June 5 , 2010 marked a significant day, not only in the life of Monique, but of the number of family and friends who witnessed an event dubbed A Celebration of Life at 13.  Monique Estrella celebrated her natal day and hosted her second solo Painting Exhibit.  More than 30 oil artworks were put up on exhibit at the Madrigal Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa. Monique and brother Nicolai, and other various children, including the Children’s Joy Foundation, showed their talents in music and dance.  Professional artists Jun Alfon and Lito Mondejar showed portraiture with Monique as their stunning subject, followed by an Art Talk by Mr. Mondejar to enlighten the guests that we all have the talent in ourselves and that art is in everything.  For the younger guests, Yoyo Master Glenn Angeles showed his prowess in his yoyo exhibition.

Another highlight of the event was the donation of Monique’s Little Mermaid  oil painting on 3’ X 4’ canvas to the Pediatric Ward of the University of Santo Tomas Hospital Clinical Division. It was received by Dr. Christine Bernal, Monique’s Pediatric Rheumatologist.  A truly moving moment was when the guests started passing the hat (box) and voluntarily gave out of the abundance of their hearts in support of Dr. Bernal’s fund-raising project for the indigent patients of rheumatic illnesses, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Dr. Bernal went home with a generous amount of donation and an oil painting that aims to inspire other children patients.  It was indeed a significant day of celebration of life of showcasing talent, entertainment, and more importantly, giving and sharing.

Monique Estrella’s diagnosis of SLE Lupus Nephritis came about after series of failed diagnostic tests and misdiagnosis in May 2009.  It was also during these tests that it was discovered that Monique has Patent Ductus Arteriosus, a congenital heart condition where an artery failed to close after birth.  Finally, after learning that it was SLE, her parents decided to move and ensure that she gets the best treatment and support.  She started with Cellcept in June 2009 and since then, had steadily shown great improvement. Once she reaches remission from SLE, she will undergo Amplatzer Ductal Occlusion procedure to correct her heart condition.

She keeps to her ambition of being a pastry chef when she grows up and bakes samples of cookies to her classmates.  An incoming Grade 8 at the De La Salle-Canlubang, she had never been absent from class since her lupus diagnosis, except for a day when she needed to undergo kidney biopsy. A consistent Top Ten student, she is also a dance student at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Dance School for 7 consecutive years now.  She plays the piano as well. Although she already showed her passion for art when she was 2, her formal art mentoring started only when she was 4 years old until present where she spends her Sunday afternoons in the Life and Arts Studio of artist-mentor Lerma Julian.  Although she gave up her soccer and softball, her indoor activities has occupied every minute of her leisure time.