By: Cathy Genovia
Thousands of persons with disability with their families and friends attended Fun Day in celebration of the 31st National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week last July 18, 2009. The celebration was hosted by SM Supermalls at the SM North EDSA Sky Dome.
Credited to the creative team work composed of representatives from the different government agencies, NGOs, Disabled Peoples’ Organizations, Fun Day ng Batang May K was a huge success.
The program was formally started with a parade from the Sky Dome passing through the mall and going back to the Sky Dome. To make this event more memorable and enjoyable, the Working Committee distributed food, drinks and freebies to children with disabilities (CWD).
![](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49098740016_8ff1a046f7_o.jpg) |
ASP delegation during the Fun Day celebration |
ASP sponsors free caricature sketching by Gabby Atienza, 50 year old accomplished artist with autism. Aside from the free sketching, children enjoyed free face painting, and origami making. For the oldies, there were also free massage and free blood pressure check-up, and free haircut for all ages.
Simultaneously, a mini-concert hosted by Pastor Eric Maliwat, DZAS Station Manager and 80’s Filipino pop icon and quintessential singer, Dr. Nonoy Zuñiga. Celebrity guests also supported the event. Sexy actress and comedianne Ara Mina sang a duet with her sister Princess, who has Downs Syndrome. Nikki Bacolod, “Dyosa” tele-novela star sang an upbeat number, and to her surprise, different children with disabilities also came up on stage to dance with her.
The Sparkle Band, a pop band composed of teens with autism rocked the house down with High by Speaks and I’ll Be by Edwin Main, with Daryl Lim Tan on vocals, Bryan Lu on drums and kuadro (percussion instrument) and Desly Lim Alvarado on keyboards. (Watch out for Sparkle Band performance at the television talk show Mel and Joey, on August 9).
Celebration The morning concert commenced with community singing of “Ikaw Na Nga” popularized by Willie Revillame, with the Fun Day Working Committee composed of Government and NGOs wearing white gloves and signing. Children were treated to a sumptuous lunch while they watched an on-going cartoon film on Helen Keller was shown to the audience for free. By the afternoon, Sky Dome was packed to the brim with many walk-in passers by who were curious about the on-going events. DZAS (a local AM Christian Radio Station) broadcasted the event from inside the Sky Dome to thousands of listeners here and abroad. For the opening number, Pinoy Dream Academy Winner Yeng Constantino, aka Grand Star Dreamer sang song from her latest album.
Not to be outdone, Vell Barria, ASP Autism Diva, with her Charice Pempengco like “birit” left the audiences with opened mouths and thunderous applause. And to cap the afternoon concert was the much sought-after Tumtum Mendoza, world class marimba player with autism, with his signature marimba numbers. While the events were on-going, many flocked to the ASP booth. They asked for brochures, talked to our friendly staff. Many became aware and informed of persons with autism. Many misconceptions about autism were erased. As the day came to a close, we recall the words of encouragement by Ms. Gigi Ruiz, Executive Director of NCDA: “Persons with disabilities must remain VOCAL and VISIBLE.” We find these words fulfilled. To supporters, sponsors and well-wishers, families and people behind the scenes, our heartfelt THANK YOU for making this fun-filled day and NDPR week celebrations possible.
4 comments:
There is a awards for blogs.
Philippine Blog Awards
There is a category of Activism.
I agree with with Joel Santos.
I'm planning to join.
I agree with with Joel Santos.
I'm planning to join 2009 Philippine Blog Awards.
"Thanks for your suggestions. We would like to inform you that ASP has bagged the Best in Advocacy Blog in the 2009 Philippine Blog Awards"
sincerely,
ASaP news team
spreading autism awareness, one blog at a time
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