Spartan Daily

'I faced it all and I stood tall and did it my way'

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

My grandpa just turned 82 last week.

He has passed the five-year survival rate with flying colors.

I'm speaking about the five-year survival rate for cancer, that is.

In 2001 around Mother's Day, my grandpa, at 73, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, likely caused from smoking for approximately 50 years.

A birthday to remember

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

It was Feb. 9, 2001. I sat there in deep thought, ready to blow out my birthday candles.

I made a wish, knowing that it would probably never come true.

My aunt was diagnosed in October 2000 with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Taking pride in family ties

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Ever since Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao stepped into the limelight, people - strangers included - have been telling me that he is the only person Filipinos can be proud of.

Excuse me?

Although Pacquiao has become a boxing legend all over the world, especially after his winning fight against Miguel Cotto last weekend, he alone does not take on the responsibility of an entire nation's pride.