Me and My Gregarious Gifts

By: Carl Greg Veluz, Person with Autism

My name is Carl and I want to be an entrepreneur. I want to own modern buildings that also have modern interiors. But my mom says I have to raise money first before I can buy my buildings, so I came up with Gregarious Gifts. I call it "Gregarious" because my other name is "Gregorio" and my high school classmates called me "Greg". The word also means fun.

My mom designs products that I sell; but I make them all myself. My brother and our helpers also assist me when we have to make a lot. I make gift jars with layered brownie mixes inside. Using old magazines, I also make cards and envelopes by hand. I also tried selling malunggay juice in my school.

Products made by Carl

Last summer, I created products from recycled PEP bottles, like pencil cases, pots for plants and piggy banks. Last year, I sold my products at our village bazaar, at the Entrepreneurship School of Asia foundation week.

My school, Independent Living Learning Center (ILLC) wants to help me with my dreams. I sold my products last year during the ILLC Bingo Bazaar. They allowed me to set up my Gregarious Gifts booth every THIRD Friday OF THE MONTH this school year.

ASP Board Secretary Tiffany Tan with PWA Carl

Since I started my business, I always put part of what I earn in a jar. This month is my anniversary, so I brought my donation to ASP. ASP helps families of PWAs, helps the public understand autism and talks to the government to protect the rights of PWAs like me. It wasn't a large amount; but they appreciated it because the money is from my hard work and not from my parents. I will do it again next year.

Click Gregarious Gifts for more information.

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ASP believes persons with autism can to the best of their potentials, self-reliant, productive members of society. Be an Angel for Autism. Help empower them by donating generously to ASP Program and Services. Donate to Autism Society Philippines Metrobank Kamias Branch 047-3-04751874-2. Email us at autismphils@gmail.com or call 7-903-5496.