Karl at Kidzania

Experiencing Kidzania is often a fun, educational opportunity for many kids who have entered this community of imaginative play. Through interactive play, young children learn social skills such as sharing and taking turns; but the opportunity for "make believe" play takes a more significant turn for Karl Robert, an adolescent with autism.

Karl Robert, together with his mom, Carolyn Sumague of ASP Biñan Chapter, won in the ASP Kidzania Manila Raffle held at the ASP National Headquarters on 2 June 2016 -- together with 24 other pairs. Thanks to a generous gift from Cebu Pacific, the chapters of the Autism Society Philippines were able to experience a day of whimsy.

Karl assembles a burger with the McDonald's crew.

Karl was excited, upon entering this labyrinth of fun -- and his unbridled delight could be seen as he lined up for the different career tracks. His parents were mindful of the activities he enjoyed -- food service was on top of the list!

Karl taking in the sensory delights of working in a kitchen.

We feel this exposure helped him better understand the concept of work and career. Observations on what he enjoyed will be important inputs to his IEP and his pre-vocational class teachers at the Biñan SPED School.

About the contributor: Engr. Ariel M. Sumague is the proud father of Karl Robert Sumague, a kid with autism. He is currently connected with Colegio San Agustin Biñan as the Head of Marketing. He is also an active founding member of ASP Biñan and helps the group in their dealings with the LGU and DEPED.

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Posted in: cebu-pacific,chapters,journey,kidzania,laguna,regional

ARC Trainees In Action For Laguna Seminars

Autism Resource Center trainees participated in Laguna Seminars on Autism, which was held on June 26, 2015 at D. L. Umali Hall inside the University of the Philippines Los Baños campus. The seminars discussed topics involving the trends and aspects related to autism in Laguna province and the world in general.

D.L. Umali Hall

Though not part of the program proper, they took charge of the food distribution, where they provided morning snacks, lunch and afternoon snacks. They also manned the coffee booths, which were essential for the motivation of the participants.

The participants commented that their service is fast but organized. They added that the trainees were efficient in distributing the food and that they are adept in what they were doing.

The trainees also promoted and marketed products that they made. These include the timeless angel products like bracelets, cellphone charms, earrings, necklace, bookmarks, car charm, door charm. The survival bracelet and key chain, new product offered by ARC, were first introduced in the same event. The survival bracelet, which has a built-in whistle, can carry up to 550 pounds or approximately 250 kilograms when unraveled. The survival bracelets were made from parachute cords, which are used by many military units since the early 1940’s. On the other hand, the key chains have a built-in whistle and a fire starter which is waterproof. Such products can be used in time of emergencies like natural disasters and power outages.

The ARC team was composed of Michael Cansanay, Emman Zamora, Patrick Ian Cruz, Gino Luna, Joshua Pantoja, Ian Lopez, Kaymar Mendaña and Mico Ramos. They were assisted by Ms. Lian del Valle, Ms. Marivic Ramos, Ms. Vay Chavez, Ms. Deborah Sanchez, Ms. Cathy Lopez, Ms. Monette Garcia, Ms. Gigi Gomez, Ms. Vangie Biel and Ms. Jane Pantoja. Arnel Megino and Ms. Ardee Deang documented the events and provided assistance together with parent-volunteer Eman Teodoro.

The Laguna Seminars on Autism was organized by the two partner schools of Autism Society Philippines Laguna Chapter (First Steps Intervention and Therapy Center & Kids Cove Center for Children with Learning Differences) and the Philippine General Hospital’s Developmental and Behavioral Studies Unit in partnership with the Office of the Chancellor of University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Department of Human and Family Development Studies of the UPLB College of Human Ecology, the UPLB University Health Service and Autism Society Philippines Laguna Chapter.

The speakers were Pilar Habito, Dr. Alexis L. Reyes, Dr. Rita Grace R. Villadovid, Dr. Ma. Anna Lourdes A. Moral, Ms. Mae Catherine S. Sadicon, Ms. Cecile Sicam and Dr. Joel D. Lazaro. The participants in the panel discussion held during the afternoon were Catherine L. Lopez (ASP Laguna Chapter President), Ms. Rhodela C. Manaloto (Co-owner of First Steps Intervention and Therapy Center), Rhodalyn Aurea B. Mendoza (Directress of Kids Cove Center for Children with Learning Differences), Rowena Ynion (Speech Therapist), and Elmer Alipala (Occupational Therapist).

“In general, the participation of the ARC/ASP Laguna team together with the enthusiastic reception of the participants made the event a resounding success.”

About the author: Ian Lopez is an incoming senior student at University of the Philippines Los Baños taking up BA Sociology. He is a self-advocate for people with disabilities and volunteers with ASP Laguna Chapter since 2009.

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Posted in: chapters,laguna,seminar

Empowering the Families through Nutritional Intervention

Autism Society Philippines Laguna Chapter continues its services to empower persons with disabilities and their families through health related activities. The live blood analysis was conducted at Autism Resource Center (ARC) in Los Baños on April 23,2015 in partnership with a member facility, Heart for Autism Research and Training Center HeART Center) in coordination with the Christian Development Center. ASP Laguna believes in the power of a healthy lifestyle and its effects in our lives.

ASP Laguna Families and Persons with Disabilities

Fifty four persons participated in the said activity. To begin with, an orientation was conducted by Ms. Aisa Mendiola, HeART Center Directress. It was followed by a short discussion by Ms. Millet Buenafe, Hallelujah Health Minister from Christian Development Center. She was joined by three of her peers. Height and weight were measured, which were used to compute the Body Mass Index (BMI). The result of the BMI measurements were compared to the standard lists.

True to what we have seen in the monitor as the blood samples were analyzed, we have seen the Normal Red Blood Cells (RBC) which is round, uniform in shape and free flowing. The White Blood Cells (WBC), which is larger than the RBC, is irregular in shape and also moves independently. These healthy cells was seen in the result of live blood analysis of Aisa Mendiola, a cancer survivor for 9 years. This only proved that there is hope if we aggressively pursue a healthy lifestyle.

We are glad to see some of good results of some of the ARC trainees namely David Michael Lopez, Emmanuel Zamora and Michael Cansanay as well as Kim Lapastora of Los Baños Community Center (LBCC). Most of the participants seen to have damaged cells, rouleaux (worse stage of protein linkage, resembling a file of coin), RBC aggregation, uric acid, ovalocytes, microcytes, etc... Based on the results, participants became aware on what is happening in their body and were advised to be careful in the choice of food consumed. The healthy lifestyle has to be coupled by regular exercise, early morning sunshine exposure and most of all, seek the Divine intervention for the positive change in life.

ASP Laguna is grateful for those who have participated in this endeavour and we look forward in reaching out to other places to empower persons with disabilities and their families through this activity.

According to the disclaimer in live blood analysis form, it is “a unique technique of viewing live blood is not a diagnostic procedure for specific diseases. It is more of a screening test to reflect how one’s dietary and lifestyle may be influencing health. For our purposes, we simply want to view the “terrain” of the blood to catch a glimpse of the overall “toxic load” and consequent state of health of our client. It can often point you in a direction to take appropriate adjustments that are necessary within these areas in order to optimize health and prevent the onset of disease. Health problems and degenerative conditions can be prevented with early nutritional intervention.”

About the contributor: Ms. Catherine L. Lopez obtained her Bachelor of Elementary Education, Major in Special Education at San Pablo Colleges and her Master of Arts in Education, Major in Special Education at Jose Rizal University. She is the Job Coach for the office and messenger services of Autism Resource Center. She also serves as the President of ASP Laguna Chapter and cluster head for ASP chapters in South Luzon. She is a mother of a young adult with autism who graduated from UP Los Baños in 2017.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pwas,4siblings,chapters,health,laguna,nutrition,regional,seminar

ASP Sta. Rosa celebrates World Autism Acceptance Month

In commemoration of World Autism Acceptance Month, Autism Society Philippines Sta. Rosa Chapter held various activities on 18 April 2015 at SM Sta. Rosa. The day started with an Autism Walk inside SM Sta. Rosa Mall, a first for ASP Sta. Rosa! We started with an opening song "Heal our Land," beautifully sung by one of our angels, Trisha Angelica Cardino.

The Autism Walk of ASP Sta. Rosa

After the walk, the exhibit where artworks of our talented persons with autism are displayed was formally opened, with SM Sta Rosa Mall Manager Marius Cortez, ASP Sta. Rosa President Olive Medina and some of the exhibitors cutting the ceremonial ribbon. This is the second year we are doing our art exhibit at SM. This years exhibitors are: Caryll Angela Alvarez, Lorenzo Miguel Medina, Justin Erolin, Giannelle Amandy, DJ De Jesus, Lauriel Lambon, Ethan Zamora, Paolo Mendoza, Matthew Romero, Sean Tiu, Yshi Garcia and Jose Antonio Tan.

Guests, SM managers and ASP members made their 1Pangako pledge and signed in the 1Pangako sign board. SM frontliners attended our Autism awareness orientation conducted by our very own Marigin Cinco.

We are thankful to all our supporters and sponsors headed by Mayor Arlene Arcillas and Barangay Captain Aldrin Lumague. We are also thankful for the presence of ASP Biñan and ASP Laguna in our activities. It is our hope that through these activities we can create a more caring and accepting society for our persons with autism.

About the contributor: Olive Medina is mom to CWA Enzo and his baby sister Lizzie. Aside from fulfilling her duties as a wife and mother, she works as General Manager for a logistics company, a part time college lecturer and part time yoga instructor. She is also the president of ASP Sta. Rosa Chapter.

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Posted in: angels-walk,chapters,community,laguna,sm,WAAD

HeART BEATS 2 Concert

The Health for Autism Research and Training Center (HeART Center) held its second fundraising concert on 14 June 2014 entitled “Heart Beats 2” at Palmeras Garden Restaurant in San Pablo City, Laguna. It featured the musical talents of RV Mendiola, Emman Zamora, Thara Santiago, Franco Cagayat, and Rance Paul Yap, persons with autism (PWAs) whose families ardently support the center’s cause. The performers dazzled the audience not only with their vocal ability and nimble fingers but also with their courage and focus onstage.

The Amazing Duet, Thara & Franco

The performances would not have been successful had it not been for the unconditional love and support from the PWAs’ families who had all but joined their children or siblings in song or on the piano. This is but a glimpse of the kind of treatment of PWAs the center’s founders wish to involve people in, especially those closest to PWAs.

The center’s approach focuses on dietary intervention, aquatic programs and research. PWAs are very likely to be victims of metabolic disorders. Aisa Mendiola told the event’s attendees that even fruits and vegetables considered at worst benign by everyone may bring harm to PWAs. Aquatic programs aid in the management of behaviors and training of PWAs.

These programs were inspired by the experiences of the center’s founder, Aisa Mendiola, with her son, RV, and her student, Rance Paul. Their unparalleled attraction to water was central to the establishment of an incentive scheme that has greatly facilitated their development.

The event’s organizers were overjoyed with the turnout of donors and other supporters who went home with more than what they had given.

HeART BEATS 2 was a proclamation that the center is filled to the brim with promise. The road to what the founders wish to achieve will be bumpy at best, but with the perseverance and unflagging spirit of those already involved and the growing support of multiple communities, these goals are far from impossible.

About the Author: Juan Carlo F. Mallari is a mathematics instructor at Ateneo de Manila University. He acquired his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Applied Mathematics, Major in Mathematical Finance from the same university in 2013 and 2014, respectively. He had two short stories selected for publications by Ateneo student organizations during his years as an undergraduate and was an English fiction fellow for the 12th Ateneo National Writers’ Workshop in May 2014. He likes to think he loves numbers and words equally and dreams of one day teaching an elective merging mathematics and creative writing. Above all, Carlo is a supremely annoying and infinitely grateful uncle, brother, and son to the four dearest people in his life who happen to carry “Mallari” in their names as well.

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Posted in: chapters,community,laguna,music

ASP Sta. Rosa Opens “A Special Exhibit”

ASP Sta. Rosa Chapter celebrated World Autism Awareness Day on 02 April 2014 with a Special Art Exhibit by Persons with Autism at SM Sta Rosa City, Laguna. The exhibit aimed to show that persons with autism can contribute positively to the society given the proper intervention, guidance, love and acceptance.

ASP Sta. Rosa WAAD Ribbon Cutting

The exhibitors are children of Autism Society Philippines officers and members, namely: Juan Gabriel Allegre, Noelle Cruz, Lorenzo Miguel Medina, Lauriel Lambon, Caryl Alvarez, Ethan Zamora, Nathan Sta Ana, Sean Tiu, Franco Santos, Justin Erolin, Christopher John Flores, Ella Ramos, Jan Carlos Alo, Yshi Garcia, Simon Perez, Miggy Memita and Justin Napoles.

Dr. Olive Medina, President of ASP Sta. Rosa Chapter, gave the welcome remarks in behalf of the society; while Mr. Doni Orolfo from SM Operations Department gave the welcome remarks in behalf of SM Sta. Rosa.

The inspirational talk was given by one of the PWA exhibitors, Juan Gabriel Allegre. He shared:

I am Jorel Allegre. I am 13 and I have autism. Today is the 7th year since the United Nations designated every April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. This celebration aims to increase awareness of people about individuals especially children with Autism. As most of you may have observed, there are no two persons with Autism who are alike. Each PWA is entirely unique since Autism is a spectrum. Each child has a different degree of social, communication and behavioral difficulties. Some of us may not speak. Some of us like me have the words but cannot express and label our feelings. It is thru the arts that we have learned to express ourselves. To paraphrase a quote of the painter Georgia O’Keefe – “We found through painting that we could say things with colors and shapes that we can’t say any other way – Things we have no words for.” We want people to know that though we maybe different from other children, we are not less. We do have a God given talents and gifts that we can share to give joy and hope to others. My parents would like to tell other parents especially those whose child had just been diagnosed and are struggling with acceptance that there is always hope and you can still dream and work for a better life and future for your children with Autism. Also although your child needs unconditional love, they also need tough love too. That’s it. We hope you will enjoy our art works. Thank you!

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Posted in: art,chapters,community,laguna,regional,sm

Love overflows at the 8th Laguna Friendship Games

The 8th ASP-Laguna Friendship Games took place at the Nuvali Football Field in Sta. Rosa City took place on 8 February 2014. Selected trainees and apprentices from the Autism Resource Center joined in this annual one-day sporting event.

It started as early as 7:00 a.m. when the registration process took place as a total of eleven teams vied in more than ten sporting events. Laguna-based schools that tool part in the fun-filled day included Field of Little Hands School Inc., Child and Teens Success Intervention Center, Autism Resource Center, Liliw Intervention Center, Shepherd of Faith SPED Center, Hope Intervention Center, GS Option House, Paete Intervention Center for Autism and Related Disorders (PICARD), Calamba City SPED, Work of Heart Child Center, and Child Formation Center. These institutions are based in San Pablo, Calamba, Biñan, Santa Rosa, Los Baños and Paete.

This year’s event was hosted by the Work of Heart Child Center. The Oath of Sportsmanship was headed by Arlene Humarang, a mother; Emmanuel Zamora, a PWD; and Teacher Eric Cuenca of Hope Intervention Center. Allison Dave Albert Lareza led the national anthem and the lighting of torch was spearheaded by representatives of all participating schools. The doxology was led by a group of students from the Work of Heart Child Center.

A little boy plays 50-meter run

A total of 412 students participated in more than 10 sporting events, divided into categories based on age. Some of the events are the 25-meter walk relay with assistance, 25-meter walk relay without assistance, tug-of-war, 50-meter-run with assistance (boys and girls), 50-meter run without assistance (boys and girls), sand relay, tug-of-war, tire relay, coin bank relay, balloon popping, tied legs (garter) relay, puzzle relay, sack relay, straw relay, badminton, dance contest, poster making contest, Little Mr. and Miss Friendship for 12 years old and below and Mister and Miss Friendship Games for 12 years old and above.

This year’s theme is about the rights of persons with autism. Franco Cagayat, a sculptor from Paete, was one of the judges in the poster-making competition. The elections of ASP Laguna also took place during the event. The new sets of officers were introduced during the closing ceremony of the games.

GS Option House served as this year’s grand winner. Hope Intervention Center, Autism Resource Center, Child and Teens Success Intervention Center received the first-runner up, second runner-up, and third-runner up titles respectively for their dedicated team efforts in all the games and activities.

This article is the contribution of David Michael C. Lopez of the Autism Resource Center in Los Baños, Laguna.

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Posted in: authletics,chapters,community,laguna,leaders,sports

ASP Laguna hands-on training

Six participants successfully completed the 2011 Summer Hands on Training conducted by ASP Laguna from April 25 to May 20. The participants, 3 mothers and 3 aspiring teachers for special children had their culminating exercises at the Villa Sylvia Resort in Nagcarlan, Laguna where they were joined by the young adults of the Autism Resource Center. The six participants posed in the picture below, holding their certificates, along with the ASP Laguna Training Team, from left: Ms. Lian, December Banzuelo, Edith Edlagan, Ms. Vay, Aracel Temprosa, Sir Jerome, Leah Adviento, Ms. Marivic, Ms. Cathy, Ms. Riza, Danalyn Lopez and Ma. Ana Estranero.

ASP Laguna Training Team, from left: Ms. Lian, December Banzuelo, Edith Edlagan, Ms. Vay, Aracel Temprosa, Sir Jerome, Leah Adviento, Ms. Marivic, Ms. Cathy, Ms. Riza, Danalyn Lopez and Ma. Ana Estranero

Teacher Aracel who spoke in behalf of the participants, graciously thanked ASP Laguna for the wonderful experience of learning to teach children with autism. She said that their new found knowledge and skills will definitely help them in teaching these special children.

Teacher Aracel

ASP Laguna expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the 4 centers which opened their doors for the participants to observe student-teacher interaction and classroom settings. These centers are: Hope Intervention Center in Calamba City, First Steps Therapy and Intervention Center in Pansol, Calamba City; The Learning Center in Paranaque City and Bridges Foundation in Quezon City. ASP Laguna is also very thankful to the Franciscan Montessori School of the Nativity, with its Administrator Sister Ermelinda Cortez and the Batong Malake Day Care Center which served as the venue for the lectures and the actual hands on, respectively.

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Posted in: chapters,laguna,seminar

Carmona - a model PWD program

“It takes political will and a genuine love and service for children/persons with disabilities that propel us to make these happen” said the Mayor Dhalia Loyola upon her welcome to the busload of Manila visitors.

The Municipality of Carmona (Region IV-A or CALABRZON) won the Apolinario Mabini Award for Local Government Unit of the Year in 2008 and the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Awardee in 2009.

Carmona Chapter Officers headed by Ms. Rosalyn Dasco inducted by Hon. Dahlia Loyola

ASP organized a Community Based Rehabilitation or CBR Visit to Carmona last 18 January 2011, as part of the 15th National Autism Consciousness Week Program. The visit was followed after the trip to Laguna’s Autism Resource Center. Click here to read the previous visit.

Ms. Rosebelle Mercurio, head of the PWD Coordinating Office and her staff; led the visitors to the conference room to watch a video clip of Carmona. Mayor Loyola started the PWD Program together with her husband, now Congressman Roy Loyola. Carmona is the first municipality with a data base on the number of PWDs and boasts of a comprehensive continuing program for them.

“PWDs deserve these services and we will do our best to provide,” said the mayor, while turning over her cash donation to ASP as part of her support to the ASP’s Advocacy Programs. ASP National President, Ms. Grace Adviento, received the donation in behalf of ASP.

The group was then toured around the PWD Coordinating Office and continues to provide programs through their Special Education Classrooms and Vocational Training Facilities, with a hefty budget provided for and personnel allocated for persons with disabilities by the municipality.

Following the visit, ASP Carmona Chapter officers, headed by Ms. Rosalyn Dasco, were officially inducted by the honorable mayor. They were jointly supported by the busload of visitors came from the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), Department of Education (DepEd, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Norfil Foundation, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Committee on Social Services, House of Representatives, Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Department of Public Works and Highways(DPWH), ASP Commonwealth Chapter, City of Mandaluyong and the Archdiocese of Manila-Person with Disability Ministry (AMO-PDM).

Indeed even in the rural areas accessible and quality services can be made available as proven by ASP Laguna Chapter and the Municipality of Carmona. It’s a right of every PWD that the government must provide as signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD)!

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Posted in: cavite,chapters,excursion,laguna

Riding Helicopter and Flying Kite

By Emman Zamora, ASP Laguna autism self-advocate

Emmanuel Rei C. Zamora, fondly known as Emman, is a 12 year old boy who is presently enrolled as a first year high school student at Colegio de Los Baños in Los Banos Laguna. He loves outdoor sports, singing, reading books and collecting magazine about cars and trains.

He had his exhibit entitled "The Train Man" at the Basement Art Lab, last 10 August 2007. His Art teacher is Gerry Leonardo of Philippine Center for the Arts, UPLB. Emman also joins the young adults in Autism Resource Center in their activities.

Emman Zamora in a helicopter

Many students were going home after a night of partying, there were no jeepneys around. I slept for only five hours because I had to wake up at 2:00 am. My Nanay (mom) and I took a tricycle going to Olivarez Plaza, were we took the HM Transport Inc. bus A-315 a bus on its first trip going to Cubao. It traversed the SLEX (South Luzon Expressway). We alighted the bus from SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City. We were early. To pass the time, I watched different buses going to and fro- this I enjoyed. I spotted two peculiar buses parking in front of SM Megamall. It was our ride. Normal 0 We were assigned to the Baliwag Transit, Inc.’s Man AG bus # 9927. We traversed EDSA (Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue), which is known for EDSA 1 & EDSA 2 Revolution; NLEX (North Luzon Expressway), until the bus went off at Angeles City Exit. We reached the Angeles City Flying Club and were greeted by ultra-light airplanes flying by. It was a great sight.

The venue was in a hangar for light planes at Angeles City Flying Club Compound in Talimundoc, Magalang Pampanga. Each PWD was given a T-shirt and a red Canon visor. The program started with a prayer from a PWD, the Pambansang Awit ng Pilipinas (the Lupang Hinirang) in audio only, followed by welcoming remarks. All the PWDs were assigned one Canon A-Team Photographer. My buddy was Earl.

So this is how a movie star feels! I have my own “paparazzi” now. While this was going on, my tummy kept on grumbling. I was super hungry, having just oatmeal when we left Los Baños.

Emman and Santa Claus

The emcees announced that we had a special guest coming in. Wow! It was Santa Claus flying in, not with the reindeer, but in a Philippine Air Force Huey helicopter! All the names of the selected PWD’s were called. When this writer of the article’s name was called, I went up the stage, pictures were taken.

I quickly went down and hurriedly open my gift from Santa. To my astonishment, I saw the latest issue of Top gear Philippines December 2010 issue and Road & Track’s April 2010 issue. Oh my! How did Santa know what I liked? Geez, it was great! Finally, after the ceremonies, we had a Jollibee breakfast!

Emman Painting

After the gift-giving and breakfast, we were sorted into groups. I belonged to group 3. After sorting us out, there was a photo-op. After the photo-op, we were asked to paint a streamer with real paint.

“Uh, oh! It was fun, well, except for the paint in my sock, shoes and pants, it could have been worse.”

After painting, I was hungry again. So I went to the siomai booth, the popcorn booth and the ice cream booth. After getting some food, my assigned buddy photographer, Earl, asked me if I wanted to go ride a helicopter. We rode on an R-22 Helicopter, with my Nanay.

I wasn't nervous because I have ridden an airplane but never ridden a helicopter.

After riding we had kite making. I wanted to try flying the kite I made, but we were asked to join a treasure hunt after lunch. We were led into a Mango Orchard beside the hangar. We were given a paper with symbols on it, we have to look for these symbols pasted on the mango trees and write what objects was there in that symbols. There were 10 symbols. Nanay and I went from one tree to another. We finished ninth. The others were faster than us. Prizes were given in the treasure hunt, one for me and Nanay.

We had another visitor, Jollibee! (mascot) There was a photo-op with Jollibee. Afterward we had a group picture with everyone from the activity. We said our good byes and went to our bus. Vell, my group mate, called it a “sauna bus”, ‘because the air conditioning was turned off! But soon drifted to sleep, dreaming about the day’s activities.

“I was able to fly my kite after the treasure hunt. Mine flew highest! I loved this activity! It was an awesome experience. I wish I could be invited again.”

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Posted in: chapters,excursion,journey,laguna,outing,self-advocates

Manna from Heaven

By Ian Ferdinand Lopez, ASP Laguna autism self-advocate

Unlike other days, on June 1, was a blessed day. We received a blessing like a flood of manna from heaven from our friends at United Parcel Service. As implementers of the project: “A sustainable work-live-play program for young adults with autism” UPS grants the amount of USD 40,000 or approximately Php 1.8 million. The ceremonial turnover held at the Autism Resource Center in Los Baños, Laguna.

ASP National President Dang Koe, (left of photo), UPS Country Human Resource Manager Rolando Nierva (middle of photo) and ASP Laguna President Riza Cansanay

ASP National President Dang Koe, (left of photo) Vice-President Grace Adviento, ASP Treasurer Evelyn Go and ASP Executive Director, Ranil Sorongon , Jun Montemayor from the Batong Malake Barangay Council , UPS Country Human Resource Manager Rolando Nierva (middle of photo) and his companions were the special guests.

The exciting event was started with a thanksgiving prayer led by Emman Zamora. Master of ceremonies David Michael Lopez gave the line-up of activities. Mr. Jun Montemayor of the Batong Malake Barangay Council gave the welcome remarks.

After the introduction, a slide presentation showing the trials, triumphs and goals of Laguna chapter was shown to the guests/visitors and friends.

ASP-Laguna Chapter President Riza C. Cansanay (right of photo) delivered an inspiring speech which moved some of the guests into tears.

The ceremonial turnover was done in the presence of ASP National President, Dang Koe with Mr. Rolly Nierva, UPS representative handing the mock check. Afterwards he gave a short message, Mama Dang followed with words of gratitude. Intermission numbers were rendered by Ian Ferdinand Lopez and Wilbert Rola and tokens of appreciation were distributed by Michael Cansanay and Ian Cruz. ASP-Laguna Vice- President, Cathy Lopez gave the closing remarks. After the program, the guests were treated to finger foods prepared by the young adults with autism working in the Enabling Community Food Service. The affair ended with a photo session.

We are surely expected to handle the blessings effectively and safely. After the guests had left, it rained. The rain reminded us that that we prayed for blessings and manna came pouring today.

Click here to read the full story of The Purpose Driven Vision: An Enabling Community for people with Autism.

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Posted in: chapters,corporate,laguna,ups