A Bit About Me

The Woman Behind BIBO & SHUN FOUNDATION INC.
A Story of Strength, Faith, and Compassion

 

From 1997 to 2012, she owned a boutique business in Japan, selling women’s apparel and fine jewelry made in Japan. Though not a jewelry or dressmaker herself, she successfully ran her store through hard work, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit. She has always had a heart for helping others—supporting many of her nieces and nephews through school even while managing her business.

 

In 2009, her life changed forever when she gave birth to a son with Down syndrome and a serious heart condition known as Tetralogy of Fallot. He underwent four heart catheterizations and three open-heart surgeries. While his physical health has improved, his mental development remains that of a one-year-old child. Despite his challenges, he brings light and kindness to everyone around him—a true angel in human form. In a twist of fate, she too faced death—literally. She was declared clinically dead for seven minutes, revived, and remained in a coma for two weeks. That experience, along with her son’s condition, transformed her life. What once was a journey of business success turned into a calling to serve others.

 

Her son, Shun, became the heart and soul of her mission. Inspired by his life, she founded BIBO & SHUN FOUNDATION INC.—a foundation committed to helping the marginalized, especially Indigenous Peoples, senior citizens, children with disabilities, and underserved communities. She shifted her focus from profit to purpose—leading initiatives in education, healthcare, livelihood, climate action, and outreach programs across the Philippines.

 

Today, guided by faith and the enduring spirit of bayanihan, she lives not just as a mother and survivor, but as a volunteer, advocate, and symbol of hope—carrying forward the mission of love, service, and compassion in honor of her son, Shun.