Mariecell Fornis - smart and pretty coz she's simply amazing!

inspirational message to the Rotary graduates

2011-10-11T01:31:00.000-07:00

mariecell at the stage

9TH COMMENCEMENT EXERCISE
Rotary Foundation Computer Skills Training Center for PWD
April 29, 2011
Lispher Inn- Matina - Function Room E
Mariecell M. Fornis

Good afternoon everyone!

In my younger years, I’ve always been dreaming of having a successful career and a happy family of my own. I often imagine myself working in a very prestigious company, clicking my work all the way in front of a computer, wearing an office suit – a skirt, blouse and blazer. It’s an ecstasy for me to think about carrying a laptop of my own, walking with my high heeled shoes, putting make-ups on and driving my own car going to the office, all these in my dreams.

The horrible night of February 16, has vanished my dreams in a twinkling of an eye. My family and I met a vehicular accident that has lost my eyesight. I was then a graduating college student with the degree in Bachelor in Computer Technology of the University of Southeastern Philippines. Since then, my life has never been the same, it made a total twist. It’s like facing through a dark opaque glass and I thought my dreams would never come anymore to a reality.

I never give up. I never stop dreaming. I still keep on believing that somehow a brighter future, in the dark moments of my life, is waiting for me. Most importantly, my faith and trust in God is still intact.

When a door is closed, another one is opened. I lost my eyes but I’ve met lots of friends. The Rotary Foundation Computer Skills Training Center is one of the instrumental organizations, which has nurtured me to be a more productive and functional being. Like you, I’m also a graduate from this institution. The Center honed my skills and encouraged me to stand strong. As long as I live, my family and I are forever grateful to this Institution, to Sir Darling, Tatay Jun Boromeo and Tito Axel Borseux.

Our dreams may come true, despite all circumstances - if we have the courage to pursue them. My work right now has not been remote from what I used to dream of. I’m currently working as a secretary to the executive director of a Singapore-based Genashtim Innovative Learning. I’m doing secretarial job online in the comfort of our own house. My task includes arranging flight and hotel bookings for my boss and his family, maintaining his flight schedules summary, arranging restaurant and other reservations, taking phone calls, doing follow-ups, and performing other administrative tasks for the company. You see, I’m still working in front of the computer. I might not be able to do fancy things anymore, but I’m happy and I love my work.

Majority of the people engaged in Genashtim Innovative Learning are PWDs. We are doing online jobs at home. The company has different projects, which are suitable to people like us. The Abled online, for example, needs some technically skilled personnel and Sir Darling is one of the staffs behind. We also have EPIC online, which requires good English communication skills. Some of the requirements of the company are technical skills, the facility of its employees in good English communication and most of all a PC and stable internet connection at home. Good attitude towards work, patience and determination are the most important ingredients to have a successful career. Genashtim doesn’t employ PWD because he pitied on us, empathized or sympathised with us. They employ us because the management believes in our skills, capabilities and knowledge, and that we can be of great help to company’s success.

Employment opportunity for PWD here in the Philippines is very difficult. The competition is so tough not only for us but also for the abled. Let us not be discouraged. We should have to double our effort and equip ourselves with the necessary tools. Let us continue to develop our capacities. Huge opportunities out there, I believe, are enormous. Your graduation today in this training center is already a big step to success.

In this seeming darkness, life has always been beautiful to me. I may no longer see the colors of this world again, but I know I still can paint colors in the lives of others!
Daghang salamat ug maayong hapon kaninyong tanan!

Composed by: Mariecell M. Fornis
Edited by: Dr. Romel V. Gador

Looking Back and Seeing the Present of my 8 years in Blindness

2010-03-01T01:11:00.000-08:00

Walking Through the Light of God

me before the accident on my yellow blouse

I am twenty-eight now, and the last eight years of my life have been much different than I could ever have imagined at the beginning of 2002. At that time, I was a graduating college student scheduled to receive the Bachelor in Computer Technology at the University of Southeastern Philippines at the end of March, 2002. I loved my family and they loved me, and I had a wonderful boyfriend who had been with me for three years. I imagined our life together and my working career.

Then, on the night of February 16, 2002, my boyfriend and I were riding in a car with my father, going home after picking up my younger sister from her JS Prom, when we came upon a road construction site that had no flares or warning devices. Trying to avoid the hazard, my father lost control of the car and we crashed.

me with Fr. Bebot and friends at the hospital 2 months after the accident

     My boyfriend had only some minor facial bruises and my sister was not seriously hurt. My father had to undergo major surgery and was on crutches for almost six months as he recovered. But I was more seriously injured, and would spend almost four months in my hospital bed. Initially the doctors gave me only a 70/30 chance to even survive. There were bandages all over my body, but the worst trauma was to my face and head. There were many stitches to repair the lacerations. There was a tracheostomy tube in my throat to let me breathe and multiple jaw fractures and displaced teeth, so there were braces and wires to support them, and I could not speak or eat. I could only communicate with people through writing or by making signs. There was an NG tube to feed me (a "nasogastric" tube, through one nostril and down into my stomach) and I could not take any solid foods for four months.

     And, I was blind. The doctors said that my eyes were so badly damaged that they could not be saved – that if they had been left, they would have only become infected and the infection would likely have spread to my brain and killed me, so my family had to agree to have my eyes removed. So from that moment in February, I am completely and permanently blind and my eyes are both artificial. (We have said, better to lose my sight than to lose my life, although it almost sure I would never have been able to see with my eyes, even if they could have been saved.)

     Knowing that I could so readily have died, I am grateful to God that I’m alive right now. He gave me a second chance to live. He never left us, and even sent instruments to help my family go through this tragedy. While still in the hospital my family and my boyfriend never left me, and my friends, professors, relatives, and neighbors were there to give me enormous support. They all made me feel so special, and that gave me an assurance that I wasn’t alone.

    My eagerness in life has motivated me to move on. The university decided to award me my diploma because I already had completed my thesis and met all my requirements before the accident happened. As soon as my fractured legs were healed and I was discharged from the hospital, I went to the Davao School and Rehabilitation for Visually Impaired. There, I studied Braille, even while having seven reconstructive surgeries on my jaws. Once I had learned how to write and read Braille, they endorsed me to the Rotary Foundation Computer Skills Training Center to pursue my studies in computers. It enabled me to apply all my knowledge and skills on computers as a university graduate in computer technology. The Rotary then introduced me to the UCCP Social Concern Foundation for my Mobility Orientation. While having my studies in Rotary, I also went to Resources for the Blind, Inc. for my further studies in computer and for my personal needs like Braille paper, Braille magazines, and others.

   In 2006, I took the 6-month computer literacy course in ATRIEV. Away from my family for the first time, I tried my best to brave the city life in Manila. I completed my ATRIEV training and I was awarded the “U21 Global Student of the Year for 2006.” After graduation, I was given transcription work by ATRIEV. At present, I am the main transcriptionist for ATRIEV’s account with the Philippine Olympic Committee. Even now as I am back in Davao, I still continue to receive transcription work where I earn even from home. Training with ATRIEV in Manila gives me new career options and gives me a more optimistic attitude toward my future.

    There have been trials and struggles, however. My boyfriend stayed with me through the early times and supported me tremendously in putting my life back together. Unfortunately, after 2 years, things changed. We lost communication and decided to move on after a relationship of more than five years. All the sacrifices and the faithful love ended in nothing. I was hurt and sad, but no choice but to move on.

    God will never give us a trial more than what we can handle.   I’ve met new friends and they continue to be here for me. I thank God because I came to know them through my situation. They all helped me in my financial, emotional, physical and spiritual struggles.

    I feel so blessed and thankful that God put me into this situation because through my disability I’ve come to know special people and new friends. And I have received opportunities and gained achievements that I never had when I was still sighted.( These opportunities even brought me to Manila where I rode on a plane for the very first time.)

   Right now, I can already manage to walk by myself using my cane. I am now also equipped with some of the latest technologies for the blind. I now have a personal computer with JAWS and a Nokia 6600 cell phone with Mobile Speak. These devices were all gifts from the people I’ve met because of my disability. It helps me to become more independent in my life. It has been the biggest part of my success right now. I can navigate through computers, surf in the net, check my email, chatting with friends using a screen reader and even texting. Without this aids, I won’t be able to work independently. I’m also proud to say that I can still manage to bake some cakes and pastries. Now I know that even though I am blind, I can still do things a person without a disability do – that disability is not a hindrance to your success. It is only my eyes that are gone.

    Last August 2009 was my first corporate world experience, as I worked as a voicemail transcriptionist at Gallop IT Solutions in Ortigas, Pasig City. Unfortunately, the company closed two of their accounts, and one of those accounts was the one that we were using. I had thought it was already the fulfillment of my dreams.

     Right now, back in Davao again and moving on with my life, I am still doing POC transcription jobs from ATRIEV, still earning while I’m at home. I am currently enrolled on a medical transcription course with a scholarship grant of TESDA and Rotary Club of Matina-Davao, carrying all the learning, skills and memories that I have gained with my Gallop IT experience.

     Everything that happens in our lives is God’s plan and purpose. He has plans for us even before we were born. In Christ we can do all things because He is the one who will provide us the strength to face anything that comes our way. I don’t see my disability as a hindrance to my success; instead I see it as a challenge to strive better. In 2008, discerning to become a nun, I went for a search-in at Sisters of Christian Charity. I stayed there for almost a year, but, in God’s will and plan, I left the convent last March. All we have to do is surrender our lives to the Most High, our Lord Jesus Christ. Have faith and trust in Him and He will do the rest.

      My living without my eyes now is my cross that I will carry on for the rest of my life. But this cross becomes a blessing in my life. It helps me to experience the love of my family, relatives, neighbors and friends. It helps me realize that God is good and He really does miracles here on earth. Though He didn’t restore my sight, he never left me in the midst of my struggles. He showered me with lots of blessings so I can live with my disability without difficulty. Everything that happens in our lives is God’s plan. And one of His plans for me is to be in my situation right now. Right now I have so much joy, love, care and blessings from God. I believe that I have become a blessings to others because of the inspiration they feel when they see how I have been facing this life’s challenges.

me at my work station at Gallop... still pretty and simple as always... hahahaha!

Mariecell's Special Puto Cheese

2010-02-04T23:54:00.000-08:00

Mariecell’s special Puto Cheese

Ingredients:

4 cups flour
4 tsp. Baking powder
½ cup butter
2 cups white sugar
2 pcs. Eggs
1 small can evaporated milk
2 cups water
¼ cups grated cheese
Cheese sliced into small strips

Procedure:

1. In one big bowl, sift the flour and baking powder then mix.
2. In separate bowl, mix the butter and sugar. Then put the eggs. Mix. Pour the milk. Mix. Then put the flour mixture alternate with the water. Then put the grated cheese. Mix.
3. Cook it on a steamer with small plastic container. Top with the sliced strips of cheese. Makes 30 to 35 servings.

Love, Wealth, Success

2009-06-28T22:15:00.000-07:00

A woman came out of her house and saw 3 old men with long white beards sitting in her front yard. She did not recognize them. She said "I don't think I
know you, but you must be hungry. Please come in and have something to eat.."

"Is the man of the house home?", they asked.

"No", she replied. "He's out."

"Then we cannot come in", they replied.

In the evening when her husband came home, she told him what had happened.

"Go tell them I am home and invite them in!"

The woman went out and invited the men in"

"We do not go into a House together," they replied.

"Why is that?" she asked.

One of the old men explained: "His name is Wealth," he said pointing to one of his friends, and said pointing to another one, "He is Success, and I am
Love." Then he added, "Now go in and discuss with your husband which one of us you want in your home."

The woman went in and told her husband what was said. Her husband was overjoyed. "How nice!!", he said.. "Since that is the case, let us invite Wealth.
Let him come and fill our home with wealth!"

His wife disagreed. "My dear, why don't we invite Success?"

Their daughter-in-law was listening from the other corner of the house.. She jumped in with her own suggestion: "Would it not be better to invite Love?
Our home will then be filled with love!"

"Let us heed our daughter-in-law's advice," said the husband to his wife.

"Go out and invite Love to be our guest."

The woman went out and asked the 3 old men, "Which one of you is Love? Please come in and be our guest."

Love got up and started walking toward the house. The other 2 also got up and followed him. Surprised, the lady asked Wealth and Success: "I only invited
Love, Why are you coming in?"

The old men replied together: "If you had invited Wealth or Success, the other two of us would've stayed out, but since you invited Love, wherever He goes,
we go with him. Wherever there is Love, there is also Wealth and Success!!!!!!"

MY WISH FOR YOU...
-Where there is pain, I wish you peace and mercy.
-Where there is self-doubting, I wish you a renewed confidence in your ability to work through it.
-Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, I wish you understanding, patience, and renewed strength.
-Where there is fear, I wish you love, and courage.

The Truth About Flores de Mayo and Santa Cruzan

2009-05-30T01:18:00.000-07:00

The truth about Santa Cruzan and Flores de Mayo
By Gil Alfredo B. Severino

MONSIGNOR Guillermo "Gigi" Gaston, who is presently serving as consultant to the National Commission on Culture and Arts based in Negros, seriously expressed strong disapproval over the way the Catholic Church celebrated "Santa Cruzan" and "Flores de Mayo".

Gaston decried the confusion over these two separate events and how the Catholic Church allowed the "vandalization" of their historicity and sacredness.

Traditionally, Santa Cruzan is celebrated at the beginning of May while Flores de Mayo at the end of the month, Gaston said.

"Santa Cruzan is based on Emperatriz Elena's effort to find the cross of Jesus when she commissioned the excavation of Mt. Calvary. When found, she led a procession to offer the cross in a church. His son Constantine the Great was a little boy, then," Gaston explained.

Today, we see a fashion show of gowns, beautiful girls and boys in their teens, at times their parents fought for the coveted Reyna Elena title, Gaston said.

In other places, movie stars paraded themselves and the Catholic Church never explained the event, Santa Cruzan must lead people to the Cross, which is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Gaston added.

"Everything must point to the Cross of Jesus Christ. The celebration need not be grand. But if there's beauty and expenses involved, people must see to it that it must point to the Cross," Gaston said.

Gaston added he wrote a paper on this once and gave it to the City Tourism Office but still it remains unheeded.

Meanwhile, Gaston explained Flores de Mayo is the crowning of the Virgin Mary with flowers celebrated by children after a month of catechism classes.

"Flores de Mayo is for the spiritual development of children. This is not connected with Santa Cruzan. Without children's catechism, Flores de Mayo is meaningless," Gaston explained.

"That is why Jose Rizal has a play where an angel and a devil were fighting over children not to let them enter the church. Eventually, the angel won and all children celebrated inside the church," he recalled.

lost in the track

2009-05-28T03:24:00.001-07:00

There came a point in my life where I’m already determined and focused on what I wanted in my life. I want to become a nun. I’ve crossed rivers, walk in a thorny paths, and even stumbled and got up again just to reach my goal in life. As I battle those obstacles that blocked my way, I was gone astray and destructed. I was bewildered on which way to trail, whether to turn left or to turn right. But one thing I’m sure of, I need to continue walking. Hoping in the end I can find my home. I believe that as I journey life, Papa Jesus is always at my side all the time, guiding my way. He’s my light that illuminates my way. He’s my armor to battle challenges and trials I’ve encountered along /my way.

Enjoy life just like mine

2009-05-28T02:34:00.000-07:00

Long time ago, there was an Emperor who told his horseman that if he could ride on his horse and cover as much land area as he likes, then the Emperor would give him the area of land he has covered. Sure enough, the horseman quickly jumped onto his horse and rode as fast as possible to cover as much land area as he could. He kept on riding and riding, whipping the horse to go as fast as possible. When he was hungry or tired, he did not stop because he wanted to cover as much area as possible.

Came to a point when he had covered a substantial area and he was exhausted and was dying. Then he asked himself, “Why did I push myself so hard to cover so much land area? Now I am dying and I only need a very small area to bury myself."

The above story is similar with the journey of our Life. We push very hard everyday to make more money, to gain power and recognition. We neglect our health, time with our family and to appreciate the surrounding beauty and the hobbies we love.

One day when we look back, we will realize that we don't really need that much, but then we cannot turn back time for what we have missed. Life is not about making money, acquiring power or recognition. .

Life is definitely not about work! Work is only necessary to keep us living so as to enjoy the beauty and pleasures of life. Life is a balance of Work and Play, Family and Personal time. You have to decide how you want to balance your Life. Define your priorities, realize what you are able to compromise but always let some of your decisions be based on your instincts. Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of Life, the whole aim of human existence. So, take it easy, do what you want to do and appreciate nature. Life is fragile, Life is short. Do not take Life for granted. Live a balanced lifestyle and enjoy Life!

Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny so enjoy every day as yours…

Good chills

2009-05-22T22:09:00.000-07:00

This will give you the chills........

GOOD chills...

A young man had been to Wednesday Night Bible Study. The Pastor had shared about listening to God and obeying the Lord's voice

The young man couldn't help but wonder, "Does God still speak to people?"

After service, he went out with some friends for coffee and pie and they discussed the message.
Several different ones talked about how God had led them in different ways.

It was about ten o'clock when the young man started driving home. Sitting in his car, he just began to pray, "God...If you still speak to people, speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to obey."

As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought to stop and buy a gallon of milk.

He shook his head and said out loud, "God is that you?" He didn't get a reply and started on toward home.

But again, the thought, buy a gallon of milk.

The young man thought about Samuel and how he didn't recognize the voice of God, and how little Samuel ran to Eli.

"Okay, God, in case that is you, I will buy the milk." It didn't seem like too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk. He stopped and purchased the gallon of milk and started off toward home.

As he passed Seventh Street, he again felt the urge, "Turn Down that street."

This is crazy he thought, and drove on past the intersection.

Again, he felt that he should turn down Seventh Street.

At the next intersection, he turned back and headed down Seventh. !

Half jokingly, he said out loud, "Okay, God, I will."

He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop. He pulled over to the curb and looked around. He was in a semi- commercial area of town. It wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst of neighborhoods either. The businesses were closed and most of the houses looked dark like the people were already in bed.

Again, he sensed some! Thing, “Go and give the milk to the people in the house across the street." The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it looked like the people were either gone or they were already asleep. He started to open the door and then sat back in the car seat.

"Lord, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going to be mad and I will look stupid." Again, he felt like he should go and give the milk.

Finally, he opened the door, "Okay God, if this is you, I will go to the door and I will give them the milk. If you want me to look like a crazy person, okay. I want to be obedient. I guess that will count for something, but if they don't answer right away, I am out of here."

He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise inside. A man's voice yelled out, "Who is it? What do you want?" Then the door opened before the young man could get away.

The man was standing there in his jeans and T-shirt. He looked like he just got out of bed. He had a! Strange look on his face and he didn't seem too happy to have some stranger standing on his doorstep. "What is it?"

The young man thrust out the gallon of milk, "Here, I brought this to you." The man took the milk and rushed down a hallway.

Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward the kitchen. The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face.

The man began speaking and half crying, "We were just praying. We had some big bills this month and we ran out of money. We didn't have any milk for our baby. I was just praying and asking God to show me how to get some milk."

His wife in the kitchen yelled out, "I ask him to send an Angel with some. Are you an Angel?"

The young man reached into his wallet and pulled out all the money he had on him and put in the man's hand. He turned and walked back toward his car and the tears were streaming down his face.

He knew that God still answers prayers.

Sometimes it's the simplest things that God asks us to do that cause us, if we are obedient to what He's asking, to be able to hear. His voice more clear than ever. Please listen, and obey! It will bless you (and the world). Phil 4:13

I am troubled...

2009-05-06T22:19:00.000-07:00

There are times in our life that we really have to choose. To decide if what’s really best and the right thing to do or which way we should follow. And in the point of my life, I’m on that stage. I didn’t know what to do with my life. I’m afraid to make decision.

At present, I’m still troubled whether to continue or not in my desire of religious life. Right now, I was out in the convent for the meantime because there’s something I need to settle first. I need to face it because I can’t do both things at the same time. I cannot focus my life inside the convent if I’m there. I don’t know what God wants to tell me of this situation.

With that situation, I think God has his own ways in showing us the way in our journey of life. He uses some certain situations in our life. It can be difficult or easy and happy or sad moment in our life. If we make decision we should follow God for if we follow our own way we may regret it in the end, for if we follow God we can say that it is the best decision because God knows what’s best for me.

I’m still praying for my decision. I need to think… think… think… and pray… pray… pray… And offer this to our Lord Jesus Christ.

I'm home for christmas holidays!

2008-12-27T08:44:00.000-08:00

My Journey
By: Mariecell M. Fornis

Ever since I was a kid,
I always want to become a nun
But I fall in love
It didn’t last forever

A great trial came in to my life
That took my precious eyes away
And causes my world turn upside down

I thought that my dreams wouldn’t come true anymore
But I was all wrong!
I believe that God let it happen because He has other plan for me
He never put us in a trial more than what we can handle

I continued my life,
Doing all the rehabilitations and trainings on how to live with my situation
Then I pursue with my ambition despite of my disability
I have been to different congregation but faced with discrimination and rejection

At last! I found one.
Sisters of Christian Charity accepts me and my disability

Today, I’m trying to become one of the sisters
I want to serve Jesus,
Love Jesus with all my heart, mind, and strength
I want to offer my whole life, my whole being and my whole time to our Lord

But following Him and loving Him is not so easy
It’s just like climbing on a mountain,
Walking through rocky road,
Crossing a river,
And stepping through a thorny path

But even though I have encountered a lot of hardships and difficulties
I still want to go on with my journey
Everyday I’m always begging for God’s blessing on this voyage of mine
That I may surpass all these hardships and challenges along my way
That He may guide me to the right direction and lead me to the right path

I hope in the end of this journey,
My dreams could become in to a reality
And find my home in God’s arm

the best choice and the great decision i had

2008-05-03T20:56:00.000-07:00

I can still remember when I was still young and can still see the colors of the world, I always been dreaming of becoming a nun. But a great trial came in to my life that I thought it could block my way to making my dreams come true. I was wrong! Instead my situation right now leads me to the fulfillment of my dreams. Though there are some rejections and discriminations that I had encounter along my journey to that dreams, doubts and negation from my family and friends, but still what my mind keeps telling me and what my heart beats is just only for one thing. I want to become a nun. I would like to offer my whole time in serving God and I wish to offer my whole life to Him. I am willing to take all the risk and ready to face all the challenges that I may encounter in that journey, than feeling comfortable and secure and have done nothing to make that dreams come in reality.

Please God strengthen my will and help me find my way. Guide me to the right direction and lead me to the right path that I am taking in my journey of life.

Dreams of a Princess

2008-04-01T01:08:00.000-07:00

I am a girl with full of dreams and ambitions. I dream of having a palace where my prince charming and my little princesses and little prince’s lived happily ever after. I dream of having a car with driver, of course, because I can’t drive anymore. I dream of having a laptop with license screen reader (JAWS). So that I have my computer with me wherever I go. I know that it’s all just a dreams and its all part of my fantasies in life. That was all just a material thing that would be gone in time.

But what are really the desires of my heart and soul? I long for a stable job and I wish to become a nun someday. But right now, I’m still waiting for my dreams to come true. Every day, I’m hoping, wishing and praying that God will answer my prayers. I believe that it will come true soon.

Dealing with sighted family, friends and otherpeople

2008-02-28T04:35:00.000-08:00

Insight Magazine )A Bi-monthly magazine for visually Impaired Person)
Tips and Techniques
Dealing with Sighted Family, Friends, and Other People
Katrina Silvestre

For a sighted person, sometimes it’s awkward to
offer help, or act naturally around visually impaired
persons, especially if that person doesn’t have much
knowledge about blindness. You can make it easier for
them. Here are some tips that you can do to help a
sighted person be comfortable with you.

1. Receiving assistance. It’s important to state
your needs as plainly as possible. Doing this will
clear up the awkwardness a sighted person might feel
when spending time with you. Tell your peers that if
they think you need assistance, they should just ask
you how they could help. Ask them not to make any
assumptions on what you need. By making this request,
you are asking them for the same courtesy they would
extend to anyone.

2. Walking with a Sighted Person. I’ve experienced
this on my first day at RBI. I saw a blind person
walking to RBI, and he has been having problems with
the tricycles parked by the sidewalk. So I offered
help, I said he could walk with me. But my problem was
I didn’t know about sighted guide yet. Good thing
was that he instructed me how.

So, instead of allowing a sighted person to grab onto
you while you are walking with them, tell the person
that it would be safer and easier if you would be the
one to hold onto their arm. Tell them about the
“sighted guide” technique. Let them know that
physical cues are usually all that are necessary to
signal where you both are going.

3. Receiving directions. Let your friend know the type
of information you want to receive such as directions
to where you are going – right, left, north, west.

4. Conversing with others. You may find that a sighted
person with no knowledge about blindness are at first uncertain on how to speak with you. They may address their comments to your sighted companion rather than speak directly to you. For example, you’re with a friend on a restaurant and the waiter came to ask for
your orders. The waiter would ask for your
companion’s order, but instead of asking yours
directly, he would ask your order from your companion.
They may also speak more loudly than usual. Why is
this so? The probable answer is that sighted person
relies so much on eye-to-eye conversion. Without eye
contact, it’s difficult for a sighted person to know
if you’re really conversing with him. So to
enlighten a sighted person regarding this, just let
them know that if they want to get your attention they
should simply ask you.

I hope these tips have been helpful. Don’t always
feel discriminated when there are times when sighted
people don’t seem to deal with the blind rightly.
They might just don’t know how. So we better
enlighten them about blindness and what blind people
could do.

True Essence of Love

2008-02-13T05:10:00.000-08:00

Valentine’s Day is in the air again. Flowers, chocolates, stuff toys, cards, cakes and other sweet things are over flowing in the malls. Food chains, café, bars and hotels and inns, and restaurants have their own gimmicks this valentine’s day. I’m just wondering… What’s really the essence of celebrating Valentines Day? Is it for romantic love only? Does it mean that if you don’t have a romantic partner on Valentines Day you couldn’t celebrate it?

Well, I see love when my lola always accompanies my lolo to his regular check-up to the doctor… When my mama makes coffee for papa every morning… When my aunt fetches my cousins from school… When my sisters call and text me to check if I’m okay in our house… When people eat together despite of hectic schedule… When my pamangkin kisses my hurting finger… And my barkada hang out despite the distance. See now? Who said love was just for couples?

love is simply what overflows out of the heart that is full of peace. But the true essence of love, you see, is love for yourself, love focused within. Loving yourself so deeply, so quietly and peacefully, that the love for yourself becomes love for the world and everyone else in it. So you see, when you love yourself, you automatically love everyone else, everyone else in the world.

Happy Hearts Day!

Blind and Able Looking for Job Opportunities

2008-01-14T03:51:00.000-08:00

14 January 2008

I look for job opportunities as an administrative employee or an office based / home based corporate transcriptionist. If accepted you have a productive and loyal employee in your company. As a college graduate I am qualified for all kinds of administrative and office work, ready to be trained according to your needs.

My particular skills all have to do with computer based work. As an example you might like to know, that I run, operate and update this small website by myself.
I am willing to relocate but preferably I want it to be in Davao City, Philippines.

Also I am a well trained corporate transcriptionist. I will transcribe your meetings, conventions, or conferences as being conducted/held in your company or organization.

I am 26 years old, single, and a graduate of Bachelor in Computer Technology at the University of Southeastern Philippines, Davao City last March 2002.
I am a person with visual impairment, having acquired my disability through vehicular accident. I am confident to show the value of my service when given
Me the opportunity to do so.
My trainings and being a corporate transcriptionist are valuable for the said position.

You may be reached me through my email address and you can ask for my pertinent records at mariecell_0812@yahoo.com.ph. I am available at your earliest
Convenience.

Sincerely,

Mariecell M. Fornis

Computer Training for Blind: Enrollment is now going on!

2008-01-09T03:12:00.000-08:00

(ENGLISH VERSION)
A N N O U N C E M E N T

Are you BLIND or VISUALLY IMPAIRED?
Do you want to learn how to use the computer?

ATRIEV, a computer school for the blind and visually
impaired, will conduct the following computer training
courses in 2008:

PC Operations with Access Technology: teaches common
MS Office applications such as Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, and the Internet
Class schedule: 31 March to 30 May 2008
Monday to Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or
Class Schedule: 25 Feb. to 2 April 2008
MWF, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Digital Early Intervention Training for Kids: teaches
basic computer literacy to blind and visually impaired
children grades IV to VI.
Class Schedule: 31 March to 25 April 2008
Mondays-Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Who can join?
æ Must be visually impaired
æ Must be highly motivated and willing to learn

REQUIREMENTS:
Completely filled up Application Form available at the
ATRIEV office
æ 2 pieces 1¡¨x1¡¨ ID photo
æ Personal interview by a member of the ATRIEV
training team
æ Photocopy of diploma / certificates (whichever is
applicable)
æ Photocopy of report card or transcript of records
(whichever is applicable)
æ Consent of parent or guardian (for minors and those
supported by parents)
æ Medical certificate for visual acuity

Registration fee: Php200.00 only

REGISTER NOW!
TUITION FEE SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE.
Limited slots only!

Deadline for Registration: Jan. 31, 2008

For more details contact:
Lourdes Borgonia/Jonathan Palmero
Tel. Nos. 927-6185 or 435-7946
Mobile: 09-06-7552795 or 0916-4387040

Or visit us at:
ATRIEV Training Center
3rd Floor, RGG Building,
71 Kamias Road, Quezon city
(in front of IBANK)

(TAGALOG VERSION)

Ikaw Ba Ay bulag?
Gusto Mo Bang Matutong Mag-computer?

ATRIEV, isang computer school para sa mga bulag, ay
magkakaroon ng computer training para sa mga sumusunod
na kurso:

PC Operations with Access Technology: teaches common
MS Office applications such as Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, and the Internet
Class schedule: 31 Marso - 30 Mayo 2008
Lunes - Biyernes; 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or
Class Schedule: 25 Peb. - 2 Abril 2008
MWF, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Digital Early Intervention Training for Kids: teaches
basic computer literacy to blind and visually impaired
children grades IV to VI.
Class Schedule: 31 Marso - 25 Abril 2008
Lunes ¡V Biyernes: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Sino ang pwedeng mag-enroll?
æ Bulag o may Kapansanan sa paningin
æ May matinding pagnanais na matuto at pagsumikapan
ang pag-aaral

Mga Kinakailangan:
æ Application form
æ 2 pirasong ID picture
æ kopya ng diploma o certificate
æ kopya ng report card o transcript of records (kung
alin ang nararapat)
æ patunay ng pagsang-ayon ng magulang para sa mga
edad na mababa sa 18 taong gulang
æ patunay ng doktor ng pagkabulag (visual acuity)

Registration fee: Php200.00 lamang

Magrehistro na! Ngayon na!
May mga nakalaan pang sponsorships sa maagang
magrerehistro.
Deadline ng pagrerehistro:
Enero 31, 2008

Para sa karagdagang detalye, tumawag:

Lourdes Borgonia o Jonathan Palmero
Tel. Nos. 995-7336 or 438-9373
Mobile: 09-06-7552795 or 0916-4387040

O pumunta sa:
ATRIEV Training Center
3rd Floor, RGG Building,
71 Kamias Road, Quezon city
(sa harapan ng IBANK)

Our Trip to Toyozu Mountain Resort (Hot and Cold Spring)

2007-11-27T23:32:00.000-08:00

his was taken during our trip at Toyozu Mountain Resort at Bukal, Nabunturan Davao del Norte last November 10, 2007 with my family, relatives and friends. This resort is a hot and cold spring. Want to see more pictures??? Please view my friendster’s profile…

me outside the umbrella falls

me with my sisters and friends outside the steam cave

me with my 2 little angels at the swimming pool

pretty girls with greg at the waterfalls

Island Hopping Tour at Talikod Island

2007-11-14T03:22:00.000-08:00

Just want to share this great experience that we had last November 11, 2007. My whole big happy family, some of my relatives and friends were having an Island Hopping Tour at Talikod Island. Island hopping is a trip where you can visit different beach resorts and small islands in Talikod Island. Our first stop was at the Angel’s Cove. Then the second stop was at the Baboo Santa where we had our lunch in that place. We ate our lunch inside the boat. Then the last stop was at the Coral Garden. That resort is so beautiful. You’re like swimming in the aquarium. There are many corals and you can see different kinds of fish like Nemo, the clown fish. After swimming at the Coral Garden, we had our tour around the island. We saw the Pearl Farm Resort, Isla Reta, wishing island and others. One of my greatest experiences I had in this trip was swimming in the middle of the sea using a life jacket. I really enjoyed with that tour because my family, relatives and friends were there.

Dating Sighted and Blind Person

2007-10-22T20:50:00.000-07:00

It is an article from Insight Magazine, a bi-monthly magazine for the blind. Produced and distributed by Resources for the Blind, Inc.

Dating
Excerpted from the “Top Ten Advantages of Dating Sighted or Blind People”
By Priscilla McKinley
www.nfb.org

Many of you have dated, are dating, or at least would like to date. Some of you may have pondered the question about whether or not to date a sighted or a blind person, as I have in the past. Sometimes I thought it would be easier to date a blind person, someone who could understand the challenges blind people face on a daily basis. Other times, I thought it would be easier to date a sighted person, someone who could lessen some of the challenges that go along with blindness. But then when in a relationship with a sighted person, I would start questioning why I was with this person and why he was with me. Is he with me because he likes to play the protector? Is he with me because he has low self esteem and doesn’t think he can get a sighted person? Am I with him because it’s nice to have someone drive me places when I’m in hurry or someone to read the newspaper for me? Am I with this person because I am afraid to be alone?

When in a relationship with a blind person, I found myself asking similar types of questions. Do we have anything in common besides our blindness? Am I in this relationship because I don’t think a sighted person could accept my blindness? If I stay in this relationship, how are we going to manage as a blind couple?

There are many reasons why people enter into relationships with others, and we as blind persons are just as likely to enter into relationships for wrong reasons. However, we can make this less likely by possessing self-confidence and good blindness skills. For example, I won’t be as likely to get into a relationship of dependency on a sighted person if I have access to readers and have good Braille and cane travel skills. Likewise, I won’t be as likely to enter into a relationship of safety with a blind person if I have the self-confidence to be blind on my own.

In other words, as in any relationship, you have to be happy with yourself before you can make another person happy. The better your blindness skills, the less your blindness becomes an issue in any relationship. Both sighted and blind persons will respect you more if you have self-confidence and good blindness skills.

“It is respectable to be blind. It is respectable to be blind. It is respectable to be blind.” If you keep telling yourself this, you will start to believe it. If you believe it, you will start to live it, which will positively affect your relationships with both the sighted and the blind.

It is important for all of us as blind individuals to analyze our relationships. I’m not saying you should get a microscope and examine each and every move you and your partner make, but you should ask yourself the following questions:

1. Would you still be interested in this person if the status of his/her sight changed? In other words, if dating a sighted person would still be interested if he/she went blind. Of if dating a blind person, would you be interested if he/she got his sight back?

2. Would you still want to be with this person if all of a sudden you could see?

If you are in a relationship and answered “no” to either of the above questions, you might want to get out that microscope and take a closer look, for you might be in the relationship for the wrong reason.

If you answered “yes” to both questions, then you have made it to the best advantage for dating a sighted or blind person – dating this person, sighted or blind, means being with the one you love. And isn’t that what really matters?

My Ideal Man

2007-09-18T01:08:00.000-07:00

My Ideal Man
By: Mariecell M. Fornis

I am a girl with full of dreams and crushes
I do believe in fairytales and destiny
In my high school days I always dreamed of my ideal man
Hoping and praying that he will come true

Well, let me tell you about him
It’s not all about the money
It’s not about the physical aspect
But it’s all about the heart

I don’t mean luvy duvy kinda heart
I mean the kind of heart that makes him stand up and fight when he believe in something
A man who knows how to treat a woman, opens door and all that
But also knows how to put me in my place

A guy who doesn’t make a ton of money
But he is ambitious and well on his way
He is funny, generous and so giving of himself
and the way he will carries himself with such confidence

A guy who don’t blow my phone up all the time
Don’t get jealous when I talk to other guys
Just be easy and let things unfold
And a guy who makes me smile and makes me feel safe and secure

As time passed by I never found my ideal man
Though I experienced a committed relationships before, I never found him in them
Then I come to realized that my ideal man doesn’t really exist in this world
That he is only on my imaginations and fantasies

One day as I woke up one morning I realized I’ve found my ideal man
I know that it’s him!
That he doesn’t only exist on fairytale stories
He comes in my life in a mysterious ways

But I know and accept the reality that he can’t be mine forever
Coz he has a girl in his life right now
Whom he loved so much

Though things are complicated I’m contented and happy of what we have today
The friendship and the great memories that we had is already a treasure to be kept forever
I thank God for letting me know him and become part of his life
I just have to let things happen on it’s own

All I have to do now is keep on sailing
Though I’ve already found my ideal man, I’m not sure that he can be my destiny
Only God knows who would be my forever Punchinello
Whom I will share and spend my lifetine with

I have to move on with my life
Coz life is a wonderful journey that we have to travel
Life is a gift and a blessing from God that we have to share with others

And praise God that He gives me the chance to share a part of my life with my ideal man.

My Inspirational Life Story

2007-09-14T20:08:00.000-07:00

My inspirational life story

My inspirational life story
By: Mariecell M. Fornis, 26, Davao City
mariecell_0812@yahoo.com.ph

God will never give us a trial more than what we could handle. Everything that happens in our lives is God’s plan. And one of His plans for me is to be in my situation right now.

It was on the night of February 16, 2002 when my family met a vehicular accident. We were on our way home after picking up my younger sister from her JS Prom when my father tried to avoid a road construction that has no warning device and lost control. That was the cause of my loss of sight. My eyes now are both artificial.

By that time, I was a graduating student in college under the degree course of Bachelor in Computer Technology and it was about 40 days before graduation. The university has decided to give my diploma because I already have completed my thesis and met all my requirements before the accident happened.

My father and I were brought to the hospital. He had a fractured leg and went through a major operation. He used crutches for almost six months. I, on the other hand, stayed on my hospital bed for almost four months. There were bandages all over my body and I had many stitches on my head. I was with dextrose and they put a tube on my neck to help me breathe. I also had a Nasogastric Tube (NGT) inserted in my nose to feed me. For four months I didn’t take any solid foods. I couldn’t speak because they’ve put braces on my teeth to support it. I could only communicate with people through writing or by sign language. The doctors said that they couldn’t save my eyes because it may cause infection that would eventually cost my life. It would be better to lose my sight than to lose my life. The doctors have given me 60-40 chances for survival so I’m grateful to God that I’m alive right now. He gave me a second chance to live. He never left us and even sent instruments to help my family go through this tragedy.

While still in the hospital my friends, professors, relatives, neighbors and the rest of my family were there to give me enormous support. They never left me. They all made me feel so special and that gave me an assurance that I wasn’t alone. Also, I’ve met new friends and until now they are here for me. I thank God because I came to know them through my situation. They all helped me on my financial, emotional, physical and spiritual struggles.

My eagerness in life has motivated me to move on. Soon as my fractured legs were healed and I was discharged in the hospital, I went to the Davao School and Rehabilitation for Visually Impaired. There, I studied Braille while having 7 reconstructive surgeries on my jaws. When I already learned on how to write and read Braille, they endorsed me to the Rotary Foundation Computer Skills Training Center to pursue my studies in computer. It enabled me to apply all my knowledge and skills on computers, as being a graduate of Bachelor in Computer Technology at the University of Southeastern Philippines, Davao City.

The Rotary then introduced me to the UCCP Social Concern Foundation for my Mobility Orientation. Right now, I can already manage to walk by myself using my cane. While having my studies in Rotary, I also went to Resources for the Blind, Inc. for my further studies in computer and for my personal needs like Braille paper, Braille magazines, and others.

After I have finished my computer trainings here in Davao, I went to ATRIEV (Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment for Visually Impaired to pursue my studies in computer and to have greater job opportunities. Training with ATRIEV in Manila, gives me new career options and gives me more optimistic attitude toward my future. While having my training with them, they hire me as their corporate transcriptionists. Right now, I do a home based transcription.

Now I know that even though I’m already blind I can still do things person without disability do. It is only my eyes that are gone. I feel so blessed and thankful that God put me into this situation because through my disability I’ve come to know special people and new friends. And I have received opportunities and gained achievements that I never had when I was still sighted. These opportunities even brought me to Manila where I rode on a plane for the very first time. I’m also proud to say that I can still manage to bake some cakes and pastries.

Aside from these, I am now also equipped with some of the latest technologies for the blind. I now have a personal computer with JAWS and a Nokia 6600 cell phone with Mobile Speak. These devices were all gifts from the people I’ve met because of my disability. It helps me to become more independent in my life. It has the biggest part of my success right now. I can navigate through computers, surf in the net, check my email, chatting with friends using a screen reader and even texting. Without this aids, I won’t be able to work independently.

Everything that happens in our lives is God’s plan and purpose. He has plans for us even before we were born. In Christ we can do all things because He is the one who will provide us the strength to face anything that comes our way. I don’t see my disability as a hindrance to my success; instead I see it as a challenge to strive better. All we have to do is surrender our lives to the Most High, our Lord Jesus Christ. Have faith and trust in Him and He will do the rest. My situation right now is my cross that I will carry on for the rest of my life. But this cross becomes a blessing in my life. It helps me to experience the love of my family, relatives, neighbors and friends. It helps me realize that God is good and He really does miracles here on earth. Though He didn’t restore my sight he never left me in the midst of my struggles. He showered me with lots of blessings so I can live with my disability without difficulty. Right now I have so much joy, love, care and blessings from God. I believe that I have become a blessings to others because of the inspiration they feel when they see how I have been facing this life’s challenges.

My graduation speech

2007-09-13T20:36:00.001-07:00

the boys and me

time for our graduation song

mama and me

Mariecell M. Fornis
Graduation Speech
ATRIEV
December 12, 2006
Awards: U21 Global Student of the Year and Best in English

Ladies and gentlemen good afternoon!

It was a painful accident that took my precious sight away. It happened on the night of February 16, 2002. We were driving home after picking up my younger sister from her JS Prom when my father tried to avoid a road construction that has no warning device and lost control. Since then, things have never been the same. The lights are out and this time, it’s like I’m looking through opaque glass.

For many, it might be a great loss, a sad tragedy. For my family and me, it is a great battle that we have to fight, a challenge we have to face. Our situation needs courage and faith. It is really hard to win the war when one has already accepted his defeat.

I am so grateful to the Lord and I do not hold resentments. The accident may have closed the so-called windows to my soul but it has also opened so many other new doors of friendship and love. More importantly, it has also opened up a lot of opportunities.

Opportunity to learn new things. Learning to use technologies for the visually impaired, through ATRIEV, is one such privilege. We extend our sincerest gratitude to ATRIEV for trusting us and equipping us with the necessary skills. I hope you will continue to be a channel of blessing to people like us. GOD speed.

Opportunity to meet new friends of similar experiences. My classmates considered me as the only rose among the thorns. I just don’t know why. Who would forget my classmates Julius Caezar Macapas, Chito Pabia and Julius Cesar Tan kumbaga eh sila iyong mga lalaki sa buhay ko). One thing I won't forget with you guys and with ATRIEV is when I celebrated my 25th birthday because you made it so special. I enjoyed my stay here while learning with you guys. You were such a great friend.

Opportunity to learn new things under the tutelage of our hands-on mentor, Miss Lourdes Borgonia, our computer instructor. We are so thankful for the patience and the passion you showed upon us. You’re one of the beautiful things that ever happened to us and we thank you for the friendship you have shared with us. It’s a great honor to have met you along our journey.

Opportunity to visit this beautiful and historic capital city of the country. Indeed, traveling to places has broadened my perspective in life. It has made me appreciate my hometown more. It inspires me to enlighten my fellow visually impaired in Davao City that the opportunities for development are vast. I want to raise their awareness to the fact that they can do so many other things aside from massage activities that most visually impaired persons are stereotyped as. I want to open their eyes so that they will strive to continuously grow, develop and improve themselves because I believe that there are lots of opportunities for us.

Opportunity to meet prominent people from different organizations. Organizations that have helped me to moved on in my life. The Rotary Club of Matina-Davao, Lilane Foundation, Mission Society of the Philippines, UCCP Social Concern Office and Maryknoll Fathers you have made my training here possible. I hope you will continue to share your good deeds and blessings to others especially to visually impaired people like us.

I thank God for the opportunity to see how loved I am by my family, relatives, and friends. The scars on my face were soon healed by their warm support and care. To my uncle Loloi, Ate Neneng, Ate Fe, Auntie Lina, Ate Inday, Kuya Omeng, Pong,

To you our parents, who are here today, thank you very much for the love you have been giving us. Even if our eyes can’t see, we feel and know the warmth of your love and care. Thank you for not giving up on us. We love you.

Some of my friends here may be able to see again but for most of us, this is it. We would never see again for the rest of our lives. In our simple ways, we would like people to feel and see us as persons, persons with life and spirit.

We believe that even in this seeming darkness, life is beautiful. Although we may never see the colors of the world again, we could paint colors in the lives of others. As long as there is life, as long as there is hope, the battle is not yet over for us.

We have entered ATRIEV to learn. They have equipped and enhanced us with the necessary tools. Moments from now, we’ll soon march-on to make our mark in this world. It is our turn to serve others as in our respective communities. The blind can now be empowered more and be connected.

When you happen to be in Davao City and you would like to hear from me, friends, I’m just a text away and you can also email me or chat with me on the net.

Though a lot of things have changed, let us always remember that we have been blessed so we can serve others.

Daghang salamat ug maayong hapon kaninyong tanan!