The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of persons on the autism spectrum disorder. We envision a society where Filipinos on the spectrum become the best of their potentials -- self-reliant, independent, productive, socially-accepted citizens of an Autism-OK Philippines.

05 April 2010

ASP Joins Celebration of Women with Disabilities

By: Ranil Sorongon, ASP Executive Director


ASP joined Women with Disabilities Day Celebrations last March 25, with the theme “Babaeng May Kapansanan, Yaman ng Bayan” (Women with Disabilities, Treasures of the Nation). The celebrations aim to advocate the rights of women with disabilities (WWD), and give more emphasis on the sub-sector of WWD who are marginalized, ignored and deprived.

The day’s activity started with “Hataw Exercise,” headed by Women with Disabilities, National Capital Region (NCR) President, Ms. Maureen Mata, and her Makati City Group. After the lively exercises, participants enjoyed a hearty breakfast, courtesy of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Film on Autism
Mirana Medina (wearing ASP green shirt) with the viewers of Alyana

Three hundred (300) viewers packed SM The Block’s Cinema 3 to watch a free showing of Alyana – A Study of Autism in the Philippines. Alyana is the first Filipino digital documentary on autism by award winning film maker, MiranaMedina. Click here to watch the trailer. The film focuses on Alyana, Mirana’s grandniece and other Filipino families as they go through obstacles to overcome the challenges of autism.

Most participants were women with various disabilities blind, deaf, wheel chair bound, with intellectual disabilities and some from the national government agencies. Some audiences were moved to tears as they empathized with the families affected with autism.

Songs by Autism
ASP Dream Girls; (L-R) Thara Marie Santiago, Vell Baria & Nica Escasiñas

The celebrations culminated with a fashion and variety show, showcasing the beauties and talents of women with disabilities. Women with Autism were represented by one of ASP’s “in-demand” performers, The ASP Dream Girls. Teens Thara, Vell and Nica surprised audiences with their rendition of “To Love You More.”

After the girl’s performance, Ms. Carmen Zubiaga, WWD Technical Working Group Chairperson said, “The tears in our eyes show our joy and admiration - for their parents, the trainers, and for ASP- thank you for sharing to us that hard work can lead to success.”

“And to the ASP Dream Girls, we can only say one word –WONDERFUL! Thank for sharing ‘your world’ with us. You really put the audiences in awe! We look forward to seeing you again on April 9’s AutiSMusicale.”

Acknowledgments: Ms. Portia Palma for featuring the film Alyana. Ms. Carmen Zubiaga for inviting the ASP Dream Girls, for SM Program on Disability Affairs headed by Engr. Bien Mateo, for always being there to support the sector of persons with disabilities.

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ASP Dream Girls returns to perform live with other musical talents with autism on AutiSMusicale on April 9 at SM The Block, North EDSA, Quezon City. Click here for a complete line-up of ASP’s World Autism Awareness Day Celebrations around the country. Call 7-903-5496 or email us at autismphils@gmail.com for more information.

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