Young Filipino Musical Genius with Autism

By: Bing David

Internationally-recognized marimba prodigy with autism, Thristan “Tum Tum” Mendoza joins in celebrating the 2nd World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) at a concert entitled “AutisMusical” on April 2 at the Activity Center of The Block, SM North, Quezon City, Philippines.

The United Nations and autism organizations around the world observes the WAAD to promote early diagnosis, early intervention and necessary services for individuals in the autism spectrum.

Tumtum Mendoza playing his marimba

Only 19 years old, Tum Tum Mendoza has earned numerous national and international awards for his remarkable musical ability with the marimba.

Tum Tum will share the stage with other talented Filipinos with autism in this WAAD concert, celebrating the unique talents and skills of persons with autism.

In the past, he joined the stage with famous artists like Jim Chappell, the late Tadao Hayashi, David Pomeranz, Regine Velasquez, and the Philippine Madrigal Singers. Tum Tum has regaled Prince Abdul Fattaah and Prince Abdul Qawi at a charity concert in Brunei and reaped Millennium Dreamer’s Award from Walt Disney Company, McDonald’s and UNESCO.

The University of the Philippines President’s Committee on Culture and the Arts named him the first and only gifted child prodigy and only special child among the recipients. The international media has shown great interest with Tum Tum’s appearance on CNN, Nickelodeon and NHK Japan.

For this year’s WAAD celebration, Tum Tum will not only amaze his audience with his marimba playing, he will also be playing different percussion instruments after his successful recital in UP College of Music last March 14, 2009.

“AutisMusical” is one of the events organized by Autism Society Philippines. ASP leads in the annual celebration of World Autism Awareness Day. Major sponsor is SM Malls and its SM Committee on Disability Affairs.

Hope to see you on the 2nd WAAD celebrations at SM The Block.
To see an excerpt of Tum Tum’s concert, click here. Come with your family and friends. SM Supermalls are autism-friendly malls.

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Mga Awiting Alay sa Autismo

"Mga Awiting Alay sa Autismo” (Songs for Autism).

CD of Mga Awiting Awit sa Autismo

A pen and tissue paper during a hot day under the tree and one thing led to another.

“This CD is just inspiration and the urge to share my experiences. Dedicated to special children whose challenges leave me in awe; also to parents, families, therapists, doctors and all members of the therapy team who serve as pillars of the entire program for our children with autism,” says Gina Bermudo, mom to Niko and Xandi, both with autism.

Original compositions:

1. Why God?
2. Misteryo
3. Para kay Niko at Xandi
4. Kaya Ko Rin
5. Awit Autismo
6. Best Seller

A percentage of the proceeds will go to Autism Society Philippines’ autism awareness fund. Order your CD now only at Php250.00 per copy.

“Like autism, there are a lot of subtle blessings if only we look deep within.”

Copyright 2007. All rights reserved. Unauthorized public performance, rental, broadcasting and duplication are violations of RA 8293, the intellectual property rights of the Philippines.

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March 28 Back to Back Seminars

AQUATIC THERAPY
9:00-12:00nn

The benefits of water have long been known to treat people with various conditions. By using a carefully planned aquatic program, children with sensory processing issues and autism also benefit greatly from this type of therapy. Summer’s here. Get to know the basics of aquatic therapy, when to use it, how to go about it, and how the proper use of this technique.

Ms. Cristina Hinlo

Ms. Cristina de Leon- Hinlo is the Program Director of Therapy Works Inc., a pioneer in the appropriate practice of aquatic therapy for children and adults with special needs. A graduate of BS Occupational Therapy from UP College of Allied Medical Professions. She also had her Masters in Business Administration (Health) from the Ateneo de Manila University, School of Business.

She is also the founding member of Therapy Center Movement Association, proponent of Thera-Free or Libreng Therapy para sa Pilipino.

SENSORY INTEGRATION
1:30-4:30pm

Learn the basics and principles of sensory integration plus the common problems and the reasons underlying it. Know also the environmental modification techniques (adapting the home or space) and the importance of play and self-care tasks in sensory processing/ integration for children with special needs.

Ms. Lady Suarez

Ms. Lady M. Suarez is an Occupational Therapist by profession. She serves as the OT Consultant of Therapy Works, Skill Builders and St. Luke’s Medical Center. She is a graduate of UP Manila College of Allied Medical Professions with Masteral units in Dysphagia (feeding).

A UP- CAMP special lecturer last 2004-2005. She is also a former Board of Director of OTAP (Occupational Therapy Association of the Philippines) from 2005-2007

Venue: Asian Social Institute, 1518 Leon Guinto cor. Escoda St., Malate Manila

SEMINAR FEE is inclusive of certificate, handouts and snacks

Pre-Registration Fee (until March 25, 2009)
Single Seminar
Member- P 400.00
Non-member- P 500.00

Double Seminar
Member- P 700.00
Non-member- P 900.00

On-site Registration Fee
Single Seminar
Member- P 500.00
Non-member- 600.00

Double Seminar
Member- P 900.00
Non-member-1,100.00

Pre-registered participants may pay to Autism Society Philippines, Banco de Oro, Savings Account # 3980002955. Please fax the deposit slip with the name/s of participant/s to ASP office and bring it on the day of the seminar. On-site registrants will be accepted depending on the availability of slots. There will only be 80 slots available. No refund will be given to participants who did not show up on the date of the seminar.

For more details, please call ASP at 7-903-5496

The ASP Seminar Series serves as a platform to educate Filipino parents and professionals on the various interventions, modalities and theories surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder. Their application and implementation are left at your discretion. The views and personal experiences of the speakers are of their own and don’t necessarily reflect that of the views of the organization.

Sharing HOPES...Building DREAMS... http://www.autismsocietyphilippines.org/

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ASP Family Support Group for March 2009

ASPs monthly 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. We welcome members and non-members to this intimate gathering. New ASP members are encouraged to join.

This month's facilitator is ASP Treasurer Ms. Evelyn Go. She has been an ASP member for the last 10 years and serves her second term in the Board of Trustees. Her accomplishments as an entrepreneur speak volumes. ASP is proud to be self-sustaining, thanks to her savvy financial management skills.

With her background in Food and Nutrition, she can whip up delicious meals for her family. And despite her busy schedule, this rare gem still finds time to volunteer in teaching pre-school children in Sunday School.

Ms. Evelyn Go with son Gelo

“At first I didn’t quite understand the extent of my child’s condition, how autism affected his capacity to learn,” shares Evelyn about her 17-year old son Gelo, with autism. “I thought it was just something that can be taken cared of by sending him to school. After 3 or more years, I came to realize that he has mental retardation as well, and is non-verbal. This disability will be a life long challenge our family has to face. I accepted this and learned to cope by scouting around special schools, getting him a personal caregiver, joining ASP, and going back to school to study Special Education at UP Diliman.”

Sign up now and learn practical tips on parenting and how to advocate for your child with autism. Call now to register in the March 21 Family Support Group.

Date: 21 March 2009
Time: 1:00PM - 5:00PM
Venue: ASP Office, Room 307, ML Bldg., #47 Kamias Road, QC Hurry! Call now!
FREE registration! Only 15 seats available

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Be an angel for autism: Donate!

Do you know that helping ASP is just a text away? Just follow the following simple steps:

1. Register first in G-cash (Globe or TM subscribers) before doing any transaction.

To register, just text the syntax:
REG_4 digit M-PIN/mother's maiden name/first name/last name/address
Example: REG 1234/Getino/Liwanag/Ferdinand/766 Metrica St. Sampaloc Manila

2. Send to 2882

3. Once registered, go to any G-Cash accredited Palitan Center to exchange your cash to G-Cash. For further info regarding the list of Palitan Center nearest your area Call 2882 (cellphone) or 739-2882 (landline) for assistance.

4. Donate G-Cash Transaction, just text the syntax:
DONATE_AMOUNT_4 digit M-PIN_INSTITUTION CODE and send to 2882
Ex.. DONATE 100 1234 ANGEL and send to 2882

Please take note that the institution code assigned to Autism Society Philippines, Inc. is ANGEL. Call 2882 (cellphone ) or 739-2882 (landline) for assistance. Thank you for being an Angel for Autism.

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