Bravehearts’ visions of a cervical cancer-free Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - Cervical cancer is now the second most common female cancer worldwide, with half a million new cases and 250,000 deaths reported each year. In the Philippines, more than 7,000 new cases are being reported and every day, 12 Filipinas die of it.

Bravehearts Coalition of the Philippines, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness on cervical cancer, hosts the Bravehearts Heroes Ball, a fundraising cocktail tomorrow, Nov. 21, 6:30 p.m., at the Garden Ballroom of the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel.

Bravehearts, under the leadership of president Abbygale Arenas-de Leon, has tapped some of the country’s most talented artists to join the cause through the creation of art pieces, which will be featured in an exhibit curated by Arenas’ husband, photographer, and Bravehearts advocate Jun de Leon, and eventually put up for auction, also at the ball.

Participating artists include Apol Sta. Maria, Cary Santiago, Frank Hoefsmit, Jake Verzosa, Jason and Nikki Buensalido, Joan Bitagcol, Jun de Leon, Kylie Padilla, Mark Nicdao, Millet Arzaga-Gonzales, Naz Nekoudast, Paolo Pineda, Raymund Isaac, Ronnie Salvacion, Sara Black, Tatum Ancheta, Tim and Miguel de Leon, Wesley Villarica, and Wig Tysmans.

For the past five years, Bravehearts has continuously pursued its vision of a cervical cancer-free Philippines by conducting lectures to increase awareness, administering checkups and pap smears, and offering vaccinations to Filipinas all over the country.

For information, call Ralyn Pigar at 09175097475 or e-mail BraveheartsFoundation@gmail.com.