Mother and nephew feverish

Tina, the main breadwinner and mainstay of a poor extended family in Kalayaan, Laguna, Philippines, and her young nephew Ken-Ken are ill but without antibiotics already prescribed, and unable to afford them.

Image via Wikipedia

• At 09:57   GMT+08,   from     the Yahoo    Messenger       computer program, I sent a text message to Tina’s cellphone.
• Tina replied: she was still sick with tonsillitis.
• Eight-year-old Ken-Ken was also ill with wounds and a fever.
• They needed 1,800 pesos to buy antibiotics  but  could  not  afford them.

---

Bern:

Hi Tina, good morning. I've just re-installed Yahoo Messenger. This is just a test message to see if I can text you. I'm hoping it will work. Bern.

Tina:

Good a.m. Bern, I’m glad that I received the text from your  Yahoo.

Please help me; I have fever because of tonsillitis.

I need to buy antibiotics costing 1,200 [but] I cannot afford to buy [them].

Also antibiotic for Ken’s wounds; it was inflammation and infected; he have fever too.

Bern:

Tina, I'm glad you received the text but I'm [financially and emotionally] exhausted… To make matters worse, Ross has just mis-called me [from Manila, needing help ASAP ].

I'm appalled to hear not only that you're still sick but also that Ken has wounds. I wonder how he got them and wonder if the fever is a result.

I promised to ring Ross [a Manila householder facing possible eviction] so I should do it now.

Also I promised to help a friend do  some work, starting about now. But I'll stay in touch.

An hour later Tina texted again: “I hope you received my text: Ken’s antibiotic costs 600.”

Regrettably there was nothing more to be done. I was without sufficient funds to help until Wednesday.

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Hunger and illness stalk families; mother pleads for help

At 10:38 a.m., local time, Tina sent me a text message: Sorry if I give you much [cause to be] worried, I hope you understand my situation, [after] 2 to 3 days without vit[amins] d kids get cough & flue; dat [is] why I need to buy it, pls help me; I don't have allowance here now.

At 2:41 p.m. she texted again: Pls help me, I really felt dizzy & hungry coz till now I didn't eat break[fast] ... *

Nearly four hours later, at 6:34 p.m., Tina emailed me from the CBK Company office where she was undergoing 3 months of unpaid on-the-job training.

Hello Bern,
Bern good p.m., I hope you are in good condition, sorry if I give you so much [cause to be] worried, because you're the only person who can understand my situation and can help me.

Bern, sorry If I mention to you my personal and financial problem, I really don't know what to do. I don't know what I can do tomorrow, when and where I can get my allowance [for] going here in work tomorrow.

Pls help me; on December 30 was holiday, Rizal day, our National Hero day, that [is] why the Cebuana [pawnbroker and remittance agent] possible will be close[d].

Pls help me on my ring**, I don't want to [have] lost it, just only for 1,800 for the interest [I] need to pay, and also vitamins of the kids to avoid flue and cold: when the kids stop taking Vitamins in 2 to 3 days they were sick, it will be more expensive if they were sick; I need 1,200 for Ceelin (Vitamin C) Clusivol (for appetite) supply of the 7 kids, also Bern our allowance for food, I will [need to have] left food at home for little Bern and Josephine and other kids, also my allowance here for transportation and food too, pls.

Help me for 5,000 [pesos] pls, understand my situation, pls kept in touch.

[To] tell you the truth I felt dizzy, and so much hungry because I did not eat breakfast and lunch till this moment; [it's] 4:20pm right now; I'm worried for the food at home too.

Love

[Tina]

* Some text was lost in transmission.

** The ring was awarded to mark Tina's graduation from high school as the Salutatarian and Commander of the Cadet Army Training battalion.

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Misery and illness persist in Philippine typhoons’ wake

Excerpt from a report by Carlos H. Conde, The New York Times, October 25, 2009

 

“MANILA — A month after parts of the Philippines were devastated by successive typhoons, tens of thousands of people remain homeless and more than 150 have been killed by waterborne diseases, officials said.

Typhoon victims inside a baseball stadium turned into a temporary evacuation center in Pasig's Rosario district, east of Manila. Dennis M. Sabangan/European Pressphoto Agency

 

 

Relief workers are particularly concerned about children in evacuation camps in towns and cities in the Manila metropolitan area that remain flooded.

 

Health officials said there was an outbreak of diseases in both evacuation centers and in flooded communities, particularly a bacterial infection called leptospirosis that had afflicted more than 2,000 residents and killed 157 as of Saturday.”

 

Technorati Tags: children,disease,flood,health,illness,Philippines,typhoon

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Family lacks food; jobless father desperate

Today, at 11:10 a.m., Philippine time, Jason, an unemployed father of two daughters, sent me a text message from San Isidro, Laguna, in the South of Luzon Island, saying last night he could not sleep; he had a very painful boil "and there is also no food; I don't know what to do now."

I was very sorry to hear that and really wished I knew what to do.

Evidently the family has been barely surviving for months. Jason had previously confided that over the last half-year he has sometimes gone without eating himself for two or three days.

I had no remedy or comfort to offer. My repeated efforts to help the family have been leading me into financial difficulties.

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Sick child taken home from hospital

Money for treatment unavailable

Text messages between 2:25 p.m. and 3:10 p.m., GMT+08

At 2:25 p.m. Tina texted again, apologising but saying her 4-year-old daughter Bernadeth-Joe (B-J or "Little Bern") needed my help.

A paediatrician checked the child and wrote a referral to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist because she had a malodorous discharge of white liquid from her left ear.

The doktora (female doctor) also prescribed Bactroban antibacterial cream and Stafloxin [Flucloxacillin antibiotic] 7.5ml to be used for 10 days.

"The amount of sickness among these children is just amazing", I replied, perhaps too harshly. "As previously explained, I cannot afford to help. I'm sorry."

"OK, we will decide to go home now", Tina said: "she have fever right now; doktora want B-J to [be] OBS[erved in the hospital] but we cannot stay coz we don't have money, we cannot go to ENT in private hospital, doktora just request us [to] buy antibiotic ASAP for every 6 hrs, Tempra [paracetamol] for fever.

"I trust that you will buy the antibiotic ASAP, and the Tempra", I answered, seriously wondering whether that would be possible. I guessed money might be spent on medications instead of income-producing foodstocks for the family eatery, or borrowed from a loan shark.

"I don't have now any money Bern" Tina replied. Bernadeth-Joe had already undergone costly laboratory tests including a complete blood count (CBC) and urinalysis.

Many bacteria had been seen and wounds had spread on B-J's head and face. That was why the doctor prescribed the Bactroban cream.

"Somehow you must really find the money to buy the antibiotic" I said, again perhaps too severely.

"I'm sad, coz she was excited to ride in a ["Nutrition Month" parade] float on Friday" Tina said, but she has so many wounds in d face; I hope it will be cure[d]".

An additional problem was that special clothes would be needed if B-J and her cousin Zedric were to participate.

"I can understand that Tina" was my response. "I regret saying it, but it might have been wiser to tell the kindergarten administrators immediately that you cannot afford that."

"Even now it's probably best to tell the kindergarten head that (a) you cannot afford to enter B-J in the parade; and (b) she has a serious infection."

There was no further interaction.

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Mother takes daughter to hospital; funds unavailable

Image via Wikipedia

Text messages, 10:00 a.m. to 10:13 a.m, GMT + 08

From 10 a.m. onwards, from Kalayaan in the Philippines, Tina sent several text messages requesting help.

She was preparing to go to the Laguna Provincial Hospital in the town of Santa Cruz with her 4-year-old daughter Bernadeth - Joe ("Little Bern") who had a high fever, wounds on the head and face and white fluid exuding from the right ear.

I was really sorry, I replied. "I'm financially and emotionally exhausted."

Tina replied that she understood, but needed to give first aid to Little Bern. Last night the child had hardly slept because of an itch and around 1 a.m. she had become feverish.

The situation was more difficult because Bernadeth's kindergarten had selected her to appear on a float in a parade next Friday celebrating Nutrition Month, together with her cousin Zedric. The float would need to be decorated and the children dressed in traditional Filipino clothes; but money for this was also lacking.

Furthermore, the Philippine Training Authority (TESDA) had requested Tina to have her roadside diner prepared to receive an additional 50 customers for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea today, so at 3 a.m. she had traveled to a market to purchase provisions.

Now she had been notified that the extra trainees would not arrive until tomorrow.

A hospital doctor will almost certainly order pathology tests for Little Bern, for which there is no money available, and if that is achieved he or she will write prescriptions for an antibiotic and other medications, for which, again, money is unavailable.

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Son fears for absent father's welfare

Philippine Army seeks guerrillas around father's home town

At 09:54am this morning, Philippine time, Jason contacted me from an internet cafe in San Isidro, Laguna using the Yahoo Messenger program.

He was sad and worried, having received text messages yesterday from Susan, a woman friend of his father Melchior.

Susan said for the past week Melchior had been absent from his home in the hilltop village of San Antonio, Laguna, and staying in the town of Majayjay, Laguna.'Last night', Jason said, 'I can't sleep thinking about my father: what happened there?'

I wondered why Melchior went to Majayjay. 'That's my problem Bern' Jason said: 'why he went... I ask Susan why but she can't answer; that's why I'm thinking and worried.'

Jason had no idea about his father's situation. 'I don't know what he['s] doing there; I ask Susan if my father have work there; say nothing...'

He wanted to accompany Susan to Majayjay this morning. 'She know where he is. That's why I want to go in San Antonio now; to [be] clear about my father['s] situation and why he went there but... '

Jason was worried because he suspected Susan had many friends in the communist New People's Army.

There were many NPA guerrillas around San Antonio, and many Philippine Army troops trying to find them: 'And my father every day is in the mountain' [as part of his charcoal-making and rice growing activities].

I did not see that Jason's father had done anything that should cause him to be afraid of the NPA or the army but Jason repeated: 'I'm very worried Bern; that's why I want to go with Susan in Majayjay now.'

Majayjay was far from San Isidro. Jason had a motorcycle, 'but I don't have money for transportation, or for the gasoline; I need 500 PHP [to go] with Susan; I think it is enough to go there to see my father.'

I was sad about that but my own life had become quite difficult and I lacked the financial resources to help.

'Also: last night Tina wanted money to take two children to the Laguna Provincial Hospital but I couldn't help.

'Michael planned to take Mel to the Philippine General Hospital Out-Patients Department this morning. I fear they'll need money for pathology tests and prescriptions but that's a big problem for me too.'

Jason was downcast and repeatedly apologetic: 'I know your situation Bern... sorry for sharing this to you ... I try what I can do now; I'm sad and worried about my father; I want to see him... don't think about what I'm sharing.'

Jason's hour online was running out. I hoped his father had family cellphone numbers in his possession, and someone kind enough to allow him a text; and that Jason still had some cellphone credit. 'Texts to me via Yahoo are OK', I said. They would be much cheaper than SMS messages to my cellphone.

An hour and 20 minutes later, Jason sent me a text: 'Bern, I'm not yet go to Majayjay, can't borrow money for d transport, or for gasoline. All my [friends and relations] are "don't have." I'm sad.'

I was sorry to hear that. 'I'll think about the problem', I replied, 'but money is a big problem [for me too] now. I suppose Susan is also short of money.'

'I don't know what to do now Bern...' Jason said. I want to see my father but I can't do nothing.'

'Maybe you're worrying too much', I responded. 'There's an old saying, though: "No news is good news." I trust something will turn up.'

Children hungry; sick restaurateur pleads for help

At 09:33 this morning (GMT+8), from the rural town of Kalayaan in the Philippines, Tina sent me an SMS text: "Bern, how are you? I'm not OK, I lay on bed, have fever tonsilitis, eatery close[d]; don't have capital coz payday [of credit customers] will be Thursday. Kids was hunger. Don't have yet skol [school] supply; please help."

After a 23-minute delay I finally responded: "This is distressing for me also, Tina. I'm greatly stressed financially and emotionally. I'm so sorry I don't have an answer for you now. I really need to think."

The interchange continued until 10:22:

Tina: I just serve noodles for d kids dis morning, they are asking for rice and ulam [meat and vegetables], specially Ken-Ken, Little Bern, Zedric, Kian and Renzed asking for milk. What should I do? I don't have money to buy, I'm so sorry.

Bern: I wrestle with those problems in my head but most regrettably don't have answers now. This is a crisis for me also.

Tina: I'm worried coz I'm sick, I have training tomorrow, I have prescription but I don't have money to buy medicine, d most important to me was d food for d kids and school supply . . .

Bern: I understand. I'm making this crisis known to others but don't really expect help. I don't know what else I can do.

In the afternoon Tina texted me again: "Bern, I'm very sorry to tell you, it's 3 p.m. right now, d kids was crying asking for food, dey just eat noodles in breakfast, not yet lunch, we did not eat since dis a.m., pls help us."

The time was actually 3:48 p.m.; or 5:48 in Brisbane, Australia.

"I'm so sorry, Tina", I replied. "I'm deeply in debt. Even if I had money to send, the money change offices are closed now. This distresses me but I must tell you straight."

The situation is disturbing and distressing not only for the extended family with 7 children, but also for myself. It's probably the first time ever that I've offered them no hope whatsoever.

Plea for help repeated

At 10:50 this morning, Philippine time, Tina sent me several more text messages.

She apologised for giving me a problem, but said:

• The toddler Kian really needs an ECHO test so he can have the exact medicine to take;
• To keep the eatery going, she has purchased food in the market on credit [but this debt will very soon need to be repaid];
• The 5 kids enrolled for school classes starting June 1 don't have the necessary equipment yet. (Presumably the family want to purchase material for uniforms, among other things, and need time to have the uniforms made before school starts).

"I'm sorry, Tina, I've gone beyond all limits and must try to survive myself", I responded. "But please advise Kian's physical condition now. Is he getting enough air?"

"That's what I'm worried about", Tina said. Kian had received oxygen treatment for two days in hospital, but now, at home without it, "his skin color [is] getting back to dark". That is why the doctor had asked for an Echo test result as soon as possible. It really should have been done while Kian was an in-patient last Sunday, but the family didn't have the money for that.

"It sounds as if he improved in hospital but is becoming cyanotic* again", I said, at 11:14 a.m. "I wish some charity would pay the fee. A politician helped a bit once, didn't he?"

There was no further message.

I don't why Tina remains silent. It may be that she has insufficient prepaid mobile credit load to continue sending messages; or that she's in class at the food technology course mandated by governments; or that she's busy trying to keep the roadside cafe going; or looking after children.

* cyanotic: showing cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to not enough oxygen in the blood).

Plea for help

At 2:27 this morning, Tina sent me a text from the rural town of Kalayaan in the Philippines.

Tina could not sleep because the extended household in which she lives has many problems.

For the school year about to begin, supplies are needed for 5 children, at a cost 1,000 pesos each, for a total of 5,000 pesos.

A cardiologist has ordered an echocardiographic heart examination for Tina's asthmatic nephew Kian, 18 months old, who has breathing difficulties; but the family has no money to pay the 2,500 peso fee.

Last Tuesday the family removed Kian from the hospital where he had been receiving oxygen treatment. They could no longer afford his upkeep there. Oxygen is unavailable at home.

The roadside diner selling meals which Tina and the family have been striving mightily to maintain needs 2,000 pesos for the immediate purchase of stock to continue.

Tina didn't know what to do and said "Please help."

Tina also enquired how I was and hoped I was OK.

The arriving message roused me from a fitful sleep. It was depressing and I had little chance of sleeping properly afterwards. Not knowing what to do, I took a tablet to help me relax and did nothing.

Finally, at 08:14, Philippine time, I texted Tina: "It was distressing to receive your text in the early hours this morning. I'm in debt. I didn't know about school expenses. I wonder how Kian is now."

There has been no reply.

Sick toddler needs heart examined; funds unavailable

Between 06:46 and 06:57 (GMT+8) this morning, Tina sent text messages to my mobile phone and home computer. She was worried, having previously sent texts which I had not received.

The condition of Tina's asthmatic nephew Kian, 18 months old, had improved as a result of his receiving oxygen treatment during his two-day stay in the private Malaya Doctors Hospital in Santa Cruz, Laguna. He had been referred from the local government hospital because it lacked a heart specialist.

The cardiologist had wanted the boy to remain in hospital and undergo an echocardiographic examination "to find the diagnosis." The family could no longer afford to keep him there, however, so [with funds from me] they had paid the hospital bill of 4,500 pesos and taken him home.

The study would have cost an additional 2,500 pesos.

I replied requesting clarification.

I also expressed my distress that there was still no diagnosis and alarm at the prospect of immediate further expense which I also could not afford.

"Many times I've begged Filipinos to register with [the charitable websites] betterplace.org and kiva.org but that has not happened", I said.

There was no response from Tina. Probably she was extremely busy helping to prepare breakfast for the extended family and perhaps customers, and preparing to leave for the food technology training course she was required to attend.

Almost half an hour later I said "Tina, I would appreciate a response if you're not too busy and have enough credit load"; but I did not hear from her again.

It remains to be seen how Kian will fare at home without oxygen equipment to remedy his breathing difficulties and without a final diagnosis.

Picture: Wikipedia

Father goes without food for 2 or 3 days at a time

Rabies treatment for daughter scheduled to continue; asthmatic boy, 18 months old, lacks oxygen

Chat session with Jason using Yahoo Messenger from an Internet cafe, 17:01 to 18:29, Philippine time

To my surprise, Jason greeted me online this afternoon, thanking me for the money he had received at 9:30 a.m.

We discussed mainly

• Jason's health;
• the health of his daughter Lin-Lin;
• confusion about Jason's nephew, Kian, and Tina's nephew, also named Kian,
• the latter's health crisis, the paternal obligations of Kian's father, and his income;
• the prices of cell phone calls and text messages;
• Internet cafe computer usage; and
• Jason's wish to see me via web cam.

After exchanging pleasantries I mentioned Jason's online picture gallery (dating from 2008 when he was employed in an Internet cafe) and various matters including Lin-Lin's medical appointment next day.

I trusted they would have no problems keeping the appointment and Jason hoped that would be so. "Please try to learn all you can from the doctor tomorrow," I said. "Don't be too shy to ask questions! And ask about your own health, too, if you have a chance! Explain that you've been under great stress!"

Jason's health

Towards the end of the interchange, discussion of Jason's health produced cryptic but distressing revelations. Despite concern for his privacy, I relate them here:

Jason: Bern, tomorrow I think I need to [have a] check-up too b-coz I'm anemic and can't eat many.

Bern: Yes, I'm not at all surprised. I hope you do get checked.

Jason: I have ulcer Bern.

Bern: Ulcer? Where? You need to get that treated! I hope the same doctor can treat you and Lin-Lin in the same consultation.

Jason: I can't say in English Bern: in my sikmura, in Tagalog.

Bern: Well just make sure you tell the doctor.
. . .

Jason: I get that [ulcer] Bern when I'm no eat, no food.

Bern: Oh. That's understandable.

Jason: No eat in 2 to 3 days.

Bern: But when was the last time that happened? And how often has it been happening?

Jason: No food in 2 to 3 days.

Bern: You really need to tell the doctor that. Have you been eating recently?

Jason: I think Bern it's time to [make it] know[n to] the doctor: and need to check-up.

Bern: Yes, certainly, you must tell him everything!

Jason: I keep that a month ago; I think [it lasted] 4 to 6 month[s]. I can't tell anyone Bern, only [to] you can [I] say that.

. . .

Jason: Bern sorry for sharing this to you; don't think about me.

Bern: There's no need to apologise! I appreciate that have shared it: but please share it with the doctor too.

Jason: Thank you Bern.

Lin-Lin's health

Bern: How is Lin-Lin now?

Jason: She's improved; she can play now, and eat more; tomorrow she['s] requesting me again to eat Jollibee, and buy sleeper [slippers; i.e. casual footwear].

Bern: I'm glad to hear she's improved. I hope you can afford Jollibee and slippers. I see Jollibee and McDonalds are offering half-size servings of rice now, because of the shortage.

Jason: I think I budget the money for that and for the food.

Bern: I trust you to budget wisely. I'm almost certain that more ant-rabies injections will be required, perhaps a month from now. . . . I need to check that.

Jason: Thank you for that, Bern, please. . . She need more 3 anti-rabies, not anti-tetanus.

Bern: I see. That's what I would have anticipated. I suppose at least the anti-rabies prophylaxis is a good insurance for the future, even though it's unpleasant for Lin-Lin.

Jason: Yes, Bern, I clarify that tomorrow.

Bern: Good.

Confusion about Jason's nephew, Kian, Tina's nephew, also named Kian; and the latter's health crisis

Jason: May I ask, Bern, about Tina's saying Kian [was] in hospital yesterday?

Bern: There was confusion! She was referring to Liza's son, 18 months old, suffering from asthma and fever. Tina said he was suffering severely from lack of oxygen.

Jason: Oh, but she said Kian [Jason's sister Anagel also has a son named Kian].

Bern: That's his name, isn't it?

Jason: I don't know his name Bern.

Bern: Tina was worried that without a nebulizer and medication he might not survive the night. He was having severe breathing difficulties.

Jason: But Bern, Liza's husband work in Kalayaan also: in NPC [the National Power Corporation].

Bern: I wish I knew more about that. From what I hear, the workers are all very poorly paid.

Jason: I don't know . . . but in my opinion his father [has an] obligation.

Bern: I think many Filipino fathers are unable to meet their obligations.

Tina and Liza signed Kian out of the hospital. They had to sign a waiver, saying they would take responsibility if something went really wrong with Kian.

Tina said the one nebulizer in the hospital was being shared by several patients so they would have to wait for that one. The doctor wrote a prescription for them to buy one, plus medications.

But they had no money to buy those things, so Kian had difficulty breathing.

I trust Kian's health has improved today. It was a bit better last night [after I sent money for medications] but I need to check again.

Cell phone talk and text prices

Jason said he would text me tomorrow. I thanked him, saying I was sure to be online some time the next day: a text via Yahoo would be cheaper.

Yes, said Jason, only 2 pesos and 50 centavos. The price of a text to my cellphone, however, would be "30 pesos [for] one text only. "

I was shocked. "I was thinking about 12 or 15 pesos! Maybe the price has risen. That's close to one Australian dollar!"

The cost would be 15 pesos, Jason replied, "if your message is short."

"The telco Optus has greatly increased the price of phone calls," I said, "so I've cut down greatly on my cellphone calls to the Philippines."

Jason thought that cellular phone calls within the Philippines cost 60 pesos for 5 minutes.

I thought "That explains why Filipinos use many text messages instead."

We agreed that it would be much better to text each other via Yahoo.

Internet prices

Bern: I read online that Internet cafe prices have become quite cheap, at least in some places, because of the competition.

Jason: Yes, Bern, also here in Pagsanjan.

Bern: Cheap Internet prices are good for customers, like you, but not so good for the workers in the cafes!

Jason: Yes.

Bern: Maybe if you start working in an Internet cafe again, you'd like to see the prices higher! So you can get better wages!

Web cam

Jason: Bern you have cam in your computer? I want to see you; I miss you very much; long time ago can't see.

Bern: Oh, I have one [web cam], but it's not attached! And now I've found the software CD for it! So I should be able to have it running next time you come online! I won't try to install it immediately, but I will do so very soon.

Jason: Yes Bern please . . . I'm very happy for that.

Bern: I'm not much to look at.

Jason: It's OK Bern; the important [thing is that] I saw you.

Bern: OK, so I'll get the camera installed and figure out how to operate it.

Jason: Put the disc [in] Bern and then choose the same [model]; what cam you have; and then install it.

Bern: Yes, but I prefer not to do it immediately. My old computer is likely to become overloaded.

Jason: Yes, I think next time Bern. I have no time.

Farewell

"Bern, thank you again, in time,' Jason said; "God bless you Bern; love, Jason and family. Bye for now Bern; miss you."

"Good night Jason," I replied, "and best wishes to you and all your family!"

Millions of Filipinos live in extreme poverty

The Springboard Foundation in Manila helps abandoned, abused, and poor children and their families in many parts of the Philippines. In a statement on the website of the Ayala Foundation USA, Springboard management have pointed out that:

"More than 30 Million Filipinos survive with less than 2 dollars a day. The children of these families suffer. Over one million children in Metro Manila live out on the streets. Their lives are ruled by poverty, ill health and lack of opportunities. Like our own children, they have dreams. They dream of a warm and loving home, they dream of being able to go to school, of playing in the streets instead of roaming them in search of a giving hand . . . Unfortunately for them, their dreams seldom come true."

Poor, weary woman travels far and waits long hours for medical check-up

After leaving her home in Kalayaan around 3:30 a.m, Tina was, at 05:43 a.m., Filipino time, approaching Manila on a long distance bus.

She was on her way to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) for pathology tests and consultation with a hematologist following up after a diagnosis of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a splenectomy to counteract the malady, and a subsequent provisional diagnosis of possible fungal meningitis.

We exchanged text messages.

Tina had barely sufficient funds to pay fares and not enough for food, laboratory tests or prescriptions.

By 07:19 a.m. (Filipino time, GMT+8), I had remitted 4,600 pesos via the Money Gram service of the UAE Exchange corporation. This was likely to be barely sufficient to cover the medical and travel costs.

By 07:23 Tina was at the main gate of the hospital and in a position to encash the remittance at a bank or Cebuana Luhillier pawnshop nearby.

After that she needed to submit rapidly to blood tests, pay for them, and then register immediately for a place in the long queue to see the hematologist.

At 02:43 p.m. (GMT+8) I texted a request for an update on Tina's situation. She was still waiting in the Hematology Department for the female medical specialist (Doktora) who would examine her. The medical staff had held an emergency meeting in the morning so check-ups had only started after lunch. Tina was # 26 in the waiting list.

Tina anticipated that her check-up might not be finished until 6 p.m.

If all went well Tina was unlikely to arrive home again until around 10:30 p.m., but on this day I did not hear from her again.

Details of our exchanges are shown below.

Bern (07:41:51 GMT+10): Good morning Tina. Perhaps you're in traffic? I'm ready to leave home now for the city. Traveling by car and river ferry will take me at least an hour. Bern.

Tina (07:43:47): Gud morning Bern, I'm now in d bus, on d way to Manila Bern, thanks for your understanding Bern, take care always.

Bern (07:45:22): OK, I'll leave immediately. Expect to hear from me about an hour from now, or a little later.

Tina (07:46:35): OK, take care always, thanks a lot.

Bern (09:19:36 GMT+10):Tina, I've sent you 4600 pesos 12 centavos via Money Gram 20692971. This is precious. Do not ask for more.

Tina (07:23:20 GMT+8): Thank you very much Bern, I'm now in d gate of PGH, thanks for your understanding, I know d value of your money, I will spend it wisely, thanks again.

Bern (16:33:17 GMT+10): Hi Tina. If you're free and have sufficient load I'd appreciate an update on your situation now.

Tina (16:37:29): Bern, I'm still waiting for d Doktora in [the] Hema[tology] Dept. Coz they have [an] emergency meeting this morning, d check-up[s] only start[ed] after lunch. I'm # 26 in d list.

Bern (16:38:49): Oh, so much waiting! I assume the emergency meeting was not about you! It appears to me that Philippine medical services generally are in crisis.

Tina (16:39:25): I will text you after my check up, maybe it will finish [at] 6 p.m.

Tina (16:43:20): It's not me, maybe it was in general problem in hospital.

Receipt of remittance fraught with difficulties

Bern (08:48 GMT+08): Janice, please advise: have you received any message from PesoEpadala.com or Globe G-Cash yet?

Janice (08:52): Good morning, Bern.

Bern: Good morning. I trust you've received the question I just sent you.

Janice: OK! Bern.
:
Bern: Please advise: what messages, if any, have you received from PesoEpadala.com or Globe G-Cash?

Janice: I'm sorry BERN. What question BERN?

Bern: Have you received any messages from PesoEpadala.com or Globe G-Cash? And what is the result?

Janice: I receive - but I can't read bcoz my cellphone is can't open.

Bern: Please explain.

Janice: Hang I think Bern. I'm sorry for that.

Bern: I think that if you take the battery out of the cellphone then put it back in again you may find that the cellphone will work. It is possible, though, that the date and time will need to be reset. Of course, also, you need to keep the battery charged.

Janice: Yes Bern, already full charge. Bern please send it to my email.

Bern: You please try what I have requested. If you don't know how to do it, please try to get advice from someone who understands cellphones better.

Janice: OK Bern! Wait for 2 min. I try to get advice [from] someone.

Bern: You may also find that there are too many SMS text messages stored in your cellphone and that you need to delete some.

Janice: Bern, it's OK now - I can read the message from Globe G-cash already pick-up.

Bern: Are you saying that you have already picked up the money?

Janice: No, Bern, [they] said that the remittance is ready to pick-up.

Bern: I see. So I suppose you will leave immediately to go and get it?

Bern: Hello! What's the situation?

Janice: I can't receive the remittance #.

Bern: Please explain why you can't receive the remittance number.

Janice: Not in my message I receive this morning from G-cash. I receive the Yahoo message what the Yahoo message?

Bern: I suggest that you try to send a text to Globe saying you have not received the number. Then ask them to please send it again.

Janice: She saying Bern. I go to my email or what? Bern, I think to Jason's email he send. I look to Jason['s] email Bern - wait. Wait Bern. I open Jason['s] email.

Janice: From G-cash: "You have remittance ready for pick-up since yesterday afternoon: pick it up from Globe outlet where you used to pick-up your remittance. From friends@pesoepadala.com." This is the message I received.

Bern: Janice: this morning I phoned Peso Epadala in Sydney but received only a recorded message on an answering machine. Then I phoned their manager Annie on her cellphone and received only another recorded message. I'll have to go offline and try them again. But I can e-mail them.

Also you could e-mail them: I'll give you some addresses. Set the e-mails as high priority.

Janice: OK BERN, thank you.

Bern: Try anna ... That's Anna, one of the managers. There's also Annie... And Boyet, And the Processing Department ... Shirley's e-mail address ... The New South Wales office e-mail address ... You could send a single e-mail to all of those addresses simultaneously by using the CC method.

Janice: OK Bern.

Bern: I trust you are sending an e-mail or two without difficulty?

Janice (12:45:34): Yes! Bern, I send already some message of them all.

Bern (12:46:57): Good. I'll try to phone PesoEpadala.com again soon and after that I also want to send them e-mails.

Janice (152): OK, I'll will wait for her message.

Janice (21:29:09): Good evening, BERN. Thank you very much; I get money at 2 p.m. I buy Jayson vitamins and some fresh fruits - and also medicine. Thank you, Bern, and always take care. We love you. [Received at 22:10:05.]

Wife of sick man appeals for financial help for family

December 05

Janice (15:44:51): Bern - I'm worried too much about my situation. If Jason still have sick, how about my 2 children, also Mae Mae['s] study, Jason can't work almost 3 days from now Bern. I can't buy his medicine; he still have headache and still lay down in bed. I hope Bern, you can help me - to buy medicines and some fruits and also vitamins. I hope Bern, you can understand me - I'm hoping!!!!

Janice (21:29:33): Bern, I hope you can help me - it's very hard for me Bern! To think - I'm surfeit.

December 06

Janice (13:23:23): Good morning BERN. How are you?

Bern (13:36:05): Hello. I'm just managing. At the moment I'm supposed to be at the lunch table.

Janice (13:38:29): OK - BERN - I hope you read my message to you . . . and I hope you understand. If you are busy now I can chat [with] you later.

Janice (13:48:38): Hard to me this situation - I don't know what can I do - I know you are the one who can help me. I hope, Bern - and thank you for understanding. I'm waiting for you Bern - Bye - love you.

Poor woman cannot afford medical care for sick husband or schooling for daughter

Janice (18:35:29): Hellow Bern, how are you?

Bern (18:37:28): Hello, I'm just OK. I've been going backwards and forwards to the TV news.

Janice (18:38:20): It's OK! Bern.

Bern (18:39:47): This morning Jason sent a message saying he was feeling sick. I hope he's improved.

Janice (18:41:23): Yes! Bern, he's sleeping and I hope he's improved as soon as possible.

Bern (18:41:53): So do I. It's a real pity he can't afford to consult a doctor.

Janice (18:42:46): Not yet Bern! B-coz I don't have money.

Bern (18:43:01): Just as I thought.

Janice (18:49:17): He take tablet Bern, biogesic only.

Bern (18:51:08): I see. Do you know the ingredients? I think it probably contains only paracetamol for pain relief.

Janice (18:51:55): He feel cold.

Bern (18:52:12): Perhaps he has a fever.

Janice (18:52:28): Yes! Bern.

Bern (18:52:39): I wish there was more that could be done. Does the employer know about Jason's illness? What does he say?

Janice (18:55:18): He said rest - and get well soon!

Bern (18:55:43): Who is performing Jason's duties while he is unable to work?

Janice (18:56:20): His assistant!

Janice (18:57:01): I'm surfeit Bern! I can't help Mae Mae, to her study, I can't give money allowance.

Bern (19:01:36): Don't your relations in San Isidro try to do that?

Janice (19:04:23): Do to support my relative but Bern, I'm shy b-coz he can do every day - money allowance to Mae Mae! I'm worried also Bern!

Bern (19:05:17): I understand.

Janice (19:07:00): I don't know what can I do now Bern!

Bern (19:07:45): I'm so sorry, it's getting quite hard for me also.

Bern (19:09:17): I'm sorry I'm distracted right now by someone else sending Yahoo messages and the TV going. Also Alice is calling me to eat.

Janice (19:10:42): OK! Bern, thank you for chatting . . . (-_-) . . . you're my good friend. Sorry for sharing this!

Bern (19:15:09): There's no need to apologise. But I really must go now. I'll probably be online again later tonight.

Janice (19:15:34): OK Bern! I'm waiting.

College girl's skin lesion healed following surgery: father seeks help again

Fernando (10:38:13): Hi, how are you now? Hope you're OK. About Rhea-Fe: she is good condition and also operation is perfect. We are here in my house. I am a candidate as a councilor in our Brgy. 2 at Kalye Pogi. Thanks a lot to your help my family.

Bern (10:45:28): Fernando! It's so good to hear from you at last, and especially good to hear that Rhea-Fe is in good condition and the operation perfect!

Fernando (10:51:12): Thanks very much Bern. [I] was running a candidate as a councilor this coming Oct 29 barangay election.

Bern (10:55:40): Yes, congratulations! You have wide experience of life so I'm sure you'd make a good councilor. I hope you win and also receive a good regular salary for it.

Fernando (11:06:50): Thanks and hope you have a good health and 19 of Oct starting of campaigning so I need your help in a meantime; it's me, Poe*.

Bern (11:09:34): So it's a 10-day election campaign? I worry when you say you need my help because I suffer from great financial stresses now.

Fernando (11:16:56): It's OK, I [am] just asking to you if you give me help a good for us. I am going to Comelec** now to file my candidacy. Thanks Bern.

Bern (11:18:23): My best wishes go with you. Fernando, Jov's wife Tina from Kalayaan is begging help today. She has fever and no antibiotics.

Bern (11:19:37): Jov's younger brother Mel is also begging urgently for help from Magdapio. He has no work and no money but wants to buy cellphone loads to sell again.

Bern (11:20:50): I just spent AU$600 to pay for an elderly lady to fly to her daughter's funeral and I must spend another $700 or more to register my car immediately.

Fernando (11:28:01): Well thanks again and hope you're always in good health and condition course I knew you have given help here in Pagsanjan especially [to] Jov's family. Rubee-Fer asking when did you come back in Phil[ippines].

Bern (11:29:58): Oh, I wish I could return soon but I just don't see how it's possible for some time. My health is not bad, all things considered, but I suffer many stresses.

Fernando (11:32:44): Regards to you, Rubee-Fer say love you, ninong [godfather]. Take care of yourself. I know you're going older. Thanks, gud a.m.

Bern (11:34:37): Hey, don't remind me I'm growing older! Age is only a number (I wish!). I'm so glad that someone and especially Rubee-Fer loves me! My love to her also!

Fernando (11:39:40): Yes I know only a number getting older not in your body. Rubee getting taller and beauty. She is graduating now at her grade six elementary she wish you come back soon.

Bern (11:42:08): Well, children getting taller and more beautiful, that's a bit different! But please pardon me now, I'm being called urgently to merienda [snack] with a visitor!

---

*Poe: a nickname derived from the movie star Fernando Poe.
 

**Comelec: Comission on Elections.

Six families of National Power Station security guards lack food to eat

Tina (10:03:57): Gud am Bern, I wake up early, to open d store. Sad to say I cannot raise money for Ken['s] allowance coz I don't have stock to sale, sorry to tell you Bern we don't have food to eat today, specially d kids.

Tina (10:15:14): You know Bern, 5 guard outgoing dis 7 a.m., complaining to me dat there is no rice and food to their house. They are rely[ing] on my store for their needs. [Above texts received online at 14:53 GMT+10]

Bern (15:55): Sent 10000 Western Union 3476808634. I rely on you to take great care. Please try to help Mel also. He should sell loads and also take great care.

Tina (16:07:18): Bern I received your text thank you very much, I will invest your money to d store, and I give 2,500 to Mel to sale load, I will try my best to take care of it.

Bern (16:18:32): Tina, thank you for your confirmation of my text sent 20 minutes ago. I worry that the money isn't enough though, for elec[tricity], stock, Mel's therapy, Jayson etc.

Desperate husband denies food to in-laws' small hungry children, wife alleges

Bern (14:03:27): Hello Tina. I'm so sorry to hear Jovs has been so angry and unfriendly to your sisters and their families. I do hope your situation has improved by now. Tina will receive your messages on a mobile device.

Bern (14:26:30): Hi Jovs, how are you? Still working hard, I guess. Mel texted me requesting financial help again but most regrettably I have very high costs to pay now.

Tina (14:33:30): Yes Bern it's impossible. Liza [did] pay d store till she cannot return to her work [i.e. until she became too ill to work], but Jovs ask me not to continue [helping her], not to give food from d store, but I did not follow, I help other people but I cannot control my self [not] to help d kids' hunger.

Bern (14:41:15): I have some idea of the harsh situation. I'll text Jovs and hope he will explain a little to me but he rarely contacts me.

Bern (14:47:30): Tina, some 50 minutes ago I texted Mel but there was no reply. Twenty minutes ago I texted Jovs, asking about himself and Mel but he didn't reply either.

Tina (14:49:04): You know Bern, it's so hard for me, Jovs continue to his work, I prepared food for him, but he did not stay d house long, his duty was 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., he slept last nite, but this a.m. he go again, I text Mel but Mel said Jovs was there this a.m. ,just eat, and left, he did not know where he goes.

Bern (14:51:34): I see. I'd like to ask Jovs gently about his own welfare and that of his brother and later, if possible, about the other children but I don't think he'd answer me.

Bern (14:53:02): You mentioned that you visited Jov's father. Would it help to talk with him again, I wonder? Also, I wonder if Liza or Laurice or Rod can work in the shop.

Tina (14:58:46): Yes day help me, but Jovs don't want them to do dat.

Bern (15:01:49): I don't know Jov's reasons for not wanting their help, but it seems good to me if they help and you can rely on them to do that.