Social media superstar Ivana Alawi recently took a heartfelt journey into the world of healthcare, spending time at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) to better understand the lives and sacrifices of medical practitioners and the children battling chronic illnesses.
Her visit was not just a charitable act but a meaningful immersion that opened her eyes to the realities faced by patients, their families, and the dedicated healthcare workers who serve them.
During her time at PCMC, Ivana extended financial help by giving ₱50,000 to each child patient she met. She humbly described this gesture as a “temporary relief” in what could be a lifelong medical expense, underscoring the enormous challenges these families endure. But beyond the monetary support, Ivana’s experience was deeply enriched by conversations with nurses, doctors, patients, and parents.
One of the most impactful moments came from her talk with Mark Fabre, a compassionate nurse at PCMC. Fabre shared his philosophy on nursing: “Yung trabaho hindi ganon kahirap kung mahal mo ‘yung ginagawa mo. Mahal namin ‘yung trabaho namin at gusto namin ‘yung ginagawa namin. Kahit sinong nurse, dito o kahit saan sa mundo, kung alam mo ‘yung ginagawa mo (at) mahal mo trabaho mo, at higit sa lahat may malasakit ka sa pasyente mo.” His words revealed the heart of healthcare — love for the job and genuine care for patients.
Fabre also emphasized the special approach required when caring for children: “Walang room para maging masungit kasi nga bata na ‘yan. Kung aaralin mo ‘yung language ng bata, mas mamahalin mo ‘yung trabaho mo.” His dedication and empathy left a lasting impression on Ivana.
In return, Ivana made sure the medical staff felt valued and recognized. She called nurses and doctors “modern-day heroes” and expressed deep respect for their unwavering commitment. As a token of appreciation, she gifted Fabre an iPhone, a small symbol of gratitude for his sacrifices and hard work.
Dr. Al Raymond, a seasoned physician with over a decade of experience, also thanked Ivana for her visit, saying, “Napakalaking bagay po ang pagpunta nyo dito. Napapangiti nyo yung mga tao dito. ‘Yun lang sapat na.”
Reflecting on her experience, Ivana reminded her followers, “Grabe, nakaka-touch talaga sa puso. We have to wake up every day knowing that we are blessed.”
Her visit to PCMC was more than charity—it was a profound lesson in empathy, resilience, and the true meaning of service.
