The Story of “Tenga Ko, Mahal Ko” Year 3!

In early 2023, our very own Rotarian Bambi A. Rodriguez, fulfilled her long-time dream of writing and publishing a bilingual children’s book based on her personal experiences as a person who is hard of hearing (PWD-HOH). “Super Maya”, a heartwarming story about Maya’s experiences shows how through her difficulties and challenges, she was empowered and learned to talk about her story. It also shows how her friends learned how to respond and help her. It is an eye-opening story about understanding, kindness, and inclusion of people who may be different from you.

Super Maya was celebrated by the Rotary Club of Mandaluyong-Pasig-San Juan (ManPaSan) through an online gathering of friends and partners where the book was launched in an HOH Awareness Campaign. Two years after, with a sequel out and Book 3 on the way, Super Maya has opened doors to many service projects - awareness and inclusion campaigns, mental health seminars, book readings, library book donations, and “Tenga Ko, Mahal Ko” a Free Hearing Screening for students of Pedro P. Cruz Elementary School. This event aims to identify and help students who may be having difficulties with their studies due to hearing issues. We also hope to raise awareness about the importance of caring for our ears and hearing, and the experiences of people who are hard of hearing (HOH).

On September 9 and 10, 2025, Tenga Ko, Mahal Ko Year 3 was held where 140 students and 30 teaching and non-teaching staff of Pedro P. Cruz Elementary School (PPCES) in Mandaluyong City were provided with free ear checkups and hearing screening services led by Dr. Joyce Rodvie and students of the UST Masters in Audiology program, as well as personnel from The Specialists (Cancer and Surgery Center). This was coordinated by RC ManPaSan through the leadership of President Cecille Distor and PPCES coordinator, Teacher Lourdes Villasprer.

As part of the enrichment activities for the families participating, talks were held by the UST students regarding the importance of our hearing and how we should take care of our ears. This helps raise awareness about why we should have regular ear checkups and how this can help prevent hearing loss and other ear diseases or related injuries.

Members of the Rotaract Club of Barangka and Barangay Barangka Drive, led by President Clarissa Mhay Arias, provided Super Maya storytelling sessions and coloring sheets while the children waited for their turn. This allowed volunteers, parents, and children to interact and have fun.

Gift bags and snacks for the children were provided by our friends from the Zonta Club of Metro Greenhills who shared information to parents on stopping Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), a crime which puts children at higher risk when they have disabilities. Lunches and snacks for all volunteers were provided by the Yupitun family, and friends and family of RC ManPaSan. Tenga Ko Mahal Ko has become an annual community effort that everyone looks forward to every year.

Written by: Bambi A. Rodriguez, RC ManPaSan