ASP opens its new home on 11th Jamboree

After 20 years at the ML Building along Kamias Road, the Autism Society Philippines opened its new home to the public on 01 August 2015, Saturday at its new address: #9 11th Jamboree Street corner Scout Fuentebella, Brgy. Sacred Heart in Quezon City.

Some trustees in front of our new home

The blessing and open house was dubbed the “ASP Jambor-A,” a pun on the word Jamboree which appears on the street address. “It was serendipitous that our new address is on Jamboree Street.” Ms. Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National President, mentioned in her speech. “Jamboree is a large gathering of people from different places to celebrate; and that is what we want our new HQ to be. We want to celebrate the awesomeness of people with autism in this building. To our dear parents, siblings, children, adults who live with autism, this is your home.”

Cutting the ribbon

Ms. Carmen Zubiaga led the ribbon-cutting ceremony; and she was joined by the very individual who fuel our advocacy. The NCDA chief was joined by Mike Almendrala, Kendrick Cheng, Gelo Go, Gio Koe, Angelo So, Patrick So, and Carl Veluz in cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

In her speech, Ms. Carmen turned teary-eyed, as speaking to ASP parents reminds her of the passion of her own mother, who fought for her rights as a PWD, when she was not yet able to. She commended the National leaders of ASP who are at the forefront of parent advocacy in the disability sector.

In the afternoon, Teacher Ichie and Teacher Tess from Bridges Foundation conducted an art workshop. Kids with autism and siblings drew their version of angels. Their art works were displayed prominently in the ASP training room.

The art workshop

Trustee Evelyn Go was treated to a pleasant surprise when the ASP family broke out into song, greeting her the happiest of birthdays. Dashing young men on the spectrum then took turns offering our blushing celebrant a flower and a dance.

Evelyn and ASP Project Assistant Mico

Ms. Grace Adviento and Ms. Dang Koe, ASP National leaders, hosted the 2nd Autama Quiz Night. Education majors from Miriam College, led by their instructor, Ms. Susan Morillo, played a fun, visual game show with adults with autism. The day was topped off with videoke singing and what seemed like a never-ending series of we-fies.

Autama 2

The celebration of the new office would not have been complete without the show of appreciation for the many friends and donors who made the new ASP National HQ a destination for autism advocates -- Mayor Dahlia Loyola, Evelyn Go, Peng So, Helen Cheng, Gina and Lito Bermudo, Uratex Corporation and many other kind and generous friends. Thank you to the many ASP members and friends who came over to help us warm our new home --- Ms. Mirana Media, Municipality of Carmona, NCDA, AD|HD Society of the Philippines, Association for Adults with Autism, Best Buddies, Unilab Foundation, May God bless us and the advocacy we share!