MANILA, Philippines - Lara Melissa de Leon-Joseph admits she’s on her second lease in life. Diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in late 2006, she has since led a non-showbiz life with husband Ronald and their three children, aged 17, 13 and nine.
One look at her calm face and you know she has no regrets.
“There have been offers, but I turned them down,” she admits. “I won’t feel comfortable taping at night and coming home late to my family.”
Good thing her husband can provide for her and the family. Ronald is one of the top guns of Ralph’s Wines and Spirits, which organizes the annual Grand Wine Experience. Now on its ninth year, the event will showcase over 500 wines and spirits from 20 countries at New World Hotel, Makati City on Nov. 20.
“I’m so blessed,” gushes Melissa. “Work is not a priority these days. My husband and kids are.”
The dutiful wife is helping her husband mount the wine exhibit, where she promises, not just overflowing wine, but jazz bands and instrumentalists playing while guests sample the spirits on the long table.
“This is my baby. I always look forward to organizing it,” she beams. Melissa has entertained showbiz friends like former president Joseph Estrada, Maricel Laxa and husband Anthony Pangilinan, Pops Fernandez, Dina Bonnevie, Lea Navarro, Cherie Gil, Ricky Davao, Mark Gil and Johnny Revilla in previous wine festivals. Melissa’s elder sister Pinky also enjoys sipping from a good glass of wine with friends.
Marriage to someone who knows his spirits has taught Melissa that more than anything else, wine is a lifestyle. A man doesn’t take it to project a macho image, or to prove he can hold his liquor. He takes it because it allows him to enjoy his food more, bond with friends and thus live life to the fullest.
Here, as in everything else, moderation is the key. Moderation makes Melissa watch what she eats.
“I stay away from meat and opt for fish, vegetables and fruits instead,” she says.
Organic food? This homemaker finds it too expensive.
“I can’t understand why it has to be costly,” wails Melissa. It’s gotten to the point where she feels stressed out just thinking about it.
Melissa has a lot to calm her down, though. Faith in God is the biggest of them all.
“My relationship with God has deepened. I hold Bible study sessions at home. My husband and I go to the Christ Commission Fellowship every week. Now, I have all the right to talk about my spiritual journey because I’ve survived sickness,” she relates.
This, Melissa does whenever she talks before cancer support groups like I Can Serve and Carewell Community. Worried cancer patients in her part of town did not get the support they badly need, Melissa and four of her friends formed Pink Project.
The Asian Hospital has since accredited Pink Project as its official cancer support group. Every Wednesday, Melissa and her friends share their feelings and testimonies to encourage cancer patients to hang on in there.
“The Lord will carry your burden,” she tells those who care to listen to her in the hospital, in church, in informal gatherings. “Look at me,” she points out. “He took care of me.”
Boy, He really did.