Autism Society Philippines Partners x Cebu Pacific Air partners for an AOK travel experience for every Juan

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP), a leading organization advocating for the rights and inclusion of individuals on the autism spectrum, has partnered with Cebu Pacific Air to make air travel more inclusive. The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on November 20, 2024, at the Cebu Pacific Airline Operations Center.

ASP representatives with Cebu Pacific Vice President for Marketing and
Customer Experience Candice Iyog (3rd from left first row)
and the Cebu pacific Air employees (photo credit to Cebu Pacific Air)

The MOA was signed by ASP Chair Emeritus Dang Uy Koe and Cebu Pacific Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience Candice Iyog. The agreement outlines initiatives such as biannual Autism Sensitivity and Response Training for employees, activities during National Autism Consciousness Week in January 2025 and National Disability Rights Week in July 2025, participation in the Angels Walk for Autism in April, and other collaborative efforts promoting inclusion and support for individuals on the autism spectrum.

The MOA was signed by ASP Chair Emeritus Dang Uy Koe and Cebu Pacific
Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience Candice Iyog
(photo credit to Cebu Pacific Air)

Following the signing, ASP Chair Emeritus Dang Uy Koe conducted the second Autism Sensitivity and Response Training for Cebu Pacific employees. The session provided participants with essential skills and strategies to better understand and support passengers with autism, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to creating a positive travel experience for all.

ASP Chair Emeritus Dang Uy Koe conducted the second Autism Sensitivity and
Response Training for Cebu Pacific employees

“This partnership reflects our commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that our services cater to everyJuan, including individuals with special needs,” said Candice Iyog.

ASP Chair Emeritus Dang Uy Koe expressed gratitude for the collaboration, stating, “By partnering with Cebu Pacific, we are breaking barriers and fostering a culture of acceptance and inclusion for persons on the autism spectrum.”

This partnership underscores ASP’s leadership in championing autism awareness and Cebu Pacific’s dedication to making air travel accessible for everyone.

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Posted in: 4pwas,Asert,AUdventure

ASP Autism Angel Achievement Awards 2025

The ASP Autism Angel Achievement Awards, nicknamed A5, is an annual recognition of the impact of persons on the autism spectrum in the community and of their skills and talent that makes them stand out beyond their exceptionality.

A5 poster

The honorees for the A5 every year are selected based on the following criteria:

Must have been formally diagnosed with autism;
Must have won a competition at a national or international level 2024;
Must possess good moral character;
Must have NOT previously won the A5, unless in a different category.

Nominations must be submitted by 15 February 2025. The awarding of trophies will be during the Angels Walk for Autism on 2025. https://bit.ly/A5NominationForm.

List of past winners:

2024

Peggy Geiser (performing arts) - Peggy Geiser placed silver in the 2023 Asia Pacific Youth Performing Arts Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She was the only performer on the spectrum in the competition.

Erin Tejada (visual arts) - Out of 488 entries from 23 different countries, Erin received recognition for her outstanding artistic talent at the 2023 Paralym Art Word Cup in Tokyo, Japan.

2023

John Christian Ballesteros (information technology) - John Christian is an exceptional graduate of the Science, Technology, and Engineering Program (STEP) at Valenzuela National High School. John recently participated in the 2022 Global Information Technology Challenge (GITC) for Youth with Disabilities, an international robotics competition that attracts some of the world's brightest minds. John's leadership and technical skills proved invaluable as he led his team to the top spot in the competition and won the best awards (1st) in eCreative_Smart Car Challenge category. John also received good awards (3rd) in the ELifeMap Challenge and eTool_PPT Challenge categories.

Noel Celwyn Cartera (sports) - Noel Cartera won two gold medals in the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, which were held at the Hamdan Sports Complex in Dubai. Noel takes first place in both the dancing sport competition and the 50-meter backstroke.

Robin Andrew Conanan (sports) - Robin competed for 7 years in the Palarong Pambansa games in Bocce, where he represented the NCR. He won 7th place in 2018 at Vigan, Ilocos Sur. A member of the Special Olympics, where he learned to be more independent and discovered many abilities. He learned to believe in himself. He started competing internationally when he was 13 years old. He also represented the Philippines in the UN Hour as the Global Youth Leader at the Special Olympics World Games 2012 held in Athens, Greece.

Laurence Anthony de Guzman (performing arts) - Laurence Anthony De Guzman is an Emirates Autism Awareness Ambassador. The 18-year-old was born and raised in the UAE. At the age of two and a-half, he was diagnosed with high-functioning autism with a speech delay. Seeing his great interest in music, his father taught him to play the piano at 11 years old; They discovered something bigger: that he is gifted with perfect pitch, a rare musical talent that every musician wishes to have. He plays the piano at a very young age and performs in front of thousands of people. He’s a gifted child and determined to succeed. Some of his awards and achievements are the Expo 2020 performance at Al Wasl, the world's largest 360-degree projection dome, and the 1st Prize Winner at the Abu Dhabi Talent Show in 2021.

Rafael Manuel (information technology) - A 16-year-old, grade 8 student from Gen. Pio del Pilar National High School. Rafael is into cars, trains, and movies. He recently participated in the 2022 Global Information Technology Challenge (GITC) for Youth with Disabilities, an international robotics competition that attracts some of the world's brightest minds, where Rafael received the two Best Award Winners in the ELifeMap and eContents Challenge categories. He is very attached to his routines, which helps a lot with how he manages his time doing schoolwork and other tasks.

Miguel Franco Ramirez (information technology) - Miguel participated in the 2022 Global Information Technology Challenge (GITC) for Youth with Disabilities, an international robotics competition that attracts some of the world's brightest minds. His team, with the leadership of John, got the top spot in the competition and won the best awards (1st) in eCreative_Smart Car Challenge category.

Brian Rayos (information technology) - Brian A. Rayos, a highly accomplished Grade 12 STEM student at Upper Bicutan National High School. Brian recently completed a 2-week work immersion program at DOST-STII in Taguig City, gaining valuable experience in his field of interest. However, his achievements extend beyond work immersion. Brian achieved high honors during the first semester, a testament to his academic excellence and study dedication. In addition to his academic accomplishments, Brian is also a member of the team that achieved the top ranking in the 2022 global IT Challenge eCreative Smart Car Competition. Brian's technical skills and leadership abilities were instrumental in the team's success, showcasing his ability to excel inside and outside the classroom.

Exiquiel de Vera (information technology) - Exiquiel participated in the 2022 Global Information Technology Challenge (GITC) for Youth with Disabilities, an international robotics competition that attracts some of the world's brightest minds. His team, with the leadership of John, got the top spot in the competition and won the best awards (1st) in eCreative_Smart Car Challenge category.

2020

Ron Michael Adea (performing arts) - Ron is a gifted concert pianist, who has performed in concerts all over the world; and has released three CDs of musical performances. He received the Jake’s House Legend of Distinction and the Mississauga Streetsville Musicorp Award , among other accolades. Music has played a significant role in Ron's life; and continues to spread hope through the beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion.

Keith Rafael Ignacio (information technology) - Keith brought glory to the Philippines at the recently concluded Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities held in Busan, Korea in 2019 -- winning coveted gold and silver medals. He boasts of numerous talents, including being a musical performer for the VALSPED Band.

2019

Samantha Pia Cabanero (advocacy) - Pia is an energetic young adult with big dreams. Writing, appearing in vlogs are only some of her many creative pursuits. She stood out among other aspirants to be crowned Miss Possibilities in 2018. Pia serves as the representative for the ASP Self-Advocates Circle.

Carlo Gregorio Veluz (visual arts) - Carl loves to work with his hands, has sold upcycled items he made himself under his web enterprise called Gregarious Gifts and has recently taken up carpentry. In 2018, he bested other Filipino artists with disabilities to become the winner of the Philippine leg of the Paralym Art World Cup — with his work displayed in exhibits in Japan. Carl serves as the Vice President for External for the ASP Self Advocates Circle.

Eduardo Enrique Munarriz (athletics) - Henry won the top award in the heavyweight class in the Special Category at the 2019 Philippine National Open Powerlifting Championships and was awarded a trophy for Best Lifter in the Special Category. He is part of a 65-man delegation representing Team Pilipinas in the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.

2018

Charlene Danica Escasinas (performing arts) - Nica first joined and won a singing contest at the age 7; and started modeling at the age of 12. Danica was given the opportunity to represent the Philippines at the 1st ASEAN Autism Youth Camp in April 2013 at Brunei Darussalam and in Autism Talent Gala 2017 in Hong Kong.

2017

Vell Baria (performing arts) - Velle has been performing at autism advocacy events for years; and performs regularly at amateur and professional productions. Velle is working towards a degree in Music Performance, with a major in Voice, and a minor in Piano, at St. Scholastica's College Manila. She won the INAP Award for Performing Arts at the ANCA World Autism Festival in Vancouver, Canada.

2016

Vico Cham (visual arts) - Considered a product of ASP showcases of PWA talents in his younger years -- joining on-the-spot painting contests, drawing for the centerfold of a national conference's souvenir programme, and being featured during an ASP art exhibit -- Vico received in 2015 a special award from the Apolinario Mabini Award for PWDs. He works as PWA employee #1 of Unilab Foundation.

Raymond Macasaet (athletics) - Raymond is a Special Olympics veteran, having earned medals in Aquatics in competitions in Greece 2011 and Singapore 2013. During the 2015 Special Olympics in Los Angeles, he won gold in the 50 meter and 25 meter dash in the track and field category.

Thara Marie Santiago (performing arts) - From 79 candidates, Thara Marie became one of the 19 finalists who received "Excellent Performance Award" during the Autistic Talent Gala held last December 2015 in Hongkong, which was organized by the AnAn International Education Foundation. Her rendition of "All by Myself" earned her one of the 4 major awards in the individual category - "Most Touching Voice."

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Posted in: a5,awalk

Family Support Group for the month of November 2024

Date: 9 November 2024, Saturday
Time: 10:00am

Register here to get the Zoom link: https://bit.ly/3Yl8xRm
The deadline for registration is 8 November 2024, Friday at 12nn.

November 2024 Family Support Group Poster

ASPs family support group sessions bring together parents, siblings, and other family members to talk about their journey in living with autism. Participants share their experiences and draw enlightenment and strength from others going through the same challenges.

The Autism Society Philippines -- together with this month's host, ASP Hagonoy -- welcomes members and non-members, bound by a common experience that is autism. We aspire to educate, empower, and inspire to help build an Autism-OK Philippines.

IMPORTANT: Send us an email via autismphils@gmail.com if you have not received your Zoom credentials by 8 November 2024 Friday at 1pm. Please do not share your link — only one device per name shall be accepted.

Our Moderators:

Perlita So is currently an ASP National Trustee and the North Luzon Cluster Head. Mom to four children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum. Peng nurtures well-rounded skills, holistic well-being, and social connection of children and youth on the autism spectrum, as well as grows our circle of diverse volunteers and corporate partners -- as the Program Manager of ASP PweDay.

Malou Felipe or Tita Malou is mom and BFF to her 30-year-old daughter, Mary Jane. Online selling business and repackaging of rice and nuts keep them both busy. She is also the go-to mom among us, as she makes herself available to anyone in need of someone... a shoulder to cry on and a cheerful friend.

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Posted in: 4parents,fsg

Wanted: Performers on the Spectrum for Angels Walk for Autism 2025

One of the highlights of the ASP Angels Walk for Autism each year is the singing and dancing skills of people on the spectrum. Thanks to this annual talent event, children and adults on the spectrum are welcomed, accommodated, and valued in the performing arts.

Wanted: Performers on the spectrum poster

In preparation for the next Angels Walk for Autism, the Autism Society Philippines is looking for additional performers. You can submit your entry no later than 15 January 2025.

Who can join?

Performers on the autism spectrum:
- active regular ASP member/s; either as individual/s or child/ren of active ASP members (this applies to all members of a group). To join ASP: http://bit.ly/asp-join.
- any age
- any performing act: singing, dancing, instruments, magic, stand up acts, etc.
- solo or group
- those who have previously performed in Angels Walk can join

Fill out this form: https://form.jotform.com/231213904595455

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Posted in: awalk

ASP heralds the arrival of "Love Child"

by Imelda Alviso

The much-anticipated premiere of "Love Child," an entry in the 2024 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, happened last August 5, 2024, Monday. This event, held at Cinema 2, Ayala Mall Manila Bay in Parañaque City, drew an eager and diverse crowd of cinephiles. The film features an original script that won first place in the Dulang Pampelikula Category of the 71st Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. Set in Negros Occidental, it follows a young couple navigating the challenges of raising their autistic son.

ASP viewers with the director, Professor Jonathan Jurillo

The film's leading stars, Jane Oineza, and RK Bagatsing -- a real-life couple -- attended with John Tyrron Ramos, who portrayed their son. The director, Professor Jonathan Jurillo, dedicated the film to his son on the autism spectrum, wearing an orange shirt as a nod to the Autism Society Philippines (ASP). Veteran actress and director Laurice Guillen was also present.

WHAT WE FELT. Watching "Love Child" was immersive and emotionally engaging, with powerful performances and a gripping storyline. The film realistically depicts the challenges of raising a child on the autism spectrum, showing the parents' journey through the emotional stages toward acceptance. Despite minor issues like the musical score and occasional unclear dialogue, the movie was relatable and inspiring, raising awareness about autism and offering hope to families. We felt how the film brought joy to the audience, leveraging the power of cinema to bring people together.

The film resonated deeply with us families caring for a loved one on the spectrum, as it mirrored our own experiences. The early years after the diagnosis were marked with financial and emotional struggles. Having emerged from the difficult years, we bring hope to other families facing similar challenges and a resolve to help increase awareness about ASD.

WHAT WE LEARNED. The movie taught us the importance of seeking professional advice, following it and pursuing interventions suitable for the child. The film stressed the need for a supportive and safe environment for the entire family. It showed that individuals on the autism spectrum, like the grandfather in the movie, can lead fulfilling lives.

ASP advocates from various communities -- Imelda Alviso, Romulo Alviso, Andrea Alviso (Paranque), Rhodora Velasco (Las Pinas), Love Joy Alburo, Kevin Claude Alburo (Muntinlupa) went home with the hope that the movie industry continues to support local films that bring a dignified and just portrayal to the lives of families who live with disabilities.

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Posted in: 4family,4parents,4public,4pwas