Dr. Melissa Garabiles (Department of Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University) and Fr. Graziano Gavioli (parish priest from Modena, Italy; presently based in Tondo, Manila) were the presenters in the November 3, 2018 edition of M&D Café. Melissa’s research, “Towards a model of resilience for transnational families of Filipina domestic workers,” shed light on the processes and phases of transnational families’ journey to resilience. One of her findings pointed to fathers taking on the role of carer among resilient families. Fr. Graziano’s presentation, ““The Church of the Table: Sharing lunch as a way of bringing people together,” was about an initiative that he started in his parish: offering and sharing lunch with those who need it. Several OFWs from his parish participated as volunteers. The shared meals not only provided food, but also opened dialogue and understanding among the participants.

MIND-NET happily welcomed first-time participants to the café: Dr. Cyn Gavino, Dr. Angela Yu, Dr. Alan Feranil and Mr. Janus Isaac Nolasco. Until the next one!