TRP Beyond the Stage: Meet the MSS Scholars

For more than half a century, Tao Rin Pala (TRP) has been a celebration of the talents and humanity of the UP-PGH community through music, dance, and various performances.

This year, “TRP 51: Cosmos” takes flight on May 2 at St. Cecilia’s Hall in St. Scholastica’s College, Malate, Manila. It will feature a much-awaited chorale competition and variety show curated by UP College of Medicine batches, organizations, fraternities, and sororities, alongside special performances from PGH departments.

TRP unites medical students and doctors through their camaraderie, creativity, and passion for artistic expression, but its beauty and essence extend far beyond the stage. At the core of TRP lies an unwavering commitment to its advocacies - promoting socio-cultural awareness, upholding human rights, and contributing to the education of Filipino children. 

For nearly 11 years, the UP Medical Students’ Society (MSS), through TRP, has sustained its partnership with Aurora A. Quezon Memorial Elementary School (AAQES), a public school in San Andres, Malate, Manila. Through this collaboration, select students of the special education program that nurtures the potential of students with intellectual and learning disabilities, receive monthly scholarship allowances to help fund their tuition, school supplies, and daily expenses.

We celebrate our scholars - getting to know their stories in great detail, understanding their challenges, and most importantly, honoring their resilience.

We begin with Michael, 20, who was the first to greet us. He playfully extended his hand for high-fives - perhaps a reflection of his lively household of nine. While they surely make for a zestful household, their big family faces considerable financial strain. Michael’s parents have no stable income, as his father is sick, and his mother, Cora, dedicates her time to caring for Michael. To make matters worse, Michael requires a surgical operation for his ear due to frequent pain and dizziness.

Despite these hurdles, Michael remains persistent and ambitious in school, especially in sports. Wearing a proud smile, Cora recalls the contests Michael had won, including three gold medals in a bowling competition. “Sa talent ako umaasa [I place my hopes in his talents],” she mentions. The MSS scholarship eases their financial burden by helping them pay off debts, provide allowance, and pay utility bills, and above all, inspires Michael to work harder. Cora adds, “Scholarships are not just for bright students. Our children, including those with disabilities, are also qualified and deserving of this support.”

Rhianne, 6, is the youngest among five scholars. When we entered the classroom, she was comfortably sitting on her mother Marivic’s lap. She is the second of four children, although Marivic joked that she often acts like the eldest with the way she scolds her siblings. As young as she is, she already expresses an interest in Mathematics and hopes to be a policewoman when she grows up. Behind their warm smiles, Rhianne’s family faced financial struggles. Having four children studying in AAQES, they often find their weekly budget stretched thin.

The MSS scholarship adds to Rhianne’s school allowance and budget for diapers and biscuits. Marivic’s only dream for Rhianne is for her to graduate and learn all she needs to be able to live independently.

The eldest among them is Blanche, 21, who maintains a gentle and sweet composure throughout the interview. Despite being the youngest in a family of seven, her mother Clarita proudly speaks of her responsibility, care, and devotion. It is these qualities that make Clarita believe that Blanche can fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor. Clarita fondly recalls how Blanche took care of her when she suffered a stroke last year, even insisting she stay home to help her recover faster.

However, pursuing this dream comes with challenges - just her monthly transportation costs alone costs ₱880 on top of medical expenses. The scholarship mainly covers these transportation costs, with the remainder serving as Blanche’s daily allowance. Clarita expresses her gratitude to MSS for giving Blanche and other children the opportunity to become scholars, regardless of their disabilities.

Another remarkable scholar is Dominic, 19, who carried a cool and composed air. The youngest among four children, he also enjoys Mathematics like Rhianne, with his teacher acknowledging his knack for it.  Dominic aspires to be a firefighter: a noble profession fit for someone with a heart for service. He likes to go around and help his neighbors with tasks like carrying objects, and this initiative extends to their home.

Susan, his mother, shared how pleased she is with Dominic’s willingness to learn to cook and buy groceries. She hopes that Dominic continues developing practical skills such as managing money, especially since their livelihood involves selling. Above all, she wants him to be well-prepared and capable of helping his siblings in the future. Susan expressed her gratitude for Ms. Agaton and the MSS scholarship, as Dominic’s allowance is no longer a strain on the household budget, and the remaining money can be set aside for other expenses.

Beyond this, Susan hopes that the MSS scholarship will be able to grant more children the same opportunity, as she truly believes that this makes a big difference for the students and their families.

Lastly, we got to meet Brian, 19, who may have been the most quiet during the interview, but through his answers, showed strong capability and initiative. At home, Brian is hardworking and responsible, always actively helping with chores. He may not be certain what he wants to be in the future—he jokingly suggested that he may become a priest—but his drive will surely take him far. His mother Celma’s aspiration is for him to learn to read properly and manage money well.

She shares that while his allowance is sufficient, it also goes toward his ₱500 maintenance medication, which he needs to buy from the pharmacy every two months. The scholarship helps cover this cost, motivating him to study and attend school. With an appreciative smile, Celma adds, “Puso niyo ang nagdala at dahilan kung bakit (Your kindness and generosity serve as their why).” In the same nature, it is also our scholars that serve and remind us of our whys.

Listening to our scholars’ heartwarming stories, we realize that beyond financial assistance, the true impact of the MSS scholarship lies in the hope it fosters. Each scholar carries a unique journey, marked by challenges and driven by their resilience and dreams. With our collective efforts and steadfast support, we stand by them, uplift them, and contribute to a more compassionate and empowered society. Through and through, we reaffirm our commitment to education, equity, and the unwavering belief that no disability can and should hinder the potential of every child  to thrive.

If you wish to donate, you may send your contributions through bit.ly/TRP51Advocacy. For any inquiries, feel free to message Keji Agbulos on Messenger or Telegram (@kjqagb). Your support will go a long way in sustaining our scholars’ education and daily needs.