Good News!!! In celebration of the 10th Year Anniversary of the EPCALM Foundation of the Philippines Inc., we are again bringing back our Understanding Grief Lecture series for the 3rd straight year!  This year, we are focusing on Teen Grief.

This will be a 2 seminar lecture series, as follows:

1.  Understanding Grief 3: Grief Experiences of Adolescents in the Philippines 

Venue : Henry Sy, Sr. Auditorium, SLMC- BGC

Date : September 8-9, 2015

Time : 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Main Speaker: Dr. Bob Baugher, Co-Founder & Program Director of Grief Works-USA Inspirational Speaker: Mr. Boy Abunda, well-known broadcaster and celebrity

The seminar modules have been specially designed for a wide variety of health care providers, social workers, counselors, church workers, parents, youths/leaders and development workers from government and non-government organizations. By being involved with this seminar, you will equip your staff and personnel to help people in your institution who are seeking to understand the grief process especially those experienced by the youth/teens. It will cover the following topics:

• The Many Sides of Grief
• Understanding the Mind of Adolescent
• The Complex World of Adolescent Bereavement
• Intervention Strategies for Adolescents At Risk for Suicide
• The Art of Listening to Adolescents
• The Experience of Grief in Filipino Adolescents
• Trauma and Grief of Loss Among Teens
• Psychosocial Impact of a Child’s Death
• Teens’ Rights and Wrong
• Alternative Treatment Modalities for Healing Teens Undergoing Grief

2.    Teen Talk: Living Our Loss 

Venue: Henry Sy Sr. Auditorium, St. Luke’s Medical Centre- BGC

Date: September 12, 2015

Time: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Main Speaker: Dr. Bob Baugher and guest celebrities

Topics to be covered are:

• Identify Causes of Grief
• Acknowledge Feelings of Teen Related Grief
• Express Feelings Related to Grief
• Healthy Ways of Communicating Feelings Related to Grief
• Show Creative Ways to Externalize the On-going Love Connections to Cherish the Memory of a Loved One That Has Died

See audio-video highlights of the EPCALM Grief Management Seminar as posted in Youtube.

Ms. Kitten Perez of St. Luke’s Global City, writes about the recently concluded EPCALM Grief Seminar last May 10-11, 2013 at the Henry Sy Sr. Auditorium, St. Luke’s Global City.  Read her article below:

“..The EPCALM Adult Leukemia Foundation of the Philippines, in cooperation with St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City  and the Philippine Cancer Society, held a two-day Grief Management Conference entitled “Understanding Grief:  The Healing Journey” on 10-11 May 2013 at the Henry Sy, Sr. Auditorium.  The conference sought to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to deal with the realities of grief, and care for the gravely ill with compassion, guided by Biblical principles….”

Read more of Kitten’s article here.

While going through her journey to wellness and uplifted by prayers, Mrs. Josie Tuazon, 64, a breast cancer survivor, was watching a Martin Nievera concert in Las Vegas.  Mommy Josie felt a soothing sensation go through her broken body. Seeking Martin’s healing voice, she felt the same experience when she was in Martin’s Eastwood City concert. In that show, Martin encouraged Mommy Josie to go upstage that night.  To this day, Mommy Josie finds Martin a source of joy and healing.

Martin’s healing voice could only be attributed to his heart for the sick. When he heard about EPCALM from its Founder – Dr. Erlyn Cabanag-Demerre – his heart leapt for joy as he found this as a welcome opportunity to embrace the cause. He even willingly volunteered to be involved in EPCALM’s music ministry, and be its  “in-house singer”.

Without hesitation, Martin joins the Grief Management Conference to render songs of hope and joy for all participants.

Don’t miss this chance to be with Martin Nievera – the country’s “Concert King” – and witness the healing touch of his voice.

Boy Abunda – a multi-awarded talk show host and celebrity endorser, is drawn to the cause of EPCALM as a volunteer and advocate. Boy, who has a heart for missions, graciously accepted the invitation to be part of the EPCALM Grief Management Seminar, to make life worthwhile.

Loved by many for his intelligent hosting, Boy seeks not fame but service, as he embarks on this healing journey with EPCALM.

Witness the way Boy will draw you to the mission of EPCALM, and consequently find joy in serving others.

“Grief is attached to grief all the way back to the cradle”                                                                                     – Mel Erickson, BA of Griefworks USA

A first-time traveler to the Philippines, Mel Erickson finds joy in bringing the other side of grief by processing and understanding its multi-faceted contexts.

A deeply-rooted Christian, Mel is the mother of David, a leukemia survivor. From her grief, she draws strength from a wellspring of wisdom and insight on how God has shown His faithfulness in her life.  Mel has since devoted her life for the ministry of healing through understanding the grief process.

Catch Mel at her best at the Henry Sy Sr. Auditorium, St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City on 10-11 May 2013.  As you process your own grief experience, discover your strengths, and be a blessing to those around you.

 Mel with daughter Dayna,  son David, husband Dave (husband of 48.5 years!), and Dayna’s wonderful husband, Jeff Lachowitzer

Rev. Isagani V. Deslate  saw his mother claimed by the dreaded leukemia.  While the experience no doubt broke his heart, he nonetheless saw it as a platform to mend souls.

A charismatic man of God shepherding a faithful flock, through his career as a minister, Pastor Gane is a man who speaks God’s love – to heal all ills of the mind and heart.  When he knew that EPCALM planned to bring Griefworks USA – like a balm of Gilead to the Philippines – he readily and gladly gave his nod to join the resource team of this first-of-its kind conference, to highlight the faith-based approach to the grief process.