A Special Intimate Encounter with the Stingrays

Ten families families from different ASP chapters spent a memorable weekend at the Photography With A Difference (PWD) event at Manila Ocean Park entitled “a Special Intimate Underwater Encounter @ MOP.” Together with fifty more families from other PWD Organizations, the children and their parents had the unique opportunity to touch and to swim with the stingrays and some sharks for those who can dive. After each organization’s turn, the kids still were able to swim in the two side pools and bond with their parents. Snacks were also served while waiting for the tour of the Oceanarium.

One of the guests was Ms. Ara Mina, who has a sister with Down Syndrome. Some participants were also able to see the sea lions pass in going to their show. Free tickets to enter the Oceanarium were also given to the families. The families were also able to take home with them a souvenir photo, Canon caps and ballpens. Selected photos from the event taken by selected photographers will be included in a photo exhibit in Manila Ocean Park in the near future.

ASP participants are thankful to the staff of Manila Ocean Park, Canon Philippines, Photography With a Difference (PWD) group especially Sir John Chua, for making this memorable day possible.

“First time naming maka encounter ng stingray. At first natakot kasi dahil sa buntot nya, sabi kasi delikado pero na explain naman nila na ok kasi na trim na nila kaya harmless na yung stingray. Tapos dahil mahilig pumunta sa paanan namin ni Ian yung stingray kaya biglang nagpakarga ang anak ko. Masaya naman kasi at least nakapag swimming din ang mga bata sa side pools kahit mababaw lang. Tuwang tuwa din si Ian na nakapasok sa Oceanarium kasi maraming nakitang fish. Ayaw na nga umalis dun.” – Agnes Buico

“Sobrang enjoy ni Paolo and first time nyang nakapunta sa Ocean Park. Thank you sa Autism Society Philippines and Manila Ocean Park at iba pang sponsors.” – Jean Gonzales

“Para sa aming mga magulang na may anak na merong disability, ang event na ito ay napakahalaga. Sapagkat kami ay nagkaroon ng oras na eksklusibo na para lang sa akin at sa anak kong may kapansanan na kasama ang mga katulad kong special parents dahil kaming mga dumalo ay ngakakaintindihan sa puso. Habang ang event ay nagaganap, ang aming mga anak ay nakakilos ng malaya ng walang paghuhusga na galing sa ibang tao na di nakakaintindi at walang alam sa kondisyon ng aming anak. Kaya kaming lahat mapa anak at magulang ay talagang nag enjoy, natuto at nabusog. Kaya ako ay buong pusong nagpapasalamat sa nag organize ng event na ito at sa venue ng event na Manila Ocean Park dahil nagkaroon ng chance ang aking anak na si JC na me educate at magka encounter ng Stingray. Isa itong napakaganda at kakaibang experience na hindi malilimutan na binigay ninyo sa aming mga anak.” – Charlotte Santos

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