By Christina Borneo, ASP SJDM Bulacan Chapter Adviser
Nothing could dampen a strong and fighting spirit of parents, teachers, volunteers, and specially the children with special needs of San Jose del Monte Bulacan and nearby towns. A motorcade of cars and vans were adorned with tarpaulin and balloons to proclaim the birth of ASP San Jose Del Monte (SJDM) Bulacan Chapter at SM City Fairview on Saturday of October 8, 2011.
ASP National President, Grace Adviento received all the participants and guests with her inspiring opening remarks. She also presided the much awaited Induction of ASP San Jose Del Monte Bulacan Chapter Officers as follows: Ms. Susan Reyes (President), Ms. Rizza Esplana (Vice President), Ms. Din Foronda (Secretary), Ms. Lyn Estrada (Treasurer), Ms. Janeth Ramos (Auditor); Committee Heads: Ms. Flordeliza Salvador (Advocacy), Ms. Mary Gold Ong (Family), Ms. Jocelyn Cruz (Sports), Ms. Elma Molino (Finance), Ms. Lorna Galido and Ms. Rosalie Imperial (Education).
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Induction of ASP San Jose Del Monte Bulacan Chapter Officers
headed by ASP National President Mary Grace Adviento |
In show of full-support for the event were ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon, ASP Chapter leaders from Lagro, Commonwealth, Munoz, Novaliches and Diliman. The event was also graced by the SJDM Bulacan City Vice-Mayor Honorable Eduardo Roquero thru his representative, Quezon City Councilor, JR Bartolome and DOTC Representative, Arch. Rizal Morales.
Due to the weather condition, the program officially started at 10am with a prayer by Karlo Estrada followed by the National Anthem led by Skye Reyes with Joshua Gamboa as the flag bearer. ASP-SJDM Bulacan Chapter Vice-President, Ms. Rizza Esplana and Sir Apolinario C. Fajardo Jr. Head, Guidance and Counseling Center from Siena College of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan served as emcees.
DOTC Representative, Arch. Rizal Morales gave an inspiring message to the participants. Arch. Morales is an avid supporter of ASP and an advocate for PWD’s. He is a recipient of the 2011 Apolinario Mabini Award for Government Rehabilitation Volunteer.
SM City Fairview’s Mall Manager, Eng. Dennis Martel and Building Administration Officer, Sir Ruel Magat welcomed the participants. The Mall also recently bagged the 2011 Apolinario Mabini Silver Award for Disabled-Friendly Establishment.
SM City Fairview also renews its commitment to reach out to the families of children with special needs in the community by extending their support to help and contribute to the awareness campaign for children and adults with special needs.
A video presentation on the SM Cares Program followed and SM Story Land’s Lion Mascot enticed all the children to go up stage and join him in dancing! It was such a joy seeing the happy angels enjoying the day.
The Drum and Lyre band signaled the start of Angel’s Walk for Autism. A parade of angels went through the major corridors of the second level of SM City Fairview. The children and parents waved their green flags and flashed their best smiles while waving to curious shoppers and stall attendants.
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The Angels Walk for Autism supported by different ASP Chapters,
SM Program on Disability Affairs, friends and families |
After the walk, the participants headed back to the venue for snacks and refreshments. To highlight the talents of children with autism, ASP-SJDM Angels charmed the audience with a special dance number from “Ako ay may Lobo”. From ASP-Lagro Chapter, Tanya Dagunton wowed the audience with her song “The Climb” and John Paul Lumba hit the high notes on his rendition of “Wind Beneath My Wings”. Truly these angels have their own special way of touching the lives of people around them.
A van load of student volunteers from Siena College also arrived to assist the activities. In show of their support, representative Sir Apolinario C. Fajardo Jr. Head, Guidance and Counseling Center from Siena College of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan who also co-emceed the event, serenaded the participants with a very heartwarming song “Sandra” popularized by Barry Manilow.
ASP Commonwealth Chapter added a twist after their song and dance rendition by calling all parents to join the kids on stage to dance with their little ones! Children were enjoying their snacks while the show case of talents kept them amused. What a day when all of the participants finished their special numbers!
After all the festivities, a video presentation of ASP Programs and Services was shown to the participants. ASP Executive Director made some announcements and yours truly gave the closing remarks. Ms. Susan Reyes, ASP-SJDM president delivered her thank you message to the guests the management of SM City Fairview, the Chapter Leaders and their families and of course, the sponsors and volunteers who supported the event.
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| ASP SJDM Bulacan Chapter Officers with SM Program on Disability Affairs, SM Fairview Mall Manager Enr. Dennis Martel (6th from left-2nd row), ASP National President Mary Grace Adviento (4th from right-1st row) and Representative of Vice Mayor Hon. Eduardo Roquero (3rd from right-1st row) |
You can contact San Jose Del Monte Bulacan Chapter President Susana Reyes at 0917-785-0469 or email at susanreyes889@yahoo.com.
Be an Angel for Autism. Donate generously to ASP Programs and Services. Donate to Autism Society Philippines Metrobank Kamias Branch 047-3-04751874-2. Email us at autismphils@gmail.com or call 7-903-5496.
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