Beyond Pixels, Beyond Borders ~ Autism Society Philippines

By Thea Ann Cayaban, ASP Rosales Chapter

Finally the long wait is over. The Municipality of Rosales, Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center – Rosales (STAC-15) and ASP Rosales Chapter are now Part of Photography with a Difference (PWD): An Advocacy Touching Lives Through Photography. This all happened last 19 August 2011 wherein 32 families with children with disabilities (CWD) were gathered to do the activity with the volunteer photographers from Pangasinan and Tarlac namely Pangasinan Wedding Photographers Association (PWPA) and Pangasinan Photographers Club (PaPhoC) as well as Litratista de Tarlac. The venue was held at the tallest dam in Asia, San Roque Multi-Purpose Dam, located at Brgy. San Roque, San Manuel, Pangasinan. This event was made possible through the support of SM City Rosales and Photography with a Difference (PWD) group headed by Mr. John K. Chua.

This activity entitled, “Beyond Pixels, Beyond Borders,” reminded the CWDs that there are no boundaries for them to experience fun and laughter with their families despite of their disabilities. The kids also experienced handling small point and shoot cameras to big professional cameras wherein the enthusiastic photographers share it to them without any hesitation. The photographers also captured their wonderful moments together with their families.

Rosales Chapter Group

Lucky we are that this event was attended by ASP National President Mary Grace Adviento, ASP Vice President Peng So, Chairman-PWD Commitee and VP for Operations SM Supermalls, Engr. Bien Mateo , the Regional Operations Manager Mr. Cesar P. Bondoc, SM City Rosales Mall Manager Engr. Jersey Y. Mendoza and and Assistant Mall Manager Ms. Catherine R. Garcia as they joined the kids during the visit to the third tallest dam in asia. The participants had also the chance to have an encounter with the giant tilapia, had some parlor games, and kite flying activity. Though the rain poured, the fun never stopped when the SM City Rosales heads and the Pangasinan Wedding Photographers Association had a chance to have a gift giving activity to the CWDs. Indeed, it was really a fun day for everyone!