The ASP Autism Angel Achievement Awards, nicknamed A5 is the Autism Society Philippines’ annual celebration that recognizes Filipinos on the autism spectrum who have demonstrated exceptional achievement by winning recognized national or international competitions in: visual arts, performance arts, sports, and disability advocacy.
Awardee Qualifications:
Must have a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD);
Must be Filipino or of Filipino descent;
Received award for individual accomplishment (Gold, Silver, or Bronze only) among at least five (5) competitors;
Received award between January to December for the last calendar year.
Achievement must be covered by at least one credible news media outlet (print, digital version of print or broadcast).
Competition Qualifications:
The competition must be a national-level competition, among at least three (3) provinces; or an international-level competition involving participants from at least three (3) countries.
Competition must be organized by a duly-registered institution, federation, association, or government body.
Competition must maintain publicly accessible results or official announcements.
Competition must award clear gold, silver, and bronze placements (or its equivalent), among at least five (5) competitors
Competition may be open mainstream or disability-specific competitions.
Documentation:
Nominators must submit
Proof of ASD diagnosis
Official certificate or photo proof of win
Official competition details (organizer, scope, location, date)
Media coverage from a credible news outlet
Nominations and Awarding:
Nominations close on 12 February 2027. The awarding of trophies will happen during Angels Walk for Autism 2027.
https://bit.ly/A5NominationForm.
List of past winners:
2026
Cid Tampo (athletics) - Cid is a formidable athlete whose dedication defines his success. After placing 14th in the 50-meter dash at the 2018 ASEAN Autism Games, he elevated his training, securing a Gold Medal in distance running at the 2025 Games in Laos. A versatile sportsman, he also excels in basketball and tennis.
Beyond the track, Cid is a BS HRM graduate, a multi-awarded Boy Scout, and a gifted musician. As an ASP "Ambassador of Goodwill," he performs nationally and collaborates with the DOH to inspire families, proving that passion and perseverance know no bounds.
Peggy Geiser (athletics) - Parris Eve Soledad M. Geiser, fondly known as Peggy, is a musical savant and passionate athlete who continues to break barriers. She is the first known Filipino on the autism spectrum to become a PADI-certified scuba diver. Peggy has competed in various sports alongside neurotypical athletes, showing remarkable determination. In 2025, she represented the Philippines at the ASEAN Autism Games in Laos, earning a silver medal in sprint. Through her achievements in athletics and the performing arts, Peggy actively promotes awareness, inclusion, and appreciation of individuals on the autism spectrum.
Rhav Lomboy (athletics) - Rhav is a multi-talented athlete and musician who continues to make the autism community proud. He won a silver medal in Javelin Throw at the 2025 ASEAN Autism Games and reached the finals in track and field at the 2018 ASEAN Autism Games, placing among the top runners. A dedicated member of the Alliance of Tenpin Bowlers in Alabang, he has competed in tournaments across the Philippines. Beyond sports, Rhav is also a talented drummer and an active member of the band “Tropical Avenue,” showcasing his passion for music and performance.
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."
The decision of the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) A5 Awards Selection Committee shall be final, binding, and conclusive. By participating in or submitting nominations for the A5 Awards, all parties acknowledge and agree to abide by the Committee’s decisions, and no appeals, reconsiderations, or disputes shall be entertained.
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