ASP heralds the arrival of "Love Child"

by Imelda Alviso

The much-anticipated premiere of "Love Child," an entry in the 2024 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, happened last August 5, 2024, Monday. This event, held at Cinema 2, Ayala Mall Manila Bay in Parañaque City, drew an eager and diverse crowd of cinephiles. The film features an original script that won first place in the Dulang Pampelikula Category of the 71st Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. Set in Negros Occidental, it follows a young couple navigating the challenges of raising their autistic son.

ASP viewers with the director, Professor Jonathan Jurillo

The film's leading stars, Jane Oineza, and RK Bagatsing -- a real-life couple -- attended with John Tyrron Ramos, who portrayed their son. The director, Professor Jonathan Jurillo, dedicated the film to his son on the autism spectrum, wearing an orange shirt as a nod to the Autism Society Philippines (ASP). Veteran actress and director Laurice Guillen was also present.

WHAT WE FELT. Watching "Love Child" was immersive and emotionally engaging, with powerful performances and a gripping storyline. The film realistically depicts the challenges of raising a child on the autism spectrum, showing the parents' journey through the emotional stages toward acceptance. Despite minor issues like the musical score and occasional unclear dialogue, the movie was relatable and inspiring, raising awareness about autism and offering hope to families. We felt how the film brought joy to the audience, leveraging the power of cinema to bring people together.

The film resonated deeply with us families caring for a loved one on the spectrum, as it mirrored our own experiences. The early years after the diagnosis were marked with financial and emotional struggles. Having emerged from the difficult years, we bring hope to other families facing similar challenges and a resolve to help increase awareness about ASD.

WHAT WE LEARNED. The movie taught us the importance of seeking professional advice, following it and pursuing interventions suitable for the child. The film stressed the need for a supportive and safe environment for the entire family. It showed that individuals on the autism spectrum, like the grandfather in the movie, can lead fulfilling lives.

ASP advocates from various communities -- Imelda Alviso, Romulo Alviso, Andrea Alviso (Paranque), Rhodora Velasco (Las Pinas), Love Joy Alburo, Kevin Claude Alburo (Muntinlupa) went home with the hope that the movie industry continues to support local films that bring a dignified and just portrayal to the lives of families who live with disabilities.

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Posted in: 4family,4parents,4public,4pwas

Family Support Group for the month of October 2024

Date: 12 October 2024, Saturday
Time: 10:00am

Register here to get the Zoom link: https://bit.ly/4eNPw0B
The deadline for registration is 11 October 2024, Friday at 12nn.

October Family Support Group Poster

ASPs family support group sessions bring together parents, siblings, and other family members to talk about their journey in living with autism. Participants share their experiences and draw enlightenment and strength from others going through the same challenges.

The Autism Society Philippines -- together with this month's host, ASP Sta. Rosa -- welcomes members and non-members, bound by a common experience that is autism. We aspire to educate, empower, and inspire to help build an Autism-OK Philippines.

IMPORTANT: Send us an email via autismphils@gmail.com if you have not received your Zoom credentials by 11 October 2024 Friday at 1pm. Please do not share your link — only one device per name shall be accepted.

Our Moderators:

Diana de Ocampo is a single mother of two and has a younger brother on the autism spectrum. She graduated from De La Salle University with a degree in Computer Studies and is currently working as a Program Manager. She has been an active member of ASP since 2017, currently the National Board Secretary and president of the ASP Parañaque.

Marigin Cinco is a teacher and a mother to a 22-year young man on the autism spectrum. She lives in Biñan, Laguna and is currently the president of ASP Sta. Rosa.

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Posted in: 4parents,fsg

A PweDay AUdventure at UP Diliman

The UP SUPER (Supporting PWDs thru Exercise and Recreation) welcomes ASP members to a day of fitness and fun at the University of the Philippines, Diliman Campus on 5 October 2024.

AYE-robics and Beyond Steps Poster

Join the ASP PweDay gang for an AYE-robics zumba session with UP SUPER instructors at Alcantara Hall, Student Union Building. ASP PweDay offers enrichment activities for children and youth on the spectrum opportunities to explore new skills, engage with others and enjoy.

After the AYE-robics zumba session, take an AUdventure in the UP Sunken Garden with our super volunteers. The ASP AUdventure is a nation-wide initiative for children and youth on the spectrum to explore new experiences, visit new places for their enrichment and advocate for inclusion and more autism-friendly spaces.

Who can join
- Interested ASP members may sign up for this event (priority is given to regular members of regular chapters) via https://form.jotform.com/232491539432458. The registration deadline is 3 October 2024.
- One (1) child/youth on the spectrum and one companion per family.
- The ASP Secretariat will advise the participant of the confirmed slot via text/call. As we only have 20 slots available, we would like to share the opportunity across as many chapters as possible.
- For cancellations, please communicate at least 48 hours ahead, as a courtesy and to give others the chance.

What to prepare
- Wear an ASP Angels Walk Shirt or green shirt
- Bring an extra shirt, face towel
- Drinking Water

Health Protocols
- Do not come with fever, cough, cold, or diarrhea.

How to get there
- Participants shall be responsible for their transportation.
- Participants are expected to be at the Alcantara Hall, Student Union Building at 12:30PM.
- When you get to the venue, look for the ASP banner and Ms. Tina Borbe.
- Chapter leaders are expected to manage their group/members, especially during the waiting time.
- There will be a Zoom orientation for participants a few days prior to the event. Please wait for the announcement once you have been selected as participants.

Program
12:30 pm - 1:00 pm / Registration
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm / AYE-robics zumba session
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm / Tour

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Posted in: 4pwas,AUdventure,pweday

Family Support Group for the month of August 2024

Date: 10 August 2024, Saturday
Time: 10:00am

Register here to get the Zoom link: https://bit.ly/3WvTq6B
The deadline for registration is 9 August 2024, Friday at 12nn.

August 2024 Family Support Group Poster

The Autism Society Philippines welcomes members and non-members, bound by a common experience which is autism. We aspire to educate, empower, and inspire to help build an Autism-OK Philippines.

IMPORTANT: Send us an email via autismphils@gmail.com if you have not received your Zoom credentials by 9 August 2024, Friday at 1pm. Please do not share your link — only one device per name shall be accepted.

Our Moderators:

Maria Joyla Ofrecia empowers families in the care and instruction of children and youth on the autism spectrum, as a valuable resource to the ASP Early Detection and Early Intervention Program, ASP Education Committee, and the ASP HOMEpowerment Program. She organized and mentored the ASP chapters towards good governance and sustainability as the ASP MM- Rizal Cluster Head.

Her eldest is Juris, a young man on the autism spectrum. She has been a hands-on mother and for almost 16 years, has been implementing home intervention programs along with other center-based interventions not just for her own son but also for other children on the spectrum.

Marianne B. Santos is a mother to five children including Julius, a 16 years old young adult on the spectrum. She is currently the Chapter Treasurer of ASP Mandaluyong.

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Posted in: 4parents,fsg

ASP Celebrates Opening of "Resonance: Bridging the Past to the Future" Art Exhibit

Representatives of the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) attended the opening of "Resonance: Bridging the Past to the Future," an art exhibit by renowned Filipino visual artist and humanitarian Baldwin Kho, affectionately known as Teacher Baldwin. The three-day exhibit, running from July 29 to 31 at the Kaisa Heritage Center of Bahay Tsinoy in Intramuros, Manila, showcases not only Teacher Baldwin's artworks but also those of his teachers and students from the Center for Developmental Arts Manila (CDAM). The exhibit also highlights the talents of budding artists on the autism spectrum mentored at CDAM.

ASP representatives with Teacher Baldwin Kho during the opening of
"Resonance: Bridging the Past to the Future," art exhibit

Teacher Baldwin, a dedicated supporter of the Autism Society Philippines, has organized numerous art events for ASP members, including online workshops during the COVID-19 lockdown. He expressed his admiration for ASP mothers, who remind him of his own mother, as she supported him through his journey with epilepsy. One of the featured paintings in the "Resonance" exhibit, "Pagmamahal ng Isang Ina," was inspired by the long green gown worn by ASP Chair Emerita Dang Koe during the online Angels Walk in 2021. This piece serves as a tribute to all mothers raising children on the autism spectrum and with other disabilities.

(from left to right) ASP Past President Jan Peña, ASP Board Treasurer Evelyn Go, ASP Chair Emerita Dang Koe, adult on the spectrum: Gio and Muneer, NORFIL Executive Director Ranil Sorongon and Teacher My Sorongon

The opening program commenced with ASP self-advocate Rheyn Garcia singing the national anthem. The event was graced by notable attendees, including ASP Chair Emerita Dang Koe, Board Treasurer Evelyn Go, Past President Jan Peña, and NORFIL Executive Director Ranil Sorongon, alongside other distinguished Filipino-Chinese guests.

ASP self-advocate, Rheyn Garcia, sang the national anthem

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Posted in: 4parent,4parents,4public,awalk