Get Photographed by Mico Banayo This Saturday and Help Yolanda Victims

Earlier today, I agreed to meet up with Mico Banayo and had coffee while reminiscing how we met in 2002 through a choir group we were both members of.

I used to call him Kuya Mikey back then.
He was chubby and brown-skinned. :)

Mico and a high school friend 

But if you were to ask most of his friends,
he's a two-tones darker Tom Taus look-alike. :) 

Growing up, Mico and his family lived a happy and simple life.
He even told me how fun it was to cook and sell balut on nearby villages.
Mico always see things on a glass half-full.

Until one day, the acid-attack happened. 

This was Mico before the vitriolage.

And this was him after.

It was one of his darkest days, literally.
Mico's left eye has been damaged and can no longer be saved.

But in times of painful sorrows and hopelessness, all is not lost. Help came.
He has been featured on different TV shows that led to assistance in his medical needs and surgery.

Today, Mico works as a freelance photographer and graphic designer of his own photography network—Miconography.

Mico knew how it felt to be hopeless.
And now, he gives back to the Super Typhoon Yolanda victims along with his friend, Andrew Alsaybar to celebrate their birthdays.

Adolf Guerzon and Andrew Alsaybar

On December 7 (Saturday), join Mico Banayo and the rest of his friend give light and hope for the Yolanda victims through the Raise Your Flag Open Photoshoot at the Beyond Yoga Studio, Westgate Filinvest, Alabang with proceeds donated through Philippine Red Cross.

Physical fitness trainer Jan-a dela Paz 

Priced at Php700.00, the photoshoot includes:

• Grooming services and face/body paint
• Photo prints of one (1) 4R size and two (2) wallet size
• and digital copies of the photos. 

Food will also be provided on the venue.

For inquiries and reservations, contact 0915-5660652 / 09088192619

This benefit event is also made possible by Mayor Jimmy Fresnedi of Muntinlupa City, Beyond Yoga Studio, Southern Living, Sweet Creations for the Cupcakes.

Mico Banayo: Love and Hate

Truth be told, hate had always been the fuel that fires me up and do well in everything I do. I hated a lot of people, well secretly. Guess you're familiar with insecurity and competition? I may not have done any violence (at least not yet) but you know what they say... In your eyes, nothing you do is considered a crime when you're heart is full of rage for a reason. And Bede Jarrett knows it all too well. 

But when there is anger, there's always pain underneath.

For months at a time, my life has been constantly changed by passing of close friends, and unfortunate events to people whom I care. I learn to forgive people who've did me wrong 5-8 years ago (well, others didn't even bother to say sorry). And I start to always look for reasons to smile, even when deep inside I'm hurting. I'm trying, at least. 

Earlier today while on Twitter, someone posted something about Mico Banayo. I didn't get to watch his story on free TV and so I Googled. I had no idea that what I'm about to read was something tragic. 

Mico Banayo is a victim of vitriolage or acid violence - purposely splashing someone with acid with malicious intent, injuring or disfiguring the person out of jealousy or revenge.

March 15, a stranger who introduced himself as a mail man of a courier company came with a letter. And while he was singing to receive it, the man reportedly poured a bottle filled with acid on his face. He was rushed to the hospital and got initial treatment. The burns are not only to his face but down to his chest, arms and other parts. His left eye has no vision and requires Corneal Transplant. His right eye, with vision requires eyelid transplant to avoid further infections and save his sight. Other parts of his body requires Laser Treatment due to 2nd and 3rd degree burns.

In the middle of my research, it even pains me knowing he is from Tanza, Cavite where I mostly stay and where I am right now. 

And so I created a Twitter post with Noypistuff's story about Mico and his photo asking for help. I got 40 retweets, now 44 as I publish this post. The other one I created got 12. And even more re-tweets from people who showed love. 

For donations, please see bank accounts and other ways to help below. 

Mico needs our help 

and prayers, more than ever.