MANILA - President Aquino spent his 53rd birthday by visiting two patients at the Philippine Orthopedic Center.

One is a 15-year-old boy stricken with bone cancer, Jericho Navarro Rafols.

Secretary Ramon Carandang of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office said it was Rafols’ wish to see Aquino. He said the teenager found inspiration in Aquino to continue his battle against cancer.

The President also visited 47-year-old Mario Maniego who has been confined at the hospital for 16 years now after suffering an accident at work.

The media were not allowed to cover Aquino’s visit.