Dr. Jeana Manalaysay enjoys a dip in the warm waters of Bolinao, Pangasinan, and later relishes its clean air and fine brown sand. Photo courtesy of Dr. Jeana Manalaysay.
Dr. Jeana Manalaysay fondly remembers the days when she could still walk and was enjoying an active lifestyle. In 1994, she met a car accident that left her a paraplegic. She underwent rehabilitation then pursued her career in dentistry while recuperating from the accident. Being paralyzed and being on a wheel chair brought fear in her life, particularly the fear of not being able to access places outside Manila.
Nine years later, she finally found the courage to go out of her comfort zone and explore the beauty of the Philippines. Besides travelling, she also wanted to become a voice for her fellow PWDs.
Dr. Jeana, as she is called by peers, says there’s still more to improve especially when it comes to addressing the needs of persons with disabilities. In the course of her travels, for instance, she has been to various public places where there were no ramps that could have given traveling PWDs easier access.
In an interview with InterAksyon.com, Dr. Jeana emphasized: “Oh, how I love traveling. I especially want to visit all our beaches in the country. I am hoping that like the COMELEC, the Department of Tourism will also do a big move in recognizing our rights—that we also want to enjoy God’s given nature with ease—and to have a barrier-free tourism.”
Here, in photos, Dr. Jeana shares with us her amazing journey, so far, around the Philippines.
