Artists on the autism spectrum gathered together on 1 March 2014 at SM City San Lazaro as they showcased their talents in an art event promoting autism awareness.
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| ARTIsm poster |
“ARTism,” a benefit art expo by the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority of the UP College of Medicine, with the Autism Society Philippines and the Association for Adults with Autism in the Philippines as partners in the autism community, was an art exposition aiming to promote awareness on individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) by giving them, along with other participants, a venue for self-empowerment through art and music.
The event was participated by many regular and budding artists, young and old, surrounded and inspired by artworks created by such individuals with autism as Vico Cham, Andrei Macapagal, and students of Sta. Belina Learning Center in Dasmariñas, Cavite.
While the participants create their own masterpieces, they were serenaded by the music of ASP’s talents. Tum-Tum Mendoza, winner of the 2013 National Music Competitions for Young Artists, rendered classical and contemporary musical pieces on his signature marimba. Also, Christian Caragayan, Trisha Cardino, and Clarence Cruz, who all performed during ASP’s Angels Walk at the MOA Arena, shared their talents before everyone.
I also had the honor of sharing my experiences, as I discussed with the participants on my journey as both a multimedia designer and a self-advocate, what with my projects with ASP, including 1Pangako and CAUSEPLAY, how such areas of art as graphic design and cosplay can be used as tools for advocacy toward autism awareness and understanding.
It was a great opportunity to showcase the wonders and the value of being on the autism spectrum, what with our achievements and skills being the highlight of this event, which also aims to benefit the Rehabilitation Ward of the Philippine General Hospital, through proceeds from both registrations and merchandise. It was also an opportunity for self-advocates like us to be drawn together and show that “Yes, we can.”
(This article is the contribution of Gerard Joseph Atienza, a proud self-advocate and the Secretary of the ASP Bacoor Chapter)
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