A journey to health and hope

Good health is often considered one of life’s greatest gifts, which made Buena Bariring’s diagnosis at 18 all the more devastating. The 42-year-old from Cabuyao, Laguna, learned she had Hepatitis B while undergoing a medical exam for a job. The news shattered her hopes—not only did it prevent her from securing the job, but it also exposed her to stigma and discrimination.

Hepatitis B, a liver infection often transmitted from mother to child at birth, infected blood, and sexual activities, is a condition that many live with in silence. While some show no symptoms, others experience fatigue, yellowing of the skin, and abdominal pain. Buena suspects she inherited the illness from her mother, as several of her siblings were also later diagnosed.

Despite the emotional toll, Buena found comfort in an online support group. There, she met people who shared her experiences and challenges, one of whom was Rowena Jordan, who would later become her close friend and business partner. This connection helped her regain her strength and courage to start over.

In 2013, drawing on a skill she learned from her mother, Buena decided to start a weaving business. She initially obtained a PHP 3,000 loan from CARD SME Bank to start crafting products using dried water lilies.

Inspired by her newfound purpose, she poured herself into her work, and by 2014, Rowena joined her as a business partner. Rowena handled the designs, while Buena brought them to life. Together, they decided to create unique slippers made from water lilies, setting themselves apart from other businesses that used the same material.

Their initial venture into trade fairs was a success. They sold out their products and were motivated to continue investing in their business. However, the pandemic in 2020 dealt a severe blow to their momentum.

The trade fair in March 2020 coincided with the lockdown, leading to significant losses and making it difficult for them to recover their funds. To make matters worse, both of them tested positive for COVID-19, further slowing their recovery.

Despite these setbacks, they pushed forward. At present, they employ five workers assisting them in the process of braiding water lilies. They considered CARD SME Bank to be their lifesaver, especially when they needed extra capital for bulk orders. Rowena has also become a CARD SME Bank client in 2017, solidifying their partnership with the bank.

Their products have become popular among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), who buy them as unique souvenirs to bring abroad.

“Back then, I had no job; now, I am the one employing others. We used to search for opportunities, but now we are the ones creating opportunities for others,” she said.

Her life has completely turned around. What began as a story of rejection and illness has turned into one of triumph and success. Buena turned the challenges of living with Hepatitis B into steppingstones toward a brighter future.

Her advice to others who live with and have overcome Hepatitis B just like them is to keep fighting and dreaming. “If you want to pursue something, just go for it. What truly matters is the resilience in facing challenges and your commitment to dream big, knowing that better days will come,” she concluded.