NEWSLETTER May 19,2000 Because visits to the neurologists just do not have enough time to allow long discussions, Dr.Victoria Bael conducted a seminar on the different types of epilepsy and manifestations of seizures. The question-and-answer session that followed showed the high degree of interests parents and care givers had. The workshop on psychological problems associated with epilepsy and drug-related effects by Dr. Pureza Onate was also an exciting session for all of us. In spite of their very busy schedules, Dr. Bael & Dr. Onate took the time out for us. Thank you both! Our first handicrafts workshop and bazaar/launching were very successful but did not come easy. We are thankful and overwhelmed by the tremendous show of support by friends like the dynamic group of housewives who make up the International Women's Society (IWS) here in Cebu City. Its president Fatima Sato, together with Delia Yrastorza, Tsuneko Yakumaru, Bubut Celso, Midori Sato, and Malou Cruz worked tirelessly for several weeks of training by my wife Esther so that they in turn can become assistants of Esther during the actual workshop. The hard work paid off: all the 5 epileptics and their families (total of 13 people) greatly enjoyed designing and fabricating the colorful napkin holders. The IWS also put in long hours at the handicrafts Bazaar making the formal launching of the ESGC at the Chong Hua Medical Arts Center. Of course, we are fortunate to have my wife Esther's wonderful artistic talent to share with all of us. We are also extremely grateful to Pete & Bubut Celso of Le Fleur Garden & Flower Shop for the use of their people & tent at the Cebu International School family day bazaar, our first public exposure. They also provided us with the lovely flowers at the launching. The valuable advise they gave us on the preparation of the papers for registering with the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) has made it possible for us to initiate this action. Registering with the SEC is critical to establish our legal identity and to allow us to solicit funds which we need badly. In connection with this, my friend high school classmate - lawyer Atty. Danny Ortiz has offered to process the SEC papers for us for free! Incidentally, Pete & Bubut donated the first P2,000 to the ESGC! There's also Christine & John Leigh, who provided us with the much needed indigenous materials for the handicrafts. Thank you all so much! Special mention must also be made of Val & Delia Yrastorza for their very strong support of our efforts in putting up our first handicrafts workshop at their hotel function (City Park Inn). Beyond this, they have put us in touch with their friends Ben Matugas in Canada who may be able to get donations of much needed anti-convulsant drugs. As you may know, anti-convulsant drugs are very expensive here in the Philippines. Some of the epileptics need as many as four different kinds of anti-convulsants a day. There are also those who are forced to lower daily dosage because of the expense, resulting in ineffective management of seizures. No less is the effort of the Cebu Neuroscience Group of which Dr. Rogelio Chua is the head. Together with the dedication of Dr. Maritzie Eribal and other neurologists, they have helped make the bazaar & launching a successful one by soliciting the financial support of Parke-Davis and Novartis (drug companies) for the two large tents, banners, and T-shirts. It was impressive to see epileptics wearing "I am an epileptic" and parents wearing "Epilepsy Support Group of Cebu" T-shirts. Several new epileptic patients approached us and were interviewed (information collected) by the ESGC. Many drug representatives also dropped by to express interest in ordering for Christmas give-aways.