KAAGAPAY SA PANGARAP: The Dream That Bell-Kenz Foundation Helped Build

There are dreams that survive not because life becomes easier, but because someone chooses to believe in them.

For Thea Macalalad, finishing college once seemed uncertain. During the pandemic, her family's financial situation became increasingly difficult. As the eldest child of separated parents, she carried responsibilities far beyond her years while living with her grandmother and aunt, relying on limited and inconsistent sources of income.

Despite being a dedicated student, Thea found herself constantly worrying about tuition fees, daily expenses, and whether she would be able to continue her education. To help support her family, she took on various side jobs, from academic commissions to online selling, while trying to keep up with her studies.

Everything changed when she learned about the scholarship program of Bell-Kenz Pharma Foundation Inc.

“Bell-Kenz Foundation scholarship changed my life,” Thea shared.

The scholarship allowed her to focus on her education instead of getting distracted of financial uncertainty. But during her fourth year in college, another challenge emerged when her mother had to temporarily stop working abroad due to pregnancy. Faced with rising internship and living expenses, Thea once again turned to the Foundation for help.

Recognizing her situation, Bell-Kenz provided additional allowance support, giving her the stability she needed to complete her studies, pay for her dormitory, and pursue her dream without fear of dropping out.

Years later, Thea graduated, passed her licensure examination, and eventually joined Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc. as an employee.

Today, she proudly works for the same organization that once invested in her future.

The support she received did not end there. When she was later diagnosed with a medical condition, Bell-Kenz Pharma President and CEO Dr. Go personally checked on her well-being and helped connect her with leading neurologists, ensuring she received the care she needed.

Looking back, Thea sees Bell-Kenz as more than a scholarship provider or an employer.

“My life would have been so much harder if it were not for Bell-Kenz,” she said. “They did not only help me finish my education or build my career—they helped me rebuild my life.”

Today, she hopes to pay forward the kindness that once changed hers.

“Bell-Kenz taught me that sometimes, saving a life means more than healing an illness—the greatest act of saving a life is giving someone the chance to keep going. Everything I have today began with the courage to ask and the kindness of people and institutions willing to help. Because someone believed in me, I found my future. And now, I hope to become someone else's reason to keep going.” - Thea Macalalad

About Bell-Kenz Pharma:

Bell-Kenz Pharma is a Filipino-owned pharmaceutical company dedicated to providing high-quality yet affordable healthcare solutions. For more information, contact Paula San Esteban at paula.sanesteban@bellkenzpharma.com or visit www.bell-kenz.net.

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