ASP Autism Angel Achievement Awards 2026

The ASP Autism Angel Achievement Awards, nicknamed A5, is the Autism Society Philippines’ annual celebration that recognizes the achievements, talents, and contributions of persons on the autism spectrum in their communities. A5 highlights what makes them stand out through skill, passion, and character, proving that impact and excellence go beyond labels.

A5 2025 Qualifications

Must have a formal autism diagnosis;

Must have won a national or international competition in 2025;
Must have good moral character;
Must not be a previous A5 awardee, unless nominated in a different category.

Nominations & Awarding
 

Nominations close on 15 February 2026. The awarding of trophies will happen during Angels Walk for Autism 2026. https://bit.ly/A5NominationForm.

List of past winners:

2025

Christian Borromeo (performing arts) - is a rising star in both music and academics. He recently won 3rd Prize in the Etude Category A2 of the Piano Teachers Guild of the Philippines Foundation, Inc. He also earned a Silver Medal in the solo round of the Grand Opus International Piano Competition in Vietnam. In academics, Christian received bronze medals in the HKISO and TIMO. He also took home silver and bronze medals in the Greater Bay Area Mathematical Olympiad.

2024

Peggy Geiser (performing arts) - Peggy Geiser placed silver in the 2023 Asia Pacific Youth Performing Arts Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She was the only performer on the spectrum in the competition.

Erin Tejada (visual arts) - Out of 488 entries from 23 different countries, Erin received recognition for her outstanding artistic talent at the 2023 Paralym Art Word Cup in Tokyo, Japan.

2023

John Christian Ballesteros (information technology) - John Christian is an exceptional graduate of the Science, Technology, and Engineering Program (STEP) at Valenzuela National High School. John recently participated in the 2022 Global Information Technology Challenge (GITC) for Youth with Disabilities, an international robotics competition that attracts some of the world's brightest minds. John's leadership and technical skills proved invaluable as he led his team to the top spot in the competition and won the best awards (1st) in eCreative_Smart Car Challenge category. John also received good awards (3rd) in the ELifeMap Challenge and eTool_PPT Challenge categories.

Noel Celwyn Cartera (sports) - Noel Cartera won two gold medals in the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, which were held at the Hamdan Sports Complex in Dubai. Noel takes first place in both the dancing sport competition and the 50-meter backstroke.

Robin Andrew Conanan (sports) - Robin competed for 7 years in the Palarong Pambansa games in Bocce, where he represented the NCR. He won 7th place in 2018 at Vigan, Ilocos Sur. A member of the Special Olympics, where he learned to be more independent and discovered many abilities. He learned to believe in himself. He started competing internationally when he was 13 years old. He also represented the Philippines in the UN Hour as the Global Youth Leader at the Special Olympics World Games 2012 held in Athens, Greece.

Laurence Anthony de Guzman (performing arts) - Laurence Anthony De Guzman is an Emirates Autism Awareness Ambassador. The 18-year-old was born and raised in the UAE. At the age of two and a-half, he was diagnosed with high-functioning autism with a speech delay. Seeing his great interest in music, his father taught him to play the piano at 11 years old; They discovered something bigger: that he is gifted with perfect pitch, a rare musical talent that every musician wishes to have. He plays the piano at a very young age and performs in front of thousands of people. He’s a gifted child and determined to succeed. Some of his awards and achievements are the Expo 2020 performance at Al Wasl, the world's largest 360-degree projection dome, and the 1st Prize Winner at the Abu Dhabi Talent Show in 2021.

Rafael Manuel (information technology) - A 16-year-old, grade 8 student from Gen. Pio del Pilar National High School. Rafael is into cars, trains, and movies. He recently participated in the 2022 Global Information Technology Challenge (GITC) for Youth with Disabilities, an international robotics competition that attracts some of the world's brightest minds, where Rafael received the two Best Award Winners in the ELifeMap and eContents Challenge categories. He is very attached to his routines, which helps a lot with how he manages his time doing schoolwork and other tasks.

Miguel Franco Ramirez (information technology) - Miguel participated in the 2022 Global Information Technology Challenge (GITC) for Youth with Disabilities, an international robotics competition that attracts some of the world's brightest minds. His team, with the leadership of John, got the top spot in the competition and won the best awards (1st) in eCreative_Smart Car Challenge category.

Brian Rayos (information technology) - Brian A. Rayos, a highly accomplished Grade 12 STEM student at Upper Bicutan National High School. Brian recently completed a 2-week work immersion program at DOST-STII in Taguig City, gaining valuable experience in his field of interest. However, his achievements extend beyond work immersion. Brian achieved high honors during the first semester, a testament to his academic excellence and study dedication. In addition to his academic accomplishments, Brian is also a member of the team that achieved the top ranking in the 2022 global IT Challenge eCreative Smart Car Competition. Brian's technical skills and leadership abilities were instrumental in the team's success, showcasing his ability to excel inside and outside the classroom.

Exiquiel de Vera (information technology) - Exiquiel participated in the 2022 Global Information Technology Challenge (GITC) for Youth with Disabilities, an international robotics competition that attracts some of the world's brightest minds. His team, with the leadership of John, got the top spot in the competition and won the best awards (1st) in eCreative_Smart Car Challenge category.

2020

Ron Michael Adea (performing arts) - Ron is a gifted concert pianist, who has performed in concerts all over the world; and has released three CDs of musical performances. He received the Jake’s House Legend of Distinction and the Mississauga Streetsville Musicorp Award , among other accolades. Music has played a significant role in Ron's life; and continues to spread hope through the beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion.

Keith Rafael Ignacio (information technology) - Keith brought glory to the Philippines at the recently concluded Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities held in Busan, Korea in 2019 -- winning coveted gold and silver medals. He boasts of numerous talents, including being a musical performer for the VALSPED Band.

2019

Samantha Pia Cabanero (advocacy) - Pia is an energetic young adult with big dreams. Writing, appearing in vlogs are only some of her many creative pursuits. She stood out among other aspirants to be crowned Miss Possibilities in 2018. Pia serves as the representative for the ASP Self-Advocates Circle.

Carlo Gregorio Veluz (visual arts) - Carl loves to work with his hands, has sold upcycled items he made himself under his web enterprise called Gregarious Gifts and has recently taken up carpentry. In 2018, he bested other Filipino artists with disabilities to become the winner of the Philippine leg of the Paralym Art World Cup — with his work displayed in exhibits in Japan. Carl serves as the Vice President for External for the ASP Self Advocates Circle.

Eduardo Enrique Munarriz (athletics) - Henry won the top award in the heavyweight class in the Special Category at the 2019 Philippine National Open Powerlifting Championships and was awarded a trophy for Best Lifter in the Special Category. He is part of a 65-man delegation representing Team Pilipinas in the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.

2018

Charlene Danica Escasinas (performing arts) - Nica first joined and won a singing contest at the age 7; and started modeling at the age of 12. Danica was given the opportunity to represent the Philippines at the 1st ASEAN Autism Youth Camp in April 2013 at Brunei Darussalam and in Autism Talent Gala 2017 in Hong Kong.

2017

Vell Baria (performing arts) - Velle has been performing at autism advocacy events for years; and performs regularly at amateur and professional productions. Velle is working towards a degree in Music Performance, with a major in Voice, and a minor in Piano, at St. Scholastica's College Manila. She won the INAP Award for Performing Arts at the ANCA World Autism Festival in Vancouver, Canada.

2016

Vico Cham (visual arts) - Considered a product of ASP showcases of PWA talents in his younger years -- joining on-the-spot painting contests, drawing for the centerfold of a national conference's souvenir programme, and being featured during an ASP art exhibit -- Vico received in 2015 a special award from the Apolinario Mabini Award for PWDs. He works as PWA employee #1 of Unilab Foundation.

Raymond Macasaet (athletics) - Raymond is a Special Olympics veteran, having earned medals in Aquatics in competitions in Greece 2011 and Singapore 2013. During the 2015 Special Olympics in Los Angeles, he won gold in the 50 meter and 25 meter dash in the track and field category.

Thara Marie Santiago (performing arts) - From 79 candidates, Thara Marie became one of the 19 finalists who received "Excellent Performance Award" during the Autistic Talent Gala held last December 2015 in Hongkong, which was organized by the AnAn International Education Foundation. Her rendition of "All by Myself" earned her one of the 4 major awards in the individual category - "Most Touching Voice."

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Posted in: 4public,4pwas,a5,awards

Laging Handa: Emergency Preparedness Para sa ASP Families

Autism Society Philippines (ASP)

Sa gitna ng patuloy na mga aftershocks at balitang posibleng malakas na lindol sa Pilipinas, maraming pamilya — lalo na ‘yung may kasamang bata o adult na nasa autism spectrum — ang nangangamba.

Pero tandaan: mas nakakabawas ng takot ang kahandaan. Ang kalmado, maagang pagpaplano at pagsasanay ay malaking tulong sa mga batang may autism na sensitibo sa pagbabago ng routine, sensory input, at stress.

Narito ang Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions ng mga magulang at tagapag-alaga — kasama ang mga practical, autism-informed na sagot mula sa mga eksperto.

1. Paano ko ipapaliwanag sa anak ko ang tungkol sa lindol o ibang emergency nang maiintindihan niya?

• Gamitin ang visual aids tulad ng social stories, drawing, o step-by-step pictures para ipaliwanag ang lindol, sunog, o baha.
• Gamitin ang simpleng wika: “Kapag umuga ang bahay, magtago tayo sa ilalim ng mesa.”
• Ulitin ito sa mga short practice sessions — kahit 5 minutes lang bawat linggo.

Mag-role play sa bahay para mas maging pamilyar sila sa gagawin.

2. Anong dapat laman ng emergency ‘Go Bag’ para sa batang may autism?

Bukod sa basic items (tubig, pagkain, flashlight, first aid), isama ang:

• Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs
• Paboritong laruan, kumot, o sensory tool
• Autism ID at contact info
• Communication tools (PECS cards, AAC device)
• Listahan ng gamot at routine

Ang layunin: bawasan ang stress at mapanatili ang komunikasyon kahit emergency.

3. Paano ko mapapanatiling kalmado ang anak ko kung may biglaang sakuna?

• Practice = Peace. Regular na drill (hindi nakakatakot) ay nakakatulong.
• Gamitin ang mga paborito nilang calming strategy — kanta, deep pressure, breathing.
• Siguraduhing ready ang Go Bag na may comfort items.
• Gumamit ng visual timer o schedule para sa transitions.
• Maging kalmado ka rin — naaamoy ‘yan ng mga bata.

4. Ano’ng makakatulong para hindi tumakbo o mawala ang anak ko sa gitna ng emergency?

• Practice the “Stay Together” rule gamit ang visuals.
• Gumamit ng autism/medical ID bracelet.
• GPS tracker (lalo na kung may history ng wandering).
• Gumamit ng buddy system — may assigned person na hahawak sa kamay nila.
• Maghanda ng info card: “I am autistic”, may contact details.

5. Paano ihahanda ang anak kong non-verbal o may limited communication sa ganitong mga sitwasyon?

• Gumawa ng visual cue cards — “Follow Me", “Quiet,” “Evacuate.”
• Maglagay ng communication passport sa Go Bag: mga triggers, calming techniques, kung paano siya matutulungan.
• Practice non-verbal cues with family, tulad ng tap sa balikat = “Let’s go.”
• Ipakita nang paulit-ulit ang mga signs tulad ng EXIT o DANGER.

6. May mga serbisyo ba o support system para sa PWDs sa evacuation centers?

• Ayon sa batas (RA 7277 at RA 11131), may priority dapat ang PWDs.
• Hilingin sa LGU na magtalaga ng quiet space o PWD-friendly zones.
• Makipag-ugnayan sa DRRM office ninyo — tanungin kung may inclusive emergency plan sila.
• Ang ASP at ibang orgs ay pwedeng tumulong sa advocacy.

7. Paano kami makikipag-ugnayan sa rescuers kung hindi nila alam na autistic ang anak ko?

• Maghanda ng autism ID o lanyard.
• Maglagay ng First Responder Info Sheet sa Go Bag:

1. Diagnosis
2. Triggers
3. Calming techniques
4. Contact info

- Kung kaya, ipakilala na sila sa mga barangay tanod o rescue volunteers beforehand.

- Advocate for autism awareness training sa LGU ninyo.

8. Safe ba ang evacuation centers para sa batang may sensory issues?

• Sadly, hindi palaging sensory-friendly ang mga centers — maingay, maliwanag, masikip.
• Magdala ng noise-reducing gear at sensory tools.
• Request for a quiet corner or separate room, kung puwede.
• Kausapin ang LGU at ang PWD focal person para sa mas inclusive na setup.

9. Pwede ba kaming gumawa ng personalized emergency plan para sa anak ko?

• Yes, highly recommended!
• Ilista ang:

Triggers (e.g., ingay, crowd, amoy)

Calming strategies

Communication needs

Escape routes and exits

Practice with family

I-coordinate din sa school at LGU para aligned ang plano ninyo.

10. Anong puwedeng gawin ng komunidad para maging inclusive ang DRRM para sa may autism?

• Maglunsad ng autism sensitivity training sa mga responder, barangay staff, at volunteers
• Isama ang PWDs sa mga DRRM drills
• Magplano ng PWD-friendly evacuation centers
• Hikayatin ang ID cards at registry ng PWDs para sa mabilis na tulong
• Makipagtulungan sa orgs tulad ng ASP sa local DRRM planning

Ang inclusive preparedness ay responsibilidad nating lahat

Kalma, Handa, Protektado: Para sa Anak na may Autism, Para sa Buong Pamilya

Hindi natin makokontrol ang mga sakuna. Pero kaya nating paghandaan ito — nang may empathy, strategy, at community support.

Ang Autism Society Philippines ay naniniwalang:

• Hindi kailangang perfect ang plan mo — basta personalized at consistent.
• Ang pagiging handa ay hindi nakakatakot — kundi empowering.
• Laging kasama ang mga may autism sa usaping kahandaan.

Stay calm. Stay ready.

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Posted in: 4public,disaster

CAMERAHAUS AWARDS TOP PHOTOGS AT THE ASP ANGELS WALK FOR AUTISM

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) and CameraHaus came together to honor creativity, advocacy, and the power of storytelling through images at the awarding of the CameraHaus Photo Challenge, held during the CameraHaus Photo Festival last August 28, 2025 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

The competition invited photographers to capture the essence of the ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2025, held in May, a landmark event that celebrates inclusion, acceptance, and the collective strength of the autism community. From the sea of green-clad walkers to the heartfelt moments shared by families, friends, and advocates, photographers were challenged to showcase the humanity and spirit that define this annual tradition.

After careful deliberation, Camerahaus announced the winners:
1st Place: Jansen Dudang

2nd Place: Jennelyn Tamolang

3rd Place: John Carl Magalong

Their works stood out for their ability to capture not only striking images, but also the emotion, hope, and unity that have made the Angels Walk for Autism an enduring symbol of advocacy for nearly two decades.

The awarding ceremony was graced by CameraHaus executives Robenson Ong Lo (VP for Operations) and Richmond Chi (Facilitator), together with ASP Project Coordinator Tina Borbe. The event underscored the fruitful partnership between CameraHaus and ASP in promoting both artistic expression and disability inclusion.

The ASP Angels Walk for Autism, first held in 2000, has grown into the country’s largest gathering for autism acceptance. Year after year, it draws thousands of families, advocates, and allies, turning public spaces into platforms of awareness and pride. The contest brought a fresh dimension to the event—allowing photographers to interpret and amplify its message in creative ways.

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Posted in: awalk,volunteers

MIC ON, MINSPIRED: A MUSIC JOURNEY FOR ASP MEMBERS

The act of kindness from BTS Suga, who donated to a children’s hospital, has sparked another wave of generosity across the world. Inspired by his example, the BTS ARMY Bangtan Ajumma, represented by Dr. Maria Cielo Vida, extended support to the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) that gave eight musically-inclined youth on the autism spectrum the opportunity to join a group music workshop at RMA Studio Academy, a respected training institution for professional musicians.

Dr. Maria Cielo Vida, Coach Vida Kahlil, Ms. Peng So, Ms. Jade Riccio, Ms. Helen Cheng and Ms. Dang Koe

The workshop, called “Mic On, Minspired,” began last September 6 and will run for 12 sessions. It offers ASP members who went through a screening process, the unique chance to grow in confidence, discover their musical abilities, and enjoy collective creativity with fellow youth on the spectrum.

Their efforts will lead to the recital concert “That’s Amore” on November 9 at the Aliw Theater, where artists on the spectrum will share the stage with other performers. RMA celebrity performers Jade Riccio, Jose Mari Chan, Michelle Dee, Maymay Entrata, Rhian Ramos, Ina Raymundo, Pepe Herrera, Rain Celmar, Vivoree Esclito, John Arcenas, Renzo Jaworski, Jema Galanza, Imogen, Tali Sotto, Amari Sotto, Scarlet Snow Belo and Zia Dantes are slated to perform.

To mark this partnership, RMA Studio Academy and the ASP signed a Memorandum of Agreement during the “That’s Amore” concert media launch on September 10 at Fable Café + Lounge. ASP was represented by Chair Emerita Dang Koe, Trustee and National Auditor Helen Cheng, and National Trustee Peng So. Part of the proceeds from the concert will be donated to the Autism Society Philippines.

Participants during RMA Studio Academy

Dr. Maria Cielo Vida, Ms. Jade Riccio, Ms. Dang Koe and Ms. Helen Cheng

Coach Vida Kahlil, Dr. Maria Cielo Vida, Ms. Jade Riccio and Ms. Helen Cheng

This project is a celebration of inclusion, inspiration, and the boundless power of music to connect communities.

Get your tickets at www.ticket2me.net/.

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Posted in: 4public

ASP x PSDBP: BUILDING ON YEARS OF COLLABORATION

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) left a meaningful mark at the PSDBP Biennial Convention, held at The Space at One Ayala in Makati, on September 3–4, 2025. Celebrating 25 years of developmental pediatrics, the convention gathered professionals, advocates, and community leaders centered on advancing care, compassion, and inclusive practice. ASP trustees were on-hand to show institutional support to partners who have been instrumental in providing early diagnosis and care for children on the autism spectrum.

The convention opened with a powerful, multi-lingual prayer led by a diverse group of partners, among whom was ASP Chair Emerita Dang Koe. Her participation set a tone of unity and inclusive intention behind the event. ASP’s presence carried through the program. Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National Spokesperson and Country Manager of the Autism Works initiative, joined a panel focused on adult transitions—highlighting the often-overlooked phase of life beyond childhood, and underscoring systemic support needed for success and independence.

The ASP AutisMALL pop-up shop, staffed by committed ASP HQ team members and members of the ASP Self-Advocacy Circle, showcased a range of unique merchandise for and by persons on the spectrum. The booth stood as a tangible example of economic inclusion, where participants could celebrate creativity, entrepreneurship, and visibility.

The PSDBP’s full scientific program covered a range of child-focused development and inclusive care topics. The event reinforced that inclusive care must extend to all stages of life and all community roles: as patients, professionals, entrepreneurs, and advocates.

The ASP wove the autism-inclusive narrative into the fabric of the convention. ASP’s participation sent a clear message: autism inclusion is central to building responsive, compassionate healthcare systems for today and tomorrow.

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Posted in: 4public,aworks