Medical, Friso Four, Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park, Continental, NU Skin, Urban Concepts, Adarna House, the Generics Pharmacy, Jansport, McDonalds, Corebridge, and Unilever, as well as our Media Partner Wazzup Pilipinas.
Three Cheers to Brod Julian Que Arguilla, Phi 2013 for heading this year’s Camp Braveheart 9: Nurturing Hearts with Compassion. All for PHI!
