June 12 is the Independence Day for all Filipinos, a day celebrated to commemorate the country’s independence from the Spanish colonial rule. On the 116th Independence Day, when all Filipinos celebrate the day in Philippine parks and malls, there are still some Philippine patients in Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou can’t celebrate the day for certain reasons. In pursuit of health and better life, they are far away from home and can’t share the happy time on the Independence Day. To create a cheerful atmosphere and ease their homesickness, Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou held a special and elaborate “Filipino Night” party for them in the coffee bar. More than 20 Philippine patients and their families attended that special party.

With bright Philippine flags raised, colorful balloons and beautiful ribbons hung, fresh fruits, special snacks and delicate cakes served on the table, the long-anticipated “Filipino Night” began at 7:00 p.m.. After everyone’s self-introduce, they sat down together for a cup of tea. During the party, they talked while enjoying delicious snacks. They shared their anticancer experience and encouraged each other to keep moving on.

At 7:50 p.m., when the cake symbolizing the 116th Anniversary of Philippine Independence Day slowly came into view with the sound of the Philippine national anthem at the scene, all the audiences stood up and solemnly sang to it. They sent their best wishes and the deepest blessing to their country in the alien land. Later, all the audiences are intoxicated in beautiful songs from patients’ families and Indonesian translator along with beats and humming.

Happy times always flies. At 8:15 p.m., the “Filipino Night” ended with “The Sound of Silence” sang by all the audiences on the scene. The “Filipino Night” was a night filled with happiness and gratefulness. Before tonight, they didn’t know each other; after tonight, they encourage and bless to each other on the road to recovery. A patient who was enjoying the Tie Guanyin said:” I will never forget tonight. Although it is thousands miles away from my home to get a better cancer treatment, I still have the chance to celebrate the special day and express my best wishes to my country. I am so happy and touched. Thank you very much!”

A patient is sharing his anticancer experience

Guests are enjoying hot tea, pleasant conversation and delicious snacks

She is tasting a cup of Tie Guanyin

The cake symbolizes the 116th Anniversary of Philippine Independence Day

All the audiences stand up and solemnly sing the Philippine national anthem

The group photo of the “Filipino Night”

*Surgery, in addition to the appropriate chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are effective in treating early cancer, but certain patients in late stage of cancer may not be tolerate surgery well as they can be relatively weak. A combination of carefully planned minimally invasive therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy can effectively reduce the side effects and discomfort of treatment and may help patient get better efficacy.