ALYANA goes to UP Los Baños, Laguna

By: Cricel Elises, ASP Administrative Assistant

ASP Laguna Chapter headed by Ms. Rizalinda Cansanay, in cooperation with UPLB Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, organized the screening of Mirana Medina’s ALYANA, the first digital Filipino documentary on autism, last Friday October 7, 2011 in D. L. Umali Hall, UP Los Baños, Laguna.

Viewers wait outside for the Ticket Verification counters to open

The chapter believes that through the Alyana Film screening, viewers will become more aware of autism and its characteristics, and the current local situation of families dealing with autism.

Ms. Cansanay gave her heartfelt welcome remarks to 814 participants composed of students from different Colleges and Universities, Institutions, guests and ASP Laguna Chapter staff and volunteers.

ALYANA viewers at the D. L. Umali Hall – a total of 814 (790 paying viewers, 9 guests and 15 ASP Laguna staff and volunteers

Ms. Medina, Alyana film maker, came to the screening and personally introduced the film to all the viewers. Medina is also the grandaunt of Alyana, teen with autism. She also taught the participants how to sign the word autism.

Many participants congratulated Ms. Medina for a job well done in making a film about autism. Some shared that they wiped their tears many times while watching ALYANA. Some said that the story of ALYANA inspired them in so many ways.

After focusing her first documentary film on autism, Medina was inspired to make films featuring different disabilities; she believes that film is a very potent and effective medium that can help change some of the society’s misconceptions about these disabilities.

Mirana poses with ASP Laguna staff and volunteers after lunch served at ARC (Autism Resource Center)

ASP Laguna Chapter would like to thank Hon. Josephine Sumangil Evangelista from the Office of the Vice Mayor - Los Baños and all the sponsors who helped them to make this event happen. Thank you also to the following participants from different colleges and universities: Union College – Sta. Cruz, Laguna State Polytechnic University – Los Baños, Paete Science and Business College, Philippine Women’s University – Sta. Cruz, Laguna College of Business & Arts – Calamba, San Pablo Colleges – San Pablo City, Pamantasan ng Cabuyao, Colegio de Los Baños, Letran College – Calamba City. Institutional: DSWD Sta. Rosa, Los Baños Doctors Hospital and Medical Center, Department of Education Biñan District, Paslit Center – Los Baños, Department of Education Calamba City Division, Kiddie Care Center – Los Baños. Partners schools & centers: Autism Resource Center, The Creator’s Center for Autism – Biñan, Shepherd of Faith SpEd Center – Biñan, Hope Intervention Center – Calamba, Work of Heart SpEd Center – Sta. Rosa, Holy Rosary Alternative School – Sta. Rosa, Child Formation Center – Sta. Rosa, Mayapa Elementary School – Calamba, Streams Intervention and Therapy Center – Sta. Rosa, ABC + Knowledge House – Sta. Rosa, Paete Intervention Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kids Spot Intervention Center – San Pablo City, The Learner’s Academy – San Pablo City, Love & Hope Intervention Center – Liliw, Life Skills Education Center – Biñan.

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For the Catholics, October is the month of the Rosary. The young adults of Autism Resource Center or ARC were kept busy with orders coming from Manila and U.S. They were assisted by their job coaches and 2 mothers. After filling the rosary orders, ARC workers will be busy making their signature angel charms for the upcoming Christmas bazaars. For orders and inquiries, you may email at asplagunachapter98@gmail.com or call telephone number 049-536-0655.

Ms. Cathy (job coach) with RJ (with autism), Kaymar and Christian (with mental retardation), young
adults working at the Autism Resource Center (ARC)

To request for the Alyana Film Showing in your area, please email us at autismphils@gmail.com or call us at 7-903-5496 for more information. Donate generously to ASP Programs and Services. Account Name: Autism Society Philippines, Metrobank Kamias Branch Account No: SA 047-3-04751874-2.