Tina Puno: A modern-day Mary Poppins

Tina Puno and her co-workers in the Kythe Foundation, an NGO, help children who have been diagnosed with cancer. Through art workshops and summer camps, Tina comforts kids undergoing treatment in seven government hospitals in Quezon City.

Our 5’5" dusky bachelorette gets her tan from weekend outings where she accompanies bone cancer patients. Puno is also involved with the Kythe’s fundraising activities; some of the funds raised are spent on chemotherapy sessions given to the children every week.

Tina, 34, is very ardent in encouraging volunteers to be part of Kythe’s work.

How do you resolve your conflicts?

My biggest crossroad was leaving architecture for Kythe. Since my dad is a contractor, being an architect was related to our family business.

What film influenced your life?

Fairy tale movies like The Sound of Music, which I watched 10,000 times.

Which hero of fiction can you most identify with?

Eliza Dolittle who becomes a lady, and Mary Poppins who made the role of taking care of children magical and fun.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

My being too calm. It makes people feel that I have no sense of urgency.

How do you start your day?

I hitch a ride to work with my sister at about 8 a.m. We share three cars between six of us. In the evenings, I commute by jeep and tricycle.

What is your motto?

Give a little bit of myself and share my blessings with others.

What is your current state of mind?

Since my decision to work with Kythe in 1998, I have felt very fulfilled even with my change of lifestyle.

What do you most value in your friends?

I enjoy hanging out with them. I am not one for giving advice but I am a good listener. Ever since high school, we have had many friends coming to our house.

What is your favorite occupation?

Fixing things.

Who greets you when you get home?

My mom – "Oh, you haven’t kissed me yet."

What book influenced your life?

Living, Loving and Learning by Leo Buscaglia.

If you had the chance to change something in your life, what would that be?

I’ve already changed careers.

Name a moment that brings back happy memories.

It is a rare event nowadays when our family goes out of town together. Last May, about 30 of my relatives went to Boracay. My lola makes sure that once a year we all go out of town together.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My being able to help children and their families experience a quality life in spite of the kids’ illnesses. More than me helping them, they have helped me.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Being useless. Not making positive use of one’s talents.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Independence.

* * *

E-mail: babycamp2@yahoo.co.uk.